Reviving a Classic: Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster
Once regarded as cherished gems among JRPG enthusiasts, the Suikoden series has gradually gained recognition for its distinctiveness and overall quality from a wider audience. However, fans have faced a long wait since Konami last engaged with this beloved franchise. Anticipation is high as we approach 2025, heralding the return of the first two installments with the release of Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. While these remasters may not set the bar as the most groundbreaking, they effectively honor the legacy of two quintessential titles in the series.
Connecting Tales: Suikoden 1 and 2
The interrelation between Suikoden 1 and 2 makes their remaster a fitting endeavor. These titles are intertwined, featuring the same protagonist from the first game alongside several recurring supporting characters. The overarching narrative unfolds within a continuous timeline, with the sequel set three years after its predecessor, allowing players to witness the consequences of political upheaval across their worlds.
Watch the Story Trailer
Character-Driven Narratives
In Suikoden, players follow the journey of Tir McDohl, the son of a general in the Scarlet Moon Empire. Starting with his introduction to Emperor Barbarossa Rugner, Tir’s life takes a drastic turn as he witnesses the empire’s cruelty, leading him to inherit one of the 27 True Runes. This inheritance marks him as a target for the army, forcing him into the company of the Liberation Army, where he is tasked with recruiting the legendary 108 Stars of Destiny.
Similarly, Suikoden 2 centers on Riou, who alongside his friend Jowy, belongs to the Highland Kingdom’s Unicorn Youth Brigade. The fragile peace shatters when Prince Luca Blight instigates a massacre, igniting a conflict with the City-States of Jowston. As they escape, Riou and Jowy find themselves ensnared in a growing war, culminating in Riou leading a rebel faction aimed at restoring peace while thwarting Blight’s ambitions.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Blend of Tradition and Strategy
At their core, both games are traditional turn-based RPGs. A defining moment occurs when players become army leaders, acquiring their castles and embarking on quests to recruit allies. Each potential recruit may have unique conditions that fluctuate based on the storyline or specific milestones, offering a dynamic recruitment experience.
Combat System and Strategic Depth
Battles are turn-based, featuring up to six characters in your party. Tactical positioning is important as character placement is influenced by weapon range—short-range weapons necessitate front-line placement. Runes, which provide magical abilities, can also be linked to characters and weaponry, unlocking more potent spells as they gain experience.
Occasional strategic challenges arise, albeit infrequently and strategically positioned throughout the narrative, enhancing gameplay depth.
Quality of Life Improvements in HD Remaster
While the Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster brings several enhancements, certain expected features are missing or underwhelming. The inclusion of three difficulty settings at launch is a positive addition, and a dash feature improves the overall user experience. New battle speed options and an autobattle toggle streamline combat without digging through menus.
Visually, the transition to HD has significantly improved the aesthetics, showcasing crisp graphics and beautifully rendered character portraits. A particularly noteworthy enhancement is the conversation log, allowing players to track recruitment quests effectively.
Areas That Need Attention
Despite these improvements, some areas require more thought. While an autosave feature exists, its infrequent execution could lead to inconvenience, especially in key locations. A modernized save system that operates independently of inns would be beneficial, as would customizable controller settings to enhance ease of play.
Final Thoughts and Future Hopes
Ultimately, the return of Suikoden 1 and 2 through this HD remaster serves to reignite passion for these iconic JRPGs. With enticing graphical fidelity and user-friendly enhancements, they remain a joy to revisit on the Nintendo Switch and other platforms. As I reflect on my experiences, the nostalgia of these games brings me a sense of joy, reminiscent of what I sought in other contemporary titles like Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. I hope Konami continues to honor this legacy with further preservation efforts for other classic entries.
The Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is set to release on March 6, 2025, for the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Originally, these games captivated audiences on the PlayStation and were later featured together in a collection for the PSP in Japan.
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