Before the iconic Final Fantasy VII revolutionized the RPG genre, Suikoden set a benchmark as one of the first major role-playing titles to grace the PlayStation outside of Japan. Loosely drawing inspiration from the Chinese classic, The Water Margin, Suikoden’s narrative follows a young outcast who, alongside friends, assembles companions to form the 108 Stars of Destiny, ultimately leading a rebellion against a tyrannical empire. The game’s success paved the way for several sequels, notably Suikoden II, which many gamers consider a timeless classic in the PS1 RPG library.
However, increased popularity often comes at a steep cost. Prices for original copies of Suikoden II can skyrocket into the hundreds of dollars, despite the presence of notable bugs in the English version. In response, Konami has stepped in to offer both Suikoden I and II together at an accessible price, enhanced with new HD graphics and additional features. This announcement was made in 2022, and after a series of delays, the much-anticipated Suikoden I & II HD Remaster has finally been released, prompting questions about what improvements have been made during its development.
Initially, a deep dive into the games reveals a nostalgic journey for many. Revisiting Suikoden after two decades illustrates its appeal: engaging turn-based combat, a brisk storyline, and a delightful sense of humor. With minimal load times and enhanced battle speed options, players can complete the game in approximately 15-20 hours, even while exploring optional content.
Despite high-quality gameplay, Suikoden does have its flaws. The rapid pacing often leaves character development feeling rushed, and significant story events may come across as underdeveloped. In contrast, Suikoden II delivers a more robust experience with characters and plot arcs receiving the attention they deserve, thereby heightening emotional stakes. Players can expect their playthrough of Suikoden II to extend around 30-40 hours, solidifying its place as a standout title from the PS1 era.
When it comes to the remaster, HD visuals are the primary highlight, featuring high-resolution 2D graphics and widescreen environments. While the redesigned character portraits look sharp, there are concerns about the graphical inconsistency. The character sprites have merely been upscaled rather than fully redrawn, leading to a clashing aesthetic when paired with polished backgrounds. This mismatch is particularly evident in battles, detracting from the overall visual experience.
In terms of gameplay enhancements, the remaster introduces some expected features, such as an in-game gallery and improved controls. However, these adjustments are largely minimal, and many essential quality-of-life updates that players hoped for remain unaddressed. For instance, the item management system in Suikoden I is still notoriously cumbersome, lacking conveniences that modern RPGs feature.
Despite these drawbacks, Suikoden I and II undeniably retain their charm and appeal. The remaster serves as a satisfactory way for newcomers to experience these beloved titles while providing longtime fans a chance to revisit them. Ultimately, while Konami has made strides in bringing these classics to a modern audience, many enthusiasts feel the potential for a truly polished revival has yet to be fully realized.
