Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster Took 5 Years to Be as Faithful as Possible

The highly anticipated Suikoden I & II HD Remaster represents a five-year labor of love for its developers, resulting in a faithful and meticulously crafted remaster of the beloved classics. This article delves into the development process and offers a glimpse into the future of the Suikoden franchise.

A Five-Year Journey to Fidelity

The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster’s five-year development journey reflects a deep commitment to honoring the original games. In a March 4, 2025 interview with Dengeki Online, the development team detailed their rigorous approach to remastering this iconic series. Initially slated for a 2023 release following its 2022 announcement, the game was delayed. This delay, according to Game Director Takahiro Sakiyama, stemmed from the need for extensive late-stage debugging and review.

Director Tatsuya Ogushi elaborated, stating that instead of rushing, the team prioritized a thorough assessment of the project. After discussions with Sakiyama, it became clear that significant improvements were necessary, necessitating a firm commitment to addressing these areas before release.

Reviving a Legacy

The remaster wasn't merely a standalone project; it served as the cornerstone for the revival of the Suikoden franchise. Producer Rui Naito emphasized this point, highlighting the importance of establishing a solid foundation to avoid jeopardizing future endeavors. Naito's directive to the team—to "make it solid"—underlined the critical role of this remaster in the franchise's resurgence. A flawed launch, he stressed, could have halted the revitalization efforts entirely.

Gensou Suikoden Live: A Glimpse into the Future

The March 4, 2025 Gensou Suikoden Live event showcased Konami's ambitious plans for the franchise. Naito considered this event the second step in the revival process, acknowledging the uncertainty regarding the overall number of steps required for a complete resurgence. He emphasized the importance of successfully delivering the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, alongside the upcoming mobile game, Suikoden: STAR LEAP, and the Suikoden II anime adaptation, before considering future projects.

Konami announced Suikoden: The Anime, an adaptation of Suikoden II, produced by Konami Animation, marking a new venture for the studio. Additionally, Genso Suikoden: STAR LEAP, a mobile game, was revealed, though release dates for both the anime and mobile game remain unannounced, with only teaser trailers currently available. Further projects and events are in development, signaling Konami's dedication to restoring the Suikoden franchise to its former glory.

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars launches March 6, 2025, on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Stay tuned for further updates!