Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: A 5-Year Journey to Fidelity

The highly anticipated Suikoden I & II HD Remaster represents a five-year labor of love, dedicated to crafting a faithful and top-tier remaster of these classic RPGs. This article delves into the development process and the future of the beloved Suikoden franchise.

A Five-Year Journey to Fidelity

The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster’s five-year development journey underscores the developers’ unwavering commitment to honoring the original games. In a March 4, 2025 interview with Dengeki Online, the development team detailed their meticulous approach to remastering this cherished series.

Initially slated for a 2023 release following its 2022 announcement, the game faced a delay. Suikoden IP and Game Director Takahiro Sakiyama explained that late-stage debugging revealed a need for comprehensive review, necessitating the postponement.

Game Director Tatsuya Ogushi elaborated, stating, "Instead of rushing, we prioritized a thorough assessment. After discussions with Sakiyama, including a careful review of quality standards, it became clear that substantial work remained, demanding our full attention."

Reviving a Legacy

This remaster isn't just a standalone project; it marks the first step in revitalizing the entire Suikoden franchise. Producer Rui Naito outlined the team's vision, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation: "This was the crucial first step in reviving the Suikoden IP, so we couldn't afford to falter. The core directive was to 'make it solid.'" He further explained, "For Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, I instructed Sakiyama and his team to build something robust. A flawed initial release would jeopardize the entire revival effort."

Gensou Suikoden Live: Unveiling the Future

The March 4, 2025 Gensou Suikoden Live event showcased Konami's ambitious plans for the franchise's future. Naito viewed the live event as the second step in the revival, acknowledging the uncertain number of steps required for a complete resurgence.

He stated, "Therefore, we've focused on refining Suikoden I & II HD Remaster and are committed to the upcoming mobile title, Suikoden STAR LEAP, and the Suikoden II anime." He added, "Once we've successfully delivered these projects, we can strategize the next steps."

Konami announced Suikoden: The Anime, an adaptation of Suikoden II, produced by Konami Animation—a first for the studio. Additionally, the mobile game Genso Suikoden: STAR LEAP was revealed. While teaser trailers exist for both the anime and mobile game, official release dates remain unannounced.

With numerous projects and events in the pipeline, Konami aims to firmly re-establish the beloved Suikoden IP in the spotlight.

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!