Bundling Suikoden I and II into a single package gives the impression that Konami had to include the less remarkable first game just to have a reason to remaster the outstanding sequel. As I immersed myself in both games over recent weeks, a recurring notion surfaced among my discussion circles: the main draw of this package is undoubtedly “Suikoden II,” whereas “Suikoden I” seems more like a secondary mention. Though this boils down to more than just a simple comparison, it’s hard to ignore the fact that while Suikoden II represents one of the greatest RPGs from its time—perhaps even rivaling any classic—the original Suikoden feels like an initial, albeit imperfect, step in the right direction. Yet, for those who cherish RPGs from the ’90s, the exceptional experience offered by Suikoden II in this remaster makes it worthwhile, even if its predecessor only meets middling standards.
Suikoden I debuted on the PlayStation in 1996, marking the directorial debut of the late Yoshitaka Murayama, who made a significant impact before his passing in 2024 with works like the Suikoden-inspired Eiyuden Chronicle. From its inception, the game aimed high, offering a universe filled with 107 recruitable characters, diverse battle systems, and a reasonably engaging plotline. Despite its aspirational design, the game didn’t fully come together for me, with the storyline suffering from inconsistent pacing over its relatively short 20-hour span. Its turn-based combat shone brightest during traditional six-player skirmishes, but fell short in maximizing the war and duel systems. The HD Remaster does bring improvements—smoother gameplay than the original and the much-appreciated ability to speed up battle animations during grinding sessions. The music enriches the experience, and the visual updates skillfully enhance the artwork to align more with current standards without losing the game’s original charm. It stands as a solid remaster of a game that was merely okay.
Suikoden II, conversely, transforms an already phenomenal game into an even more impressive remaster. Playing through the two titles sequentially, I initially feared that revisiting these RPGs more than two decades later might not hold the same magic. Fortunately, Suikoden II quickly dispelled those doubts with an engaging introduction and sustained intrigue across its nearly doubled runtime compared to the first. The sequel smoothes out the predecessors’ rough spots, delivering a tightly woven narrative that masterfully interlaces personal threads against a vast, war-torn backdrop. Your silent protagonist, entangled in fate alongside his best friend Jowy, embarks on a compelling journey filled with unforgettable characters like Nanami and the notorious villain Luca Blight.
The sequel cleverly integrates callbacks to the original, featuring returning characters and even the chance to reconnect with your first game’s hero if you’ve completed it before starting the sequel, enriching the series’ lore. The mechanics remain familiar but refined, with substantial enhancements such as an expanded rune system that allows up to three runes per character and a grid layout offering improved tactical control in turn-based battles. While war and duel battles largely adhere to familiar frameworks, their presence feels significantly more impactful throughout the gameplay.
This remastered package enriches the experience with conceptual art and additional bonuses, making it a thoughtful reimagining that honors the legacy visuals while subtly modernizing them. Despite being a fairly light overhaul regarding gameplay, with notable changes including three difficulty levels and accelerated battle options, it would have been a welcome feature to introduce a toggle for random encounters.
For those yet to experience Suikoden II and who pride themselves as fans of Japanese RPGs, this is a must-have addition. It deserves a prominent spot among the pantheon of ’90s classics from gaming giants like Square Enix. Though my enthusiasm for Suikoden I is more reserved, noting its evolutionary role akin to early NES Final Fantasy games versus the pinnacle of SNES titles, it remains fascinating to observe the progression. Nonetheless, it’s clear which game has rightfully earned a place among the perennial greats.
