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The Unicorn Youth Brigade might be the sunniest militia ever assembled. It’s a hopeful sign in a borderland troubled by war. A shadow is fated to fall upon such heroes, however, at least if they’re JRPG protagonists. Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster breathes new life into these Konami classics. Collecting party members like Pokemon until you’ve united the 108 stars? That’s as fun today as when the rebellion started. You’re in for a treat if you missed these games in the PlayStation and Sega Saturn days. If you’re a fan of the originals, you’re about to see their pixels in a new light.
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster Review
Many games that were revolutionary in their time feel less novel later on. Not Suikoden 1 & 2 though. From its gigantic cast to its story focused on complicated political turmoil rather than simpler heroics, these games helped set a bar that many JRPGs fall short of to this day. The DH Remaster is so good that it’s now arguably the best way to experience these games. As much as I enjoyed the originals, their lack of modern QoL features can be a grind. Auto-save, Battle Fast Forward, and other enhancements make it easier to enjoy everything else.
Story: Blood on the Border
The story hasn’t changed, but the way you experience it has. That’s because Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remake features a Conversation Log. Tracking the story in even a simple JRPG can be a struggle when you aren’t able to see what was just said. With the sprawling cast and nuanced politics of Suikoden, having a Conversation Log to look back on made things much more digestible than they were in the originals. Together, the games tell a captivating tale of rebellion and ambition. I’m glad there’s finally a way to track every twist and turn.
Gameplay: Fantasies and Auto-Fights
While auto-save may be the biggest QoL addition overall, Battle Fast Forward is the change I welcome the most. The game’s tactical combat system feels as sharp and rewarding as ever, so I often don’t want to hurry it. That said, the ability to speed things up with the press of a button ensures lengthy battles don’t disrupt the flow of the game. It’s one of several big modernizations in the basic Suikoden recipe. Now that I have it, I wouldn’t want to play these JRPG classics any other way.
The new HD battle SFX won’t make Jowy less punchable, but they make every attack crisper and more impactful than in the original games. While it might not charm you if you hate the old-school JRPG look, the graphical overhaul is excellent. The extra spiff and pyrotechnic splatter make the games even prettier than the originals. The lens of nostalgia is already a powerful filter, and it says a lot that the HD Remake smashes that standard.
Graphics & Audio: By Paint and Pixel
Background illustrations got an HD upgrade, but the improvements don’t stop there. There’s also redrawn art, enhanced animations, and numerous audio tweaks. Combined with the new environmental sounds, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is the best that either game has looked or sounded. The difference is most pronounced in outdoor environments, with wind and water effects transforming simple scenes into painterly ones. The caves and castles look great, but only when you step into nature do you see what the remaster is all about. The burning camp at the opening of Suikoden 2 has no right to look that good.
The contrast between the different art styles is noticeable, but it works here. Rather than feeling like a muddled patchwork, everything ties together to create an aesthetic that’s uniquely Suikoden. I love the way the sprites look against the background illustrations as well. Mixed perspectives, unfortunately, leave certain objects looking warped at times. The world map is also a bit bland, though that’s a product of the time. Suikoden has the calm exterior of a placid lake but the heart of a whirlpool. Inspired by the Chinese classic Water Margin, that’s not surprising.
Conclusion: 108 Reasons to Play
I experienced no crashes or significant glitches during my time with the games. Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remake is the best way to experience two legendary JRPGs. It’s the same sword with a sharper edge, the same breastplate with a better polish. You can spend dozens of hours across the two games and still be far from exhausting them. If you’re a fan of collectible companions, turn-based combat, and a story told on the grand stage of history, it doesn’t get much better. Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remake is the newest star in the JRPG constellation. Shine on, Jowy. Shine on.
Review copy provided by Publisher.
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster (PC Reviewed)
The Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is the best way to experience these JRPG classics, whether you've assembled its 108 stars before or not.
Pros
- Stunning new backgrounds and pixel art
- Sound and SFX enhancements improve every battle
- Auto-save and other QoL features put fun first
Cons
- Mixed perspectives make some objects look off
- The world map remains underwhelming
