Step into the world of Suikoden once more with the much-anticipated HD Remaster of Suikoden 1 and 2. As fans eagerly await the release, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this remaster lives up to the legacy of these beloved RPGs. Join us as we delve into the details, exploring the enhancements and shortcomings of this nostalgic journey.
The Timeless Appeal of Suikoden
Suikoden 1 and 2 have been cherished by gamers since their initial release nearly three decades ago. These games masterfully blend supernatural elements with the gritty realities of war and political intrigue. What sets them apart is their unique blend of serious storytelling and light-hearted minigames, like cooking and collecting bath items, which add a delightful balance to the experience.
What to Expect from the Remaster
The Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster promises to bring these classic RPGs into the modern era. Here’s a quick overview:
- Price: £44.99/$49.99
- Release Date: March 6, 2025
- Developer and Publisher: Konami
- Platforms: PC, with Steam Deck compatibility
Faithful to the Originals
The remasters stay remarkably true to the original games. Players can still use old walkthroughs without needing adjustments, finding the same items and characters in familiar spots. The charm of Suikoden lies in its diverse cast, ranging from ancient vampires to cape-wearing squirrels, and the engaging base-building mechanic that encourages recruiting up to 108 characters per game.
Storytelling and Characters
Even in today’s gaming landscape, dominated by cinematic masterpieces like Final Fantasy and the intricate world-building of Falcom’s titles, Suikoden’s narratives stand out. The games weave personal stories with political drama seamlessly, making every decision feel significant. The concise, impactful dialogue enhances the drama, ensuring each line serves a purpose and every confrontation is memorable.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Suikoden’s gameplay remains as engaging as ever. Allies don’t just join battles; they contribute to the development of your home base, turning a dilapidated castle into a bustling fortress. This sense of progression is satisfying and keeps players motivated throughout the 30-hour journey.
Battle Systems
The remaster features three distinct battle styles:
- Standard Battles: Fast-paced and chaotic, these encounters feature dynamic camera angles and the new ability to speed them up, though this affects the music.
- Dramatic Duels: These rock-paper-scissors style challenges require players to read their opponents’ intentions and react swiftly.
- Army Battles: In Suikoden 1, these follow duel rules with strategic elements. Suikoden 2 introduces grid-based strategy RPG battles, adding depth and variety to the conflicts.
Remastering the Experience
While the remasters retain much of the original charm, they also introduce new features. However, the execution is inconsistent, leaving some players wanting more.
Graphical Enhancements
Suikoden 2 benefits significantly from the HD treatment, with stunning redrawn backgrounds and enhanced spell effects. A vampire’s castle now boasts the shadowy ambiance it deserved from the start. However, Suikoden 1’s graphical updates feel less impactful, with interiors appearing sparse and sterile.
Quality of Life Improvements
New difficulty levels allow players to switch between easy and normal modes at will, while hard mode remains a permanent choice. A conversation log helps track progress and key information. Yet, the lack of a save-anywhere feature is a glaring omission, with the autosave system being frustratingly infrequent.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the new features, several aspects of the remaster could use more polish. Suikoden 1’s menus remain as clunky as ever, and the inability to save and rest simultaneously is a frustrating relic of the past. Additionally, the graphical disparity between the two games highlights the need for more consistent updates.
Missing Modern Conveniences
The absence of modern conveniences like save-anywhere and a more robust autosave system detracts from the overall experience. Suikoden 1, in particular, feels neglected, with its graphical enhancements not matching the level of detail seen in Suikoden 2.
Additional Content and Features
The remasters include extras from the Japanese PSP release, such as diagonal movement and expanded widescreen locations. However, some decisions, like the limited access to the event gallery, seem odd and restrictive.
PSP Extras
While the inclusion of PSP features is welcome, their integration feels half-hearted. Diagonal movement is a convenient addition, but it’s clear the games weren’t originally designed with it in mind. The widescreen locations add a new perspective, but some areas appear awkwardly stretched.
Final Thoughts
The Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster offers a chance to revisit two iconic RPGs. The games’ core experiences remain compelling, with engaging stories and diverse characters. However, the remaster falls short of expectations, with inconsistent graphical updates and a lack of modern conveniences. Fans will appreciate the nostalgia, but the remaster could have done more to honor these legendary titles.
Ultimately, the Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster is a decent effort but not the outstanding revival these RPGs deserved. The new features are a mixed bag, and the graphical enhancements vary widely between the two games. For those looking to relive the magic of Suikoden, this remaster is a good starting point, but it leaves room for improvement.
As the gaming world continues to evolve, it’s clear that remasters need to do more than just update graphics. They must enhance the overall experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for both new players and longtime fans. While the Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster has its moments, it’s a reminder that even the most beloved games need a thorough and thoughtful update to truly shine in the modern era.
Source: www.pcgamer.com