Teaming Suikoden I and II in a single package seems like Konami’s way of ensuring that the standout sequel gets its due recognition, even if it means dragging along its less stellar predecessor. Over the past few weeks of revisiting these classics, I’ve often found myself jesting with fellow gamers that the perks of this set could easily boil down to just “Suikoden II,” while the drawbacks could simply be “Suikoden I.” Of course, the reality isn’t quite so black and white. The truth is, Suikoden II is a titan of its time—possibly even one of the greatest RPGs ever. Its precursor, while showing potential, is more of a stumbling first step. Nonetheless, for true fans of the RPGs from the ’90s, Suikoden II alone justifies the remaster’s price tag, even if Suikoden I is more of a charming relic.
Originally landing on the PlayStation in 1996, Suikoden I marked the directorial debut of the late Yoshitaka Murayama, who last lent his genius to the Suikoden spiritual successor, Eiyuden Chronicles, before passing in 2024. The first installment ambitiously swings big with a roster of 107 recruitable characters, various combat systems, and an intriguingly complex narrative. Despite these efforts, the game never fully clicked for me. Its storyline pacing felt scattered, even within its relatively short 20-hour playtime. Though turn-based battles shone most in the standard six-player setup, the potential of its war and duel mechanics wasn’t fully realized. Fortunately, the HD Remaster addresses some of these hiccups—everything feels smoother than the initial release, with an option to hasten battle animations for those grind-heavy moments. The soundtrack holds up well, and the remastered visuals retain the spirit of the original, albeit with a modern touch. Overall, it’s a commendable remaster of a pretty average game.
Switching gears to Suikoden II, the experience leaps to another level. When I embarked on these games chronologically, Suikoden II quickly alleviated any misgivings I had during the first game, maintaining a compelling pace for a game nearly twice as long. Released back in 1999, this sequel obliterates the rough edges of its predecessor. Its narrative is tight and emotive, weaving a deeply personal story against a backdrop of national turmoil. Central to the plot is the bond between your voiceless protagonist and his ally Jowy, setting the stage for a saga filled with memorable characters like the childhood friend Nanami and the formidable antagonist Luca Blight.
Recurring elements and familiar faces from the first game enrich the narrative, crafting a lore-rich experience—such as your prior protagonist making an appearance if you’ve seen the original through to the end. Battle mechanics see some smart tweaks: the rune magic system now allows for up to three runes per character and introduces a grid layout for better strategic control during turn-based battles. The implementation of war and duel confrontations fits more seamlessly into the storyline, making them feel far more consequential.
As a remastered package, it brings a few extras like concept art and curiosities. The facelift given to its 2D graphics strikes a balance between honoring the original artwork and unburdening it from its dated visuals. In terms of play, changes are subtle, focusing on three adjustable difficulty levels and the ability to hasten battle progress. While not a dealbreaker, the absence of an option to skip random encounters could have been a welcome convenience.
For those who’ve never dived into Suikoden II and hold a soft spot for Japan’s rich RPG tradition, this remaster is a must-have. It competes fiercely with other ’90s journal entry epics from Square Enix. My enthusiasm for Suikoden I pales in comparison, yet it provides a fascinating look at evolution, akin to the NES and SNES Final Fantasy titles. It’s a stark contrast, like seeing an art form grow from its earnest beginnings to soaring heights.
