Bundling Suikoden I and II for the Switch feels like Konami had no choice but to include the somewhat lackluster first game to legitimize the effort put into remastering its outstanding sequel. Over the past few weeks, as I’ve taken these games for a spin, conversations have often boiled down to a simple truth: “The Pro is Suikoden II,” and “The Con is Suikoden I.” While it’s a bit more nuanced than that, it’s undeniable that Suikoden II stands tall as an RPG masterpiece from its time—perhaps even among the greatest. Meanwhile, its predecessor, though a step in the right direction, falls short. If you have a soft spot for RPGs from the ’90s, diving into Suikoden II through this remaster is well worth it, even if the first game doesn’t quite hit the same mark.
Suikoden I first made its debut on the PlayStation back in 1996, marking the directing debut of the late Yoshitaka Murayama, who was involved in creating the Suikoden-inspired Eiyuden Chronicles before he sadly passed away in 2024. In many respects, the game aimed high with its concept of 107 recruitable characters, diverse battle systems, and a rather engaging storyline. It had promise, but ultimately failed to fully deliver. Even though it’s a relatively short 20-hour journey, the story’s pacing feels uneven. The turn-based combat isn’t bad, but it only shines in the traditional six-player battles, missing the opportunity to fully explore the war and duel systems. Some tweaks in the HD Remaster address these issues, making the game run smoother than the original, with the option to speed up battle animations during grinding sessions. The soundtrack holds its own, and the visual enhancements align well with modern standards while retaining the original charm. All in all, it’s a solid remaster of a decent title.
Switching gears to Suikoden II, it’s clear this is a remaster of a truly phenomenal game. Playing the two in sequence, I initially worried about revisiting these RPGs after two decades, but Suikoden II quickly dispelled my concerns. It starts strong and maintains its captivating momentum throughout its longer playtime. Compared to the first game, the 1999 sequel smoothens out all the rough edges. The narrative zeroes in on a gripping personal tale set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil. The connection between your silent protagonist and their friend Jowy shapes an engrossing plot, surrounded by unforgettable characters like Nanami, a childhood companion, and Luca Blight, an iconic RPG villain.
The sequel also nods to its predecessor, bringing back familiar faces and even your original game’s protagonist, enhancing the game’s lore. The battle system remains mostly unchanged but welcomes strategic tweaks such as a versatile magical rune system and a grid-based perspective for more nuanced party management. Although the war and duel battles haven’t drastically changed, their improved integration adds significant weight to the gameplay.
The remastered package has thoughtful additions like concept art and other extras. The visuals have been updated with care, allowing them to shine in HD while respecting the original style. Gameplay modifications are subtle, primarily offering three difficulty levels and the chance to speed up battles—a useful feature considering random encounters, although an option to turn those off would have been appreciated.
For those yet to experience Suikoden II and who relish JRPGs, this game should be on your must-have list, ready for pre-order. It holds its own alongside the ‘90s classics from Square Enix. While Suikoden I doesn’t evoke the same enthusiasm, it serves as an interesting prototype akin to how the NES Final Fantasy games lead into the SNES era—all part of the evolution towards what’s become a legend in the genre.
