An all-time nice involves Swap saddled with its much less spectacular predecessor.
Placing Suikoden I and II collectively in the identical package deal looks like Konami was contractually obligated to incorporate the mediocre first recreation to justify spending assets on remastering the superb second recreation. As I’ve performed by way of the 2 video games over the previous few weeks, I’ve mentioned with a number of individuals how the Professional for this package deal might merely be “Suikoden II” and the Con for this might merely be “Suikoden I.” Naturally, it’s not fairly so simple as that, however the truth of the matter is Suikoden II is among the finest RPGs of its period (and presumably all time) and its predecessor is a flawed half-step in the precise route. That each one being stated, if you happen to love ‘90s-era RPGs, Suikoden II is a masterpiece nicely well worth the worth of admission for this remaster, even when the primary recreation is simply okay.
Suikoden I initially got here out PlayStation again in 1996 and was the primary recreation directed by the late Yoshitaka Murayama (who final labored on the Suikoden non secular successor Eiyuden Chronicles earlier than his passing in 2024). In quite a lot of methods, it swings for the fences with 107 different recruitable characters, quite a lot of completely different battle methods, and a comparatively intriguing story. It’s a cool idea, however total it didn’t coalesce for me. The pacing of the story (even over a brisk 20-ish hour recreation) was everywhere. The turn-based battling is sweet however not nice, faring finest within the extra conventional six-player battles whereas not exploring the struggle and duel battle methods to their fullest extent. Among the adjustments within the HD Remaster assist out with a few of my complaints. Basically, every little thing runs smoother than the PlayStation unique and you can even pace up battle animations for while you grind. The soundtrack is stable and quite a lot of the visible adjustments do an awesome job of enhancing the unique artwork nearer to trendy expectations whereas not dropping the distinct look of the unique recreation. This can be a good remaster of an alright recreation.
Suikoden II, alternatively, is an efficient remaster of an unbelievable recreation. I performed the 2 video games so as and after wrapping Suikoden I, I used to be apprehensive I used to be going to return in right here and simply drag two RPGs I hadn’t touched in 20+ years earlier than 2025. Fortunately, Suikoden II has a superb intro and manages to maintain up the tempo and intrigue over a recreation that’s almost double the size of the unique. All of the tough edges that stood out in Suikoden I are kind of washed away within the 1999 sequel. The story is extra centered, doing an awesome job of crafting a heartbreaking private story in entrance of the backdrop of a country-altering struggle. Your silent protagonist is fated along with his finest good friend Jowy early on, kicking off a well-told plot dotted with different memorable characters like childhood good friend Nanami and all-time RPG villain Luca Blight.
Quite a few winks and nods to the earlier recreation are included, with returning characters (and even your protagonist from the unique recreation if you happen to accomplished it earlier than beginning the sequel) that deepen the lore. The battle system stays comparatively the identical with some good upgrades. The magical rune system is extra versatile, permitting you to equip characters with as much as three runes without delay. A grid system for the turn-based battles offers you slightly bit extra tactical management over your occasion. The struggle and duel battles aren’t wildly completely different, however the implementation of them all through the sport have much more impression.
The general remaster package deal is sweet, together with some idea artwork and different goodies. The 2D visuals are upgraded for HD in a manner that’s respectful of the unique work but in addition not distractingly an RPG from 25+ years in the past. Gameplay-wise, it is a comparatively gentle contact remaster, with the most important alterations being three issue settings and the choice to hurry up battles. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however particularly in video games with random battles, it’d be good to have the choice to show them off at occasions.
When you’ve by no means performed Suikoden II and contemplate your self a lover of Japanese-made RPGs, it’s best to have already got this recreation pre-ordered. This can be a recreation that belongs on the rostrum close to the ‘90s classics from Sq. Enix. I’m not almost as sizzling on Suikoden I, however the first recreation is extra just like the NES Remaining Fantasy entries to Suikoden II’s SNES Remaining Fantasy entries. It’s cool to see the evolution, however everyone knows what recreation has ascended to all-timer standing.
