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When it comes to pairing Suikoden I with Suikoden II on the Switch, it feels like Konami had to throw in the first game just to have an excuse to revamp the legendary sequel. Over the past few weeks, as I’ve delved into these two RPGs, friends and I have jokingly suggested that the selling point of this package is simply “Suikoden II,” while the downside is “Suikoden I.” Of course, there’s more nuance to consider, but the undeniable truth is that Suikoden II stands as one of the most formidable RPGs of its time—perhaps of all time—while Suikoden I serves more as an appetizer in its journey toward greatness. For fans of classic ‘90s RPGs, Suikoden II alone is worth the investment, even if the first game isn’t quite at the same level.
Originally hitting the PlayStation in 1996, Suikoden I marked the debut of director Yoshitaka Murayama, who later contributed to the spiritual successor Eiyuden Chronicles before passing away in 2024. The game ambitiously seeks to offer an expansive experience, featuring 108 recruitable characters and a variety of battle systems, all nestled within an intriguing narrative. While it offers some leaps, it doesn’t fully stick the landing. Its storyline, despite only spanning around 20 hours, feels unevenly paced. The traditional six-player turn-based battles shine, yet the game doesn’t fully exploit its potential in war and duel scenarios. However, the HD Remaster polishes a few of these issues, offering smoother performance and faster battle animations for grinding sessions. The remastered soundtrack retains its charm, and graphical upgrades sharpen the original’s unique artistry without losing its nostalgic essence. It’s a commendable update of an average classic.
Suikoden II, in contrast, elevates itself as a remaster of a remarkable title. After revisiting the duo in sequence, I initially braced myself for the possibility of critiquing two RPGs from over two decades ago. Suikoden II quickly dismissed my apprehensions, kicking off with a gripping introduction and maintaining its momentum throughout its near-double-length playtime. The 1999 sequel smooths over the first game’s rough spots, delivering a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of a transformative war. It introduces a silent protagonist and his friend Jowy in an engaging tale, alongside unforgettable characters such as childhood companion Nanami and iconic antagonist Luca Blight.
The game offers plenty of nods to its predecessor, ensuring a richer lore experience through returning characters, including your original game’s protagonist if you’ve completed the first entry. The combat system retains its core but introduces clever refinements. The magic rune system becomes more flexible, enabling three simultaneous rune equip slots. Additionally, a grid system spruces up battles with tactical depth. While war and duel systems remain largely unchanged, they are better integrated, contributing more significantly to the overall experience.
The remaster package is commendable, featuring concept art and other bonuses. The 2D graphics undergo an HD transformation that respects the original vision while being mindful not to strike players as too dated. The gameplay changes are subtle, focusing on three new difficulty settings and an option to hasten battles. Although not a major drawback, turning off random battles might have been a welcome addition.
For anyone yet to experience Suikoden II and who appreciates the allure of Japanese RPGs, this game should already be on your must-play list. It deserves a spot among the revered classic RPGs of the ’90s alongside Square Enix’s finest. While I’m less enthusiastic about Suikoden I, it serves as a glimpse into the evolution akin to Final Fantasy’s NES to SNES transition. While witnessing both games’ growth is enlightening, we know which one truly rose to timeless acclaim.
