Ultimate Review: Suikoden I & II HD Remaster for PS5 – Relive the Epic Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars in These Timeless JRPG Classics!

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars brings two classic PS1 JRPGs into the modern age. Konami has polished these games for players on PS4 and PS5, making them more welcoming to new audiences.

The stories of Suikoden and its sequel weave together themes of war, loyalty, and rebellion, inspired by Chinese literature. A highlight of these games is the “108 Stars of Destiny.” This is about gathering a huge cast of characters to join you on your journey, which really adds excitement to gameplay.

While both titles are significant on their own, Suikoden I can feel a bit old-fashioned, having first launched in 1995. It takes some patience but sets up the sequel nicely and features many familiar faces. Suikoden II is often celebrated as one of the greatest JRPGs on the PS1. It’s impressive in its scale and depth, making this remaster a great deal for fans of the genre.

This remastered collection features HD graphics, a new user interface, and beautifully redrawn backgrounds. It also adds modern touches like a fast-forward option and the ability to move diagonally. Plus, there’s a digital museum filled with art and music from both games that unlocks as you progress, showing how much Konami values this series’ heritage.

The story of the first Suikoden follows a main character, the child of a renowned general. He understands the struggles of everyday people in the Scarlet Moon Empire, where greed and corruption lead to suffering. His journey in the Imperial Army leads him to challenge the existing order and unite various rebel factions into a revolution.

You’ll spend your time exploring the vast world, recruiting allies, and engaging in turn-based battles. Your party consists of six characters, and positioning them strategically is key. Short-range fighters lead the front, while long-range characters provide support from the back. You can even have large-scale army confrontations that are simple yet memorable.

The battle system is user-friendly. It can run automatically for simpler fights, making leveling up easier. You can also do combos called Unite attacks and use Runes for magic. Each character has a unique weapon that can be upgraded, adding depth to combat against over 80 potential companions.

Overall, the combat system is impressive, especially for a game made around the same time as Final Fantasy VI. However, managing equipment—like upgrading characters’ armor and weapons—can feel tedious, especially since you can’t sell old gear right away. This can make it difficult to fully utilize the vast range of characters in your party.

In Suikoden II, things improve considerably. The battles are deeper, enemy strategies are more varied, and there are more options for Unite attacks. The castle management and army battles are also more engaging.

The plot moves forward years later, featuring returning characters and introducing a new set of heroes involved in significant political conflicts. This story dives into heavier themes, making it a gripping addition to the saga.

Conclusion

The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster brings two timeless JRPG classics to life on modern platforms. While they come with some quirks and occasional grind, both games offer a fantastic experience filled with rich storytelling and memorable characters. Any fan of classic RPGs will find these titles worthy additions to their collection.