Reviews are going live and largely positive per Opencritic, but one has to wonder: Why did it take so long for the remasters to launch? Following its announcement in 2022, it was to arrive in 2023 before an unexplained delay. Planning also began in 2020.

Producer Rui Naito has since revealed the reason to Dengeki Online (translation via Automaton-Media). “With Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster, I told [director Yoshitaka] Sakiyama and his team to ‘make something solid’ because it is the starting point for the IP’s revival. If we were to release a half-baked product, then [our attempt to revive the series] would be over.” Working with old code also presented some challenges for the team.

Why not a remake instead of remasters? Naito responded, “At the time, Murayama (Yoshihito Murayama, Suikoden series’ original creator) and the other game designers who came before me put significant thought into how to express these games’ stories in a limited number of bits. Even the number of exclamation marks in their original dialogue is an expression of their thoughts and feelings.

“Therefore, I knew we must not lose these aspects of the games. At the very beginning of the development process, we worked out what we should improve, and what we should leave untouched.”

Significant work has still gone into refreshing the visuals, including Suikoden 1 character designer Junko Kawano redrawing all portraits for the 108 Stars of Destiny. “I am very grateful to her for doing not only these portraits but also the illustrations for the opening and various illustrations for the games’ release,” said Sakiyama. All the backgrounds have also been redrawn to accommodate modern displays.

Interestingly, Sakiyama reveals that this was possibly the team’s “last chance” to remaster the titles with input from the original developers. “Fortunately, some of the staff that worked on the original games are still at Konami, so we were able to discuss things with them. In this sense, this was likely our last chance to remaster the games [with their input].”

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will launch for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Check out our feature for more details on what to expect.

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster brings the classic RPG series’ original entries to modern hardware, touting several improvements to the visuals, lighting, reflections, and more. Beyond the technical enhancements, the remaster brings several new quality-of-life features, such as a reworked UI, fast-forwarding battles, autosave functionality, and more. 

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars launches for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on March 6. Check out the remaster’s redone opening movies through here for a glimpse of its graphical changes.

FragPunk

Bad Guitar Studio’s free-to-play competitive shooter Fragpunk finally arrives on March 6th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC and caters to the Valorant crowd. That is if Valorant had an even more bombastic art style and cards that introduce modifiers, from larger heads to flipping the level upside down. As far-fetched as it seems, Fragpunk’s mix of abilities and cards is endearing – here’s hoping it’s also long-lasting.

Split Fiction

Better than It Takes Two (according to director Josef Fares) and promising to blow people away (again, according to Fares). Regardless of the signature hyperbole, Hazelight’s latest co-op adventure looks quite good. As Mio and Zoe, two writers stuck in a simulation, players venture across sci-fi and fantasy worlds with a ridiculous number of gameplay mechanics. Mechs, gravity changes, dragon-riding, spacewalks, even sausage making (turned terrifying) – it’s all here and out on March 6th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. And only one person needs to own a copy to play with a friend, thanks to the Friend’s Pass.

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster

Launching on March 6th for all platforms, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster is exactly what it says – a remastered compilation of Konami’s first two award-winning role-playing games with updated effects and HD backgrounds. Quality-of-life features like a conversation log, auto-save and Fast Forward for combat should make the journeys to gather all 108 Stars of Destiny much smoother. If you enjoyed Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and always wanted to experience its inspiration, now’s the time.

WWE 2K25

With Cody Rhodes finishing his story, the past year or so of WWE has focused heavily on the Bloodline. So it should come as no surprise that the new Showcase in WWE 2K25, out on March 14th, is all about the faction, incorporating past and present Samoan wrestlers while debuting a new social space called The Island for players to hang out. With over 300 wrestlers, a new unified MyRISE mode, online multiplayer for MyGM and new match types, there’s quite a lot on the card.

MLB The Show 25

The show never truly ends for Sony San Diego Studio. and this year, it’s looking to implement major improvements based on fan feedback. Road to Show is revamped, offering eight licensed teams while still following the Path to 99 progression. Diamond Dynasty dabbles with rogue-like mechanics, Storylines continue, and the gameplay has seen numerous improvements. MLB The Show 25 launches on March 18th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, though unfortunately, not for Game Pass.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

After months of delays, rumors, and extensive gameplay showings, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised for release on March 20th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Ubisoft is mixing up quite a bit with its dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, but also returning to its stealth action roots while revamping the parkour and adding seasons. Between the base-building, scouting, loot, and late Sengoku era intrigue, there’s tons to unpack, but can it revive the publisher’s fortunes? That’s the million-dollar question.

Rise of the Rōnin (PC)

Insert a joke about playing a better open-world action RPG set in Japan. But in all seriousness, Rise of the Ronin’s PC version is worth looking forward to. It not only features ray tracing, up to 8K, 120 FPS, support for various upscalers and more, but it comes packed with all the post-launch updates, including more challenging missions and new loot. It arrives on March 11th via Steam.

Killing Floor 3

Killing Zeds in 2091, where Horzine has spliced the undead with cybernetic technology to craft new horrors. As a Specialist of Nightfall, it’s your job to resist, undertaking missions with up to five other players. All the tenets of Killing Floor are present, from highly customizable weapons and wave-based combat to modifiers on higher difficulties and Grindhouse levels of gore. The far future premise may turn some off, but after playing the closed beta, the full game may be the bloodiest of good times when it launches on March 25th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Atomfall

Survival sandbox post-Windscale fire disaster set in and around an isolated village. A somewhat despotic military, cults, bandits, mysterious bunkers, mutants, and naturally, a voice in a telephone booth telling you to kill someone. Rebellion Developments’ Atomfall is certainly something, to the extent that even its lead designer is intrigued at how it may or may not work out. It launches on March 27th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC, so it won’t take long for us to find out.

The First Berserker: Khazan

When the Les Pollos Empire – and the world at large – faced disaster at the hands of the Berserk Dragon, it turned to one legendary general to save it. However, after being forsaken by his king, Khazan would be badly wounded and exiled…that is, until the Blade Phantom took up residence in his body, offering a path to revenge. Regardless of your connection to the Dungeon and Fighter lore, there’s no denying the brutal yet responsive combat or the stunning world design. The First Berserker: Khazan arrives on March 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Two Point Museum

If managing a hospital and a university wasn’t enough, Two Point Studios is dooming human culture further by placing you in charge of a museum. Organize exhibits and tours, manage guests, decorate the floor, and even send expeditions to garner artifacts. With five museum locations and a sandbox mode, there’s plenty of room – and challenges – to become the perfect curator. Two Point Museum arrives on March 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

AI Limit

Another Souls-like anime-style action RPG, this one offers a post-apocalyptic world not unlike that of Code Vein (minus the vampires). As a Blader arriving in mankind’s last standing city, Havenswell, it’s your job to repair the Branches. Be careful, as massive beasts, ravenous warriors, and terrifying monsters roam the city, seeking your end. Launching on March 27th, AI Limit will be available for PS5 and PC.

Wreckfest 2

Through various trials and tribulations, Flatout’s spiritual successor Wreckfest underwent four years of early access before releasing to strong critical praise. It’s finally getting a sequel in the form of Wreckfest 2, which is also going the early access route on March 20th. Overhauled physics, more “intense” crashes – Bugbear promises it all and then some, including a forthcoming revamp of career mode. There’s a lot of content coming later, but at launch, it should be yet another smash hit.

Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone

If you had to order someone to dimension-hop and steal the precious MacGuffin-like Chernobylite, who else to send but Cole Grey, even if he does get stranded? Though the sequel embraces more action RPG-esque combat and multiple classes, you’ll still have to gather materials and survive across irradiated landscapes, with or without companions. With about 30 percent of the full game, Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone will launch on March 6th for PC via early access.

Taking to Twitter, Konami has announced a Suikoden “Special Program” livestream. Set for March 3 (next Monday) at 3 PM Pacific, the “special broadcast” will bring “all the latest news on Suikoden,” Konami says.

Presumably, that means we can expect new details and gameplay footage on the upcoming remaster- though whether that will be the extent of what Konami talks about remains to be seen. Series fans will of course be hoping for something more significant.

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster launches for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on March 6.

Join us March 3 for a special broadcast bringing you all the latest news on Suikoden 🌟

🎥Date and time of broadcast🎥
Monday, March 3, 3PM PST

Watch here 📺 – https://t.co/3m9zjdoMvI#Suikoden pic.twitter.com/0vFmrTTpyP

— @Suikoden (@Suikoden) February 27, 2025

GRAPHICAL UPGRADES

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster is obviously going to feature visual enhancements – it is a remaster, after all, as it says on the tin – and the difference is quite noticeable. Both games will boast redone backgrounds and environments, lighting improvements, and more. Thankfully, it looks like the old school 16-bit pixel art aesthetic you’d expect from Suikoden will remain intact, even with all of the graphical upgrades.

MORE GRAPHICAL UPGRADES

Beyond the headlining visual improvements we’ve already touched on, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster is promising some other notable changes in that area as well. For instance, you can look forward to new character portraits, all drawn by Suikoden veteran Junko Kawano, who worked on both original titles as well. Additionally, Konami says the remaster will also tout enhanced battle effects, making for exciting battles (hopefully).

AUDIO IMPROVEMENTS

The remaster is going to take similar strides in the audio department as well. The music is being brought over exactly the way fans of the originals will remember it, but all audio effects have been polished up, with the goal being to heighten players’ immersion in the environments. You can also expect new touches and effects (like footsteps).

UI IMPROVEMENTS

As you’d expect, given how old the original two games are, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster will also bring several quality-of-life improvements to the table. Chief among them will be the overhauled UI in both games. Not only will has it been revamped with new and sleeker layouts, it’s also making improvements to features such as changing equipment, to make for a smoother gameplay experience.

QoL UPGRADES

Another major QoL upgrade players can expect is the ability to fast forward battles. Meanwhile, you’ll also have the ability to move faster with a button press right off the bat. There’s also a new conversation log, and, of course, autosave functionality. In a nutshell, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster is promising all the QoL improvements you’d expect to see in a remaster of games that are 30 and 27 years old.

SUIKODEN 1 STORY DETAILS

Let’s hit the pause button on the remaster talk and speak about the original games themselves. For those unaware, Suikoden 1 takes inspiration from classic Chinese novel Water Margin, telling the story of an empire (called the Scarlet Moon Empire) caught in the grips of its corrupt ruler. Players play as the son of a General who embarks on a quest to topple the incumbent regime and restore peace and stability to the land.

SUIKODEN 2 STORY DETAILS

Suikoden 2, meanwhile, picks up three years after the events of the first game. It’s set in the same world, but focuses on an entirely different conflict. This time, trouble arises when the City-States of Jowston are invaded by the encroaching armies of the Kingdom of Highland. Amidst this conflict, you play as the adopted son of the hero who previously fought for and saved the City-States against Highland in a past war. Also central to the story is a mysterious and powerful rune that could change the course of the war.

COMBAT

Suikoden games are classic RPGs to their very core, so yes, they feature turn-based combat. As you’d expect, party composition plays a huge role, with different characters having different ranges to their attacks. Enemies stand before you in every battle in two rows, and which of the two rows one of your party members is capable of attacking will depend they’re an short, medium, or long range character.

MORE COMBAT DETAILS

In addition to using a variety of melee and ranged weapons (which will determine their aforementioned range), characters will also be able to use magic through runes. Usage of runes requires spell slots, with each character having a different amount based on their magic stat, which means magical attacks and abilities can’t be endlessly spammed.

DUELS

In addition to regular battles, Suikoden 1 and 2 both also feature special battle types known as duels, which see two characters taking each other head-on. Both have access to three possible actions, with each being strong against one and weak against another. This rock-paper-scissors system determines who deals more damage. Enemies will often telegraph their moves, so paying attention is key to winning duels.

WAR BATTLES

Another special battle type, war battles are larger-scale fights, as the name suggests. Similar to duels, the outcome of a war battle is determined by a rock-paper-scissors systems. In Suikoden 2, meanwhile, war battles are heavily changed, taking on the form of grid-based tactical fights with different units and characters offering their own advantages and boosts. What’s more, in Suikoden 2, characters who die in war battles don’t just die, they permadie.

BUILDING AN ARMY

The backbone of both Suikoden 1 and 2 is the quest to recruit the 108 Stars of Destiny, an army of 108 fabled figures who can together change the fate of the world. Travelling the world, meeting new characters, and adding them to your ranks forms the heart and soul of the experience. And though a large portion of your recruits are capable of accompanying you into battles, many still are useful in entirely other ways.

HEADQUARTERS

Suikoden 1 and 2 both task players with managing an headquarters- which is really more like an entire castle in both games. Newly recruited characters are sent to HQ, and many of them spruce up your home in different, tangible ways- such as making new facilities available to you. Base building is, in fact, one of Suikoden’s biggest strengths. Newcomers have every reason to be excited, while returning fans are, of course, going to continue having a blast (or that’s the hope, at least).

PC REQUIREMENTS

Unsurprisingly, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster’s system requirements on PC are quite reasonable- again, these are 30 and 27 year-old games. At minimum, players will require a 3.30Ghz Intel Core i5-4440 processor, a eForce GTX 1050, 8 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of free storage space. Thus far, the game hasn’t yet been given a Steam Deck Verified tag, but hopefully that’ll change before too long. Currently, the game does at least have a Playable tag for the portable device, so there’s that.

SWITCH FILE SIZE

On the Nintendo Switch, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster’s file size is going to be 6.8 GB. As evidenced by the game’s PC requirements, that’s lower than the size requirements on other platforms, though that is, of course, the way things usually go with the Nintendo Switch.

Directed by Yoshitaka Murayama (who also helmed Eiyuden Chronicle and passed away earlier this year), both titles focus on recruiting the 108 Stars of Destiny to rise against oppressive forces. Each title offers turn-based combat, tactical battles with armies, and one-on-one Duels between certain characters.

The remasters offer improvements to the visual effects and redrawn backgrounds alongside various quality-of-life options. Players can fast-forward through combat to speed up the pacing or enable auto-battling. The UI is also updated to “fit modern times”, while the sound effects have received the HD treatment.

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars launches on March 6th, 2025, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

At Tokyo Game Show, for instance, Konami showcased a new trailer with game director Takahiro Sakiyama speaking about the enhancements and updates you can expect to see in the upcoming remaster. On the visual side of things, it features redrawn backgrounds and enhanced visual effects, with the original games’ pixel art style being retained. Additionally, players can also expect new environmental sound effects (such as footsteps). 

Several new quality-of-life features are included as well, such as the ability to fast-forward battles, an auto battle feature, and UI optimizations. Check out the trailer below for more details. 

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will launch for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on March 6 next year, with pre-orders currently live. 

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will launch on March 6 next year. A new trailer showcases glimpses of gameplay footage, while also briefly showcasing new features such as the ability to speed up battles by 2x or 4x, and having an auto battle option to make grinding easier. Check out the trailer below. 

Upon its release next March, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Digital pre-orders are live now, with physical pre-orders opening up on August 28.

Konami has announced that Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster has been delayed. The company says the development team needs additional time to hit the level of quality it’s aiming for. Interestingly, a new release window hasn’t been provided, with Konami only confirming that the game will no longer launch in 2023, and that it’s working to release it “as soon as possible”.

“We have reached the conclusion that despite the very best efforts of our dedicated development staff to release the remasters in 2023, additional time is needed to ensure the quality performance and gameplay experience our users deserve.

“The entire Suikoden team is renewing our efforts to bring Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster to release as soon as possible.”

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster will feature new HD background illustrations, updated pixel art animations, new environmental sounds, HD battle effects, and several new quality-of-life features, including autosaving, a conversation log, and a fast forward option during battles.

Whenever it launches, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster will be available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam), and will also be playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S via backward compatibility.

Important information regarding Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: https://t.co/2yjEoDi6jL pic.twitter.com/5mlAqHs0gb

— @Suikoden (@Suikoden) August 30, 2023

As reported by Gematsu on Twitter, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars has been rated in Taiwan. Classification ratings generally tend to happen rather late on in the process for games ahead of their release, so this could potentially suggest that Konami could be gearing up to announce an official release date for the game in the not-too-distant future.

As for when that might happen exactly, that remains to be seen. Past reports had suggested that the company was planning on making several announcements at E3 2023, but with the event having been cancelled, there isn’t much clarity on how those plans may have changed.

When it launches, Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster will be available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars was just rated in Taiwan. Hopefully this means a release date announcement is coming soon.

Gematsu page: https://t.co/wRaCRnzwU5 pic.twitter.com/m3toGyw4V5

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 12, 2023