80
MONSTER
A hero's destiny is written in the Stars. The legendary Konami JRPGs Suikoden I and Suikoden II have now been remastered in HD!
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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88
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is largely praised for its rich narratives and character development, particularly in Suikoden II, which captivates with its emotional depth and complex themes of war and rebellion. Critics appreciate its immersive storytelling and enhanced visuals but note flaws in Suikoden I, citing shallow characters and pacing issues. Despite these criticisms, the remaster successfully brings these classic tales to a new audience, reaffirming their relevance and impact while maintaining a positive reception overall.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
88
Positive Reviews (80-100)
77%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
23%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is largely praised for its rich narratives and character development, particularly in Suikoden II, which captivates with its emotional depth and complex themes of war and rebellion. Critics appreciate its immersive storytelling and enhanced visuals but note flaws in Suikoden I, citing shallow characters and pacing issues. Despite these criticisms, the remaster successfully brings these classic tales to a new audience, reaffirming their relevance and impact while maintaining a positive reception overall.
Gameplay Mechanics
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79
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster impresses with its strategic turn-based combat and user-friendly quality-of-life improvements, earning praise for character recruitment and nostalgic charm. However, critics flag persistent issues like a dated interface, tedious inventory management, and lackluster encounter design, making the remaster feel less polished. While it honors the classics, it fails to modernize enough to captivate both new players and series veterans, resulting in an enjoyable but ultimately unremarkable experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
60%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
40%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster impresses with its strategic turn-based combat and user-friendly quality-of-life improvements, earning praise for character recruitment and nostalgic charm. However, critics flag persistent issues like a dated interface, tedious inventory management, and lackluster encounter design, making the remaster feel less polished. While it honors the classics, it fails to modernize enough to captivate both new players and series veterans, resulting in an enjoyable but ultimately unremarkable experience.
Graphics and Visual Design
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79
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster impresses with enhanced graphics and nostalgia, particularly in Suikoden II, yet suffers from inconsistent visuals and a lack of cohesive design. Critics praise modernization but lament missed opportunities, like switching between original and remastered styles. Overall, it’s a solid effort but may not fully satisfy purists of the original aesthetics.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
58%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
40%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster impresses with enhanced graphics and nostalgia, particularly in Suikoden II, yet suffers from inconsistent visuals and a lack of cohesive design. Critics praise modernization but lament missed opportunities, like switching between original and remastered styles. Overall, it’s a solid effort but may not fully satisfy purists of the original aesthetics.
Music and Sound Design
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82
Critics largely praise the enhanced audio in Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, highlighting improved music quality and nostalgic appeal. However, issues like awkwardly speeding up battle music and the absence of voice acting have left some fans wanting more. Overall, the remaster enriches the experience but still has notable flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
68%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
32%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics largely praise the enhanced audio in Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, highlighting improved music quality and nostalgic appeal. However, issues like awkwardly speeding up battle music and the absence of voice acting have left some fans wanting more. Overall, the remaster enriches the experience but still has notable flaws.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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70
TL;DR: Suikoden I & II HD Remaster impresses with smooth performance and quality-of-life upgrades across platforms, notably on Switch and PC with stable frame rates and enhancements. However, critics universally slam the outdated save systems and buggy auto-save features, which detract from the overall experience. While the remaster shows promise, it falls short of modern standards, indicating significant room for improvement.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
70
Positive Reviews (80-100)
25%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
75%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
TL;DR: Suikoden I & II HD Remaster impresses with smooth performance and quality-of-life upgrades across platforms, notably on Switch and PC with stable frame rates and enhancements. However, critics universally slam the outdated save systems and buggy auto-save features, which detract from the overall experience. While the remaster shows promise, it falls short of modern standards, indicating significant room for improvement.
Replay Value
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79
The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster receives mostly positive reviews for its strong replay value, driven by an engaging character recruitment system and multiple endings. Critics highlight its appeal to both newcomers and veterans, bolstered by nostalgic elements. However, some concerns about dated mechanics and a cumbersome inventory system may limit long-term interest for certain players. Despite mixed opinions, the remaster is praised for its rich storytelling and character interactions, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
56%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
42%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster receives mostly positive reviews for its strong replay value, driven by an engaging character recruitment system and multiple endings. Critics highlight its appeal to both newcomers and veterans, bolstered by nostalgic elements. However, some concerns about dated mechanics and a cumbersome inventory system may limit long-term interest for certain players. Despite mixed opinions, the remaster is praised for its rich storytelling and character interactions, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
Overall Verdict
80
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
79%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
21%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is a nostalgic hit, delighting fans with its classic charm and compelling stories, making it a must-play for RPG lovers. However, critics note it falls short in modernization and polish, lacking significant improvements and quality of life features. While it successfully revives the originals for a new audience, it doesn't fully meet expectations, leaving some disappointed. Overall, it's a solid tribute to the classics, appealing to both newcomers and veterans, despite its flaws.
80
MONSTER
Reviews
97 reviews found100
Digitally Downloaded
Mar 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The remaster of Suikoden I & II is celebrated for its narrative and accessibility, despite some graphical shortcomings and the challenge of character development. It is recommended for both new players and fans of the original games.
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92
RPG Fan
Mar 4, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Despite some shortcomings in gameplay adjustments, the remaster is still recommended for its storytelling, visuals, and music, making it a worthy purchase for fans.
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90
GameSpew
Mar 4, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster is a wonderful package that revitalizes two classic RPGs, making them essential for both fans and newcomers.
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90
Voxel
Mar 7, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, the remaster is seen as a gift for fans of the franchise and classic RPGs, balancing nostalgia with modern elements, though it lacks Portuguese localization and may be complex for new players.
90
Worth Playing
Mar 5, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is an excellent port of two classic RPGs, with numerous improvements and a charming experience that appeals to both new players and longtime fans.
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90
RPG Site
Mar 4, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Suikoden I&II HD Remaster successfully captures the essence of the originals while enhancing certain aspects, making it a worthwhile experience for both returning fans and newcomers.
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90
GameGrin
Mar 21, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The remaster is praised as an excellent treat for turn-based RPG fans, especially for those who appreciate the original titles.
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90
Wccftech
Mar 4, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The remaster is an excellent update that enhances the timeless appeal of the original games, making it a worthy purchase for JRPG fans.
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90
Vandal
Mar 5, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is a must-play for JRPG fans, successfully modernizing a classic while retaining its original charm and depth.
90
GamingTrend
Mar 4, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster is a successful revival of classic JRPGs, enhancing graphics, gameplay, and audio while preserving the original's charm. It's a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
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