Reviving a retro gem: Gensei Suikoden Plus shines

GAMING NEWS AlexP - Oct 2, 2025, 12:55

Gensei Suikoden Plus is a captivating remaster of the 1997 Japanese PC title Gensei Suikoden, a turn-based RPG distinct from Konami's Suikoden series. Its name, translating to ''Phantom World Drunken Tiger Legend,'' hints at its martial arts-inspired fantasy world. The original game, a niche favorite from the late-90s, charmed players with its compact yet engaging story, retro pixel art, and witty dialogue. Part of a wave of budget-friendly RPGs, it offered quick, thoughtful adventures but remained obscure outside Japan due to limited localization. The Plus remaster revitalizes this cult classic, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements for a fresh audience.

In Gensei Suikoden Plus, you control Ataho, a secluded martial artist thrust into a grand adventure after a tiger-fist warrior's challenge. The narrative shines with humor, clever puns, and quirky side quests—like all-you-can-eat tournaments—unfolding through branching paths and multiple endings, including a secretive ''true'' finale. Combat is turn-based, fast-paced, and strategic, featuring standard attacks, special moves, and party synergies. The instant revive system, allowing penalty-free respawns after party wipes, keeps exploration accessible and engaging, encouraging players to experiment.

From 90s obscurity to modern glory

The remaster elevates the original with sharper, high-resolution pixel art and smoother animations, preserving the 90s aesthetic while improving readability. New scenarios, items, and challenges deepen the experience, with Omamori charms offering stat boosts for replayability. The soundtrack retains its nostalgic charm but benefits from enhanced audio clarity. While combat feels refined, late-game enemy gauntlets can feel repetitive on higher difficulties without prior knowledge. With an 8-10 hour runtime, the game's design encourages multiple playthroughs—around four—to unlock all secrets and endings.

Compared to Live A Live, another remastered 90s JRPG with martial arts elements and multiple storylines, Gensei Suikoden Plus offers a shorter, more focused experience but shares a similar knack for blending humor with replayable narratives. Live A Live leans heavier on diverse gameplay styles, while Gensei Suikoden Plus prioritizes brisk combat and quirky charm.

Public reception has been glowing, with fans lauding the remaster's balance of retro soul and modern accessibility. Online communities hail it as a ''hidden gem revived,'' though some note the late-game grind. For retro RPG fans and newcomers, Gensei Suikoden Plus is a delightful rediscovery. Also, don't forget to use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Gensei Suikoden Plus.

Gensei Suikoden Plus: Nostalgia meets new adventures

From 90s obscurity to modern glory

AlexP

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