Suikoden Anime & Mobile Game Announced

This week, Konami surprised classic RPG fans with a Suikoden-focused livestream, a welcome event given the franchise’s long hiatus since a Japan-only PSP side story over a decade ago. The announcements were a mixed bag, however, sparking both excitement and apprehension among fans.

First, a Suikoden anime, simply titled Suikoden: The Anime, was revealed. Based on Suikoden II, it marks Konami animation's first production. Details remain scarce, including international availability, but a brief scene was shown:

This is undeniably exciting for longtime fans and could potentially introduce newcomers to the series if widely released.

The second announcement, a new game titled Suikoden: Star Leap, generated more complex reactions. The game boasts stunning visuals, reminiscent of Octopath Traveler, featuring 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds. Set a few years before Suikoden I and after Suikoden V, it promises the series’ traditional 108 characters.

However, the game's mobile-only release and inclusion of gacha mechanics and ongoing monetization have caused some disappointment. This departure from the series’ history of premium console and PC releases raises concerns about potential impact on gameplay and the ability to collect all 108 characters. The long-term success will depend on the execution of these monetization features.

Meanwhile, fans can enjoy the recently released Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. A new trailer debuted during the livestream, and the remaster is available now.