This week, Konami surprised classic RPG fans with a Suikoden-focused livestream. The franchise's absence of a new mainline entry for over a decade fueled high anticipation. The announcements were a mixed bag: a Suikoden anime (fantastic!) and a new mobile game with gacha mechanics (less so).
Let's start with the anime, simply titled Suikoden: The Anime. Based on Suikoden II, it marks Konami's first animation production. Details remain scarce, including international availability. We only saw a brief, atmospheric scene:
Still, this is exciting for longtime fans and could be a great introduction for newcomers, provided it gets a wide release.
The second announcement is more divisive. Suikoden: Star Leap, a new game boasting beautiful Octopath Traveler-esque visuals, is set between Suikoden I and V, featuring the series' signature 108 characters.
However, its mobile-only release and inclusion of gacha mechanics are disappointing. This monetization model contrasts sharply with the series' history of premium console and PC releases. The impact on gameplay and character collection remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, fans can enjoy the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars, showcased with a new trailer during the livestream and released March 6th.