This week, Konami surprised classic RPG fans with a Suikoden-focused livestream. The franchise’s absence of a new entry for over a decade—aside from a Japan-only PSP title—made anticipation sky-high. The announcements were a mixed bag: a Suikoden anime (fantastic!) and a new Suikoden 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 are scarce, including international availability. We only saw a brief scene:
Still, this is exciting news for dedicated fans and a potential entry point for newcomers, assuming widespread release.
The second announcement is more divisive. Suikoden: Star Leap, a new game boasting beautiful Octopath Traveler-esque visuals, is set a few years before Suikoden I and after Suikoden V. It features the series’ signature 108 characters.
However, its mobile-only release and gacha mechanics are a disappointment for a franchise known for its premium console and PC titles. The impact of monetization on gameplay and character collection remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars offers immediate gratification for fans. A new trailer debuted during the livestream, and the remaster launches tomorrow, March 6th.
