This week, Konami surprised classic RPG fans with a Suikoden-focused livestream. The franchise's absence of a new entry for over a decade fueled high expectations. The announcements were met with mixed reactions: a Suikoden anime (exciting!) 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 animation's first production. Details remain scarce, including international availability. Currently, only a brief scenery shot is available:
This is still thrilling news for dedicated fans and potentially a great introduction for newcomers, assuming widespread release.
The second announcement, Suikoden: Star Leap, is more divisive. This new game boasts stunning visuals—a blend of 2D sprites and 3D backgrounds reminiscent of Octopath Traveler. Set between Suikoden I and V, it features the series' signature 108 characters.
However, its mobile-only release and inclusion of gacha mechanics are disappointing to some. The series' history of premium console and PC releases makes this a significant departure. 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 premiered during the livestream, and the remaster launches tomorrow, March 6th.