Earlier this week, Konami delivered a special treat for classic RPG enthusiasts with a live stream focused entirely on the Suikoden series. Since the last new entry over a decade ago—a Japan-exclusive PSP side story—expectations for this announcement were running high. Reactions were understandably mixed as fans learned about a new Suikoden anime (great!) and a brand-new game… for mobile devices (alright, fair enough!). And yes, it includes gacha mechanics (oh dear!).
Let’s begin with the anime, titled simply Suikoden: The Anime. Based on the events of Suikoden II, it marks Konami Animation’s debut production. So far, we've seen little of its visual style, nor do we know how accessible it will be outside Japan. Only a short scenic teaser was shared:
Even so, it's thrilling news for Suikoden devotees and could serve as a friendly starting point for newcomers—should the anime see a wide international release.
Meanwhile, the second big reveal left fans with mixed feelings. Titled Suikoden Star Leap, this new game looks visually striking, blending 2D sprites with 3D backgrounds reminiscent of Octopath Traveler. The story is set a few years before Suikoden I and a few years after Suikoden V, featuring the series’ signature cast of 108 characters.
However, it’s launching on mobile—at least for now—with no word on other platforms. That may not deter the most loyal followers, but the inclusion of gacha mechanics and live service monetization has raised concerns. It's an unexpected shift for a franchise built on premium console and PC games, and only time will tell whether these systems hinder player enjoyment or the ability to recruit all 108 heroes.
For now, Suikoden fans can look forward to the HD remaster of the first two games—Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. A fresh trailer for the collection also premiered during the live event, and it launches officially tomorrow, March 6.
