Earlier this week, Konami delighted fans of classic RPGs with a dedicated live stream focused on the beloved Suikoden series. The franchise, which hasn't seen a new mainline entry since a Japan-exclusive PSP side story more than a decade ago, had fans buzzing with anticipation. The stream delivered a mix of excitement and mixed feelings with the announcements of a Suikoden anime and a new mobile game featuring gacha mechanics.
First up, the announcement of Suikoden: The Anime thrilled fans. Based on the events of Suikoden 2, this anime marks Konami's inaugural foray into animation. While details on the visual style and international availability remain scarce, a brief scenery clip was shared, sparking excitement among die-hard fans and offering a potential gateway for newcomers if the series becomes widely accessible.
The second announcement, a new game titled Suikoden Star Leap, elicited more mixed reactions. This visually stunning game, featuring 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds reminiscent of Octopath Traveler, is set to take place between the events of Suikoden 1 and Suikoden 5. It promises to include the traditional 108 characters that fans have come to expect from the series.
However, the excitement was tempered by the news that Suikoden Star Leap will be a mobile-only release, and it will incorporate gacha mechanics and ongoing monetization. This move away from the series' traditional premium console and PC releases has left some fans disappointed, concerned about how these monetization strategies might impact gameplay and the ability to collect all 108 characters. Only time will tell how these elements will affect the overall experience.
In the meantime, Suikoden enthusiasts have something to look forward to with the imminent release of Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. A new trailer for this collection was showcased during the live event, and it's set to launch tomorrow, March 6. This remaster provides a fresh way for fans to revisit the classic titles while they await further developments on the new anime and mobile game.
