Suikoden 2 Anime Announced Alongside New Mobile Gacha Game

Earlier this week, Konami delighted fans of classic RPGs with a live stream dedicated entirely to the beloved Suikoden franchise. With no new main entries since a Japan-exclusive PSP side story over a decade ago, expectations were high and varied. The announcements brought a mix of excitement and concern: a new Suikoden anime (yay!) and a brand new Suikoden video game, albeit for mobile with gacha mechanics (oh no!).

First up, the anime, titled Suikoden: The Anime, will be based on the events of Suikoden 2. As the inaugural production from Konami Animation, details on its visual style and international availability remain scarce. However, a brief scenery clip was shared:

This announcement is thrilling for dedicated Suikoden fans and could serve as an enticing introduction for newcomers if it becomes widely accessible.

The second major reveal, Suikoden Star Leap, left fans with mixed feelings. The game boasts stunning visuals with 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds reminiscent of Octopath Traveler. Set between the events of Suikoden 1 and Suikoden 5, it maintains the series' hallmark of featuring 108 characters.

However, the decision to release Star Leap exclusively on mobile platforms, coupled with the inclusion of gacha mechanics and ongoing monetization, has sparked disappointment among fans. The Suikoden series has traditionally been known for its premium, console, and PC releases, making these new elements a contentious addition. The community will be watching closely to see how these monetization strategies impact gameplay and the ability to collect all 108 characters.

In the interim, Suikoden enthusiasts can look forward to the re-releases of Suikoden 1 and Suikoden 2 through 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.