Suikoden Fans Rejoice With the Announcement of a Suikoden 2 Anime...and a Brand New Mobile Gacha Game

This week, Konami surprised classic RPG fans with a Suikoden-focused livestream, a welcome event given the franchise's long hiatus since a Japan-only PSP title over a decade ago. The announcements were a mixed bag, however. A Suikoden anime was revealed, alongside a new mobile game incorporating gacha mechanics.

The anime, simply titled Suikoden: The Anime, adapts the events of Suikoden II and marks Konami's first animation production. Details remain scarce, including international availability, but a brief scenic preview was shown:

While exciting for longtime fans, the anime's accessibility remains uncertain. Its potential to attract newcomers hinges on broad distribution.

The second announcement, a new game titled Suikoden: Star Leap, generated more complex reactions. Boasting stunning visuals reminiscent of Octopath Traveler—2D sprites on 3D backgrounds—and featuring the series' signature 108 characters, the game is set chronologically between Suikoden I and Suikoden V.

The game's mobile-only release and inclusion of gacha mechanics, however, proved controversial. This monetization strategy contrasts sharply with the series' history of premium console and PC releases. The long-term impact on player experience and the feasibility of collecting all 108 characters remain 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 collection launched on March 6th.