Suikoden 2 Anime Announced, New Mobile Gacha Game Launched

Earlier this week, Konami delighted fans of classic RPGs with a live stream focused solely on the beloved Suikoden series. It's been over a decade since the last installment, a Japanese and PSP-exclusive side story, so anticipation for new content was high. The announcements brought a mix of excitement and concern: a new Suikoden anime and a brand new Suikoden game for mobile, complete with gacha mechanics.

Starting with the anime, titled Suikoden: The Anime, it's set to adapt the events of Suikoden 2 and marks Konami's first venture into animation. Although we were only shown a brief scenery clip, this announcement is thrilling news for Suikoden enthusiasts. It could also serve as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the series, provided the anime becomes widely available outside Japan.

The second major reveal, a new game called Suikoden Star Leap, elicited mixed feelings among fans. The game boasts stunning visuals, featuring 2D sprites set against 3D backgrounds reminiscent of Octopath Traveler. It's set to take place between the timelines of Suikoden 1 and Suikoden 5 and retains the series' signature element of featuring 108 characters.

However, the decision to release Star Leap exclusively on mobile platforms has sparked some debate. Adding to the concern, the game will incorporate gacha mechanics and ongoing monetization, a departure from the series' tradition of premium releases on consoles and PCs. While this may not discourage die-hard fans, there's apprehension about whether these monetization strategies will limit players' enjoyment or their ability to collect all 108 characters.

In the meantime, fans can look forward to the re-releases of Suikoden 1 and 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.