Suikoden 2 Anime Announced, New Mobile Gacha Game Unveiled

This week, Konami delighted fans of classic RPGs with a special live stream focused entirely on the beloved Suikoden series. It's been over a decade since the last entry, a Japanese and PSP-exclusive side story, so the anticipation for what was to come was palpable. Fans experienced a whirlwind of emotions as Konami announced a Suikoden anime (exciting!) and a brand new Suikoden game for mobile (intriguing, yet met with mixed feelings due to the inclusion of gacha mechanics).

Let's dive into the anime first, aptly titled Suikoden: The Anime. It's set to explore the storyline of Suikoden 2 and marks Konami's inaugural venture into animation. While we didn't get a detailed look at the visuals or any specifics on its international availability, a brief scenery clip was shared:

This is thrilling news for long-time Suikoden enthusiasts and could serve as an engaging introduction for newcomers, assuming the anime becomes accessible worldwide.

The second big reveal, however, stirred more mixed reactions. A new game, Suikoden Star Leap, was unveiled, boasting stunning visuals reminiscent of Octopath Traveler with 2D sprites set against 3D backgrounds. Set a few years before Suikoden 1 and after Suikoden 5, it maintains the series' tradition of featuring 108 characters.

However, the excitement was tempered by the news that Star Leap will be exclusive to mobile platforms and incorporate gacha mechanics along with ongoing monetization. This is a departure from the series' history of premium console and PC releases, causing concern among fans about whether these monetization strategies will hinder gameplay or the ability to collect all 108 characters. Only time will tell how these elements will impact the overall experience.

In the meantime, Suikoden fans can look forward to the re-release of Suikoden 1 and 2 in the 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.