Suikoden 2 Anime Announced Alongside New Mobile Gacha Game

Earlier this week, Konami delighted fans of classic RPGs with a special live stream dedicated entirely to the beloved Suikoden series. Given that the franchise hasn't seen a new entry since a Japan-only PSP side story over a decade ago, anticipation was high and expectations varied widely. The announcements left fans with mixed emotions: an exciting Suikoden anime (yay!), and a long-awaited new Suikoden game...but for mobile (okay, sure!). The inclusion of gacha mechanics, however, sparked concern (oh no!).

Let's dive into the anime first, aptly titled Suikoden: The Anime. This series is inspired by the events of Suikoden 2 and marks Konami's inaugural venture into animation. While we didn't see much of the visuals yet, nor did we learn about its international availability, a brief scenery clip was shared:

This is thrilling news for dedicated Suikoden fans and could serve as an intriguing entry point for newcomers, provided the anime becomes widely accessible.

The second big reveal, however, has left the fanbase with mixed feelings. A new game titled Suikoden Star Leap was announced, boasting stunning visuals with 2D sprites set against 3D backgrounds reminiscent of Octopath Traveler. The story is set a few years before Suikoden 1 and a few years after Suikoden 5, featuring the traditional 108 characters synonymous with the series.

However, the game is slated for a mobile-only release, which might not be a deal-breaker for die-hard fans, but the inclusion of gacha mechanics and ongoing monetization strategies has raised eyebrows. This move is a departure from the series' roots as a premium console and PC franchise. Fans will have to see how these monetization elements impact gameplay and character collection.

In the meantime, Suikoden enthusiasts 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 fresh trailer for this collection was showcased during the live event, and it's set to launch tomorrow, March 6.