Suikoden 2 Anime Announced Alongside New Mobile Gacha Game

This week, Konami thrilled classic RPG enthusiasts with a dedicated Suikoden live stream, stirring up a mix of excitement and apprehension among fans. The beloved series, which hasn't seen a new installment since a Japanese and PSP-exclusive side story over a decade ago, was the focus of much anticipation. The announcements ranged from a new Suikoden anime, which sparked joy, to a new mobile game, Suikoden Star Leap, which elicited a more complex reaction due to its gacha mechanics.

The newly announced anime, titled "Suikoden: The Anime," is set to adapt the events of Suikoden 2. As the inaugural project from Konami Animation, it promises to be an exciting addition for long-time fans and a potential gateway for newcomers, although details on its global availability and visual style remain under wraps. All we've seen so far is a brief glimpse of its scenery:

The second announcement, Suikoden Star Leap, introduced a new game set between the events of Suikoden 1 and 5. Its stunning visuals, reminiscent of Octopath Traveler's 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds, and inclusion of the series' signature 108 characters, initially sparked enthusiasm. However, the decision to release it exclusively on mobile platforms and incorporate gacha mechanics has left fans feeling conflicted. Historically, Suikoden has been a premium series on consoles and PCs, and the inclusion of ongoing monetization in Star Leap raises concerns about whether it will limit players' enjoyment and ability to collect all characters.

While awaiting more details on Star Leap, fans can look forward to the imminent release of Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. Showcased in a new trailer during the live event, this collection is set to launch tomorrow, March 6, offering a refreshed experience of the series' classic entries.