Suikoden 2 Anime Announced Alongside New Mobile Gacha Game

Earlier this week, Konami delighted fans of classic RPGs with a special live stream dedicated to the beloved Suikoden franchise. The series, which hasn't seen a new entry since a Japanese and PSP-exclusive side story over a decade ago, stirred a mix of emotions with its latest announcements. Fans were thrilled to hear about a new Suikoden anime (yay!), but reactions were more mixed when a brand new Suikoden video game was announced exclusively for mobile with gacha mechanics (oh no!).

Starting with the anime, titled Suikoden: The Anime, it will be based on the events of Suikoden 2 and marks the first production from Konami Animation. While we didn't get a detailed look at what it will entail, nor any information about its availability outside Japan, a brief scenery clip was shared:

This is exciting news for dedicated Suikoden fans and could serve as an excellent entry point for newcomers if the anime becomes widely accessible.

The second major announcement, however, has left fans with mixed feelings. A new game, Suikoden Star Leap, was unveiled, boasting stunning visuals reminiscent of Octopath Traveler's 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds. Set a few years before Suikoden 1 and after Suikoden 5, it promises to include the traditional 108 characters that define the Suikoden series.

However, the game is slated for release exclusively on mobile platforms, which may not deter die-hard fans but adds a layer of concern. The inclusion of gacha mechanics and ongoing monetization has sparked disappointment among fans who are used to the series being offered as premium titles on consoles and PCs. It remains to be seen whether these monetization strategies will impact the gameplay experience or the ability to collect all 108 characters.

In the meantime, Suikoden enthusiasts can look forward to the re-releases of Suikoden 1 and 2 in the Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars collection. A new trailer for this eagerly awaited remaster was showcased during the live event, and it's set to launch tomorrow, March 6.