This week, Konami surprised and delighted classic RPG fans with a Suikoden-focused livestream. The franchise, dormant since a Japan-only PSP title over a decade ago, sparked intense anticipation. The announcements? A Suikoden anime and a new Suikoden game… for mobile, with gacha mechanics.

Let's start with the good news: Suikoden: The Anime. Based on Suikoden II, it’s Konami's first animation production. Details remain scarce, including international availability, but a brief scenic preview was shown:

This is exciting for longtime fans and potentially a great introduction for newcomers, assuming broad release.

The new game, Suikoden: Star Leap, presents a more mixed bag. Visually stunning, with an Octopath Traveler-esque art style (2D sprites on 3D backgrounds), it’s set chronologically between Suikoden I and Suikoden V, featuring the series' signature 108 characters.

However, its mobile-only release and inclusion of gacha mechanics are points of contention. This monetization model contrasts sharply with the series' history of premium console and PC releases. The impact on gameplay and character collection remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, fans can enjoy the recently released Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. A new trailer debuted during the livestream, and the remaster launched March 6th.