Exciting news for RPG fans: Suikoden is making a comeback, albeit in a new form. Konami and MYTHRIL have just unveiled Suikoden STAR LEAP, a mobile RPG set to launch on Android and iOS. This free-to-play game is slated for release later this year, though an exact date hasn't been announced yet.
For those new to the series, Suikoden has been enchanting players since its debut in 1995. Developed and published by Konami, and created by Yoshitaka Murayama, the series draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Water Margin, known in Japanese as Suikoden. The franchise is renowned for its rich storytelling, featuring political intrigue, mystical True Runes, and the iconic 108 Stars of Destiny. With 11 entries to date, including spin-offs, the most recent release was in 2012. Now, instead of a direct sequel or a full revival, fans are getting Suikoden STAR LEAP, a mobile game that aims to carry on the legacy.
What’s in Store?
Suikoden STAR LEAP introduces a fresh lineup of characters while maintaining the tradition of assembling 108 heroes, a hallmark of the series. The game retains the classic Suikoden aesthetic with its pixel art style, which you can preview in the teaser trailer below.
The storyline centers on the Rune of Change, one of the 27 True Runes pivotal to the game's world. The protagonist, Hou, the son of the village chief, celebrates his first successful hunt only to face tragedy when his village is attacked. Driven by this disaster, Hou embarks on a journey alongside Hisui, Shirin, and Shapur to restore peace. Hisui, Hou's servant, struggles with emotional suppression; Shirin, his childhood friend, is driven by a strong sense of justice; and Shapur, a former general, now serves as a butler.
While some fans might feel let down, hoping for a traditional sequel after such a long wait, Suikoden STAR LEAP offers a new way to experience the beloved universe. It remains to be seen how the community will react to this gacha game approach. We'll have more insights once the game is released. In the meantime, keep an eye on the official website for the latest updates.
Before you go, don't miss our coverage on Clash Royale celebrating its 9th birthday with a plethora of challenges and a new evolution!