Suikoden is back—sort of. Konami and MYTHRIL have announced Suikoden STAR LEAP, a new mobile RPG for Android and iOS, set for free-to-play release later this year. While a specific date remains unannounced, anticipation is high.
For the uninitiated, the Suikoden series, born in 1995, is a collection of RPGs developed and published by Konami, the brainchild of Yoshitaka Murayama. Loosely based on the classic Chinese novel Water Margin, the series—known as Suikoden in Japanese—has captivated players with its blend of political intrigue, True Runes, and the legendary 108 Stars of Destiny. Eleven entries, including spin-offs, have graced the gaming world, the last arriving in 2012. Now, instead of a direct sequel or full-fledged revival, Konami offers Suikoden STAR LEAP for mobile platforms.
What Awaits?
Suikoden STAR LEAP introduces a fresh cast of characters while retaining the series' signature element: the gathering of 108 heroes. The game employs pixel art, preserving the classic Suikoden aesthetic. See for yourself:
The narrative centers on the Rune of Change, one of the 27 True Runes said to have shaped the world. The protagonist, Hou, the son of a village chief, celebrates his first successful hunt, only to have his life—and village—shattered by a devastating attack. This sets Hou on a quest for peace, joined by Hisui (his servant with a mysterious emotional suppression), Shirin (his childhood friend with a strong sense of justice), and Shapur (a former general turned butler).
The game's announcement hasn't been universally embraced. Longtime Suikoden fans, yearning for a true continuation, express mixed feelings about STAR LEAP's gacha mechanics.
Further details await the game's launch. For the latest updates, visit the official website.
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