Suikoden series’ upcoming mobile game, Suikoden STAR LEAP, promises to deliver a console-like experience with the ease of accessibility found in mobile gaming. Dive in to discover how the developers are crafting Star Leap and how it fits into the broader Suikoden universe.
Suikoden STAR LEAP Is The Franchise’s First Mobile RPG
Konami Wanted To Reach A Wider Audience
Suikoden's latest venture, Suikoden STAR LEAP, aims to bring the rich, console-quality experience to mobile platforms. In an insightful interview with Famitsu on March 4, 2025, the developers behind Star Leap shared their vision for the game.
Star Leap Producer Shinya Fujimatsu revealed the rationale behind choosing mobile as the platform, stating, "We wanted as many people as possible to experience Suikoden, so we selected mobile as the most accessible hardware. Moreover, if players are going to engage with it, I want it to truly embody the essence of Suikoden. That’s why we're challenging ourselves to create a title that feels like a mainline entry."
The team's goal is to fuse the high-quality visuals, immersive soundscapes, and compelling narratives typical of console games with the convenience and reach of mobile platforms.
Expressing Suikoden in STAR LEAP
Fujimatsu emphasized that Suikoden's unique charm lies in its portrayal of war themes intertwined with themes of friendship. He noted, "In Suikoden STAR LEAP, it’s crucial to depict the saga of the new 108 stars, maintaining the essence of Suikoden Genso."
Director Yoshiki Meng Shan elaborated on the series' signature elements, highlighting the blend of an upbeat atmosphere with serious undertones, centered around friendships. He added, "Another defining feature is the battle tempo, where numerous characters collaborate in combat, a hallmark of Suikoden."
Both a Sequel and a Prequel to the Series
Star Leap is designed to serve as both a sequel and prequel within the Suikoden saga, navigating through different timelines as the story unfolds. As a new installment, it will become an integral part of the series’ official timeline. The narrative kicks off two years before the events of Suikoden 1 and spans across various eras, connecting to Suikoden 1 through 5.
Fujimatsu expressed excitement about Star Leap’s quality, encouraging fans by saying, "Even if you’re new to the series, we’ve made it easy to jump into with the mobile format and accessible storytelling. We hope this game will be your entry point into ‘Suikoden Genso’."
Meng Shan echoed this sentiment, stating, "Suikoden is renowned as a premier RPG series in Japan. We’ve poured our hearts into every aspect—from the story, graphics, battle system, sound, to the training system—to uphold its legacy. We look forward to you experiencing it upon release."
Suikoden STAR LEAP was unveiled during the Suikoden Live broadcast on March 4, 2025, alongside other exciting updates and projects for the series. It is currently in development for iOS and Android, with no official release date announced yet.