The highly anticipated Suikoden series is set to expand into the mobile gaming world with Suikoden STAR LEAP, promising a console-like quality combined with the convenience of mobile gaming. Dive into the details of how the developers are crafting this new addition to the beloved series.

Suikoden STAR LEAP: The Franchise's First Mobile RPG

Konami's Strategy to Reach a Wider Audience

Suikoden's latest venture, Suikoden STAR LEAP, is poised to deliver a gaming experience reminiscent of console titles. In an insightful interview with Famitsu on March 4, 2025, the developers of Star Leap shared their vision for the game.

Star Leap Producer Shinya Fujimatsu revealed that the decision to launch on mobile was driven by the desire to reach a broader audience. "We wanted as many people as possible to experience Suikoden, so we chose mobile as the easiest hardware to play. And if you are going to touch it, I want it to have the soul of Suikoden properly, so I am taking on the challenge of creating a numbered work," he explained. The team's goal is to blend the high-quality visuals, sounds, and storytelling of console games with the accessibility of the mobile platform.

Capturing the Essence of Suikoden in STAR LEAP

Fujimatsu emphasized that the uniqueness of Suikoden lies in its portrayal of war themes intertwined with narratives of friendship. "In Suikoden STAR LEAP, I think it is important for Suikoden Genso to be able to depict the story of the new 108 stars," he stated. Director Yoshiki Meng Shan further highlighted the series' characteristics, noting its blend of an upbeat atmosphere with serious scenes. "The other is the tempo of the battles, and I think that the fact that many characters participate in battles and work together is also unique to Suikoden," he added.

A Unique Narrative: Both a Sequel and a Prequel

Suikoden STAR LEAP will serve as both a sequel and a prequel to the series, weaving through different eras. Starting two years before the events of Suikoden 1, the game will explore various timelines, enriching the series' official history. Fujimatsu encouraged fans to anticipate the game's high quality, stating, "Even if you have never touched the series, we have made it easy to play in the form of mobile and easy to get used to the story and game, so we hope that you will experience this game as the first game in 'Suikoden Genso'."

Meng Shan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's dedication to maintaining the series' reputation. "Suikoden is one of the leading RPG series in Japan. In keeping up with its name, we have paid attention to everything from the story, graphics, battle system, sound, and training system to live up to its name. We hope you will be able to play it after the release," he said.

Suikoden STAR LEAP was first announced during the Suikoden Live broadcast on March 4, 2025, alongside other upcoming projects in the series. The game is in development for iOS and Android, though no official release date has been announced yet.