The much-anticipated Suikoden series is expanding its horizons with the upcoming mobile game, Suikoden STAR LEAP, promising a console-like quality combined with the accessibility of mobile gaming. Dive into how the developers crafted 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, is set to bring a console-quality experience to mobile platforms. 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 go mobile was driven by the desire to reach a wider audience. He stated, "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."
The development team is committed to delivering a game that combines the high-quality visuals, sounds, and stories of console games with the accessibility that mobile platforms offer.
Expressing Suikoden in STAR LEAP
Fujimatsu emphasized the essence of Suikoden, highlighting its unique blend of war themes and the focus on friendship. He noted, "In Suikoden STAR LEAP, I think it is important for Suikoden Genso to be able to depict the story of the new 108 stars."
Director Yoshiki Meng Shan further elaborated on the series' characteristics, mentioning its upbeat atmosphere alongside serious scenes. He added, "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."
Both a Sequel and a Prequel to the Series
Star Leap is designed to be both a sequel and a prequel, weaving through different eras within the Suikoden universe. It will serve as a new installment, officially integrated into the series' history. The story begins two years before the events of Suikoden 1 and spans across various eras, effectively serving as both a sequel and prequel to Suikoden 1 through 5.
Fujimatsu encouraged fans to anticipate the high-quality experience of Star Leap, saying, "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, affirming their dedication to maintaining the series' reputation. He said, "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."
Suikoden STAR LEAP was first announced during the Suikoden Live broadcast on March 4, 2025, alongside other upcoming events and projects within the series. The game is being developed for iOS and Android platforms, though an official release date has yet to be announced.