"Suikoden STAR LEAP: Console-Quality Gaming on Mobile"

The Suikoden series is set to expand its reach with the upcoming mobile game, Suikoden STAR LEAP, promising a console-like experience with the convenience of mobile gaming. Dive into the details of how the developers are crafting Star Leap and how it aligns with the legacy of the Suikoden series.

Konami's Vision to Reach a Wider Audience

Suikoden's latest venture, Suikoden STAR LEAP, aims to deliver a gaming experience akin to that of a console game. In an insightful interview with Famitsu on March 4, 2025, the developers behind Star Leap shared their approach to the game's development.

Star Leap Producer Shinya Fujimatsu explained the rationale behind choosing mobile as the platform: "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 team's goal is to blend the high-quality visuals, sounds, and storytelling of console games with the accessibility of mobile platforms.

Capturing the Essence of Suikoden in STAR LEAP

Fujimatsu emphasized the unique elements of Suikoden, highlighting the game's focus on war themes intertwined with themes of friendship. He stated, "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, noting its blend of an upbeat atmosphere with serious scenes and the unique tempo of battles where many characters collaborate. 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."

A Story Spanning Eras: Both Sequel and Prequel

Suikoden STAR LEAP will serve as both a sequel and a prequel, weaving through different eras of the series' timeline. The game will start two years before the events of Suikoden 1 and will cover various periods, making it a new installment that enriches the official history of the series.

Fujimatsu expressed his enthusiasm for the game's quality, 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, 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."

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.