The Suikoden series is set to expand its reach with the upcoming mobile game, Suikoden STAR LEAP, promising a console-like quality with the convenience of mobile gaming. Dive in to discover how the developers are crafting Star Leap and how it aligns with the iconic series.
Konami's Strategy to Broaden the Audience
Suikoden's latest venture, Suikoden STAR LEAP, aims to deliver an experience akin to that of a console game, right at your fingertips on your mobile device. In a revealing interview with Famitsu on March 4, 2025, the Star Leap development team shared their vision and goals.
Star Leap Producer Shinya Fujimatsu explained the decision to opt for a mobile platform, stating, "Our goal was to make Suikoden accessible to as many people as possible, which led us to choose mobile. And if players are going to engage with it, I want it to embody the essence of Suikoden fully, so we are ambitiously creating a numbered title."
The team's objective is clear: to merge the high-quality visuals, sounds, and storytelling of console games with the accessibility and convenience of mobile gaming.
Capturing the Essence of Suikoden in STAR LEAP
Fujimatsu highlighted the distinctive elements of Suikoden, emphasizing the series' focus on themes of war and friendship. He noted, "In Suikoden STAR LEAP, it's crucial to portray the saga of the new 108 stars faithfully."
Suikoden STAR LEAP Director Yoshiki Meng Shan further delved into the series' characteristics, pointing out its unique blend of light-hearted camaraderie and serious undertones. He said, "Another defining feature is the battle tempo, where numerous characters collaborate in combat, which is a hallmark of Suikoden."
A Story that Bridges Eras
Star Leap serves as both a sequel and a prequel, weaving through various timelines within the Suikoden universe. This new installment is poised to become a pivotal chapter in the series' official narrative. The storyline kicks off two years before the events of Suikoden 1 and spans across different eras, connecting to Suikoden 1 through 5.
Encouraging fans to anticipate Star Leap's high-quality execution, Fujimatsu stated, "Even for those new to the series, we've designed the game to be easily accessible on mobile, making it simple to dive into the story and gameplay. We hope you'll consider this your entry point into 'Suikoden Genso'."
Echoing this sentiment, Meng Shan added, "Suikoden is renowned as a top-tier RPG series in Japan. With that reputation in mind, we've meticulously crafted every aspect from the storyline, graphics, battle mechanics, sound, and character development to honor its legacy. We eagerly await your feedback upon its release."
Announcement and Development
Suikoden STAR LEAP was unveiled during the Suikoden Live broadcast on March 4, 2025, alongside other exciting projects and events within the series. The game is currently in development for iOS and Android platforms, though an official release date has yet to be announced.