Images: KONAMI
It has been nearly 20 years since the release of the last Suikoden game.
There’s a new Suikoden game, but it’s not exactly what fans have been asking for all these years. Konami and developer MYTHRIL have officially announced Suikoden STAR LEAP, a new entry in the beloved Suikoden series, set to launch on iOS and Android.
The announcement was made on Tuesday (4 March) during Konami’s Suikoden "Special Program" broadcast, where it also shared the game’s trailer:
In the trailer, Hisui walks alongside Hero and reflects, saying, “Thanks to this person (Hero) who guides me to the right path, I can now live with a smile on my face.” A few scenes then showcase Hero exploring towns and areas rendered in Suikoden’s traditional pixel art style. While everything initially appears peaceful, the trailer soon introduces "The Crest of Change" (translated by Konami as a Rune in English), with enemies seeking to take it from Hero’s hands.
No release window has been confirmed yet, but the game will be free-to-play with in-game microtransactions. Aki Shimizu, a manga artist and illustrator known for the Suikoden III manga and the Hyakki Yako series, shared a message on the Suikoden STAR LEAP website: “A new addition to the Suikoden series, after a long silence! I’m already looking forward to meeting him… and her… and all the others.”
The last Suikoden game, Suikoden V, was released nearly 20 years ago in 2006 for the PlayStation 2, while the latest spin-off, Genso Suikoden: Tsumugareshi Hyakunen no Toki, was later released in 2012 as a Japan-exclusive title.
What is Suikoden STAR LEAP about?
At the heart of Suikoden STAR LEAP is the Rune of Change, one of the 27 True Runes said to shape the world. The story begins in a lakeside village east of the Scarlet Moon Empire. The protagonist, the son of village chief Hou, returns from his first successful hunt to a joyous celebration.
However, the peace is short-lived as the village comes under sudden attack, setting the stage for a fateful journey. Joined by Hisui, Shirin, and Shapur, the Hero embarks on a quest to restore peace to his home. What starts as a small adventure soon expands into a grander destiny, where the choices of a few may determine the future of many.
According to a report by Noisy Pixel, the development team described the experience as both a prologue and an epilogue to past titles, featuring a "trick" that allows them to depict various time frames. Additionally, new perspectives on past scenes from the series will be included, eventually revealing "something you were not told from the original."
Where does Suikoden STAR LEAP fit in the Suikoden series timeline?
This upcoming entry is set in the same world as past Suikoden titles and follows the same calendar, making it canon to the franchise. It takes place a few years before Suikoden I and shortly after Suikoden V. The game will also feature returning characters.
Main Characters and Voice Actor
- Hero (Tomohiro Ono) – The protagonist and son of the village chief, known for his courage and charm.
- Hisui (Hika Tsukishiro) – A servant in Hero’s household who suppresses her emotions for unknown reasons, despite her naturally cheerful disposition.
- Hou (Akio Otsuka) – The Hero’s father and village chief, a former fierce fighter with a mysterious past linked to influential figures across various nations.
- Shirin (Fairouz Ai) – The Hero’s childhood friend, raised by her single father. She is high-spirited, sometimes impulsive, but deeply just.
- Shapur (Takuya Sato) – The Hero’s teacher and butler, formerly a general. His decision to remain in a small village as a household servant hints at hidden depths.
Suikoden STAR LEAP is confirmed to feature new songs and orchestral remixes from past titles. Around 150 background music tracks have been confirmed, nearly matching Suikoden V.
