RGG Studio, known for its narrative-driven Like a Dragon series, is set to release Stranger Than Heaven, a game that, while sharing RGG's signature style, aims for a distinct experience. Executive director Masayoshi Yokoyama stated that the studio is "swinging bigger" with this new title.
The story begins in 1915 with Makoto Daito arriving in Kokura, Fukuoka, a bustling port city that also serves as a hub for illicit activities. As Makoto establishes himself, the game will traverse through different eras and locations in Japan, culminating in a narrative set in the 1960s Tokyo that details the founding of the Tojo Clan, a significant organization within the Like a Dragon franchise. Despite this connection, the developers have not focused on adding overt nods to the existing series, instead prioritizing Stranger Than Heaven's own narrative and mechanics.
Combat in Stranger Than Heaven diverges from the familiar Like a Dragon style. It employs a more intentional system that heavily utilizes the shoulder and trigger buttons. Makoto's right and left arms are controlled by the respective shoulder buttons, while his legs are mapped to the triggers. Players can also incorporate directional dodges and blocks to execute counterattacks, or utilize both triggers simultaneously for grabs and tackles. Despite its apparent complexity, the preview demonstrated that these mechanics become intuitive through play.
Gameplay progression involves encounters across different time periods, starting with unarmed combat in 1915 Kokura. Subsequent fights in 1929 Kure and 1943 Osaka introduce weapons, such as a crowbar for crowd control, and culminate in challenging one-on-one duels, like a knife fight against a skilled swordsman. The Osaka encounter, in particular, required patience and precise parries, with a single mistake significantly depleting Makoto's health, as evidenced by the seven attempts it took to defeat the swordsman.
RGG Studio's ability to develop diverse combat systems is notable, with Stranger Than Heaven's directional combat existing alongside the distinct fighting mechanics of the Like a Dragon series and the upcoming Virtua Fighter Crossroads. Yokoyama emphasized that the choice of gameplay system is driven by the narrative. "It’s not really about the systems; it’s about the experiences," he explained. "You’re able to customize the experience to fit the story, like it’s an extension to accentuate it in the best possible way." He cited the turn-based system in Like a Dragon 7 as an example, chosen to reflect Ichiban Kasuga's journey with friends, contrasting it with Stranger Than Heaven's tense, visceral battles that are intended to complement the character and story.
Stranger Than Heaven has also drawn attention for its casting. Snoop Dogg is set to play Orpheus, Makoto's best friend. More controversially, the likeness of the late Tupac Shakur will appear as Amaru. This casting decision, recommended by Snoop Dogg, was made in close collaboration with Amaru Entertainment, the owner of Shakur's likeness, and with the involvement of Shakur's family. RGG Studio intends for the depiction to honor the rapper respectfully. While Amaru was not featured in the preview gameplay, Yokoyama's cautious approach to the sensitive subject matter offers some reassurance regarding the handling of Shakur's likeness.