Stranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Like a Dragon series, features an "obnoxiously obtuse" control scheme that significantly hinders the gameplay experience, according to a preview from Kotaku.
The game's combat deviates from the series' traditional beat-'em-up style, opting instead for a system that requires players to control protagonist Makoto Daito's left and right sides independently using the triggers and bumpers. This mechanic is intended to simulate the physical weight and commitment of shifting one's body during a fight.
However, the preview notes that in practice, this slow-moving and clunky combat system is overly fixated on character direction and orientation. When Daito is knocked aside or performs an animation, the game reorients the fight, often resulting in attacks being registered from unexpected directions. The character's slow movement speed exacerbates this issue, making it difficult for players to react to incoming attacks before it is too late.
While acknowledging that some players may find enjoyment in mastering the game's challenging controls, the reviewer concluded that the experience was ultimately not worth the frustration. The game's attempt to immerse players by translating controller inputs into realistic body movements via haptic feedback was found to be an imperfect translation that left the player feeling less in control. This approach, the preview suggests, highlights the limitations of controllers in replicating physical interaction rather than enhancing immersion.
Stranger Than Heaven is expected to be a divisive title due to its unconventional gameplay mechanics.