Stranger Than Heaven’s Summer Game Fest Reveal Stands Out, Thanks to Its Yakuza Developer Influence

Sure thing, here you go:

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So, yeah, not every game hits everyone’s sweet spot, right? But you gotta admit, the crew behind the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series? They’ve, like, got style pouring out of their ears. I mean, it’s not like they drop a fresh title on us every other Tuesday or something. But when they do, hooo boy, it’s usually an event. This next one? Looks like it’s shaping up to be something else.

First heard about it at The Game Awards 2024. They were calling it Project Century back then, super mysterious-like. Now? It’s officially “Stranger Than Heaven.” Cool title.

So, this reveal? Summer Game Fest stage. And I’m telling ya, figuring out what the heck was going on was like trying to juggle spaghetti. Starts with this dude chillin’ at a live music gig in what’s probably 1940s Japan — classy vibe. Then he leaves, and BAM, there’s that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio logo. You just know something’s coming.

You catch the combat? Yeah, classic RGG — brutal, yet kind of ridiculous in the best way. And yep, there’s all that city life exploration stuff. Love it.

But wait, there’s more! Seems like we’ve got some puzzle-solving thrown in. Choices, too. Not the usual Like a Dragon thing, right? Also, scratch this, the game jumps across different eras — first, it’s 1915, then suddenly, we’re in 1943. I mean, whiplash much?

Oh, and if the title holds up, maybe we’re gonna be zipping through the entire 19th century? Who knows? Personally, I’m just stoked to wander through pre and post-World War 2 Japan. There’s a lot bubbling under the surface in this one — American influence, a sprinkle of the supernatural… it’s like they’re throwing the entire kitchen sink at us.

But, uh, when can we play it? Good question. No release date, no platform intel. Nada. But it’s got folks buzzing already. Can’t wait to see what the folks at RGG decide to spill next.