RGG Studio's Stranger Than Heaven features historical setting and new combat mechanics
RGG Studio's upcoming role-playing game, Stranger Than Heaven, follows the story of Makoto Daito as he navigates a changing Japan across several decades. The game distinguishes itself from the developer's previous titles through a new combat system that utilizes controller triggers and bumpers, placing a heavy emphasis on manual parrying and dodging. Additionally, the game incorporates a management minigame focused on organizing musical revues, and features an appearance by Snoop Dogg, who instructs the player on crafting items.
Key points
- Stranger Than Heaven is a role-playing game set in Japan across multiple decades, starting in 1915.
- The combat system uses controller triggers and bumpers for attacks, which the reviewer suggests may be divisive.
- Players can manage a musical revue, including selecting singers and composing song variations.
- Snoop Dogg appears in the game to teach the player how to roll cigarettes and blend herbs.
- The game features a more violent tone compared to previous RGG Studio titles.
What happened
RGG Studio has provided a hands-on look at its upcoming title, Stranger Than Heaven. The game follows Makoto Daito, a protagonist of mixed American and Japanese heritage, as he attempts to establish a life in Japan throughout the early 20th century. The narrative spans several decades, with the game world evolving to reflect the modernization of the country.
Reaction
Early impressions indicate that the game's combat system is a significant departure from the developer's Like a Dragon series. While the reviewer found the combat to be ferocious and satisfying, they noted that the reliance on manual parrying and the new control scheme could be divisive for players. The game's setting and world-building, which transition through various historical periods, were highlighted as standout features.
Background
The game includes a management minigame where players organize musical performances, a feature that builds on the studio's history of including elaborate side activities. Sega recently released an Act One story trailer for the title. The game also features a cameo from Snoop Dogg, who provides gameplay tutorials on crafting.
Why it matters
Stranger Than Heaven marks a shift in RGG Studio's design, introducing a more demanding combat system that may challenge fans of the developer's previous action games.
What we know
- Stranger Than Heaven is a role-playing game developed by RGG Studio featuring a protagonist named Makoto Daito (45ef80be-b9e0-489d-90d8-d1a06e9ac6e1).
- The game features a combat system that uses controller triggers and bumpers for attacks and emphasizes parrying and dodging (45ef80be-b9e0-489d-90d8-d1a06e9ac6e1).
- The game includes a management minigame where players organize musical revues (45ef80be-b9e0-489d-90d8-d1a06e9ac6e1).
- Snoop Dogg appears in the game to teach the player how to roll cigarettes and blend herbs (45ef80be-b9e0-489d-90d8-d1a06e9ac6e1).
What remains unclear
- The combat system in Stranger Than Heaven will be divisive among players (45ef80be-b9e0-489d-90d8-d1a06e9ac6e1).
How the story developed
Hands-on preview of Stranger Than Heaven published
Eurogamer published a hands-on preview detailing the combat, setting, and management features of the game.
Original source
