Hiroyuki Sakamoto
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I love Stranger Than Heaven's "more intuitive and rough" combat: "Frankly speaking, with Yakuza, you could even play it with closed eyes", says its producer
Stranger Than Heaven's combat system is designed to be more intuitive and rough than the Like a Dragon series, requiring players to actively block and strategize. Producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto highlights the left-and-right arm control scheme, which aims to create a greater sense of involvement in fights. The preview showcased different difficulty levels and demonstrated the game's impressive gore, leaving the reviewer excited for its January 15, 2027 release.
Stranger Than Heaven dev says it isn't using AI to bring back Tupac, it's treating him with the "biggest respect possible"
The developer of Stranger Than Heaven, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, has addressed concerns about the posthumous inclusion of rapper Tupac Shakur, stating they are treating his likeness with the utmost respect and that no AI was used. Director Mikinobu Abe and producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto explained that they approached Tupac's family and agency with transparency about the game's story and intent, receiving their approval. The article notes the controversial nature of Tupac's death and ongoing estate disputes, expressing a degree of perplexity regarding the decision.
I asked the Stranger Than Heaven devs the only question that matters: when is the theme song coming to Spotify?
During an interview at Gamescom, RGG Studio's Mikinobu Abe and Hiroyuki Sakamoto addressed the highly anticipated release of the Stranger Than Heaven theme song, featuring Ado, Snoop Dogg, Tori Kelly, and Satoshi Fujihara, on streaming platforms like Spotify. While no firm release date was provided, Sakamoto assured that the song would be available at the proper time, highlighting its integral role in balancing the game's serious tone with its vibrant musical and show business elements.
Stranger Than Heaven’s Combat is RGG Studio’s Most Visceral Yet, as Revealed in New Gameplay
RGG Studio's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, will feature the developer's most visceral combat yet, allowing players to control protagonist Makoto Daito's fighting style across three distinct eras. The combat system includes separate control for left and right body parts, combo attacks, parries, and weapon usage. The game is set to launch on January 15th, 2027, and will offer a darker tone than previous RGG Studio titles.
SEGA Announces Huge Gamescom 2026 Line-Up
SEGA has announced its Gamescom 2026 line-up, featuring playable demos of Alien: Isolation 2, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, Persona 4 Revival, and Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000. The event will also showcase Metaphor: ReFantazio on Nintendo Switch, the Lords of the End Times DLC for Total War: Warhammer III, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and SONIC PICO PARK. Attendees can also meet RGG Studio legends Hiroyuki Sakamoto and Mikinobu Abe.
Stranger Than Heaven Uses Unified Multilingual Voice Track
RGG Studio revealed that Stranger Than Heaven will feature a unified multilingual voice track instead of separate Japanese and English versions. Characters will naturally switch languages based on context to preserve authenticity, with multiple language subtitles available. The game follows Makoto Daito across five decades of Japanese history, featuring five real-world inspired locations and a unique combat system where players control each limb independently.
Stranger Than Heaven offers the grounded refresh I've been desperate to see from Yakuza RPGs for years
Stranger Than Heaven, a new game from RGG Studio, offers a more grounded and intimate take on the crime drama genre, moving away from the over-the-top brawling of recent Yakuza titles. The game features a unique combat system with independent limb control and a narrative spanning fifty years, focusing on the evolving relationship between two protagonists and the role of music in their lives. Producer Hiroyuki Sakomoto assures that the combat will be visceral yet flow naturally, aiming for a balance between RGG Studio's storytelling strengths and engaging gameplay.
Yakuza and Like a Dragon developer RGG Studio finally gives Stranger Than Heaven a release window
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced that their upcoming action-RPG, Stranger Than Heaven, will launch this winter. The game, which takes place across five different eras in Japan from 1915 to 1965, will feature a new, complex combat system. Stranger Than Heaven is set to release on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
Stranger Than Heaven's new combat system sounds pretty complicated, but looks absolutely amazing
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, will feature a new, complex combat system where players control the protagonist's left and right sides independently for an unprecedented level of control. The game, set across five different eras of modern Japanese history, also includes a variety of weapons and context-sensitive attacks. Stranger Than Heaven is set to launch this Winter for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Stranger Than Heaven Features a Brand New Combat System That Channels Tekken
Stranger Than Heaven will feature a unique combat system where players control Makoto's left and right limbs independently, similar to Tekken. This new IP from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio allows for limb-specific attacks, blocking, and special moves. The game is set to launch this Winter for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Xbox Presents: A Special Look at Stranger Than Heaven – Everything We Learned (Including Snoop Dogg’s Role!)
RGG Studio revealed new details about their upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven during an Xbox Presents showcase. The game follows protagonist Makoto Daito across five decades and five cities, featuring a unique combat system and a story that incorporates music composition and management elements. Notable voice actors include Snoop Dogg, Cordell Broadus, Tori Kelly, and Satoshi Fujihara. Stranger Than Heaven will be released this winter for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
