Tupac Shakur
Reporting and statements that mention Tupac Shakur.
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Stranger Than Heaven's combat system is one of many gambles that RGG might regret
This preview of Stranger Than Heaven, the next Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio game, focuses on its radical departure from the Like a Dragon series' traditional brawler combat. The new system, which controls each limb with a separate button and features directional blocking, is described as novel but potentially frustrating, especially in group encounters. The article also touches on controversial celebrity casting and the game's potential connection to the Like a Dragon lore, expressing concern that the studio is gambling on unproven ideas.
Netflix doubles down on video games by partnering with Sega for movie adaptations of Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven
Netflix is expanding its video game adaptation efforts by partnering with Sega to create movie adaptations of Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven. The streaming service is also developing a new Sonic the Hedgehog animated series. While Crazy Taxi is a well-established franchise, Stranger Than Heaven is a prequel game set to release next year, making its adaptation a gamble.
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.
Recension – Onimusha: Way of the Sword - Fångad av en samurajvind
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a stylish action game that blends samurai combat with elements reminiscent of Sekiro and classic Resident Evil. It features intense boss fights, particularly against the memorable Sasaki Ganryu, and utilizes Capcom's RE Engine for impressive visuals and sound design. The game runs well on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, with the Switch version even incorporating unique motion controls.
Stranger Than Heaven’s Behind-the-Scenes Motion Capture Shown Off in Jazzy New Trailer
Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released a new trailer for Stranger Than Heaven, showcasing the game's development process, including motion capture and an in-game jazz performance. The trailer also briefly touches on the game's combat system, which allows for independent control of Makoto's limbs and features a parry mechanic. The game is set to release on January 15th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and will feature a story spanning fifty years with a star-studded cast including Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur.
Marxoxo releases new single "Mental Prison Baby" — MP3s & NPCs
Bay Area alt-pop artist Marxoxo has released their new single "Mental Prison Baby," accompanied by a music video filmed at the Glen Park BART station. The artist described the song as embodying their pop ethos of inducing joy, cognizance, elevation, and empathy, drawing inspiration from generational anthems. "Mental Prison Baby" is a precursor to Marxoxo's forthcoming debut album, IDOLL.
'It May Seem Like We're Only Doing It for Attention': Stranger Than Heaven Dev Discusses Celebrity Castings, Including Tupac
RGG Studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama addressed criticisms regarding the use of celebrity likenesses, including Tupac Shakur, in the upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven. Yokoyama stated his intention is for players to focus on gameplay and narrative, not the casting choices, and that Tupac's inclusion was facilitated by Snoop Dogg and approved by Tupac's family.
Stranger Than Heaven studio don't intend their "casting choices [to] take the spotlight and overshadow everything else", despite that now having happened two games running
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama stated that the inclusion of Tupac Shakur in Stranger Than Heaven and Teruyuki Kagawa in Yakuza Kiwami 3 was not intended to overshadow the games' gameplay and narrative. He clarified that the studio aims for celebrity casting to elevate the overall work, citing examples from Yakuza 0 where actors were perfectly suited for their roles. However, the article argues that these specific casting choices have indeed drawn significant attention and controversy, potentially detracting from the games themselves.
Stranger Than Heaven will explore Tupac's "potential future" if "he was still alive now", according to RGG studio head
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama discussed the decision to include a digitally resurrected Tupac Shakur in the upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven. The inclusion was inspired by Snoop Dogg's role and the real-life relationship between the two artists, with the studio aiming to explore a potential future for Tupac rather than recreate his past. RGG Studio obtained approval from both Tupac's family and his estate for his likeness.
Stranger Than Heaven devs claim to have sought the approval of Tupac's family before including him
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama stated that the team sought and received approval from Tupac Shakur's family before depicting the late rapper in the upcoming game, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Yokoyama emphasized that the studio aimed to be respectful and honorable in their portrayal, envisioning what Tupac might have been like in the decades following his passing.
Stranger Than Heaven Director Addresses Concerns Over Tupac's Inclusion
The director of the game Stranger Than Heaven has responded to concerns regarding the inclusion of Tupac Shakur. The article addresses the controversy surrounding the casting choice.
Round Up: Stranger Than Heaven Makes a Strong Impression with Its Unique Melee Combat
SEGA and RGG Studio's upcoming action-adventure game, Stranger Than Heaven, is generating buzz for its unique melee combat system, which allows players to control the protagonist's left and right sides independently. While some previews praise the system's depth and potential, others express reservations about its execution and camera control. The game is set to release on PlayStation 5 early next year and features a cast including Snoop Dogg and the late Tupac Shakur.
Tupac Casting In Stranger Than Heaven Came Directly From Snoop Dogg, RGG Boss Says
RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama confirmed that Snoop Dogg suggested Tupac Shakur for a role in Stranger Than Heaven, with his estate's approval. The game, set to release on January 17, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles, also features the likeness of deceased actor Sugawara Bunta. Yokoyama emphasized that no AI was used in the creation of these characters, and that voice actors with prior relationships to the deceased individuals were chosen out of respect.
Stranger Than Heaven’s Combat System Makes Both Your Hands Play Separate Roles
RGG Studio's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, introduces a unique combat system where the left and right sides of the protagonist are controlled independently, allowing for more strategic attacks and parries. The game, set across 50 years and five distinct periods in Japan's history, will launch on January 15, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It features a cast including Snoop Dogg, Bunta Sugawara, and Tupac Shakur.
Stranger Than Heaven's regional price creep on Steam is one more reason I'm feeling wary
The article discusses the increasing regional price creep of games on Steam, using Stranger Than Heaven and Persona 4 Revival as examples of titles with higher UK prices compared to their US counterparts. It highlights Geoff Keighley's comments on the success of affordable indie games and contrasts these with the rising costs of new releases, also touching on the controversial inclusion of Tupac Shakur in Stranger Than Heaven.
Preorders Are Open For Like a Dragon Prequel Stranger Than Heaven
Preorders are now open for Stranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Like a Dragon franchise, set to release on January 15, 2027, for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Steam, and PC. The game follows Makoto Daito across five timelines and features appearances from Snoop Dogg, Bunta Sugawara, and Tupac Shakur. Developed by RGG Studio and published by Sega, it will also be available on Game Pass day one.
Stranger Than Heaven Release Date Set, Will Feature Tupac Shakur
Sega and Ryu ga Gotoku Studios have announced that Stranger Than Heaven will be released on January 17, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The game will feature the likeness of Tupac Shakur, with his estate's permission and without the use of AI. The action-adventure brawler is set across five cities and eras of modern Japan.
The biggest surprises of Summer Game Fest 2006 - from Tupac to Alien Isolation 2
Summer Game Fest showcased numerous game announcements and trailers, including a new Cuphead game titled Mighty Cuphead Adventure, Alien: Isolation 2, and gen ATLAS from Fumito Ueda. Other notable reveals included Stranger Than Heaven featuring Tupac Shakur, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, and expansions for Monster Hunter Wilds and Stellar Blade. Many titles are slated for release in 2027 or later, with some like Virtua Fighter CrossRoads and 1666 Amsterdam aiming for next year.
Everything from Summer Game Fest 2026
Summer Game Fest 2026 featured numerous game announcements and reveals. Highlights include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Palworld 1.0, The Wolf Among Us 2, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, and Atlas from Shadow of the Colossus creator Fumito Ueda. Several sequels and expansions were also showcased, including Alien Isolation 2 and Resident Evil Veronica.