Summary
- The story spans at least three time periods: 1915, 1929, and 1943.
- The protagonist is a killer, combat focused on grounded encounters.
- The game will include jazz music, a possible mix of English and Japanese dialogue, and improved lighting.
Stranger Than Heaven is RGG Studio's latest game, and it looks like a massive upgrade over previous Yakuza titles with real-time combat. Combat looks crunchy with new dimensions, and the story promises to be yet another riveting time that fans will love.
The two trailers released so far have done a decent job of building intrigue, and fans can't wait to see what this title has to offer when the final product is revealed. Given RGG Studio's stellar track record, fans have all the confidence that this game will be yet another stellar entry in the series. Here's what fans know about it so far.
RGG Studio Debunks Various Project Century Fan Theories
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio director says that all current fan speculation regarding Project Century is incorrect, debunking several theories about the game.
8 The Story Takes Place Across At Least Three Different Time Periods
The Dates Confirmed For Now Are 1915, 1929, & 1943
The name Project Century generated a ton of intrigue when Stranger Than Heaven was initially introduced. Now, fans finally understand why this cryptic temporary name was assigned to this game. After showing a setting in 1915, the game jumps 28 years to 1943.
Diligent fans managed to unblur a snapshot of the dates that this game will take place in, with the three confirmed time periods being 1915, 1929, and 1943. It seems that there will be two more time periods to keep track of, and fans can't help but feel that this time-jumping plotline is bound to make for an epic show.
7 The Main Character Has No Problem With Killing
Stabbings & Slit Throats Galore
People are so used to controlling protagonists in Yakuza who don't kill that Stranger than Heaven seems completely different. The protagonist clearly has no problem with stabbing people and slicing their throats. This will likely make the action combat feel more brutal, which is already a point in Stranger Than Heaven's favor. RGG Studio knows how to let fans enjoy a stellar real-time combat system, and this title is poised to push their mastery to new heights.
6 Grounded Combat Will Be A Major Focus
The Protagonists Can Both Mount And Be Mounted On The Ground
Both trailers for Stranger Than Heaven showed grounded combat and made it clear that it will be a major focus. Enemies on the ground can be mounted to unleash some serious punishment, but players can't languish for too long, since other enemies may kick them off. The same applies to them too, with the grounded protagonist being mounted by enemies who can unleash a hail of blows on them. These moments hammer in the fact that Stranger Than Heaven's combat is going to be crunchier and more satisfying than ever.
Virtua Fighter and Project Century are Two Sides of the Same Coin
Although they both seem like bold new ventures for the veteran RGG Studio, Virtua Fighter and Project Century adhere to one of its oldest strengths.
5 The Soundtrack Will Have A Predominant Jazz Influence
RGG Studio's Music Always Slaps
RGG Studio is known for integrating some of the best music fans will hear in a video game, and it's clear that Stranger Than Heaven is poised to do the same thing. The jazz tones in the previews have made it clear what genre the developer will focus on for its music. Of course, there are bound to be some genre amalgamations, but most fans will welcome a heavy jazz focus in this title. It's one of the many ways that RGG Studio's newest game will stand out.
4 May Feature A Mix Of English & Japanese Dialogue
Can Have Some Interesting Story Implications
This isn't totally confirmed at this point, since it's possible that the trailer just switched between the Japanese and English dubs to confirm the existence of both. However, given the exotic appearance of the protagonist, it's possible that he knows both languages and will speak them in tandem throughout the adventure.
It's the first time RGG Studio will focus on both languages, if this is the case, and it could make for a riveting experience in its own right. If nothing else, fans won't debate about the best way to enjoy the dialogue if both languages are critical to the story.
3 The Lighting Will See Some Major Improvements
Lighting A Cigarette In A Dark Stairwell
Ray tracing has become commonplace in the industry, and it seems that Stranger Than Heaven may make the most of this technology. After all, it's clear that RGG Studio wanted to focus on the amazing lighting engine of their game.
Project Century Already Has One Clear Connection to the Like a Dragon Franchise
Project Century's status within the greater Like a Dragon franchise is still murky, but the title seemingly has one connection to the series already.
Seeing the protagonist light up a cigarette in a dark stairwell is eerily beautiful, making it clear that visuals will take a huge leap in this game. The Yakuza games have been growing in visual fidelity, and fans will welcome any effort made by the developer to make their title as immersive as possible.
2 The Setting Is Clearly Sotenbori In The Past
All But Confirmed
Sotenbori is one of the most popular hubs in the Yakuza series, based on the real-life Dotonbori district in Osaka. While some people feel that Stranger Than Heaven is a standalone tale, the setting hints at a possible connection to the Like a Dragon games. This is because it's clear that the hub world of this game is a past version of Sotenbori. The iconic bridges and streets are captured in this game and will make for a beautiful environment to explore.
1 The Protagonist's Name Is Mako Daito
A Blue-Eyed Protagonist With A Chip On His Shoulder
Mako Daito is the confirmed name of the protagonist in Stranger Than Heaven. His blue eyes and conflicted dialogue make it seem like he may feel like an outsider in Japan, but that's just speculation at this point. Controlling a murderous Daito in the streets of Sotenbori and uncovering a mystery for the ages will be a great time indeed. Whether it's a standalone game or an elaborate Yakuza spinoff, it's clear that Mako Daito is poised to become another legendary RGG Studio hero.
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
