During a recent broadcast hosted by Xbox, SEGA of America and RGG Studio shared new details regarding their upcoming project, Stranger Than Heaven. The action adventure title is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
The narrative follows a story spanning fifty years, focusing on individuals struggling to find a sense of home. The journey begins in 1915 San Francisco with Makoto Daito, a young boy of American and Japanese heritage. After the death of his parents and facing persecution due to his background, Daito stows away on a ship bound for Japan. This decision marks the start of a decades long saga that takes him across the Pacific and through various stages of Japanese history.
Players will explore five distinct cities, each representing a different era and inspired by real world locations. The settings include the industrial foundry town of Kokura in 1915 and the naval port of Kure in 1929. The game then moves to the Minami entertainment district of Osaka in 1943 during wartime, the postwar tourism hub of Atami in 1951, and finally the Shinjuku pleasure district of Tokyo in 1965.
A major component of the gameplay involves Daito’s career as a showman. This system requires players to explore the streets to scout for performers and singers to build various acts. To create music, players can collect environmental sounds from the world around them, such as the noise of passing trains, animal cries, or even the sounds of combat. These recordings are used to craft original tracks, with players managing the production elements including setlists, band arrangements, and cast assignments.
The combat system focuses on independent control of the protagonist’s left and right sides. This allows for instinctive movements where players can block an incoming attack with one hand while simultaneously countering with the other. The system includes a variety of upgradable weapons such as katanas, hammers, and knives, as well as the ability to use charged attacks or pin enemies to the ground.
The title features an international cast including Yu Shirota, Dean Fujioka, Snoop Dogg, Moeka Hoshi, Tori Kelly, Akio Otsuka, and Tokuma Nishioka. The lineup also includes Satoshi Fujihara, Cordell Broadus, and Ado. Notably, the game features the late actor Bunta Sugawara. RGG Studio developed his digital character using archival footage and photographs provided by Toei Company, Ltd., the studio behind films such as Battles Without Honour and Humanity. This was done with formal consent from his family, and the character is voiced by Takashi Ukaji, who was a close associate of Sugawara.
The musical direction of the game is highlighted by the original theme song, also titled Stranger Than Heaven. The track features a collaborative performance by Snoop Dogg, Satoshi Fujihara, Ado, and Tori Kelly.
