At the Summer Game Fest on June 6, 2025, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) officially unveiled their much-anticipated historical action game, Stranger Than Heaven. Formerly known by its codename Project Century since its initial reveal at The Game Awards in December 2024, this new title promises a unique blend of noir detective storytelling set against the backdrop of early to mid-20th century Japan.
The reveal trailer offered fans their first substantial glimpse into the game’s world, showcasing an atmospheric neon-lit Tokyo circa 1943. The protagonist, Mako Daito, is introduced as a mysterious figure whose striking blue eyes and ambiguous heritage hint at a complex identity. He operates as an agent of subterfuge, navigating the city’s glamorous nightclubs, seedy tenements, and bustling neon-soaked streets. His work as a detective involves meticulous investigations reminiscent of the gameplay style found in titles like L.A. Noire, where players examine evidence and piece together clues to unravel intricate mysteries.
Unlike previous RGG Studio entries, Stranger Than Heaven appears to incorporate survival and simulation elements. For example, a brief gameplay moment shows Mako holding a cigarette, accompanied by an on-screen tooltip warning that “Draws immense hostility when smoking.” Additionally, hunger and thirst meters are visible, marking a first for the studio and suggesting players will need to manage these survival aspects amid the noir drama.
Combat remains a core component of the gameplay, with intense street fights breaking out in the city’s seedier corners. The trailer reveals that players may face moral choices during combat, such as deciding whether to show mercy to dangerous opponents or deal with them brutally. This decision-making adds depth to the gameplay, blending action with narrative consequences in a way that echoes the beloved Like a Dragon series, albeit in a distinctly different setting.
Stranger Than Heaven’s storyline is expected to unfold across multiple decades, as hinted by the game's timeline. While the original Project Century trailer focused on 1915, the latest footage jumps forward to 1943, indicating that the narrative may span significant portions of the 20th century. This temporal leap enriches the storytelling possibilities, allowing players to experience different eras of Japan’s complex history through Mako Daito’s eyes.
The game’s setting and tone diverge from RGG Studio’s usual Yakuza-themed melodrama, instead embracing a 20th-century noir flair. The cityscape is vibrant yet shadowed, filled with characters chasing excess and grappling with their own demons. The story culminates in a poignant moment where Mako meets an American who is surprised to learn he is Japanese. The detective’s dramatic declaration about having lost sight of himself adds emotional weight and mystery to the narrative.
Despite the detailed showcase, Sega and RGG Studio have kept key information under wraps. No release date or platform details were announced during the Summer Game Fest presentation, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further news. However, industry sources suggest a planned launch in 2026, aligning with RGG Studio’s recent pattern of steady releases. The studio has been prolific in recent years, delivering titles such as Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (February 2025), Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024), and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023).
Stranger Than Heaven thus represents a bold new direction for RGG Studio, blending their signature narrative depth and combat mechanics with fresh gameplay systems and a richly detailed historical setting. The game’s exploration of identity, morality, and survival within a neon-lit, noir Tokyo promises to captivate players who enjoy immersive storytelling and dynamic action.
For now, gamers and critics alike will have to wait for more details on platforms and release schedules. But with the strong pedigree of RGG Studio and the intriguing glimpses offered so far, Stranger Than Heaven is shaping up to be one of the most compelling game releases of the coming year.
