During the recent Summer Game Fest showcase, Sega made headlines by announcing that a digitally revived Tupac will be part of their upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven. Snoop Dogg appeared on stage to share his collaboration with the late rapper’s estate. My gameplay experience with the title wasn’t exhaustive, but I got a good glimpse of one of the game’s five cities and eras, particularly focusing on its unique combat mechanics, which are a departure from the traditional style seen in the long-running Yakuza franchise.
In this new combat system, players manage attacks from both the left and right sides—using the right trigger buttons for the right hand and leg, and the left triggers for the left. I found that the trigger buttons allowed for impactful, slower strikes, which could be charged for greater damage. Combining the left and right triggers enables grappling moves if timed correctly, making timing essential for releasing charged attacks effectively.
The combat introduces several fresh mechanics, such as blocking different sides independently. This allows players the ability to defend against one attack while preparing a counterattack from the other side. Grappling moves simulate street fighting, allowing for interactions with the environment, such as throwing enemies into furniture or even tumbling down stairs together. You can pin opponents down to unleash a series of punches.
Unlike previous Yakuza games, weapons seem to play a more central role in combat. The main character, Daigo, has the ability to enhance various weapons, including knives and mallets, that he discovers throughout the game. Sega hinted at a timeline spanning 50 years, suggesting that players could find both “masterworks of old” and innovative tools from the 1960s. Some weapons will even feature unique attacks, especially when targeting downed enemies.
Sega presented three distinct combat scenarios to demonstrate the new mechanics. The first involved an easier skirmish against a group of thugs, emphasizing strategy and weapon utilization. This led to a more intense battle against a formidable gang leader, characterized by his powerful strikes.
Fortunately, players start this fight armed with a substantial crowbar, which felt heavy and unwieldy. This sequence marked a notable shift from the straightforward button-mashing gameplay associated with characters like Kiryu. It left me pondering whether I preferred this new approach.
Stranger Than Heaven appears to require greater skill from players, which could be a positive change. The final confrontation against a tattooed opponent wielding a katana in Osaka showcased this demand for precise timing and a bit of luck. I ultimately won thanks to the latter.
This enemy would regenerate health if left unchecked and occasionally baited me into close range with quick strikes. Expertly timed dodges and parries were essential for executing powerful counterattacks. During this battle, I used a small knife, allowing me to execute weapon strikes with one hand while using punches and kicks with the other. Each weapon seems to offer various attack options.
I did miss the absurd contextual moves present in previous games, such as slamming a rival into a microwave. However, Sega has hinted at thrilling battles on moving vehicles, which gives hope for some showy combat moments in the final game.
This demo primarily focused on fighting mechanics, so I am curious to see how the overall game develops. It would be nice if Stranger Than Heaven manages to retain some of the quirky humor from Like a Dragon and Yakuza, as this change of pace from dramatic storytelling and violence was refreshing.
Stranger Than Heaven is set to be released on January 15, 2027, for PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series S/X.
