SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG) have released the first story trailer for their new title Stranger Than Heaven, titled "Act One: Kokura Story," revealing the starting point of protagonist Makoto Daito's fifty-year life journey. The game is slated for release on January 15, 2027.
What year does the story begin?
The story is set in 1915, when Makoto Daito, a Japanese-American teenager, stows away on a ship run by the globe-trotting merchant Orpheus in hopes of reaching Japan, his late mother's homeland, after fleeing persecution in America. During the voyage, Orpheus discovers the boy hiding aboard and gradually recognizes his musical talent, while also exposing him early to the cruelty of the outside world.
What role does Snoop Dogg play in the trailer?
Rapper Snoop Dogg plays Orpheus, a character who features prominently in the trailer and serves as the key figure who sets Makoto on the path of a performer. The trailer's score blends jazz and rap elements, echoing the musical sensibility of the character himself.
Where does the story go after Kokura?
During the voyage, Makoto befriends Yu Shinjo, another stowaway boy, and the two later become close friends. After arriving in Kokura, Fukuoka, they find that the local environment is equally harsh. This Kokura story is only the first installment of the series' story preview, with subsequent chapters set to unfold in Kure in 1929, the Southern District in 1943, Atami in 1951, and finally Kamurocho in 1965—five eras in total depicting Makoto's shifting identity.
What about the gameplay systems and release details?
Before its official title was announced, the game was revealed under the working title Project Century. It continues RGG Studio's signature character-driven storytelling and melee combat system, while incorporating elements of the entertainment industry, with Orpheus's early mentorship echoing the weight that music and performance carry in the protagonist's growth. Stranger Than Heaven is expected to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on January 15, 2027, and will also be included in the Xbox Game Pass lineup. Pricing and release details for Taiwan have not yet been announced.
