Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the powerhouse developer behind the Like a Dragon series, officially unveiled its next major title, Stranger Than Heaven, during the 2025 Summer Game Fest livestream. Previously known under the codename Project Century, the game received its official name and a brand-new trailer packed with mysterious gameplay teases and era-jumping story elements.
🕰️ A Story Across Time: 1915 to 1943
The newly released trailer for Stranger Than Heaven surprised fans by showcasing two distinct time periods — 1915 and 1943 — suggesting that the narrative will explore different eras of Japanese history. This bold storytelling direction marks a major departure from the urban crime dramas the studio is best known for, signaling a creative evolution in both tone and gameplay.
Set across densely detailed Japanese locales, players appear to take on the role of a mysterious new protagonist who navigates both time and turmoil. While little is officially known about the character, the trailer hints at a complex backstory and a world filled with political intrigue, cultural conflict, and emotional stakes.
🎮 Gameplay Glimpses & Style
From a visual standpoint, Stranger Than Heaven carries the cinematic flair and hyper-detailed environments RGG Studio is praised for. While the footage was limited, fans were treated to a glimpse of combat sequences, atmospheric exploration, and stylistic storytelling, possibly blending real-time action with investigative or narrative-driven elements.
❓ No Release Date Yet, But Optimism Runs High
Although Stranger Than Heaven has no confirmed release window or platform announcements at the time of writing, the gameplay trailer showed a remarkably polished build. Given Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s track record for tight development timelines, fans are hopeful that a launch might come sooner rather than later.
🌟 A Star-Studded Game Fest
The 2025 Summer Game Fest was filled with blockbuster announcements. Hideo Kojima and Mads Mikkelsen lit up the stage, Lies of P: Overture made a surprise release, and the showcase ended with the dramatic reveal of Resident Evil: Requiem. Yet, Stranger Than Heaven managed to carve out a moment of its own, leaving longtime RGG fans intrigued by its bold new direction.
With Stranger Than Heaven, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is once again proving that it refuses to rest on its laurels. The leap into historical time travel, the introduction of a fresh protagonist, and the cinematic storytelling all point to a thrilling new chapter from one of Japan’s most beloved game developers.
Stay tuned for more updates as this ambitious new title inches closer to release.