RGG confirms winter launch for Yakuza prequel 'Stranger Than Heaven'
Stranger Than Heaven arrives this winter, chronicling the origins of the Tojo Clan with a cast featuring Snoop Dogg and the likeness of late actor Bunta Sugawara.
RGG has officially confirmed that its upcoming title, Stranger Than Heaven, will be released this winter. The announcement was made at the game's Xbox showcase, accompanied by the release of a new trailer and further details regarding the cast and narrative scope.
The project serves as a prequel to the Yakuza series, detailing the origins of the Tojo Clan. Set against the backdrop of Japan from 1915 to 1965, the story follows Makoto Daito, a half-Japanese, half-American boy who arrives in Japan in 1915 aboard a smuggler's ship. The narrative spans five decades, chronicling Daito's journey across the country until he becomes Makoto Tojo, the founder and first chairman of the Tojo Clan.
Specific locations and years have been outlined for the game's progression. The story begins in 1915 in Kokura, Fukuoka, before moving to Kure, Hiroshima in 1929. The narrative then shifts to Minami, Osaka in 1943, followed by Atami, Shizuoka in 1951, and finally concludes in Shinjuku, Tokyo in 1965.
The voice cast includes Yu Shirota as Makoto Daito and Snoop Dogg, who voices the smuggler. Additionally, the game utilises the likeness of late actor Bunta Sugawara, who provided the face for a character despite passing away more than a decade ago. Sugawara was famous for portraying leads in the Battles Without Honor and Humanity yakuza film series.
Beyond brawling and fighting, players will be able to create new music by arranging melodies and scout singers and performers to put musical acts together. The trailer shows adult Daito discussing the founding of the Tojo Clan, a group prominently featured in RGG's Yakuza series where protagonist Kazuma Kiryu served as the fourth chairman.
