Sega and RGG Studios have officially unveiled Stranger Than Heaven, the long-awaited successor to the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series, with a confirmed release window for this winter. The game, previously referred to as Project Century, is expected to launch between late 2026 and early 2027.
What We Know About Stranger Than Heaven’s Story and Setting
The game will follow the journey of Makoto Daito, a character who departs from San Francisco in 1915 and arrives in Japan. His story spans multiple decades and locations:
- 1915: Starts in Fukuoka
- 1929: Moves to Hiroshima
- 1943: Travels to Osaka
- 1951: Settles in Shizuoka
- 1965: Arrives in Tokyo
Throughout his journey, Makoto Daito creates performances by organizing tracks, singers, musicians, and events, shaping the cultural landscape of each era.
Gameplay Elements and Connections to Yakuza/Like a Dragon
The game will feature the Tojo Clan and the iconic Kamurocho district, both central to the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series. A newly released trailer provides a deeper look into the narrative and introduces the game’s cast, reinforcing its ties to the beloved franchise.
The Star-Studded Theme Song and Trailer
The official trailer for Stranger Than Heaven is set to the theme song of the same name, performed by a collaboration of artists including:
- Ado
- Satoshi Fujihara
- Snoop Dogg
- Tori Kelly
These artists will also appear in the game, adding to its immersive experience. The trailer teases connections to the Yakuza and Like a Dragon universes while showcasing Makoto Daito’s journey across Japan.
In addition to the trailer, a 30-minute showcase of the game is available, beginning at the one-hour mark of the official stream.
Platforms and Release Details
Stranger Than Heaven will be released on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- PC
The game is slated for a winter 2026 launch, with a potential release as early as February 2027.