Ryu Ga Gotoku's Project Century Rebranded Stranger Than Heaven

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's intriguing new alt-history action game, previously known as Project Century, received a substantial update at Summer Game Fest - complete with fresh details, new mysteries, and an official title: Stranger Than Heaven.

A Mysterious Evolution

First unveiled at The Game Awards last December as Project Century, the game remained shrouded in mystery until now. Developed by Yakuza creators Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, it appears to feature the franchise's signature combat system - but with significant enhancements. The interface appears more polished, the violence feels more visceral, and players now face moral choices like "Show Mercy" or "Show No Mercy" - options never presented in Yakuza titles.

The Timeline Paradox

While the fresh trailer provides more glimpses of gameplay, it creates more questions than answers. The original teaser depicted 1915 Japan, but this new footage clearly shows 1943. Could this imply time travel mechanics? Or perhaps elaborate flashback sequences? The setting adds another layer of intrigue - is this Sotenbori (suggested by a familiar bridge), Kamurocho, or a completely new location?

Cultural Collision

Both trailers showcase a peculiar blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with classic American iconography, creating a jarring alternate reality where different eras and cultures collide. While the game unmistakably takes place in Japan, the exact nature of this historical divergence remains unclear. The creative direction has already sparked numerous fan theories that will likely multiply after this latest reveal.

Meet Mako Daito

We finally learned one character's name: Mako Daito, who appears to be the protagonist based on current footage. With his striking blue eyes and cryptic dialogue hinting at something unusual about him, he's certainly an enigmatic figure. Adding to the game's mystique is last year's tease suggesting Snoop Dogg might appear - making for a potentially fascinating cast.

Catch up on all Summer Game Fest announcements in our complete coverage, and stay tuned for more updates from IGN Live throughout the weekend.