We were already quite intrigued by that combat trailer from last month, but Ryu Ga Gotoku and SEGA have dropped a new hands-on showcase that goes deep into the basic mechanics guiding your fists in Stranger Than Heaven. And that’s before it gives us a nice look at the system in action over the course of the game’s narrative.
It’s quite simple to learn, with the triggers and bumpers on either side of your controller serving as attack inputs for the corresponding side of your body. You’re going to want to come at your enemies from different directions, switching up combos based on the direction their defense is aimed at. Of course, they’re going to try doing the same, but parrying an attack with the right timing and in the right direction is going to set them up for a devastating counter. Factor in environmental attacks and a few other factors such as your stamina, and you’ve got the beginnings of a combat system that could be quite entertaining to engage with.
It’s a good thing, then, that the showcase’s hosts take us through the different eras of the game, giving us a good look at the world design before showing off the game’s combat in action against foes who are quite vicious, although we don’t see too many of you having trouble with mastering this system and turning the tables quite quickly.
Stranger Than Heaven launches on January 15th, 2027, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
