Im mostly doing this so I can conquer my fear and make a fun hobby out of making videos about my favorite games and anime and other stuff. I hope this doesn't violate any rules I like this subreddit.
To begin, most of my info is via AUTOMATON-JAPAN’s new info with Yokoyama. This interview is MAJOR for those like me wondering development process, scale, misc. info which could be important.
- The name of ”STRANGER THAN HEAVEN” is supposed to be open to multiple meanings, one in particular referring to an outsider (it was a toss-up between other names but was later “voted” in as the best name. Hence why “PROJECT CENTURY” existed most likely).
- This game will go more into the WHY the Yakuza and outlaws choose to live the way they want to, according to Yokoyama: “Who created what we call the underworld in the first place, and why they felt compelled to create it”.
- The game was originally planned to be a trilogy, due to the question of whether or not gamers would want a game in such a large volume. But in the end, the decided to make it a single game due to Yokoyama’s aversion to making players wait years for a story.
- The game is apparently ENORMOUS. According to Yokoyama, especially the main story (due to a process where it continued stretching out and getting longer). The overall map scale is similar to the Like a Dragon series, but the different maps will have different sizes. There are more enterable buildings than LAD but because of the historical setting it isn’t too large in scale due to no skyscrapers or anything.
- As you all probably know, this game is going to be way different. It will have a different vibe, UI, controls than LAD. Yokoyama even goes as far to say this is not intended to provide the same experience.
- The game‘s equivalent of side stories are also reportedly very different. There are fewer “play-spot” activities due to the historical setting. And he jokes about no modern corp tie-ins
- The time periods were selected and determined by the protagonist background apparently, there is supposedly also no other reason beyond that. There was just the simple idea of the protagonist arriving in the first area and then reaching Kamurocho. With twist and turns carrying him there.
- The game is NOT going for complete historical accuracy, the interview goes in much more detail but it is convincing. Also, EACH era will supposedly have its own specific mini-game! Or I read it wrong. Streetcars are in every era as well.
- The game will primarily focus on individual and immediate events in Daito’s life. They will not depict major events if not directly correlated with him. They are crafting a original world based off narrative rather than being bound by a specific fact. (take this with a grain of salt, I don’t believe they are going to just ignore historical major events, just will not be as intense most likely).
- There will be some elements that will let you be able to feel the Protagonists’ aging and matured body during gameplay. For character progression elements that carry over several eras, Yokoyama couldn’t say more on it and said wait for future announcements. But did say at the least some elements stay some don’t.
- YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH THROUGH ERA’s AND THEIR LOCATIONS. The game will move chronologically.
- The games mechanics are really based on “The sights you see, depend on the player”.
- YOU CAN FREELY MOVE THE CAMERA DURING CONVERSATIONS. The game is meant to invoke a sense of oneness.
- Show business will be an essential and important element of the story. Makoto has a talent for noticing sounds founded by Orpheus (refer to the trailers). It will be his “hustle” or his means to make a living. It is his ONLY foothold, due to it not judging off of prejudice but of ability.
- Money is what constructs Makoto’s world.
- FOR THOSE WORRIED ABOUT THE GAMEPLAY TRAILER: Yokoyama reported that there were some “striking” sound effects. Makoto’s sound and combat mechanics will play in together (not like a rhythm game) but you can literally learn sounds from enemies screams.
- It may sound absurd and contradictory, but the actors are NOT the show here. Yokoyama made it extremely clear that his focus was on the game, story, and mechanic. The strong cast here is largely due to his experience in Yakuza 0 and his belief that actors are fundamental to creating a truly great character.
- Snoop Dog is not just a random character or casting, his character and most likely actual actor is supposed to be knowledgeable on the suffering which is played throughout the game’s narrative.