Preview: Stranger Than Heaven Kicked My Ass, and I’m Not Proud
Push Square published a hands-on preview of Stranger Than Heaven, RGG Studio’s latest brawler title. The preview highlights the game’s challenging difficulty, with the author—a seasoned veteran of the studio’s Yakuza franchise dating back to the PlayStation 2 era—finding themselves unexpectedly struggling against the game’s combat encounters. The experience suggests that Stranger Than Heaven significantly raises the difficulty bar compared to what players familiar with RGG Studio’s previous work might expect. Despite the author’s extensive experience with the developer’s combat system design, the game delivered a punishing gameplay experience that demanded respect and precise execution. The preview indicates that Stranger Than Heaven is positioning itself as a more hardcore entry within the brawler genre, focusing on challenging gameplay over accessibility. This approach suggests RGG Studio is intentionally targeting players seeking substantial mechanical challenge and demanding combat encounters. The hands-on impression serves as an early signal of the game’s design direction, showcasing the developer’s confidence in creating a title that rewards skill and precision while potentially alienating those seeking a more forgiving experience.