SEGA Publishing Korea (CEO Go Saito) released the "Act 1: Kokura Story Trailer," the first story trailer for its upcoming title STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, ahead of its release on January 15, 2027, on October 19. The trailer showcases major turning points in the life of protagonist Makoto Daito, set across five eras and five cities spanning 50 years from 1915 to 1965.
The newly released "Act 1: Kokura" depicts Makoto Daito, after enduring discrimination in the United States, stowing away on a "ghost ship" owned by trader Orpheus to travel to his motherland of Japan. After a long voyage, he arrives in Kokura, Fukuoka—a city home to world-class steelworks—only to face the harsh reality of discrimination and persecution beneath the bustling streets thriving on the steel industry, no different from what he experienced in America. Along the way, he crosses paths with various characters and events that serve as the foundation for his survival and eventual rise as a showman in Japan, including his bond with Yu Shinjo, a fellow stowaway aboard the same ship who becomes his close friend.
Details regarding the main characters and cast leading "Act 1: Kokura" were also unveiled. Protagonist Makoto Daito, played by actor Yu Shirota, decides to become an underling to Heigo Yashima—the boss of Kuroganecho who saved him amid ongoing persecution in Japan—in order to survive and repay his debt. Yu Shinjo, played by actor Dean Fujioka, parts ways with Makoto Daito after arriving in Japan while wishing each other good luck, carving out his own position in the harsh environment through his signature wit and resourcefulness.
A diverse cast of characters adds further tension to the drama. The trader Orpheus, played by Snoop Dogg in a headline-grabbing role, tracks down and reunites with Makoto Daito and Yu Shinjo after they stow away on his ship and flee; behind his apparent intent to target their lives lies a hidden secondary motive. Heigo Yashima, played by Akio Otsuka, reaches out to the two young men who have nowhere else to go and guides Makoto Daito as his underling. Meanwhile, figures from the faction of Oki—a heavy hitter contesting hegemony over Kuroganecho with Heigo Yashima—also make an appearance. Tae Matsumoto, played by Moeka Hoshi, is a café waitress in Kuroganecho under Oki's protection as his mistress, warmly welcoming Makoto Daito when he visits the café harboring his own story. Tadashi Hataoka, played by Takashi Ukaji, is a combative underling of Oki who keeps a close eye on Makoto Daito as he begins to stand out in the opposing camp. Subsequent videos chronicling the protagonist's life in each city will be released sequentially.
The single-player title STRANGER THAN HEAVEN will officially launch on Friday, January 15, 2027. Supported platforms include Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, PC (Steam), and PlayStation 5. The suggested retail price is set at 79,800 won for the Standard physical and digital editions, 99,800 won for the Deluxe Edition, and 174,800 won for the Collector's Edition. Among these, the Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), and Deluxe Edition versions will be digital-only releases. Pre-orders for both physical and digital editions are currently open, with pre-order customers receiving the downloadable content (DLC) weapon item "Dosu: Kagekiri" as a special bonus.
