Goichi “Suda51” and his team at Grasshopper Manufacture are back with yet another intriguing title that promises a unique gaming experience. After their work on the acclaimed No More Heroes series and Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, they have shifted focus to a brand-new intellectual property titled Romeo is a Dead Man. This fresh venture is eagerly anticipated as it marks the studio’s first new IP in a considerable time, and its announcement trailer was unmistakably Suda51 in style.
A Journey Through Time with a Twist
The unmistakable flair of Quentin Tarantino’s influence is evident in the short demo of Romeo is a Dead Man, shown at Gamescom 2025. Intense action coupled with an artistic direction makes this game a standout. Suda51 shared that the game’s narrative draws significant inspiration from classics like Back to the Future and FBI television series. While these influences were subtle in the demo, they crystallized after playing through the initial chapters, showcasing the game’s potential to be one of the studio’s finest creations.
Romeo is a Dead Man pivots around a “what if” scenario where Benjamin Stargazer saves his nephew Romeo from death by a mysterious entity using the Dead Gear Life Support System. This action fractures the space-time continuum, transforming reality into a chaotic multiverse. Recruited by the FBI Space-Time Division, Romeo, now known as DeadMan, embarks on a mission across timelines to save his girlfriend Juliet and rectify the cosmic disorder.
Gameplay Dynamics and Inspirations
With a blend of various inspirations, the gameplay of Romeo is a Dead Man feels like a celebration of entertainment media. The hack-and-slash combat is seamlessly integrated with melee and gunplay, enriched with unique mechanics such as Bloody Summer—a powerful attack unleashed with accumulated blood—and special skills called Bastards. The game features intricate level designs and confrontations with space-time criminals, offering an engaging experience.
The second chapter of the game takes players to an abandoned mall, evoking a Dead Rising vibe with fights against zombie-like foes and a complex level design. Players can jump between real space and Subspace, a mysterious alternate dimension, enhancing the gameplay with layers of depth and excitement.
A Blend of Retro Charm and Modern Gameplay
Romeo is a Dead Man incorporates arcade minigames reminiscent of the 80s to enhance character progression, including a labyrinth and a Pong-like game to detect anomalies. While these elements can create a messy feel, they contribute to the game’s charm, providing a breath of fresh air in the landscape of modern AAA titles.
The distinct chapters of Romeo is a Dead Man each offer a unique flavor and excitement. As anticipation builds towards its release on February 11 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, the game stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Suda51 and Grasshopper Manufacture. Romeo is a Dead Man is poised to be one of the best games made by the studio, blending creativity and nostalgia.