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Suda51 and his Grasshopper Manufacture studio are known for creating unique games like No More Heroes and Shadow of the Damned. In early 2025, they announced their next project: Romeo is a Dead Man, set to release on PS5 in 2026. This game was designed to be an uncompromising Grasshopper Manufacture experience with a distinct visual style and intense gameplay.
At Gamescom 2025, I had the opportunity to play a 30-minute demo of Romeo is a Dead Man. Despite its simplicity, the experience was thrilling due to the game’s presentation and style. The character, FBI agent Romeo, has transformed into a space-time agent hunting criminals and searching for his missing girlfriend Juliet. The demo featured a mix of combat styles, including melee weapons and guns, with various effects like debuffing enemies.
The gameplay mostly involved mindless regular foes but included occasional more challenging opponents that required focused defense and dodging. The 8-bit UI elements and neon colors added to the game’s unique aesthetic. Puzzles in Subspace, an alternate dimension, were introduced as part of level design, enhancing the linear progression.
Romeo is a Dead Man balances melee combat with gunplay, which was evident in the boss fight at the end of the demo. The game’s story blends dark humor and gory violence typical of Suda51’s work. While the combat system is generally enjoyable, it could benefit from more complexity to match other action-focused games.
Overall, Romeo is a Dead Man feels like one of Grasshopper Manufacture’s best works. Its simple yet exhilarating gameplay, distinctive visual style, and wacky narrative make it highly anticipated for 2026.
