Grasshopper Manufacture, led by Goichi “Suda51” Suda, presented a playable demo of its upcoming title Romeo is a Dead Man at Gamescom 2025. Known for No More Heroes and Shadows of the Damned, the studio is returning with a project that highlights its trademark mix of stylized visuals and unconventional storytelling.
The demo introduced players to FBI agent Romeo, who, after his death, becomes a space-time agent pursuing criminals while searching for his missing girlfriend, Juliet. Story sequences are delivered through comic book-style cutscenes, while the interface incorporates 8-bit visual elements that reinforce the game’s distinct identity.
Combat in Romeo is a Dead Man centers on melee encounters supported by firearm mechanics. Players can use weapons and skills that apply buffs, debuffs, and area-of-effect damage. While standard enemies were straightforward to defeat, stronger opponents required more tactical defense. The demo concluded with a boss battle against a distorted version of Juliet, where targeting weak points with firearms played an important role in the fight.
Level progression differs from Grasshopper’s recent open-world structure. Instead, Romeo is a Dead Man follows a linear format with varied stages. A central feature is the ability to enter “Subspace,” an alternate dimension with puzzle elements that expand gameplay variety. This was shown in a swamp-themed stage where Subspace exploration balanced the combat-driven flow.
Suda51 confirmed during Gamescom that melee combat will remain the foundation of gameplay, with firearms serving as key tools in specific encounters. Combined with its surreal story direction and bold presentation, Romeo is a Dead Man is positioned to reflect Grasshopper Manufacture’s signature approach to game design.
The title is planned for release in 2026 across multiple platforms.
