Grasshopper Manufacture, led by the visionary Suda51, unveiled their latest original IP, Romeo is a Dead Man, during a PlayStation State of Play livestream. Slated for a 2026 release, this sci-fi action game promises an unrelenting, blood-soaked experience packed with the surreal, over-the-top flair fans expect from titles like No More Heroes and Lollipop Chainsaw. Suda51 calls it a “super bloody action” spectacle, brimming with wild twists and chaotic energy.
The narrative centers on Romeo Stargazer, a man trapped in a liminal state between life and death. The announcement trailer depicts Romeo’s brutal demise at the hands of a grotesque zombie-like creature, only to be resurrected by his grandfather’s bizarre invention—a machine that transforms him into a cyborg “Dead Man” by replacing his head with advanced machinery. This act fractures the space-time continuum, thrusting Romeo into the role of an FBI Space-Time Special Agent. Donning a sleek mask dubbed Dead Gear, he embarks on a mission to hunt dangerous fugitives across warped dimensions and alternate universes. His quest is further complicated by the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend, Juliet, a clear homage to Shakespeare’s tragic romance and a nod to Suda51’s own Lollipop Chainsaw.
Described as Grasshopper Manufacture’s goriest project yet, Romeo is a Dead Man delivers frenetic, ultra-violent combat that rivals the studio’s past works. The gameplay trailer showcases Romeo in his cyborg form, tearing through hordes of zombies with a mix of firearms and a deadly blade, evoking the high-octane battles of No More Heroes protagonist Travis Touchdown. Players can unleash “hyper-violent combos” that reduce enemies to a crimson “mist,” with combat sequences set in environments like a mall that echo the zombie-fueled chaos of Dead Rising’s Frank West.
Expect “ridiculously clever level design,” “absurd narrative twists,” and “white-hot battles” that push the boundaries of cathartic action. The game blends Suda51’s trademark surrealism with “old-school gimmicks,” including potential minigames like retro arcade challenges and 2D anime cutscenes that deepen the story and amplify the game’s distinct aesthetic.
Initially revealed at a PlayStation event, Romeo is a Dead Man will launch simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Windows in 2026. Developed in collaboration with publisher NetEase Games, Grasshopper Manufacture aims to make this their most ambitious project yet. Suda51 promises a relentless, stylish romp that captures the studio’s signature blend of frantic action and warped storytelling, appealing to long-time fans and newcomers alike.