Corey McNamara
Diving Into Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
A Legendary Hero Returns
Since his reported death in 2018, fans of the Yakuza franchise have been eagerly awaiting the return of the beloved protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu. In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, SEGA has brought Kiryu out of retirement to embark on another thrilling adventure. His appearance in the game serves as a perfect passing of the torch for the series, highlighting his enduring popularity among fans.
A New Chapter Unfolds
The highly anticipated Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name made its debut at Gamescom, giving players a chance to get their hands on the game and learn more about Kiryu’s return. The demo immerses players into a captivating storyline, as Kiryu, working under the codename Joryu for the mysterious Daidoji Faction, finds himself on a massive tanker at sea. Accompanied by the enigmatic Akame, Kiryu discovers the truth about the crumbling Tojo and Omi clans since his retirement.
An Enigmatic Secret City
This massive tanker turns out to be more than it seems – it is actually home to an entire secret city. The city offers everything a former mobster could want, including bars, a casino, a boutique, a hostess club, and an arena where combatants can fight to the death. As players take control of Kiryu, they will notice a significant change in his movement and combat. Despite celebrating his 60th birthday, Kiryu feels more agile than ever, reminiscent of the sly detective Yagami from Judgment.
A New Arsenal of Combat
Kiryu still possesses his Yakuza fighting style, which emphasizes punches and kicks. However, Like a Dragon Gaiden introduces a second fighting style called “Agent,” adding a fresh twist to the series. This style allows players to utilize high-tech gadgets like a lasso, drones, and even rocket boots for crowd control, making combat more explosive and dynamic than ever before.
A Departure from Tradition
As players explore Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, they will notice a departure from the traditional Yakuza branding that the series has embodied for years. While the Tojo and Omi clans are still present, the world feels more expansive, with connections between characters and storylines from different parts of the RGG-iverse. Players will have the opportunity to assemble a team of recurring characters, such as Majima and Ichiban’s movie-watching sheep, for all-new group battles in the colosseum of Osaka Castle.
Unprecedented In-Game Expression
Players can now customize Kiryu’s appearance with a selection of clothes, offering a welcome departure from the iconic outfits he has worn in previous games. From fedoras to leather skinsuits, players have the freedom to express their creativity. Like a Dragon Gaiden marks the final stage of Yakuza’s evolution into a new era with Like A Dragon as the guiding force.
Familiar Faces and Engaging Minigames
While Like a Dragon Gaiden introduces numerous new elements, it also retains many beloved features of the Yakuza series. Players will encounter familiar faces and engage in fan-favorite minigames, including pool, darts, and hostess clubs, which have been enhanced with live-action FMV footage of real-life hostesses. However, some aspects of the presentation have raised eyebrows, with the potential for objectification and discomfort.
Anticipating a Thrilling Adventure
Despite these minor concerns, fans of the Yakuza series can expect a stunning and immersive experience with Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. The game pays homage to the franchise’s legacy while introducing countless innovative features and fresh storytelling. As the release date approaches on November 9th, players eagerly await the chance to delve into Kiryu’s new adventure and witness the continued evolution of the series.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is currently set to release on November 9th. Share your excitement for Kiryu’s new adventure by becoming your own agent in the comments section below.
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