Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is here, and it is the long-awaited return of the Dragon of Dojima, Kazuma Kiryu. In this game though, Kiryu is no longer the man he was before. Instead, this game sees him adopt a new identity for a fresh start.
This fresh start doesn’t just apply to Kiryu’s new identity as the agent Joryou though. Players are also in for a fresh spin on the classic Like a Dragon beat ‘em up formula.
Like a Dragon Returns with an Evolution of the Classic Formula
Starting with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the series’ mainline entries are now turn-based RPGs. Even the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a roleplaying game that promises to evolve from the previous title.
With Like a Dragon Gaiden though, players will be treated to a return to the series’ roots as a beat ‘em up action game. To make Like a Dragon Gaiden; The Man Who Erased His Name’s main character Kazuma Kiryu even cooler (than he already is), the game brings new actions that were not previously available such as the Coliseum with a title that is focused on new ideas and challenges.
Of course, even if Gaiden is a long-awaited return, it’s still a fresh take on the series. Sure, Joryu will still be involved with Yakuza members, but his new role as an agent will switch things up, especially when it comes to gameplay.
Previously, Kiryu’s Yakuza/Like a Dragon games were straight brawlers. This time, Gaiden evolves the series with its more espionage-inspired elements. In a way, if Judgment puts a legal procedural thriller spin on the series formula, Gaiden does something similar but with a sleek secret agent tale.
This can be felt quite strongly when it comes to gameplay. Sure, Joryu maintains his Dragon of Dojima fighting prowess with his Yakuza style, though he also has a new Agent style for combat. When using the Agent style, Joryu relies more on gadgets to accomplish his objectives.
To further add to the game’s secret agent feel, the game’s sub-missions can be discovered through Akame, Joryu’s informant who is plugged into the Sotenbori underworld. This is reminiscent of Yagami’s side cases which he gets from his detective office.
Despite the various evolutions of the formula in Gaiden, long-time fans will also be treated to a wide array of mini and side games which serve as a nice break from all the agency espionage that the game’s story delivers.
Gaiden Adds a New Dimension to Kiryu
This dichotomy of a return to the series’ roots and a fresh start isn’t only apparent in gameplay. It also extends to its story as Kiryu is finally back as the protagonist. Of course, he returns with a brand-new identity.
Yakuza 6 was a satisfying and definitive end to Kiryu’s journey, especially when it comes to his story arc with his adoptive daughter Haruka Sawamura. After all, Haruka has been with Kiryu since the first Yakuza title, so their ending, while bittersweet, is a perfect sendoff for the Dragon of Dojima.
So, it’s only fitting that Kiryu returns as the secret agent Joryu to keep his identity hidden following The Song of Life’s end. This is quite a refreshing take on Kiryu as it shows a different side of him that should feel both familiar and fresh for long-time players. Plus, players who are new to the series may even be intrigued by his past given his new identity.
What’s more, Kiryu plays a role in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and he will be a major character in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. As Gaiden is set between Yakuza 6 and 7, this game promises to bridge the gap between Kiryu’s former and new identity.
This is intriguing, not just from a pure story perspective though. Each entry in the series has its own theme, and Gaiden is promising to deliver on that front as well.
For instance, Yakuza 5’s theme is about people’s dreams while Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a melancholic tale of endings. These themes are reflected not only in the main story but also in the various sub-stories.
Without getting into spoiler territory, Gaiden should also be the same in that its themes of espionage, as well as its intriguing blend of familiar and novel, will be expressed through the various elements within.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name – Available Now
Like a Dragon Gaiden is a unique entry into RGG Studio’s long-running series, and it promises to deliver a game that’s both a satisfying return and a fresh experience, both in terms of gameplay and story.
Thanks to this, Gaiden is a must-play for long-time fans, as well as for those who are new to the series and got hooked by the recent releases. After all, not only is it an intriguing blend of old and new, but it’s also a game that will lead in nicely to the next phase of the series.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is available now on Xbox Game Pass , Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC.