Ever since the finale to Kiryu Kazuma’s story in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, developer RGG Studios has shifted focus in the Yakuza franchise to new protagonists like Takayuki Yagami, Ichiban Kasuga, and Masaharu Kaito. However, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name brings Kiryu back into the spotlight, delivering a captivating and personal story for the iconic character.
Although initially planned as DLC, Like a Dragon Gaiden benefits from its development as a standalone game, offering a more compact and focused experience compared to previous entries. The game serves as a middle entry in a trilogy that leads into the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, revealing that it takes place during the early game of Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Set after the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Like a Dragon Gaiden follows Kiryu as he joins the Daidoji Faction as a secret agent. However, his mission takes a turn when he is attacked and drawn into a conflict involving the Omi Alliance, endangering his loved ones and newfound allies.
Despite its shorter length, Like a Dragon Gaiden is packed with side-content, including the return of the beloved Pocket Racers mini-game from Yakuza 0. Players will also encounter Akame, a young woman who provides side quests to expand her “Akame Network.”
The Like A Dragon Action Brawler Gameplay At Its Best
With refined gameplay and the use of the Dragon Engine, Like a Dragon Gaiden offers an exhilarating action-brawler experience. Kiryu can switch between two fighting styles: Agent Style for crowd combat and Yakuza Style for one-on-one battles. Gadgets like the Spider smartwatch and drones add variety to the combat, while upgrades can be obtained through Akame points earned from completing side quests.
The game also features a Colosseum mode, where players can team up with NPC allies to take on challenging battles. Additionally, Like a Dragon Gaiden presents a captivating campaign that explores Kiryu’s character and boasts a wealth of side content.
Overall, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a standout entry in the franchise, showcasing RGG Studios at its best. With its engaging gameplay and compelling narrative, the game delivers a satisfying experience for fans and newcomers alike.
[This review is based on a copy of the game provided by the publisher.]
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5