Set in the vibrant yet shadowy corners of Sotenbori and the bustling streets of Yokohama, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name emerges as a pivotal chapter in the Yakuza saga. This narrative-rich installment unfolds three years after “Yakuza 6, delving deep into the clandestine life of Kazuma Kiryu, known in this chapter as Joryu.
Visuals That Captivate
SEGA has pushed the envelope with graphical fidelity. The Dragon Engine, once again, proves its mettle, showcasing the franchise’s best visuals to date. The seamless blend of cinematic flair and environmental detail immerses players in a world that feels more real and alive than ever, with graphical enhancements that enrich every street fight and tender story moment.
A Combat System Refined
Combat mechanics have been honed to near perfection, offering a fluidity that allows Kiryu to glide through enemies with an unprecedented grace. The introduction of the “Agent” style and strategic gadgetry injects a fresh dynamism into brawls, empowering players with a suite of crowd control and mobility options that stand as a testament to the series’ continual evolution.
Embracing Imperfection
In a twist that fans of the series will find familiar, the game’s polish doesn’t completely erase its intrinsic bugging charm. Minor glitches punctuate the space between gameplay excellence and cutscene immersion — a hallmark of the series that, while not game-breaking, reminds us of its journey through the years.
Kiryu’s Swan Song
There’s an underlying poignance to this chapter, as it feels much like Kiryu’s last ride. The storyline offers a narrative density that is best appreciated against the backdrop of its predecessors. Veterans of the journey from Yakuza 1 through 6 and Like a Dragon will find their dedication rewarded with a saga that has grown alongside its players, providing what is likely the most modern and definitive Yakuza experience yet.
Engaging Beyond Combat
Beyond the main narrative, the game offers a plethora of activities and mini-games. Karaoke and cabaret clubs return with delightful live-action content, featuring notable contributions such as KSON, enhancing the realism and charm. The Akame Network serves as a new innovative feature, becoming a game within the game that tracks progress, weaves substories, and rewards interaction.
The introduction of The Castle area, a focal point of narrative and engagement, boasts its own ecosystem of mini-games, the Coliseum, and an exclusive Boutique. This not only serves as a fresh locale for players but also as a nod to the series’ legacy of diverse content.
Fashionably Kiryu
Players can also revel in the array of clothing options for Kiryu, providing a level of customization that extends the personalization of the experience.
Gameplay Longevity
With an expansive campaign offering 15 to 40 hours of gameplay and a Premium Adventure Mode that allows for continued exploration and side content completion, the game ensures a lengthy engagement with Kiryu’s world. The added bonus of a special trial version of “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” after the main story is a generous gesture, extending the value of the game.
An important aspect to consider about is its developmental origins as initially planned DLC content. This background influences the game’s pacing, particularly noticeable in how often the story progression is gated behind secondary elements such as the Akame Network and the Coliseum. For players primarily focused on the narrative aspect, this can be a point of frustration, as it requires engagement in additional content to advance the main storyline.
An Essential Chapter
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is more than a mere placeholder before Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth; it is a keystone that holds its own in the Yakuza narrative arch. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has crafted a title that honors Kiryu’s legacy while offering a bridge to the future, cementing its status as an essential play for fans and newcomers alike.
This PlayStation 5 review copy has revealed a game that tugs at the heartstrings with its narrative, impresses with its refined gameplay, and wows with its visual and audio presentation. It stands as a testament to the franchise’s storied past and its boundless potential for the future.
In conclusion, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is not just a game; it’s a homage to one of gaming’s most beloved characters. As Kiryu’s chapter closes, the torch is passed on, illuminating the path for what comes next in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This game is a must-play, a fitting addition to the Yakuza universe that will resonate with players long after the credits roll.
