PLATFORM: PC, XBOX ONE/SERIES, PS4/5 (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
It wouldn’t be a memorable year in gaming if it didn’t include a new release in one of SEGA’s most popular and longest-running franchises – so up steps Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (it wouldn’t be Japan if it didn’t have a long title!).
Set after the events of Yakuza 6 and before the upcoming Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, this game’s story follows a returning fan favourite, the infamous Kazuma Kiryu, after the end of his initial journey (no spoilers here), and documents his adventure between where we left him and how he gets to appear in the next instalment led by new series protagonist, Ichiban. Kiryu, in order to save those he loves and cares about, must turn to the Daidoji to fake his death in exchange for the protection of the children of Morning Glory Orphanage – but the other factions that Kiryu has crossed paths with before, along with some new ones, want to prove that the Dragon of Dojima is still alive and vie for control of him.
Like A Dragon Gaiden is the shortest game of the series, clocking in at around 15-20 hours for the main story, but that doesn’t mean it lacks any sort of punch. The real-time fighting mechanic that has been perfected over the series’ nearly 20-year history, and the inclusion of Special Agent gadgets into Kiryu’s arsenal, provide some truly unique, interesting, and free-flowing combos that range from the spectacular to the ludicrous – the true Yakuza charm. Couple that with a brilliant LAD story along with plenty of the usual minigames (karaoke, golf, darts) and some great side missions, and you have an entertaining little package to keep Yakuza fans happy before the “monstrous in length” Infinite Wealth launches in January 2024.
