Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
The game is set to be released on November 9th as a spin-off of the 'Like a Dragon' series
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, a spin-off of the ‘Like a Dragon’ series, is scheduled for release on November 9, 2023, by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA. This game aims to bridge the gap between ‘Yakuza 6: The Song of Life’ and the events of ‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon.’ It will be available on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC via Steam.
Leaving the Yakuza is Never Easy
In this adventure centered around Kazuma Kiryu, the iconic protagonist of the Yakuza series, you’ll find yourself immersed in a captivating story. Kiryu, a former Yakuza member, is now in hiding after a series of events forced him to fake his own death. He’s taken on the alias ‘Joryu’ to protect his loved ones. However, his past resurfaces, pushing him to confront both old and new acquaintances, including the Kijin clan, a subsidiary of the Omi alliance, and the Daidoji, a secretive organization that has blackmailed him.
Gameplay
This action-adventure game retains the core elements of its predecessors. It’s a real-time brawler set in compact open-world areas, but it introduces two combat modes: Yakuza and Agent. The Yakuza mode is all about classic street-fighting moves, while the Agent mode leans toward a mix of gadgets and techniques that you can unlock using in-game currency.
Accessing these moves is simple through an intuitive menu. The game also adds a special move that can be triggered when your character accumulates heat or as prompted on the screen, similar to a quick-time event. Plus, you can use weapons, chairs, grapple techniques, and gadgets to bind or throw opponents, all while mastering blocking and evasion for enhanced combat.
As is tradition in the series, the game offers various side activities and retro mini-games, from classics like ‘Sonic the Fighters’ and the console debut of ‘Sega Racing Classic 2’ to ‘Motor Raid,’ ‘Fighting Vipers 2,’ ‘Virtua Fighter,’ claw machine prizes, karaoke, Pocket Circuit races, the cabaret club, and even a fighting arena. Players will also interact with characters like Akame, an informant who provides engaging side missions, a staple feature in the series.
A Truly Japanese Experience
One of the standout features is the game’s stunning graphics engine, which beautifully captures the essence of Japan. The meticulously designed shops, bars, arcades, and various sectors breathe life into the game world. The attention to detail in texture work and visuals is truly exceptional.
Sounds of the East
PC Version
Regarding the PC version, we tested it on a computer with the following specifications:
- Processor: Core i9-13900K
- RAM: 32 GB Kingston Fury DDR5 clocked at 5600 MHz
- Motherboard: Z790 AORUS Elite AX
- Cooling system: Aorus Waterforce X240
Even with all graphical settings maxed out, the game maintained an impressive average framerate of over 123 FPS without utilizing DLSS.
Additional Information
As for additional information, the game will be available exclusively in digital format. However, pre-purchasing it will grant access to the Digital Deluxe version, which includes the Legendary Fighter package. This package unlocks Daigo Dojima, Goro Majima, and Taiga Saejima in the coliseum. Later on, this package can be purchased separately for $7.99 and also includes a trial version of ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,’ a video gallery, and a section with mini-games for two players, including ‘Virtual Fighter 2.1,’ ‘Fighting Vipers 2,’ and ‘Sonic Fighters.’
In Conclusion
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is not only a great entry point for newcomers to the Yakuza series but also a compelling addition for long-time fans. It enriches the lore of previous titles with captivating visuals, a gripping storyline, and an array of entertaining mini-games that transport players to the lively streets of Japan. Playing it feels like diving into an enthralling mafia novel, with each chapter leaving players eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Rating: 8
About the Firm
Vladimir Arteaga is the current head of technology and video games at Prisa Radio Mexico. He is also the editor-in-chief of Meristation for LATAM and US Hispanics, a Spanish-speaking portal specializing in video games, movies, technology, and entertainment. With over 15 years of experience, he has covered global events in both the gaming and technology industries, creating digital and radio content. He currently collaborates with major media outlets such as W Radio Mexico, Los 40 Mexico, and the University Anahuac magazine. His previous work includes contributions to BitMe, CNN Mexico, Quo from Grupo Expansion, Grupo ACIR, Grupo Imagen, IGN LATAM, Publimetro, the Récord newspaper, and T3 Mexico.
Additionally, he serves as a retail consultant in logistics, distribution, purchasing, communication strategies, and digital marketing. He has worked in various capacities for companies such as Procter and Gamble, Wal-Mart, Ingram, and SM Group. Furthermore, he has been a producer and digital consultant for global brands, including Lexus, DKT (Prudence), PepsiCo, Huawei, Tencent, Dockers, Reebok, Fintual, and ESPN Gaming Studio.
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