Details on Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name gameplay have been revealed in a new overview trailer.
The legacy of the Like a Dragon series, formerly known as Yakuza in the Western gaming world, is one of captivating contradiction. Each installment offers an engaging storyline that delves into the dark underbelly of Japanese organized crime. Yet, amidst the intense storytelling, the franchise often veers into delightfully eccentric territory, where players can assist a dominatrix in boosting her assertiveness or engage in activities as varied as pizza delivery and corporate management.
The series has consistently balanced the gritty with the eccentric, and its latest release, “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name,” slated for November 9th, continues this tradition.
Contents
Like a Dragon Gaiden: Release Date and Platforms
The Like a Dragon series, though bearing a new moniker in recent years, remains a testament to the art of contradiction.
The upcoming game in the series, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, scheduled for release on November 9, brings back the long-standing protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. Kiryu, who had withdrawn from the limelight after the events of 2016’s Yakuza 6, is poised for a remarkable return. A recently launched extensive trailer provides insight into Kiryu’s imminent thrilling escapade.
As revealed officially Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, is set to release across various platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: Pre-Order Perks
Gamers pre-ordering the title will be rewarded with the Legendary Fighter Pack, featuring playable characters Goro Majima, Taiga Saejima, and Daigo Dojima for the Coliseum battle arena mode. Furthermore, purchasers of the game will gain access to a trial version of the forthcoming eighth mainline entry in RGG’s enduring underworld saga, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, anticipated to launch in early 2024.
The game’s current price is $49.99, and a hands-on demo is scheduled for Gamescom in Cologne, Germany next week.
CHECK OUT: Tekken 8 Characters: Leaks reveal 36 Playable Characters for roster
Like a Dragon Gaiden Story: Kiryu’s New Journey
In the aftermath of his apparent demise and his decision to fake his own death, Kazuma Kiryu’s life takes an unexpected turn. “Like a Dragon Gaiden” introduces players to a Kiryu who has adopted a new identity and is laboring under the shadowy Daidoji Faction. For those acquainted with Yakuza 6, this is the criminal organization led by Minoru Daidoji, which played a crucial role in Kiryu’s disappearance.
In an effort to repay his debt to Daidoji, Kiryu has been navigating various demanding challenges under a new identity. But, in characteristic fashion, one of these assignments takes an unfortunate turn, thrusting him once again into a conflict with the Omi Alliance, the series’ longstanding Yakuza adversaries.
With the Omi Alliance on one side and the Daidoji Faction manipulating him to maintain control on the other, this Like a Dragon Gaiden storyline seems to be deeply personal for Kiryu. Intriguingly, he even displays an emotion beyond his typical stern expression. As with previous games, this story is bound to escalate into an intricate conspiracy that somehow involves the government.
CHECK OUT: Tekken 8 Release Date Might be Scheduled for March 2024
Like a Dragon Gaiden: Gameplay Mechanics
Character Customization
In a groundbreaking move for the series, Like a Dragon Gaiden introduces character customization, a first in its entire 18-year history. Unlike past games where players were bound by the clothing choices of Kiryu and other protagonists, now they have the freedom to select suits, shoes, hats, accessories like pocket squares and earrings, and even makeup. Considering Kiryu’s iconic gray disco suit that he has sported since 1989, an update to his wardrobe is well overdue.
Osaka Beckons
In the world of LaD games, the richness of side content is paramount, and Gaiden doesn’t seem to disappoint in this aspect. The game’s main locale of Osaka, Japan, which returns from Yakuza 2, 0, and 5, is packed with diversions to divert your attention from Kiryu’s somewhat melancholic new life.
Battle Arenas Upgrade
Among the highlights of the side content is a reimagined battle arena experience. While underground death matches are a staple of the series, this version lets you collaborate with iconic characters from the series in expansive group battles and even take on their roles. This mode even seems to mark the debut of pivotal characters like Daigo Dojima as playable entities.
Mini-games
Of course, the familiar mini-games are present, from mahjong to pool to karaoke. The slightly eerie cabaret club minigame, where you try, often unsuccessfully, to connect with hostesses, makes a return with live-action footage, making those moments of rejection even more palpable. And let’s not forget slot car racing, which makes a triumphant comeback after a decade-long absence from the series, offering unexpected levels of entertainment.
CHECK OUT: Tekken 8: release date, platforms, characters, thrilling gameplay, and closed network test
Like a Dragon Gaiden: Styles
The core of the LaD games lies in street brawling, and Like a Dragon Gaiden upholds this tradition. Unlike previous games with up to eight distinct fighting styles (or 24 if you count the peculiar PSP spinoff), Kiryu now has access to two styles.
Players will get access to two fighting styles: the aggressive Yakuza style and the Agent style, which focuses on speed, precision, and cutting-edge gadgets. Adapting to diverse scenarios is key to conquering enemies.
The Yakuza style, making its return, builds upon Kiryu’s aggressive and improvisational approach, focusing on power, brutality, and employing bicycles as weapons. The all-new Agent style, on the other hand, takes a more captivating form. In essence, it transforms Kiryu into a James Bond-esque figure, equipping him with an array of gadgets from combat drones to explosive cigarettes, all provided by Daidoji. This style centers on speed and precision, a far cry from Kiryu’s usual “punch until they stop moving” strategy.
As the release of “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name” approaches, anticipation runs high among fans. The game offers a lot of interesting choices, including battling in a secret arena, enjoying karaoke sessions, mingling at a cabaret club, and competing in pocket circuit racing.
For constant updates, keep following Gamevro.
