Kazuma Kiryu is back, although he won’t be confirming this himself. Now going by the name Joryu, the Yakuza series protagonist returns in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. This smaller-scale interlude game in the series takes place concurrently with 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon and shows how the “Dragon of Dojima” was forced back into action following the events of Yakuza 6.
While those who have gone on Kiryu’s full journey will get the most out of the story with its many callbacks to past games and characters, it isn’t a bad starting point for newcomers. The story revolves around Joryu having shed his past identity and life, now working as an agent of sorts for the secret organization that helped him fake his death. This job comes with a new fighting style — which is gadget-based (think electrified wires that work like a whip, drones, and bombs) — that is geared toward fighting off large groups of enemies, although Kiryu’s old fighting style makes a comeback too. Both are fun to use and have their advantages, so you’ll switch between them often and there are plenty of upgrades to unlock — which is done by simply spending in-game money.
While the story isn’t quite as expansive as past titles, there are still plenty of double crosses, sudden twists, and grand action sequences. It’s able to tell a more personal story, one that focuses on Kiryu’s conviction and place in an ever-changing society. The smaller scale also works to the game’s advantage, with it mainly taking place in Sotenbori (as seen in Yakuza 2) and some in Yokohama (as introduced in Yakuza 7), as it is around 12 hours long with the drama and action never letting up during its main beats.
Despite being a smaller offering, Like a Dragon Gaiden is still filled with side content. All of the substories are now tied to an in-game information network where you help out those in need in exchange for information and money. This takes some of the exploration out of it, as you are accepting missions rather than stumbling upon them, but they’re still well worth you time. Several returning mini-games return too, such as the model-car racing sim Pocket Racer and being able to visit hostess clubs (which now use FMV, so you’re chatting with videos of actual women), among other trademarks like darts, karaoke, and billiards. Make no mistake, this is still a game that will eat up dozens of hours of your time.
One of my fears about Kiryu coming back as a protagonist was that it would undo the emotional weight of Yakuza 6’s ending. Thankfully, this is handled pretty well in the game and gives more context to his appearance in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which felt like a passing of the torch moment until it was revealed that both Joryu and new protagonist Ichiban return in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Gaiden’s story winds up being a nice convergence point of putting a bow on some of the series’ past while simultaneously moving it forward by setting the stage for Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon Gaiden Review: Final Verdict
Going for a smaller, more personal story, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is another great game in the Yakuza franchise. Rather than damaging Kiryu’s character and legacy, it adds to it and shows that the Like a Dragon series is in great hands despite the departure of creator Toshihiro Nagoshi. This shorter game is both a great starting point for those interested in the series and a treat for longtime fans that sets up the bright future of Sega’s best gaming series.
SCORE: 8.5/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8.5 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Like a Dragon Gaiden review. Reviewed on version 1.000.000.
