For fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a must-play. If you’re already a fan and curious, stop reading and play it. Especially if you have Xbox Game Pass, where it’s available day one. For those still on the fence, let’s dive into why Gaiden is such a compelling experience.
Kiryu’s Explosive Return to Action
like-a-dragon-gaiden-spider-gadget.jpgGaiden’s greatest strength lies in its combat. After the turn-based RPG combat of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Gaiden brings back the fast-paced, visceral action Kiryu Kazama is known for, and it’s better than ever. Kiryu utilizes two fighting styles, but the new Agent style is a game-changer.
Long-time fans might argue that Goro Majima’s Breaker style in Yakuza 0 was the peak of the series’ combat. While flashy, Gaiden introduces a new contender. The Agent style equips Kiryu with a suite of James Bond-esque gadgets. Starting with a Spider watch for grappling enemies, Kiryu’s arsenal expands to include powerful upgrades, like the Serpent loafers, allowing him to rocket himself into enemies like a human missile. With dozens of enemies often on screen, Gaiden provides ample opportunity to showcase Kiryu’s enhanced combat prowess. The addition of attack drones and a cigarette bomb further solidifies this as Kiryu’s most versatile kit to date.
Managing these gadgets might seem complex, and on higher difficulties, it can be. However, RGG has prioritized accessibility. On Beginner difficulty, players can button-mash effectively, still experiencing the visual spectacle of the combat. The game intelligently switches fighting styles and assists with Heat Actions and dodges, making even newcomers feel like seasoned veterans.
A Story of Family and Sacrifice
like-a-dragon-man-no-name.jpgGaiden strives to be accessible to new players by incorporating flashbacks to contextualize Kiryu’s history. While long-time fans may not need this exposition, the flashbacks effectively portray Kiryu’s motivations and character.
The core narrative is classic Yakuza, full of dramatic twists and turns. The story centers on Kiryu’s life after abandoning his name to protect the Morning Glory Orphanage, drawing him back into the Yakuza underworld in events parallel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon. While the overall trajectory of Kiryu’s story might be familiar to those who played Like a Dragon, the journey itself is filled with surprises.
The ending packs an emotional punch, on par with the finale of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. While the impact may be lessened for newcomers unfamiliar with the characters, the narrative remains powerful. Kiryu’s new identity as “Joryu,” complete with a flimsy disguise of sunglasses, adds a layer of humor to the serious plot.
The shorter, five-chapter campaign, clocking in around 10 hours, keeps the pacing tight but sometimes relies on cutscenes to advance the plot where playable sequences would have been preferred, especially during crossovers with Ichiban’s story.
Side Content and Mini-Games
like-a-dragon-gaiden-castle.jpgThe shorter development cycle is evident in the substories. While still entertaining, they are fewer in number and less organically integrated. Working with Akame, a standout character who deserves a return in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, involves numerous Stroll ‘n’ Patrol missions. These missions, while necessary to unlock traditional substories, can feel repetitive.
Despite this, the substories retain their signature blend of humor and heart, referencing familiar characters and past events in the franchise. Long-time fans will appreciate the callbacks and should prioritize completing the Stroll ‘n’ Patrol missions to access them.
Classic Yakuza side activities return, including golf, billiards, darts, and arcade games. Highlights include Pocket Circuit racing and the Coliseum, featuring the chaotic new Hell Rumble mode where players lead a team of NPCs against waves of enemies. This mode provides another excellent opportunity to showcase the exhilarating combat system.
Conclusion
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name isn’t perfect. However, it delivers a quintessential Yakuza experience. The combat is both thrilling and humorous, the story is engaging, and the side content offers plenty of distractions. It sets the stage for Kiryu’s future and leaves players eager for more. Gaiden is a must-play for fans of RGG’s unique style and stands as one of the best games of the year.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name releases November 9th on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This review was conducted on a PC using a code provided by the publisher.
