Like a Dragon Gaiden review: The Man Who Erased His Name (PS5): Not quite the Yakuza game we know and love
While it serves as an important narrative bridge, the game falls short in delivering the depth and variety that we have come to expect from the series.
By HardwareZone Team -
In the ever-changing landscape of Sega’s Yakuza game series, the narrative thread has taken some unexpected turns, particularly with the transition from the beloved protagonist Kazuma Kiryu to the vibrant new lead, Ichiban Kasuga. The Yakuza series, known for its unique blend of intense action, deep storytelling, and quirky side activities, has recently introduced Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, a bridge between Yakuza 6 and the upcoming Yakuza 8, titled Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This narrative interlude offers insights into Kiryu's life post-Yakuza 6, where he was last seen faking his death to escape the yakuza life, thereby severing ties with his family.
Gaiden sees Kiryu, now operating under the codename Joryu, engaged in the clandestine dealings of the Daidoji faction. This role reversal for Kiryu, from a clan leader to a shadowy agent, marks a significant shift in his character arc. However, this change, while notable, does not necessarily elevate Gaiden to the heights of its predecessors in terms of storytelling. The game struggles to balance the novelty of Kiryu's new life with a sense of familiarity, leaving long-time fans and newcomers alike grappling with a narrative that seems to fall short of the series' usual depth and emotional resonance.
One of the key aspects of Gaiden is its focus on combat. Kiryu, known for his prowess in physical confrontations, continues to resolve most conflicts with his fists. However, this heavy reliance on combat, especially compared to the rich narrative and varied gameplay of previous titles, feels like a step back. The game's side missions, facilitated by the Akame Network and Akame Points, offer a break from the central story but lack the emotional weight and surprising twists that have become hallmarks of the series.
These missions, while streamlined and more accessible, lead invariably to more combat, underscoring the game's departure from the intricate balance of action, narrative, and zany side activities that defined earlier Yakuza games. The absence of the series' characteristic eccentric tasks, such as managing seemingly mundane but hilariously executed errands, leaves Gaiden feeling somewhat diminished.
Despite these criticisms, Gaiden does introduce some engaging elements. The game's central hub, the Castle, is a vivid reminder of the series' fondness for over-the-top settings. This sprawling barge houses an array of activities, including a casino, gambling hall, and the Colosseum, where players can spend hours engrossed in various challenges. The Colosseum, in particular, stands out with its unique feature of building and leading a team of up to ten fighters, including series favorites and new characters, in large-scale battles.
The game's new Agent fighting style adds a fresh dynamic to combat. Kiryu now possesses gadgets akin to those of a spy, including wires for immobilising enemies and rocket shoes for high-powered attacks. These new abilities offer a visually entertaining and strategically different approach to fights, though they arguably lean more towards spectacle than substance.
Despite these novelties, Gaiden's emphasis on fighting overshadows other aspects of the game, leading to a somewhat monotonous experience. The storyline, while serving as a bridge between major titles, doesn't quite leverage Kiryu's rich history effectively. The narrative, intended to be lighter and more straightforward, ends up feeling underwhelming, especially for a character as storied as Kiryu.
Looking ahead to Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game is set to reintroduce Kiryu alongside Ichiban, promising an exciting blend of old and new. Kiryu's return as a protagonist, now sporting a new haircut, hints at significant developments in his character arc. The setting in Hawaii also indicates a refreshing change in scenery and possibly new gameplay elements. However, it remains to be seen how this next instalment will balance the legacy of Kiryu with the burgeoning story of Ichiban.
In my opinion, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name represents a mixed chapter in the Yakuza saga. While it serves as an important narrative bridge and introduces some engaging gameplay mechanics, it falls short in delivering the depth and variety that we have come to expect from the series. As Yakuzan fans anticipate the release of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the hope is that it will recapture the essence of the Yakuza series, blending compelling storytelling with the rich, multifaceted gameplay that has defined this beloved franchise.
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