Thread: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name launches November 9 (Update: Reviews)

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Ensuring Transparency



Publisher SEGA and developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have announced action adventure game Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store). It will launch in 2023.

The game will sheds light on Kazuma Kiryu's perspective following the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life leading up to Like a Dragon 8. It will be about half the size of a regular Yakuza / Like a Dragon game.
 

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on November 9, according to listings on PlayStation Store price tracking website PSDeals.

Here is the PlayStation Store description:

Erase Your Past to Protect Your Future
Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.
Under the codename "Joryu," Kiryu embarks on a gripping action narrative with bone-shattering combat in vibrant locations filled with exciting characters and activities.
Ultimate Combat with Two High-Impact Fighting Styles

Dynamically switch between the Yakuza and Agent fighting styles in visceral melee combat.
With the Yakuza style, strike fear into enemies by unleashing wildly aggressive moves powered by Kiryu's unparalleled strength and flair.
Or up the ante with the Agent style by delivering blows with absolute speed and precision, while using an array of high-tech gadgets like electrified bind wires to stun enemies then send them flying.
Strategically adapt to the situation and leverage both styles to dominate and destroy hordes of enemies.
Endless Entertainment
Whether you're brawling in the secret Castle arena, singing a new karaoke song, enjoying a drink at the live-action cabaret club, or racing in the pocket circuit, the world offers a variety of immersive experiences.
An intriguing informant named Akame also provides thrilling sub-missions, drawing you into an epic showdown that unfolds the more you explore and enjoy Sotenbori, Yokohama and the mysterious Castle.
Notes
  • If you already own the PlayStation 4 version of this game, you can get the PlayStation 5 digital version at no extra cost and you do not need to purchase this product. Owners of a PlayStation 4 disc copy must insert it into the PlayStation 5 every time they want to download or play the PlayStation 5 digital version. PlayStation 4 game disc owners who buy the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition disc-free console will not be able to get the PlayStation 5 version at no extra cost.
  • Offline Multiplayer (two players).
  • Remote Play allows users to connect to and play games on their PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 using a mobile device, PC, or another PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5.
  • Offline play enabled.
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Publisher SEGA and developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released new information on the story, cast, combat, and locations of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

Get the details below, via the official website.

Story
What must you sacrifice to protect the ones you love?
A former legend in the yakuza world, Kazuma Kiryu fakes his death in order to protect his loved ones.
He occasionally receives missions as a secret agent for the Daidoji Faction, a shadowy organization that once operated as a fixer for the government. Kiryu's very existence is kept a closely guarded secret within Daidoji. There he languishes away each day in his self-imposed solitude. Until one day, somebody arrives to drag Kiryu back into the fold.

Cast
  • Kazuma Kiryu (portrayed by Takaya Kuroda) – A former legendary yakuza who has erased his past and name.
  • Kosei Shishido (portrayed by Yasukaze Motomiya) – A lieutenant of the Watse Family, an Omi Alliance subsidiary. The Watase Family's ace-in-the-hole.
  • Yuki Tsuruno (portrayed by Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) – A captain of the Watase Family, an Omi Alliance Subsidairy. A yakuza swordn to the Watase Family.
  • Akame (portrayed by First Summer Uika) – A shadowy figure who knows the ins and outs of Sotenbori.
  • Homare Nishitani III (portrayed by Kim Jaeuck) – Patriarch of the Kijin Clan, an Omi Alliance Subsidairy. Thidr partriarch of the Kijin Clan, a direct subsidiary of the Omi Alliance.
  • Kihei Hanawa (portrayed by Hiroki Tochi) – Leader of the Daidoji Faction.
Gripping performances from Takaya Kuroda, Yasukaze Motomiya, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, First Summer Uika, Kim Jae-Uck, Hiroki Tochi.
Combat
  • Yakuza Style – Dominate your enemies through brute force. The final form of Kiryu's signature brawling style. Pummel enemies with a ferocious flurry of punches and kicks, or use your environment as a weapon.
  • Agent Style – Subdue targets with sheer speed. The secret martial art practiced by operatives of the Daidoji Faction. Codename Joryu's preferred style of combat. A swift and deadly style inspired by different martial arts across the world. It incorporates the use of gadgets to quickly dispatch enemies.Mix and match both styles to take down your foes!
Mix and match both styles to take down your foes!
Locations
  • Sotenbori, Osaka – Sotenbori, Osaka serves as the main setting of the game. In areas under the control of the Omi Alliance, there is a high chance that somebody will recognize Kiryu.
  • Isezaki Ijincho, Yokohama – A city in Yokohama near the harbor that is home to the Seiryu Clan, the only yakuza organization in the area. They become the target of Kiryu as he attempts to solve a case.
Bonus Content
  • Legendary Fighter Pack (digital pre-order limited bonus) – Three legendary yakuza from the Tojo Clan (Daigo Dojima, Goro Majima, and Taiga Saejima) show up to the arena aboard the mysterious tanker at sea. Witness greatness as fabled men duke it out for the title of the strongest!

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on November 9.

 
Unfortunate about the lack of physical release, but I'm still going to get it day one digitally then. Love this series, and while I've not finished Ishin or Judgement 2 yet... I'm always down for more of these. Be it Kiryu or Ichiban.
 


I have a feeling my local game store will pick some of these up and sell them, since they tend to sell imports from time to time, especially if they have an English option. Would much prefer to have a physical copy since all but Y5 on the PS3 have had proper releases... (Thanks for the box later on though, Sega.)
 
And sure enough, said game store will have Asian import copies for $59.99 CDN. Coming right close to my birthday too. Gonna be a hell of a time with this game. I don't get too giddy over games these days but Like A Dragon is an exception. Love the series and seeing how it's going to grow and evolve without Nagoshi at the helm now.
 

The next main Yakuza game in the series, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is releasing on Nov. 8, 2023, with many fans eager to see what Kiryu has been up to. However, it seems like players will likely be spending some time away from the main story if the new leaks for Like a Dragon Gaiden's arcade mini-games.

According to a source known for getting copies of the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu early has claimed that some of the games featured in the arcade will include Daytona USA2 Remake, Fighting Vipers 2, Galaxy Force FM, and Flicky. The latter two were pretty much confirmed in a recent trailer, but the rest is news to fans.
 

Publisher SEGA and developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released new information and screenshots for Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name introducing the Coliseum, Carabet Club, Pocket Circuit, Karaoke, Boutique, arcade and Master System games, and darts.

■ Coliseum
The Castle is an adult theme park only open to a handful of VIPs. Its showcase event is the Hell Arena, a combat spectacle held in the Coliseum.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Hell Arena

The Hell Arena is packed with every type of combat entertainment imaginable to whet the appetites of its discerning clientele. Take control of your allies and conquer the arena!
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  • Tournament – A mode where the competitor is pitted against a swarm of opponents.
  • Hell Rumble – A mode where the competitor is pitted against a swarm of opponents.
  • Special Event Match – A mode where matches are held at random and have their own unique rules.
  • Hell Team Rumble – A team-versus-team mode where you gather allies to face off against the demons of hell.
Hell Team Rumble
In Hell Team Rumble, it is essential that you adequately organize your team and train them. Your more resilient allies should be placed on the front line, while your support members and allies with ranged weapons should be placed in the rear. Try to come up with your own strategies to capitalize on your team's individual traits!
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Fighters' Lounge
At the Fighters' Lounge, you can find new allies or talk with your current team members to build stronger ties.
It's an important location where you can also alleviate your allies' fatigue, so make sure to pay the lounge a visit.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Legendary Fighter Pack
Floating in the bay, away from the prying eyes of the public, is a mysterious tanker known as the Castle.
At the Coliseum on board the ship, three legendary yakuza from the Tojo Clan have shown up for the fight!
Claim victory with your allies in the ultimate showdown!
Who is truly the strongest? Find out in this intense battle between legends!
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■ Cabaret Club
The Carabet Club in this newest installment features live-action models.
Choose between five unique individuals and enjoy a glamorous evening!
Once you've built a rapport with them, they may even invite you out for some private time afterwards.
You might even get a glimpse at a whole other side to them.
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■ Pocket Circuit
You can play the Pocket Circuit at CourStar—a bar and cafe in Sotenbori.
Pocket Circuit Fighter Ran will be able to hook you up with new car bodies and parts.
Check out some of the new modes, like Time Attack, where you race to get the fastest time, and Rival, which lets you challenge opponents in town.
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■ Karaoke
New song "Sayonara Silent Night" has been added to Karaoke!
You can also sing a duet with Sotenbori's Jack-Of-All-Trades—Akame!
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About the New Song
Sayonara Silent Night is our first-ever Christmas song. The lyrics beautifully embody the feelings of a middle-aged man unable to tell the love of his life his true feelings. We wrote the song to capture the conflict in Kiryu as he wrestles with his decision to lead a life of solitude. It's a really wonderful song, and we hope you enjoy it!
■ Boutique
The Boutique allows you to customize Kiryu's appearance. Pick from stylish suits, outlandish shirts, and an assortment of other garments—his wardrobe is entirely up to you!
Create your own unique Kazuma Kiryu ensemble!
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■ The Arcade and Master System
Fighting Vipers 2, SEGA RACING CLASSIC 2 (Editor's Note: Daytona USA 2), and a bunch of other games have been added to the arcade!
You can also play Galaxy Force, Flicky, and more on the Master System!
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■ Darts
The darts machine has been updated to Darts Live 3!
Count-Up Cricket has been added to Darts. Special darts shaped like roses, forks, and more have also been added. Look forward to giving this new game of darts a whirl!
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Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on November 9.
 
So if I have the Asian physical release, I assume any dlc on the North American store won't be compatible? I don't import too many games these days so I'm out of the loop.

PS. Like A Dragon Ishin is awesome. (Working through that before Gaiden.)
 
I really enjoyed Yakuza 0 but hit a brick wall with Yakuza 1 pretty fast. Same city, but really rough start.

I do really want to get into playing them all. Am I setting myself up for something like Playing something like Assassins Creed back to back or is each instalment genuinely worth while and not samey? I think it's the thought of about 6 games in the same city doing the same things 😄
 


Join us on September 19th at 9pm PT for the RGG Like A Dragon Direct to learn more about Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. There will be news, trailers, and more to find out about what's happening with the next titles in the series. You won't want to miss a second of the excitment coming straight from studio.
 
Reviews

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Critic Reviews


ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy
'The Man Who Erased His Name' is pure Yakuza tradition and an excellent revisit to real-time combat. It's also a moment-to-moment reminder that while the engine and visuals are getting older, the world is so full of amazing stories and excellent action that its bumps are smoothed over."


AnaitGames - Víctor Manuel Martínez García - Spanish - 7 / 10
As an intermission or appetizer before the next big installment of the series, the Ryu ga Gotoku Studio Studio pays tribute to Kazuma Kiryu with a minor but hard to resist installment.


Areajugones - Cristian M. Villa - Spanish - 8.5 / 10
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is not simply a short story to contextualize the presence and appearance of Kazuma Kiryu in the chronology and history of Ichiban Kasuga. In the same way that Yakuza 0 ended up representing a magnificent 'separate' installment, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name also manages to maintain itself by pulling nostalgia and some other curious novelty.


Atomix - Jose Celorio - Spanish - 86 / 100
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a highly recommended title for this Christmas season, as it will serve as an appetizer to welcome Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which looks extremely ambitious and promising, and will be one of the strong cards for when 2024 begins.


Attack of the Fanboy - Marc Magrini - 4.5 / 5
Despite missed potential in terms of its main story, Like a Dragon Gaiden makes up for it with incredible combat and fantastic side content. Hopefully RGG Studio continues to expand on the beat-em-up style instead of going all-in on turn-based combat, because Gaiden offers one of the most fun gameplay experiences of the franchise.


But Why Tho? - Eddie De Santiago - 8.5 / 10
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name may not be as long as other games in the series, but it still provides a deep sandbox in which to lose yourself for hours, whether it's in the arena, the arcade, or simply helping out around the neighborhood.


CGMagazine - Khari Taylor - 8 / 10
Despite a nonsensical plot and slightly lower emotional stakes, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a stunning refinement of the Dragon Engine that's wholly deserving of your time, whether you're a longtime Yakuza fan or new to the franchise.


COGconnected - Rhett Waselenchuk - 80 / 100
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name doesn't reinvent the wheel by any means. For Yakuza/Like Dragon fans, it'll be a familiar, albeit enjoyable experience. It has a few shortcomings – the most egregious being a painfully slow first few hours. But once it gets going, Gaiden packs a punch. One that's sure to keep you satiated until Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth drops.


Cerealkillerz - German - 8.2 / 10
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name offers the usual high class story, which demands some knowledge from the previous Yakuza entries. The agent abilities insert themselves perfectly into the combat and there are also again, a lot of sidequests to do, sadly without much new elements. This short trip to Sotenbori is a must have for fans of the series but will be difficult for Newcomers to get into.


Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 9 / 10
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name more than justifies its existence. It creates fantastic points of tension and a real constant threat in Kiryu's attempts at anonymity as he butts head with the Yakuza and some mysterious, shadowy figures. Always keeping me on the edge of my seat, it's a heavy-hitter in the narrative, having me actively weep at the conclusion. This kind of magnificence is the payoff of years upon years of hard franchise work, entirely rewarding for longtime fans though boldly unapologetic and unforgiving to the newcomers. Slamming enemy's heads into walls and getting emotional over the franchise-long angst and baggage our beloved protagonist holds has truly never felt this good. Despite now hosting more than a dozen entries, Gaiden proves the Like a Dragon name is still endlessly valuable to this day. Bring on the next dozen, I say.


Cultured Vultures - Ashley Bates - 7 / 10
Like A Dragon Gaiden should tide fans over until Infinite Wealth drops as a shorter yet still enjoyable romp, but this is hardly a series highlight.


Daily Mirror - Scott McCrae - 4 / 5
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name goes toe-to-toe with the likes of Yakuza 0 and Kiwami 2. It also serves its main purpose and then some: to bring Kiryu back into the fold and get you excited for what could be his final ride in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.


Destructoid - Eric Van Allen - 8 / 10
Like a Dragon Gaiden has games, laughs, tears, and brawls where characters dramatically reveal their resplendent back tattoos. It does what a new Like a Dragon entry needs to do, and tees up some big emotional moments for its longtime series lead along the way. If you want a deep story with twists and turns, this may not be all you hope for. But if you run off the beaten path to get a model AiAi out of the UFO Catcher, this should more than tide you over to Infinite Wealth.


Digital Trends - Tomas Franzese - 3 / 5
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name satisfyingly ties up many loose ends in Kiryu's story, but it's one of the franchise's most tedious adventures.


Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 3.5 / 5
Thankfully we only have to wait three months for the next "proper" title in the series to land. While Like a Dragon Gaiden might have been disappointing against the astronomically high standards of this series, I have no doubt whatsoever that January 2024 will deliver another bold step forward for SEGA's gritty urban epic.


DualShockers - Matthew O'Dwyer - 8.2 / 10
Despite its flaws, I can't deny that I had a great time walking in the shoes of Kiryu.


Final Weapon - Raul Ochoa - 4.5 / 5
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name delivers an impactful story through the perspective of Kazuma Kiryu, the beloved protagonist of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. In preparation for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Gaiden bridges an important gap in the timeline while providing additional context with new characters that enter the fold. Meanwhile, Gaiden introduces various improvements to the signature combat system and many hours of compelling content as a can't-miss entry in the series.


GGRecon - Dave McAdam - 4 / 5
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a throwback and a step forward, putting a potential end to what came before on the way to something new. As it does so, it is a shorter, but still truly excellent example of everything that has made the Like a Dragon series so great for so many years.


Game Informer - Blake Hester - 8 / 10
By the time credits roll, Gaiden neatly establishes Kiryu's role in the next mainline game, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and since that game's out in a few months, the brief taste gave me plenty to be excited for. I wish the story were more interested in exploring who Kiryu is now that he's forced into this double life, but as a thin bridge between games, Gaiden is a neat one.


Game Rant - Brie Hoban - 4 / 5
Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name marks the beginning of the end for Kazuma Kiryu, but, if its quality is anything to go by, the Like a Dragon series has a long and bright future ahead.


Game Revolution - Nicholas Tan - 8 / 10
As an extended epilogue for Kazuma Kiryu, The Man Who Erased His Name is well worth the time. While the game could be longer, it's a strong send-off for a character that has made Yakuza the thrilling, dramatic series it has been for nearly two decades. As the franchise transitions to Ichiban Kazuga as the main protagonist, I will still fondly remember him, with or without his name.


GameSpot - Michael Higham - 8 / 10
RGG Studio's latest action-brawler is a captivating and emotional look at Kiryu's life that offers a 'greatest hits' of the series' gameplay.


GameXplain - Mac Campbell - Liked-a-lot
Video Review - Quote not available


Gamer Guides - Jarrod Garripoli - 8.5 / 10
Like A Dragon Gaiden is another great game in a long-running series, that continues the high-quality tradition. It's packed to the brim with content and offers great drama that not only gets Kiryu sucked back into the underground world, but also yourself.


GamesHub - Edmond Tran - 4 / 5
As always, it's those intimate and emotional human elements that make Like A Dragon Gaiden so gratifying. Whether or not we needed to see Kiryu be pulled back so heavily into the underworld against his will is another question entirely, but if we believe at this point that the end is truly nigh for Kiryu in Infinite Wealth, this one last go-around to spend a few more deeply personal moments with him is something to be cherished – as a bittersweet way to get ready to say goodbye (for whenever that time actually comes around).


GamesRadar+ - Kazuma Hashimoto - 3 / 5
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name feels like another swan song for Kiryu, and it's one I'm tired of hearing.


GamingBolt - Pramath - 7 / 10
While not on par with Kiryu or the franchise's finest outings, Like A Dragon Gaiden is still a good enough game that does the job of priming you up for the next big entry in the saga.


GamingTrend - Henry Viola - 80 / 100
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a great interlude before Infinite Wealth comes out next year, with its throwback to the franchise's classic real time beat 'em up combat in the shoes of Kiryu. The narrative does take a step back, and the new characters aren't as memorable, but there's plenty of bizarre and addicting side activities to partake in on the streets of Sotonbori or at the Castle.











 
I already downloaded this baby on Game Pass. Will try it later and play it in between my Alan Wake 2 sessions. I'm a pretty big fan of everything Yakuza, the games are so silly with many laugh out loud moments. They're definitely a guilty pleasure of mine.
 
Fellaz, I jus want to make sure I'm not skipping anything in Yakuzas Chronological order.

Im NOT touching Like a Dragon unless I'm done with part 6, correct?

So far the whole intro(got my ass spoiled already) in LAD was so slick and very well done, love the presentation and movie like visuals 👏
 
Fellaz, I jus want to make sure I'm not skipping anything in Yakuzas Chronological order.

Im NOT touching Like a Dragon unless I'm done with part 6, correct?

So far the whole intro(got my ass spoiled already) in LAD was so slick and very well done, love the presentation and movie like visuals 👏

LAD features a new protagonist, but ideally you should play part 6 before that. Gaiden takes place between 6 and LAD (which it spoils, according to a review i watched).
 
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