New Like a Dragon Spin-Off: The Man Who Erased His Name
Get ready for a thrilling ride with Like a Dragon Gaiden, the highly anticipated spin-off title that promises to bridge the gap between different parts of the franchise With a release date set for 2023, fans can expect a solid output schedule over the next few years, alongside Like a Dragon: Ishin and Like a Dragon 8
Like a Dragon fans have a lot to look forward to in 2023 with the release of Like a Dragon: Ishin earlier this year and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name on the horizon. The game was first announced in September 2022 alongside Like a Dragon: Ishin and Like a Dragon 8, with the former slated for release in early 2023 and the latter not expected until 2024. What's more, the announcement of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name for a 2023 release date means that fans can count on a consistent output schedule for the series over the next few years.
Despite not being a mainline numbered release, Like a Dragon: Gaiden's place in the series could be crucial. The game will bridge the gap between the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, shedding light on the events surrounding longtime series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and how he ended up playing the role he did in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. As the series now balances two protagonists in Kiryu and Yakuza: Like a Dragon's Ichiban Kasuga, this next title will likely set the tone for the franchise moving forward.
Like a Dragon Gaiden Aims to Be a Pivotal Entry in the Series
Fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series have had mixed reactions to the change in combat system from the traditional beat 'em up style to the turn-based JRPG system in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. While some fans have embraced the change, others have been disappointed. However, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has made a decision that should please both sets of fans. Like a Dragon Gaiden, a spin-off title, will return to the beat 'em up style of earlier entries. This will differentiate it from the new style of mainline games and provide representation for fans of both combat systems.
In addition to providing fans with the combat system they prefer, Like a Dragon Gaiden will also be an important part of the series' overarching storyline. It will fill in the gap between Yakuza 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and follow Kiryu, who will be using the alias of Joryu. Kiryu will be working for the Daidoji Faction, which was introduced in Yakuza 6. However, his work will lead him back into the world of the yakuza, where he will become a bodyguard for an unnamed individual with implications for Kiryu's future.
Despite RGG Studio's statement that Like a Dragon Gaiden will have a smaller scope than previous entries in the series, fans can still expect to see many beloved features present. The classic cabaret club mini-game and other iconic mini-games will make a return, and an open world filled with substories will keep players entertained. While these additions will add to the overall content, the main story is expected to be shorter than usual.
Fans are eagerly awaiting news about the game's release date. While no specific date has been confirmed, the game is slated for a 2023 release window. With the year almost halfway over, it's likely that the game will have a late 2023 launch date. As the upcoming season of gaming news and announcements approaches, fans can anticipate updates about the game and a more specific release date now that RGG Studio has released their latest title, Like a Dragon: Ishin.
