Unleashing Your Inner Dragon: The Game-Changing Disguise Customization That Could Redefine the Series
Extensive disguise customization in Like a Dragon Gaiden paves the way for a new era of personalized style in the series, hinting at exciting possibilities for future titles
Highlights
Like a Dragon Gaiden introduces unprecedented customization options, allowing players to mix and match clothing styles and accessories for their character.
Previous games in the series offered limited options for outfit customization, often making it available through paid DLC or restricting it to combat encounters. However, Gaiden takes this feature to new heights by providing extensive layers of customization for players to delve into.
By incorporating clothing customization, Gaiden not only introduces a disguise system but also effectively reflects the game's dynamic tonal shifts, seamlessly transitioning between intense action sequences and lighthearted, comedic moments. This successful implementation opens the possibility for future games to strike a harmonious balance between pre-existing outfit choices and player customization.
In the preview footage of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, it has been confirmed that customization will play an important role in Kiryu's journey. Players will have the unprecedented option to mix and match clothing styles and accessories for the character, aligning with Gaiden's undercover agent themes. This level of freedom in customization, while integral to the story, has the potential to become a staple feature for the series in the future.
In previous installments of Like a Dragon Gaiden, outfit customization was usually limited to DLC or the Premium Adventure mode, primarily paying tribute to past characters in the series. In Like a Dragon 7, Ichiban and his crew were able to change outfits based on their progress in jobs, but this was only available during combat and not in the overworld before starting the Premium Adventure. The game faced criticism for its Ultimate Costume Set DLC, which allowed the crew to wear outfits inspired by Kiryu, Majima, and other notable series protagonists, but at a hefty cost of fifteen dollars.
Clothing Options in Like a Dragon Gaiden Could Set a Precedent For Future Titles
Earlier entries in the series had limited customization options, but there were some gear changes that added a humorous twist to traveling in the overworld. For instance, in Yakuza 0, wearing the Mew Shoes would make a loud meowing sound with every step, leading to comical situations during cutscenes. In Like a Dragon Gaiden, the clothing options are even more extensive, with multiple layers of customization available, including hats, shoes, and makeup.
Similar to previous games, Gaiden's customization will likely pay homage to the series, with outfits inspired by characters like Majima and Ichiban. It is still unclear how much the customization will affect cutscenes, but it is expected that Kiryu will transition to his classic suit and glasses in most pre-rendered footage, as shown in promotional material. However, Like a Dragon Gaiden is expected to be rich in side quests and minigames, providing ample opportunity for the character to show off his unique looks.
Clothing customization in Like a Dragon Gaiden appears to have multiple benefits, serving both as a disguise system and a means of showcasing the game's shifting tones. Observing Kiryu in different outfits adds an ideal touch to the series' seamless transitions between intense action and comical situations. It would be equally great to apply a similar approach to Ichiban in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, enabling the team's overworld attire to be changed without relying on paid DLC or Premium Adventure, thus emphasizing its RPG influences.
Undoubtedly, the Like a Dragon titles have become renowned for their iconic outfits, which reflect the personalities of their respective characters. For instance, Majima's shift from a Cabaret suit to a snakeskin jacket alludes to a freer lifestyle, while Ichiban's suit colors ingeniously contrast with Kiryu's. Incorporating customization would not necessarily compromise this series tradition. Moving forward, the games could strike a balance between preset outfits for pivotal moments in the story and emotional cutscenes, while allowing player customization to enhance the experience of minigames and side quests.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is set to release on November 9, 2023, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
