Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Review
Set in the Yakuza universe, “Like A Dragon Gaiden” presents a storyline that intertwines familiar elements from previous Yakuza installments while carving out its unique narrative path. Following Kiryu’s faked death and his agreement to aid the Daidoji Faction, the game delves into a gripping saga, compellingly weaving in past and future events of the series.
The hallmark of Yakuza games, the captivating sub-stories, thrives in ‘Gaiden.’ From crossovers with Judgment to encounters with the eccentric ‘White Knights,’ these side missions offer both entertainment and a temporary escape from the main plotline.
Diversifying the experience are engaging mini-games ranging from Blackjack to Cabaret, adding layers of enjoyment and money-making opportunities. However, the mechanism to trigger sub-stories via Akame feels cumbersome, requiring repetitive back-and-forth engagements that might dampen the excitement of these quests.
The game boasts phenomenal Japanese voice acting, a trademark of the franchise. Yet, the English dub, while a welcome addition, falls short in capturing the matured essence of Kiryu’s character, slightly disconnecting from the anticipated portrayal.
Combat, a culmination of RGG Studios’ brawler expertise, showcases Kiryu’s evolved Agent fighting style, blending speed and fluidity, refreshing the gameplay. However, the combat loop can grow repetitive in later stages, a common characteristic of Yakuza games.
Amidst emotional peaks and character development, the storyline occasionally revisits familiar tropes, potentially feeling repetitive for long-time franchise enthusiasts. Nonetheless, it serves as a solid foundation for the upcoming game, ‘Infinite Wealth.’
‘Like A Dragon Gaiden’ encapsulates the series’ greatness in a compact form, albeit toning down some of its trademark exuberance. With a solid experience catering to both veteran and new fans, it sets the stage for the highly anticipated ‘Infinite Wealth’ releasing in January.
Rating: 4 out of 5