Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name | Review

Initial Release Date: November 8, 2023

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows

Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Engine: Dragon Engine

Mode: Single-player

Genres: Fighting, Action-adventure

Publishers: Sega, SEGA of America

SPOILERS THROUGHOUT!

Introduction

The Yakuza series is simply one of if not the best mafia-esque video games series in existence. The only Yakuza video game I haven’t started to date are Yakuza 3, 4 and 5. I have completed both Judgement games in which Like a Dragon Gaiden has a Substories tied to. I also played quite a of bit of Like a Dagon Yakuza 7 but have not completed it.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name ties up the finality of the Omi Alliance and all Yakuza in Japan. I felt some emotions seeing the end of Kazuma Kiryu being the main lead going forward as it’s handed off to Ichiban Kasuga, the new Dragon. Like a Dragon Gaiden Gameplay Playlist.

ChatGPT: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name takes players on an immersive journey into the enigmatic world of Yakuza, offering a gripping experience filled with intrigue, action, and unexpected twists. As a spinoff in the acclaimed Yakuza series, this title promises a unique perspective and a fresh take on the underworld narrative

Presentation

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is pretty much like older Yakuza games taking place in the smaller Sotenbori district. Gaiden isn’t turn based like the first Like a Dragon but instead uses the all new Agent system and Yakuza fighting style system.

I really have no complaints about overall content and variety here. Like a Dragon Gaiden still has the wacky zaniness that past Yakuza video games are known for. With that said, Like A Dragon Gaiden is only Five Chapters in total. The main story is much shorter than every Yakuza game I played through.

Zero bugs or glitches to report which is par for the course with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s video games. These devs don’t make buggy glitchy video games from my experience.

Story

I really enjoyed Like a Dragon Gaiden’s story. Kazuma Kiryu’s Yakuza finality was all that and a ton of bricks! Kiryu with the help of the Daidijo Clan faked his own death. This same Daidijo clan also has plans of dissolving The Omi Alliance with the help of the Watase and Dojima clan’s patriarchs.

What I enjoyed the most was how the story came together near the end. I got to see all of the past great Yakuza video game characters in one spot. Shishido and Nishitani were good antagonists. Like every Yakuza game I played the story was solid and Gaiden is no different.

There is a scene at the end of the story where Kazuma Kiryu breaks down in tears watching a video of his Sunflower Orphanage kids grown up and making it on their own, it hit different.

ChatGPT: The storyline unfolds like a compelling crime drama, introducing players to a protagonist whose identity is shrouded in mystery. As the tale progresses, layers of the narrative are peeled away, revealing a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and the relentless pursuit of redemption. The plot keeps players on the edge of their seats, blending suspense with moments of poignant reflection.

Gameplay

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a third person beat’em featuring an all new Agent Style where Kazuma Kiryu (protagonist) uses James Bond style gadgets in combat.

You have the Serpent shoes which are rocket shoes. You have “Firefly” explosive cigarettes’. You have the Spider which acts like a grapple hook and weapon. Drones are called Hornets.

It took a while but I ended up enjoying the combat as time went on. Boss fights were okay except for the final one. At one point you have to level up the Akame Network to progress the story. Akame is a fixer. The Castle is a derelict ship with casinos and an fighting coliseum.

Substories were funny, interesting and weird. One had you helping a kid who didn’t know how to communicate with anyone without a ChatGPT app lol. I love how some Substories are cringe in Yakuza. Good stuff!

Visual/Graphics

ChatGPT: The game’s visuals extend beyond gameplay, with cinematic sequences that rival those of major film productions. The attention to cinematography and visual storytelling adds a cinematic flair, ensuring that players are engaged not only during gameplay but also during key narrative moments. Jason – I wasn’t that impressed aside from the cutscenes. Sorry ChatGPT.

Sound/Design

ChatGPT: The musical score complements the game’s atmosphere, featuring a dynamic soundtrack that adapts seamlessly to the shifting tones of the narrative. Whether setting the stage for intense action sequences or underscoring emotional moments, the music enhances the overall impact of the gaming experience. Jason here: I did like how the music would change depending on the in-game fight.

ChatGPT: The voice acting is a standout feature, with skilled performances that breathe life into the diverse cast of characters. Each line is delivered with nuance, capturing the essence of the dialogues and elevating the emotional resonance of pivotal scenes. Jason: I played through this with all Japanese voiced dialogue with english subtitles and it was stellar. I have to agree with ChatGPT here.

Final Thoughts/Score

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name did an excellant job at tying up Kazuma Kiryu’s final moments within the Yakuza. I will say Gaiden is shorter, tighter and more focused on Kazuma Kiryu and the dissolvement of the Yakuza as a whole which opens up new opportunities within the Like a Dragon franchise going forward.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a really solid video game. I played through it via Gamepass. This is a digital only title going for $49.99. Story campaign is 8 or 9 hours straight with plenty of side content. If you have Gamepass download it. If you are tight for money wait for a deal. Later – Jason