In our Like a Dragon Gaiden review, you'll find out if the initially planned DLC has turned into a full-fledged game and if the developers have done justice to Kiryu Kazuma's legacy.
With Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, we step one last time into the shoes of Kiryu Kazuma, who has been our protagonist since Yakuza 0 in every installment except Yakuza: Like a Dragon. We witnessed his beginnings in the Yakuza and experienced his dramatic story and development until he truly became The Dragon of Dojima.
However, everyone in the Yakuza lives on a razor's edge, and so Kiryu had to make a fateful decision and disappear from the lives of those he holds dear. The events of the past have not only marked a turning point for Kiryu but also for everyone within the Yakuza. Like a Dragon Gaiden aims to be both an end and a beginning, filling a gap and bidding farewell to one of the bravest, most likable, and upright protagonists of his time.
Find out in this review how well Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio managed this balancing act and whether the classic mix of madness and seriousness still prevails!
| 📌 Quick Facts | Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name |
| Release: | November 8, 2023 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| Platform: | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
| Developer: | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Publisher: | Sega |
| Genre: | Action-Adventure |
Here you can buy Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth!
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Bottom Line
- The beginning is slow and sluggish but develops dramatically with familiar RGG-style twists.
- Fans of the series will discover numerous Easter eggs.
- The main story only lasts around 10–15 hours.
- Like a Dragon Gaiden struggles in daylight but shines brightly at night.
- Side activities are well-organized thanks to the "Akame Network," and NPCs don't pester you incessantly.
- The key characters look visually stunning, and Kiryu has never looked better.
- The fights are crazy, lively, and intuitive, showcasing Kiryu's enduring power.
- Fewer combat styles, but Agent gadgets bring exciting new elements.
Even After Death, There Is No Rest For The Dragon Of Dojima
Story-wise, I dived directly into the past events of Yakuza 6 in Like a Dragon Gaiden. I relived how Tsunemo Iwami tried to kill Kiryu. After his attempt failed, he targeted his adoptive daughter Haruka instead. This is when Kiryu decided to fake his own death to protect his loved ones and provide them a better life outside the grasp of the Yakuza.
I experienced a broken dragon solely concerned about the safety of his loved ones. He bound himself to a shady company, but still managed to stay true to his righteous ideals. Kiryu has mostly moved on from his past and rarely looks back, trying to live his life in peace. However, the shadows of the past catch-up with him once again, and he must face the Yakuza one last time as the final conflict threatens to escalate.
The start of the story is slow, taking its time to pick up speed and with trivialities interrupting the flow of the game. But as time passes, the story becomes more interesting. However, due to the game's shorter length, the developers' usual masterful storytelling takes a slight backseat, and compromises had to be made. Nevertheless, some twists are added to spice things up.
Refreshing Fights With Fewer Styles And Plenty Of Side Activities
For one last time, I got to immerse myself in the brawler combat system, and I genuinely enjoyed every second of it. Even though there are fewer combat styles this time, it still felt refreshing and new. The Agent skill tree allowed me to use numerous useful gadgets like a grappling hook, drones, or exploding cigarettes in combat – atypical for Kiryu but still exciting! The familiar Dragon of Dojima style was also present, appearing more agile and elegant than before, keeping the gameplay engaging – fantastic!
With a completely revamped side quest system, the usually forced activities felt more structured. Let's be honest, in previous installments, it felt natural when numerous NPCs approached you while strolling down the street. However, the frequency was overwhelming, and it disrupted the actual flow of the game.
In Like a Dragon Gaiden, these random events are gone, and I could actively select my side quests at Akame's Network and then approach the NPCs on-site. While we might miss out on some funny moments with the new system, I really prefer it. In the past, I hesitated to stroll through the city because I didn't want to accidentally come across 10 unwanted side quests.
Besides the typical quests, are plenty of other activities to enjoy here as well. Whether singing my heart out in the karaoke bar, proving myself in the Coliseum battles, racing against my rival in "Pocket Circuit," playing billiards, darts, or shogi, or visiting the talkative hostesses, there is always something exciting to discover. The developers added more meaningful quests with the "Substories". Those quests stand out with their compelling stories and humor, and sometimes even refer to past events of Kiryus previous life. Among other recurring characters, I even spotted one from the Judgment series, leading me to speculate that Kiryu might reappear as a side character!
Technically A Solid Outcome, With Visual Weaknesses And Calm Musical Tracks
From a technical standpoint, Like a Dragon Gaiden is impressively well-made. Given the history of subpar PC ports, having this level of quality on day one is unusual. But, the development team, as evidenced by previous releases such as Like a Dragon: Ishin, have clearly put in a lot of effort to providing seamless ports. They have succeeded once again with Like a Dragon Gaiden, and I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Even at the highest settings, I experienced no stutters, freezes, crashes, or the slightest fluctuations.
However, it's not all perfect. While the main characters are well-drawn, and Kiryu Kazuma appears in his finest form yet, the surroundings face challenges. And especially when daylight comes, Like a Dragon Gaiden falls behind. The absence of shadows in well-lit areas deprives the game world of the essential. That said, Sotenbori at night is beautifully crafted, and the atmosphere is strong. Addiotnally, "The Castle," where the Coliseum is located, is a real eye-catcher. With rich colors, contrast, and depth that make this area extremely inviting.
The music in this title is again rather subdued. There are hardly any songs that significantly contribute to storytelling and few are even memorable. In cutscenes, you notice them occasionally, but they are quickly overshadowed by numerous conversations. Only the karaoke songs have ear-catching potential, and the well-known and beloved song "Baka Mitai" returns one last time.
Verdict
I experienced an upheaval in the world of Yakuza/Like a Dragon. A shift in which the last families fought a final and bitter battle, as the age of the Yakuza drew to an end. The characters played their roles convincingly and many things unfolded predictably.
Despite the streamlined combat styles, the Agent skill tree offered an extremely refreshing way to fight my opponents. The familiar Dragon of Dojima style felt powerful and became more agile, versatile, and action-packed with each purchased ability. I am usually a big fan of Goro Majima's combat styles, but in Like a Dragon Gaiden, I had the time of my life, sending enemies in Sotenbori or the Coliseum into oblivion with Kiryu – well done!
The numerous side activities through the Akame Network, mini-games, and the Coliseum extend the playtime significantly, resulting in a total playtime of something closer to 50 or 60 hours, and turning this "DLC" into a full-fledged package. The new side quest system is a complete success, and I hope it is also adopted in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. In all, I'm satisfied.
Like a Dragon Gaiden is a love letter to the past, offering fans a final taste of the old and the first treats of the new, as it bridges the gap to Infinite Wealth.
Rating: 83/100
Here you can buy Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth!