Kazuma Kiryu might have faked his demise and quietly walked away from a lifetime of avenue brawls, tense hostage conditions, and mini-games galore on the finish of Yakuza 6. However an iconic character like that can by no means be shelved for too lengthy. With the Yakuza collection retitled to extra intently match the Japanese translation, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Identify has roped in Kiryu for one final easy job. And everyone knows how effectively “one final easy jobs” are inclined to go. Despite the fact that it was a bit disappointing that my playthrough strayed away from particulars of the primary story arc, what I did see strongly justified bringing our boy out of retirement for one more go-around.
Now working beneath the codename Joryu, our badass protagonist is tasked with a primary safety gig that goes incorrect, spiraling into a complete new story within the legal underworld of Japan. Leaving the streets of the fictional Kamurocho, Tokyo, this new spinoff entry heads to Osaka, Yokohama, and the Citadel – a container ship in the midst of the ocean totally decked out as a on line casino the place something and every part goes.
The Citadel, that includes the centerpiece of a full-sized reproduction of Osaka Citadel, was the one space out there in my playthrough, which flew by as I canvassed the deck stuffed with vibrant lights, loitering individuals, and seedy distractions. Instantly upon coming into the Citadel, Joryu acquired jumped by a not-small group of fellows questioning whether or not or not he belongs there, and he proved his {qualifications} together with his fists and new devices in a throw-down. This was my introduction to the 2 preventing modes in Like a Dragon Gaiden: the basic Yakuza type the place highly effective punches and leg sweeps rule, and the James Bond-esque Agent type the place Joryu has 4 helpful, on-brand devices at his disposal.
There are two preventing modes in Like a Dragon Gaiden: the basic Yakuza type the place highly effective punches and leg sweeps rule, and the James Bond-esque Agent type the place Joryu has 4 helpful, on-brand devices at his disposal.
It’s straightforward sufficient getting a deal with on deploying these AI fight drones, rocket-propelled footwear, bombs that seem like cigarettes, and lasso wires, they usually add a satisfying contact when Joryu’s confronted with an not possible matchup. Tossing out wires can wrangle a horde of dangerous dudes which Joryu can fling round like air earlier than smashing their faces in with a close-up, slow-motion ending blow.
As soon as I fought my method into the Citadel, it was time to expertise the ship’s many delights, together with darts and tables of high-stakes poker, black jack, and Koi, that are nonetheless as a lot of an addicting time-suck as followers of the collection will keep in mind. Equally, the Cabaret has made its grand return, that includes live-action footage of girls who auditioned for hostess roles. I frolicked with Kaname, build up relationship factors with Joryu’s suaveness and gifting her presents earlier than my time was up and I used to be kicked again to the curb.
It is necessary to preview the wardrobe picks in a brief clip that hilariously sends Joryu down a spotlit runway, hanging a pose on the finish.
Subsequent I visited the boutique, the place I may customise Joryu’s outfits for the primary time within the collection, and it didn’t disappoint. Just about each piece of clothes is customizable, from a big selection of headwear and glasses, make-up, footwear, and even little pins or a boutonniere. Whichever getup makes the lower — whether or not it’s elegant, robust as nails, or ridiculous — it’s necessary to preview the picks in a brief clip that hilariously sends Joryu down a spotlit runway, hanging a pose on the finish.
Having put Joryu in a latex bodysuit, steel-tipped footwear, facepaint, and a straw hat straight out of One Piece, I headed to the Coliseum, the Citadel’s centerpiece for solo or crew timed cage matches. In addition to Joryu, the novel lineup of fighters pulls deep from the collection to incorporate acquainted faces and even the likes of a person with a sheep head, referencing a film from a minigame in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Provided that choices vary from a primary brawl to preventing 100 guys at a time, the Coliseum has infinite alternatives to hone each preventing types and rack up large chunks of change to spend later.
My time spent within the Citadel was enjoyable, little question, however it left me wanting extra — in a great way. This style of motion and minigames had me excited for the primary storyline, particularly after watching the drama unfold within the trailers Sega has launched up to now. What else is ready for Joryu on the opposite aspect of a code title? Seemingly lots of life-or-death battles, and lots of cigarettes.
