In light of a recent announcement of 2 brand new games, a re-make of a game that is coming to western markets for the first time, and more PC ports, this series is something you need to play if you want to round out your gaming experience. Like a Dragon, better known colloquially as Yakuza, is a adventure/beat-em-up about a single man and his relationships and experiences in his life in the yakuza. Quite honestly, there aren’t many games to compare it to- this series really is its own beast. Known for flashy fighting skills, interesting side-quests and a literal TON of weird things to do on the side, this series now has 8 main-line games, 5 spin-offs and a brand new spin-off and mainline game announced to be in development.
Let me just show you just what you’re missing out on:
These fights are unlike any other.
The fighting in this game is insane. It’s honestly way better to watch, and even more better to experience it for yourself.
Beyond the pretty colours, the game itself makes you feel good about getting into fights. punching, kicking, throwing couches, and even smacking someone with a gun after running out of bullets all makes sense within the world and feels amazing to master. Getting those Tiger Drop counters is always satisfying, especially watching that health-bar being siphoned from the enemy. Or just do what I did and button mash- either way, beating down these terrible people is insanely cathartic after watching the news.
Also, the Substories and Sidequests.
Most games these days do side-quests that take you off the beaten path to help pad out game-play and help you explore the world. In basically every Like A Dragon game, every side-quest is a new character storyline, a brand new secret path to open up, and a new way to find powerful weapons and items that you can’t find otherwise. This means all the goofy nonsense (and there is a LOT of goofy, unhinged madness) that happens in these sidequests not only is fun to experience, but it also enhances your experience playing the game. Just check this wonderful snippet out:
That’s right. That’s the main character. On a side quest. To learn English. It’s charming, funny, and silly, all things extreme
ly welcome in a story about theft, betrayal, and murder. Don’t forget- this is a game about the Yakuza!
Look at all this… STUFF
Beyond all that, there’s also SO MUCH
STUFF TO DO! I’m talking RC Car racing. I’m talking Mahjong. I’m talking casino games. I’m talking arcade games. I’m talking karaoke. I’m even talking taking pictures of CATS!
These aren’t game-specific, either. All of these things can be done in basically every Yakuza game, and they’re all different in every game! The arcade games change every installment. The AI gets better for every casino, card and mahjong minigame you play. Different songs are available in each installment. Ryu Ga Gotoku doesn’t skimp out on these details, as these are some of the best parts of each game.
Did i mention food? I know you can’t actually taste anything, but these games are essentially mini-tours of different parts of Japan, and show off different cuisines and everything.
In conclusion…
If you like video games, you need to play these games. If you like unique story-lines, you need to play these games. Hell, if you like soap-operas, these games are 100% worth your time. You can pick them up for under $30 each for the first few, and honestly it’s worth every cent.
And, if you end up becoming like me, I’m sure you’ll be picking up Like A Dragon: Ishin, out February 22!
https://ishin.sega.com/home.html