Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Review

Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Review،

To say that Kazuma Kiryu is facing an identity crisis is an understatement. Like the name of Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Cleared His Name references, Kiryu made a deal with the Daidoji faction to fake his death at the end of Yakuza 6. As a result, he is in purgatory, unable to contact the Tojo clan and, more importantly, Haruka at the Morning Glory orphanage. Aside from that, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku moved away from the Yakuza brand and instead gravitated towards the Like A Dragon name. Although the game’s length is relatively short, the game serves as a fond farewell to Kiryu before the series turns the page to another chapter.

The one without a name

That’s a good question, Kiryu-san.

The last time we saw Kiryu was in a cameo in Yakuza: Like A Dragon, which left fans wondering what he was doing all this time. This game answers these questions, chronicling his time as an asset to the Daidoji faction as he attempts to keep his identity a secret. This is pretty much impossible, however, given his legendary status as the Dragon of Dojima, and the story mocks this by having him claim that the Clark Kent glasses he wears fool everyone.

Lasting approximately 30 to 40 hours, the adventure is broken down into five chapters. These are busy chapters, with plenty of cutscenes and a lengthy action sequence to cap them off, but it’s still short compared to Yakuza 6’s thirteen chapters. The game takes place primarily in Sotenbori with a brief opening sojourn to Yokohama . It also features The Castle, which is similar to the underground casinos in old Yakuza games, except it’s in the sky. But the absence of Kamurocho as a city is nonetheless disappointing, given that it is Kiryu’s swan song.

They have no idea who they’re messing with

These masked men are in for a world of hurt.

The familiar beat-’em-up combat remains as hard-hitting and visceral as before. This time around, Kiryu has access to the Daidoji faction’s technical fighting style which uses rapid kicks and a multitude of gadgets. However, he can change his stance and return to his classic moveset, including slower but more powerful guard-breaking strikes. Suffice it to say, I changed direction and never looked back.

For upgrades, Kiryu can spend money and a currency called Akame Points to improve his stats and learn new moves. The most important of these are improving his attack stats and unlocking slots for additional equipment to further increase his attributes and status resistances. This makes dealing with the many sub-stories and requests through the Akame Network much easier, as Kiryu protects Sotenbori from gangs and thugs.

Proving the living legend

I learned Japanese mahjong in Yakuza 2 a long time ago, and those skills still pay off today.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Kiryu can take part in the new Coliseum at The Castle, which offers a solid lineup of fights. He can participate alone or as the leader of up to ten fighters, many of whom are wonderfully nostalgic throwbacks. Beyond that, he can indulge in the many side activities available, such as Club Sega arcade, billiards, darts, golf, poker, blackjack, mahjong, karaoke, etc. The best of them are the Cabaret Club which now features real women, the revival of Pocket Circuit, and the ability to change Kiryu’s appearance at The Boutique.

Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Cleared His Name Final Verdict

As an extended epilogue for Kazuma Kiryu, The Man Who Erased His Name is well worth the time. Even though the game could be longer, it’s a strong farewell for a character who made Yakuza the exciting and dramatic series it has been for nearly two decades. As the franchise moves on to Ichiban Kazuga as the main protagonist, I will always remember him fondly, with or without his name.