Windows Central Verdict
An intermission from the main entries in the series that’s worth visiting.
Especially at a price point that comes in well below the next title.
Kazuma Kiryu strikes with maximum strength in the return of the Dragon of Dojima.
Sometimes, simple is better.
When it comes toRyu Ga GotokuStudio, they’re the best at making simple.
That’s if simple also includes every add-on you ever dreamed of or wanted.
Brawling games are a blast, and Ryu Ga Gotoku is a master of them.
Intricately weaving simplicity with systems that can become as complex as you wish them to be.
It’s no different with their latest entry,Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name.
Yakuza 1, having initially launched in 2005, was an action-adventure video game that launched on PlayStation 2.
It’s also the most fitting.
For those who don’t know, theLike a Dragonseries continues theYakuzagames, followingYakuza 0throughYakuza 6.
We next receivedYakuza: Like a Dragon.
The Story
There’s a colossal backstory that follows these games.
One that, when strolling into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu, I had little understanding of.
What was this world I was about to undertake?
Could I hold up in a game drowning in lore?
These are queries that any series rookie, like myself, will ask themselves.
This all culminates in a story that felt a little off-pace to me.
It could have been solved far quicker than the game’s pacing allows.
A few side personalities also return, which will surely bring a cheerful smile to old-timers.
Combat
Returning to the series roots, the beat’em up combat of the Yakuza series returns.
Kazuma has two styles players can utilize, the first being his latest, Agent.
The style is highlighted in a glory of blue sparkle as Kazuma quickly dispatches foes.
Players looking to wallop opponents will relish Kazuma’s perfected Yakuza style.
Accentuated by a fiery red, Yakuza punishes opponents through sheer strength.
Both styles make use of the heat abilities.
Once the players' heat gauge fills up, players can use this to unleash the ultimate smackdown.
The game recommended I do it a few times, but I’m way too stubborn to do that!
Seriously, you’re able to play golf BINGO using a giant board and 90s-style golfing controls.
It’s stupidly outlandish and entertaining.
It’s absurd the level of detail that went into this one mini-game.
Let’s talk about the points systems in Like a Dragon Gaiden.
you might earn them from golfing, gambling venues, the Akame internet, and more.
It’s a random hodge-podge of specialties you’ll find at every vendor.
The more rounds you win, the more zones you unlock to roam at the Castle.
Otherwise, hang loose at an exclusive cabaret club if all the above fails.
Not to mention, who doesn’t love making easy money using an automatic Black Jack token?
Here, players will meet Akame, a local who gathers information using the local homeless population.
She offers them benefits in return for them collecting data for her.
The game is also a fantastic entry point for newcomers to dive in before Infinite Wealth launches next year.
My time with Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Nameis still ongoing.
If players are on the fence, give it a try on Game Pass.
It’s just uncomplicated, giddy fun for players, new and old!
