Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name serves as the vital narrative bridge between Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, finally revealing how series icon Kiryu Kazuma transitioned from a man who faked his death to the secret agent pulled back into the underworld. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, this title explores the years Kiryu spent operating under the alias “Joryu” while working for the Daidoji, a clandestine organization with deep roots in Japan’s political and criminal landscape.
A Double Life in the Underworld
After the events of Yakuza 6, Kiryu finds himself acting as a high-level enforcer for the Daidoji. His mission is simple: suppress the chaos brewing within the yakuza factions. While the plot effectively ties into the conspiracies that eventually force the disbanding of the Tojo and Omi clans, it maintains the series’ signature gripping, noir-infused tone. Interestingly, the game leans into the absurdity of Kiryu’s situation; despite his constant insistence that he is “Joryu,” almost everyone he encounters sees right through his flimsy disguise, leading to humorous, repetitive confrontations throughout the journey.
Where the Narrative Falls Short
While the game succeeds as a piece of connective tissue, it occasionally struggles to delve deep into Kiryu’s psyche. The emotional weight of abandoning his adopted family is frequently treated as an afterthought, with little exploration of the regret or sorrow such a sacrifice would entail. The story does deliver one of the most affecting endings in the franchise, but the lack of psychological payoff during the mid-game makes the character development feel somewhat backloaded.
Refined Combat and Strategic Depth
Gaiden revitalizes the series’ classic brawler combat by introducing two distinct fighting styles. The “Yakuza” style provides the traditional, hard-hitting experience fans love, while the “Agent” style offers a faster, more tactical approach. Players can utilize spy-themed gadgets—such as exploding cigarettes, drones, and high-tensile cords—to manage crowds before switching to the Yakuza stance for decisive strikes against tougher foes. This layer of strategy is a welcome evolution from the often button-mashing-heavy combat of previous entries.
Streamlining the Yakuza Experience
One of the most significant quality-of-life improvements in Gaiden is the restructuring of substories. Previously, players were forced to engage with quirky side content that would trigger automatically while navigating the open world. By introducing Akame, a manager character who acts as a central hub for these missions, the game allows players to pursue side content on their own terms. This shift is a massive improvement, ensuring that the pacing of the dramatic main story remains uninterrupted.
A Necessary Prelude to Infinite Wealth
Clocking in at a concise 14 to 15 hours, Like a Dragon Gaiden is a lean, focused experience that successfully sets the stage for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. While it misses some opportunities to explore Kiryu’s internal conflict more thoroughly, it remains a highly entertaining return to the series’ roots. For fans of the franchise, this brief but action-packed chapter is a mandatory stop before the next mainline entry arrives.
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