This article contains spoilers forLike a Dragon GaidenandLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
TheLike a Dragonseries has always balanced serious, character-driven crime drama with wacky side adventures—it’s a big reason why the series is so charming. For fans who have followed Kiryu’s journey since the beginning,Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Nameis a bittersweet entry due to it leaning more into the heavier side of the series while paying homage to the adventures Kiryu had experienced up to that point. Now, one year after its release,Like a Dragon Gaidenremains a standout in the franchise as it showcases the breaking point for a man who sacrificed everything for the ones he loves.
Like a Dragon Gaidenserves as a kind of “B-Side” forYakuza: Like a Dragon, given that it takes place parallel to the events of that game and shows what Kiryu was doing while Ichiban and the gang were fighting for the fate of Yokohama. Coming off of the heels ofYakuza: Like a Dragon’s transition to Ichiban Kasuga as the series' new protagonist and turn-based combat system,Gaidenfelt like a return to form with the classic action-brawler combat with Kiryu as the star. While the game served tobridge the gap betweenYakuza: Like a DragonandLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, it stands tall in its own right due to its portrayal of Kiryu’s struggles with having to shed his identity to protect his loved ones.
Like a Dragon Gaiden Captures the Best of Kiryu at the Character’s Lowest Point
Like a Dragon Gaiden’s Emotional Depth Served as the Perfect Prelude to Infinite Wealth
Originally conceived as DLC forInfinite Wealth,Like a Dragon Gaidenmore than earns the standalone release it received, and may have even benefited more from it. Kiryu’s life as an agent of theDaidoji Factionafter faking his death at the end ofYakuza 6already set the game up for a unique story, but it does more than serve as a bridge between entries as it introduces some fantastic new characters who each have their own well-rounded arcs for a game that is far shorter than the average entry in the series. Characters like Kiryu’s Daidoji handler Kihei Hanawa, Akame, and even villains like Homare Nishitani III and Kosei Shishido have become fan favorites.
So far, the majority of these characters, with the exception ofKihei Hanawa, have only appeared inLike a Dragon Gaiden. Yet they have solidified themselves as some of the best in the series, highlighting just how compelling characters can be within a condensed game. Although Hanawa’s death inInfinite Wealthisn’t nearly as impactful as it should have been given the growth of his relationship with Kiryu over the course ofGaiden, it doesn’t detract from the stridesThe Man Who Erased His Namemakes in fleshing out a swath of well-rounded, compelling characters.
The Game’s Ending Showcases the Turmoil of Erasing One’s Name
While each of the game’s characters is impactful, the real depth ofLike a Dragon Gaidencomes from its showcase ofKiryu’s life under the codename Joryuand the emotional challenges he faces having cut off all contact with his past life. The pinnacle of this showcase happens during one of the final scenes of the game, where, after successfully ushering in the Great Dissolution of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance, Hanawa expresses his sympathy for Kiryu’s struggle by showing him a video captured by a hidden camera of two of Morning Glory Orphanage’s residents. The scene that follows has become infamous within the community as one of the most heartbreaking in the franchise.
As Kiryu is shown the footage of Ayako and Taichi, now grown up, visiting his grave, he breaks down sobbing in an emotional release that shows just how difficult it has been to let go of the children he had dedicated his post-yakuza life to raising. For a character that is usually portrayed as the strong, stoic type, this display of emotion catches the player off guard and shows a deeper level of Kiryu rarely seen in the franchise. While this ending is bittersweet, it is incredibly memorable and is atestament toLike a Dragon Gaiden’s staying powerone year on, even after the release ofLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
The final scene ofGaidenis also quite touching as Kiryu is shown setting off on a new mission to Hawaii, where he takes time to honor his lost love, Yumi, by placing her ring on the altar of a church. This scene not only sets up Kiryu’s justification for being inHawaii forLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but delivers an emotional one-two punch to end the game.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
WHERE TO PLAY
ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE: Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding. Under the codename “Joryu,” Kiryu embarks on a gripping action narrative with bone-shattering combat in vibrant locations filled with exciting characters and activities.ULTIMATE COMBAT WITH TWO HIGH-IMPACT FIGHTING STYLES: Dynamically switch between the Yakuza and Agent fighting styles in visceral melee combat. With the Yakuza style, strike fear into enemies by unleashing wildly aggressive moves powered by Kiryu’s unparalleled strength and flair. Or up the ante with the Agent style by delivering blows with absolute speed and precision, while using an array of high-tech gadgets like electrified bind wires to stun enemies then send them flying. Strategically adapt to the situation and leverage both styles to dominate and destroy hordes of enemies.ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENTWhether you’re brawling in the secret Battle arena, singing a new karaoke song, enjoying a drink at the live-action cabaret club, or racing in the pocket circuit, the world offers a variety of immersive experiences. An intriguing informant named Akame also provides thrilling sub-missions, drawing you into an epic showdown that unfolds the more you explore and enjoy Sotenbori and Yokohama.
