Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name Review

As of now, we have Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name, yet another game in the Yakuza franchise, is SEGA on a roll or is it that they are milking a franchise? well to be honest, when the games are good do we care that there seems like a release every other day? Well for this reviewer it does. I have grown to love the Yakuza series ever since I played Zero a couple of years back. I have been playing through the series and that probably colours my opinion, but much like the Assassin’s Creed series regular releases can wear a bit thin.

And this is why, with apologies to Sega, I have taken so long to complete this review. I really am burnt out on the Yakuza series, having played through Ishin last year, he older games after that and now Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name.

Despite my feelings on the series’ seemingly never-ending releases, Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name is worthy of carrying on Kiryu’s story. Taking place after Yakuza 6 which ended with his supposed death from a bullet wound, we find Kiryu going under the name Joryu. An enforcer for the Daidoji association a type of Japanese Illuminati that secretly runs everything in Japan. Coming out of his seclusion at a temple front for the Daidoji to run mundane jobs such as bodyguarding the party girl granddaughter of the Daidoji head.

Unfortunately for Joryu, his old Yakuza clan has tracked him down and is blackmailing him to come out of his seclusion. But are they really the bad guys? Are the Daidoji really looking out for Kiryu? The story explores this, but like all Yakuza stories explores the meaning of loyalty and family as well as whether you can really escape your past.

Spanning a downright 15 to 20 hours, Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name is a downright manageable game these days as opposed to the 100+ hours of Infinite Wealth. The game gets right to it, sending Kiryu on his quest to fight his way to freedom from both the Yakuza and the Daidoji.

Helping Kiryu is the Akame network, run by a young woman named Akame. It is a loose affiliation of the forgotten in Sotenbori, the homeless and otherwise non-conformists who live on the fringes of society. Much like Yakuza 8, the game weaves this social commentary on the homeless and their plight deftly into the game’s narrative. The help is welcome as you feel a part of a larger community fighting for more than just entertainment value, the battle feels like it has real consequences.

Just because this is a shorter game, does not mean that it skimps on colour and side content. For all you fans of karaoke there are a number of bars for you to visit and test your skills. I am terrible at these rhythm games, but that does not mean that I can’t have fun while sucking. Just like real life. Classic arcades, despite Sega recently selling off their arcade businesses in the real world, are full playable giving you a chance too revisit those classic Sega Games of the past.

One of the weirder aspects of prior games is the cabaret clubs that played out as a dating sim. Like previous games, you can spend time visiting the clubs, getting to know the girls by buying them drinks and engaging in small talk. Eventually, you can go on a date. Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name switches from third person to first for this and it is jarring at first but makes sense as it increases the sense of intimacy.

One of the best additions to both the wackiness and side content in Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name is the Castle. A secret city run by the Yakuza to provide all manner of hedonistic delights, at least within the confines of a video game. Visiting the Castle will unlock the Coliseum and just like its historical counterparts in the ancient world this is a place to do battle. You can engage in one-on-one battles, one on many or even direct a team against others in a type of management sim game. It’s a great place to hone your skills, but also to earn new items and cosmetics.

And hone your skills you will need to do. Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name is a classic brawler and just like previous games you can send skill points to get stronger in various fighting styles. The newest is the Agent style, one taught to Kiryu by the Daidoji and gives him access too James Bond-level gadgets. Starting with a watch that shoots out glowing filament to pull enemies into you or to entangle them for easier knockouts.

Agent is the style for people who want to look good while beating the snot out of the bad guys. Yakuza style is brutal and effective. Balancing upgrades between the two styles is key to success in battle and switching between them in battle is simple and smooth.

Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name is a very good game and a worthy entry into the series, the shorter story is great for fans wanting to get ready for Infinite Wealth and for those who want to follow Kiryu’s story after Yakuza 6. That’s a problem though as a shorter game would be perfect for newcomers to get into the series, a taster if you will. By deciding to continue Kiryu’s story it requires knowledge of the previous games and that will leave newcomers a little lost. Despite this, Like a Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name is a game worth your time.