Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased his name is another amazing sequel/entry to the amazing YAKUZA/LIKE A DRAGON/ RYU GA GOTOKU series.
The game is essentially an amazing send off to the classic beat-em up style of all previous games before YAKUZA 7: LIKE A DRAGON that instead took an TURN-BASE RPG approach in reference to the character Ichiban Kasuga being a fan of DRAGON QUEST. Of course there is the JUDGEMENT SERIES, however until they announce a third entry post the debacle of LOST JUDGEMENT PC RELEASE.
Anyway the crux is that this essentially the FINAL KIRYU BEAT-EM UP YAKUZA GAME... and it's a spectacular send off to the beat-em style. Everything that people criticize from YAKUZA Kiwami 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6: the Song of Life in terms of story and gameplay.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gameplay [Battle]:
The game retains the style of combat from YAKUZA 6: THE SONG OF LIFE & KIWAMI 2, however this is essentially the perfected version of those 2 games. A lot of people like to say "Judgement/Lost Judgement Perfected the Beat em up style" in my opinion, while I agree, this perfects it for the LIKE A DRAGON SERIES specifically. 1 thing that does return... kind of... is Styles, however instead of the "Brawler, Rush, Crusher, and Dragon Style", Kiryu has 2 different styles: DAIDOJI/AGENT STYLE & DRAGON STYLE.
Agent Style:
The Agent Style is focused on gadgets that help take out mass enemies while focusing on Speed with Gadgets like:
- Hornet Drones: can attack in mass
- Serpent Shoes: Boosting Rocket Shoes
- Firefly Cigarettes: Cigarettes bombs that take out mass groups
- Spider Web Line: ties and throws enemies.
Yakuza/the Dragon Style:
The Dragon Style is self explanatory in the sense it combines ALL of Kiryu's previous abilities from all previous entries, with fan favorites including:
- Essence of Double Crush
- Essence of the Dragon God
- Tiger Drop
and many more!
RGG Studios did an amazing job on making sure you could focus on using both styles, even if you do come out preferring one over the other, the point is that the game balances out both styles well to where you'll like using both!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gameplay [Minigames]: Like a Dragon Gaiden takes the best versions of all minigames into a great package. In my opinion this has the best and most fun ways to play Billards/Pool, an easy/focused and precised Darts, and Precise yet Simple Golf with regular and Bingo Golf.
You have the random RNG style of Poker and BLACK JACK that really depends on luck as to whether you win more chips or not.
You also have Shogi, Koi-Koi, Mahjong, but those are more so focused on skill and knowing about those games, so regardless if there's "improvement involved" unless you're already know the fundamentals of each, you'll probably avoid these.
Gameplay [Cabaret Clubs]:
Cabaret Clubs took a major downgrade in my opinion, in the sense that they attempted to upgraded by using real girl footage like in 6. A lot of people might call it creepy to use real women, but considering most of the women featured are both fans of the Yakuza Series/Like a Dragon Series, I think its fine and cute for these girls to be permanently part of the series, only thing is would've been more respectable if they featured actual 3D models instead of relegating them to just pre-filmed footage. The girls themselves are all really nice, adorable, and cool to... "interact" with. The girls include:
- Kei [Real Life Vtuber Kson & Kiryu Coco]
- Ayu [Beauty Salon Woman, 10/10 Sexy Bunny]
- Kaname [Gravure model with sweet personality]
- Kokoro [Personally my Favorite because while some might accuse her of "overacting" she's just so adorable and actually funny. I think she's bringing an edge of uniqueness to the game, that honestly even though I know KSON, I personally loved Kokoro for her personality and acting]
- Ai [ Female MovieStar but people where Wrestle naked - 1 thing I have to point out, you'll probably notice it, but those "points" on her dress are not from the dress...those are her... yeah]
I think in general the update is nice in terms of including these girls to be part of this amazing series, just would've been nicer if they were also modeled in the game. I know that Kei/Kson/Kiryu Coco is getting a model for Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth since she's appearing there again, however incase the other girls return too, I hope they get 3d Models as well.
Also to anyone who might say "it's creepy" it's just a video of attractive women, with text options occasionally and an erotic video at the end, but remember this is an M RATED series, so either be mature or don't play.
Gameplay [Karaoke Bar]:
The game features a lot of returning songs from previous Yakuza games, both fan favorites, and references to Kiryu's Past, and one there for the meme.
Songs include:
- Bakamitai [DAME DA NE]
- TONIGHT [Nishiki Memories]
- Hands [Haruto Memories]
- Silent Night [Kiryu Onomichi gets sad on Christmas and sees Santa Claus flying]
- Shin Ichizu Samurai [Returning from Ishin featuring famous... girls: Yui Hatano, Kana Momonogi, and Yuna Ogura as Courtesans - try not to get distracted]
- Like a Butterfly [Song where Kiryu screams/shouts in Engrish, 2 ways to listen 1 without a partner and 2 with Akame singing]
All of them are amazing and emotional, especially Hands.
Gameplay [The Castle Outfit Store: The Boutique]:
This store opens up to the player allowing for the 2nd time in Yakuza history, to customize the style Kiryu/Joryu wears. The first time being in Kurohyou 2: Asura Saga with Ukyo Tatsuya.
Here you can dress Kiryu in different styles whether it's to make him look cool, or ridiculous. What's cool is that you're able to create 6 reference suits:
- Kuze type Style [Rugged Suit Grey, Cobra Shoes Black, Rimless Glasses, and Tojo Clan pin]
- Majima type suit [Yellow Cobra Shirtless Blazer, Black Gloves, Metal Toes Black Shoes, Snake Eye-Patch, Eye Scar, and Construction Helmet]
- Kiryu Yakuza 6 style: [Short Sleeved Button Up, Red/Burgundy, White Cobra Shoes and that's it]
- Kiryu Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Style [Long-Sleeved Button-up Black, Black Cobra shoes, and thats it]
- Takaya Kuroda style (voice of Kiryu) [Blackish/Darkish Grey Rugged Suit, Fedora, Cuff Earring and that's it]
- Ichiban Kasuga Style [Rugged Burgundy Suit, and Black Cobra Shoes]
Also there are a lot of accessories that allows you to customize Kiryu whether you want him to wear earrings, gloves, etc.
And before you ask, no you can't wear Kiryu's DRAGON OF DOJIMA SUIT, story wise it makes sense because he's suppose to be a "DEADMAN," there's only 1 part that lets you wear it, but it doesn't become unlockable later. As much as this sucks, however it makes sense.
Gameplay [The Coliseum]:
In the Castle there's this cage match area called "The Coliseum" that essentially is a battle mode that features 4 styles of battle.
The 4 different styles have different gameplay styles. In 1 you either fighting as Kiryu or another character 1 on 1 in a singular or separate rounds. The other has you fighting individually against a group of enemies. The 3rd style has you fight in special matches that are available occasionally however after completing all other matches and side stories the last 2 battles become available. The final mode has you use a group of characters (some made only for this game, some fan favorites returning from previous games like Mr Masochist, Gary Buster Holmes, Yasuo Sodachi, Goda Ryuji [Imposter/Look-Alike called Lil' Goda Ryuji, etc) as well as featuring characters from Judgement [except Yagami]: Kaito, Higashi, and Sugiura. You pretty much make a team that all fight against other strong opponents.
What's really cool about this mode is that you can play for the first time as any other character that aren't Kiryu, Majima, Daigo, Saejima, & Kaito, you CAN play as them, but this is the first time a character like GARY BUSTER HOLMES is playable which is really cool. Sucks RGG decided to relegate Daigo, Saejima, and Majima to DLC instead of just having them in the game.
One of the Coliseum matches called Minamida Grand Prix is straight up amazing... kind of, it features a 6 round 1 on 1 against strong opponents specifically robots, however the robots are based upon all previous final bosses Kiryu has fought in his life (Yakuza 0 not included sadly) the rounds go as follows:
ROUND 1 - M-IWM - Robot Based on Tsuneo Iwami (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 6: THE SONG OF LIFE)
ROUND 2 - M-AIZ - Robot Based on Masato Aizawa
(FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 5)
ROUND 3 - M-DAI - Robot based on Daigo Dojima (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 4 for Kiryu)
ROUND 4 - M-MIN - Robot based on Yoshitaka Mine (FINAL BOOSS OF YAKUZA 3)
ROUND 5 - RYG - Robot based on Goda Ryugi (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 2/KIWAMI 2)
ROUND 6 - NSK - Robot based on Akira Nishikiyama (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 1/KIWAMI)
Have a couple of criticisms though with this specific tournament Grand Prix:
1. Have the robots start as robots but they should've had a holographic projection of the previous bosses. Getting actual models of IWAMI, AIZAWA, MINE, GODA RYUJI, NISHIKI in the game.
2. Goda Ryuji's fighting style is based off the Ryuji Impersonator in the game instead of Ryuji's moveset from Kiwami 2
3. They should've featured a 7th round with Shibusawa or Kuze Robot
Like I said, the Grand Prix is cool, but could've been cooler.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick summary of Story:
Kiryu now called agent Joryu, works for the Daidoji post Yakuza 6, now he has to essentially pay his debts to the Daidoji, in order to keep Haruka and his kids in Okinawa safe. However in turn, Kiryu has been classified as dead, and would compromise himself if people found out the DRAGON OF DOJIMA is alive.
While on a mission he meets a Omni Alliance Lieutenant named Tsuruno that tells him about Watase's plan, and how Watase wants to help Kiryu in his situation by paying off the Daidoji, however Kiryu insists he's called Joryu.
Kiryu/Joryu has a friend named "Hanawa" at the Daidoji who is a fellow agent who helps Kiryu throughout the adventure.
After Tsuruno attempts to capture Hanawa inorder to get Kiryu's attention, Kiryu fights a strange Yakuza wearing a Hannya mask they battle with Kiryu using his Dragon of Dojima style.
Kiryu learns from Tsuruno later about Watase and Daigo's plan, in order to dissolve the OMNI ALLIANCE AND TOJO CLAN in order to save the future members of not being pawns to the corrupt government.
Tsuruno/Watase have requested of Kiryu to beat up Omni Alliance patriach called "NISHITANI the III" who lives on a giant boat called "The Castle"
Kiryu does so, however in order for Kiryu to lure him out to beat him fully into submission he takes over the giant boat called "the Castle" pissing off Nishitani.
Kiryu/Joryu and Shishido, go to a secret storage facility, to finish off Nishitani, however Kiryu sees Shishido stab and "kill" Nishitani. Kiryu asks why and learns that NISHITANI abused a young man before, a young boy that Tsuruno had saved, however the boy tried to leave the Omni Alliance so Nishitani the III tortured the boy... that boy being Shishido.
Before the events at the Omni Alliance Headquarters in Yakuza 7, Kiryu meets up with Tsuruno and Shishido to greet Watase (who's wearing a Peter Griffin outfit). Here we learn Shishido betrays Tsuruno and Watase when Watase says he has the official manuscript of dissolving the Omni Alliance, and showing on video Kiryu is still alive.
Another big thing revealed is that Shishido never killed Nishitani the III and just pretended to.
Shishido reveals that all the history of the YAKUZA to be dissolved is unfair and won't be accepted, and that if the old members can't be trusted, then he must rise and become the new leader. A giant battle insues where Kiryu, Watase, and Tsuruno all fight against Shishido, Nishitani, and the Omni Alliance, with Kiryu defeating Nishitani, and later Kiryu punching Shishido into a dark pit in the construction sight.
We get to the section in Yakuza 7 with the giant fight at the Omni Headquarters, however here you take control of Kiryu who fights to protect Watase, Daigo, Majima, Saejima, Ichiban, etc with scenes playing out the same. However post this section Kiryu acts cold to the other members in order to protect them because of his situation, with Watase telling Daigo what's going on with Kiryu in a vague way. However outside, Shishido returns, bloody and angry.
Shishido shouts to the beat up Omni Members and tells them to keep fighting til the end and that the age of the Old Yakuza will never end. With Shishido finally revealing his back tattoo of the Mystic Lion representing his power and pride, with the flowers on the tattoo representing his goals.
Here we get an epic team battle with Kiryu, Daigo, Majima, and Saejima revealing their tattoos for a final remnants of the Yakuza. After defeating them, Kiryu heads back inside to face Shishido, the last breath of the Yakuza of old. Kiryu fights Shishido in an epic battle, similar to the battle at the TOJO CLAN HEADQUARTERS against Aizawa in 5.
After defeating Shishido, the Daidoji take the unconsious Shishido and essentially force him to join, while stating that he is now considered a dead man.
After this amazing final fight, we get a beautiful scene at the end with the Daidoji rewarding Kiryu in 2 ways, the first is giving Kiryu a video message of his kids in Okinawa knowing he's alive as well as showing a picture of Haruto's drawing... making Kiryu and viewers... cry.
Afterwords, Kiryu/Joryu is told by Hanawa that he's been given a new name and identity and is being sent to Hawaii for a long vacation with no end date. He recieves the name "TACHI SUZUKI" (same named used from Yakuza 5) with Hanawa wishing Kiryu to be safe, as the game ends spectacularly... leading into LIKE A DRAGON GAIDEN INFINITE WEALTH. Releasing JANUARY 26TH, 2024 (as of writing).
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[Final Boss and What makes it great]:
Credit to Devilleon7 on youtube with his: Like a Dragon Gaiden - FINAL BOSS (PROFESSIONAL) video on youtube [Link will be in the comments section] but I found this great comment that sums up Shishido as a culmination of all of Kiryu's previous fights, for an epic send off to the Beat-em-up style.
CREDIT TO Iheardyouhavenicefeets on Youtube [gross name btw lol]
who made this great point:
"Shishido is the culmination of all YAKUZA final bosses that kiryu has encountered. He has the treacherous side of Shibusawa, The inferiority complex of Nishiki, Lust for power of Ryuji, Cynical view on life of Mine, the same desperation of holding the yakuza intact that Daigo felled, the dreams of Aizawa and the scumbaggery of Iwami. And the Takechi callbacks with the katanas.
It doesn't end there. Shishido serves as again another dark version of Kiryu but this time completely the opposite of Kiryu. Shishido is Kiryu if he never had nishiki and kazama. Instead of having romanticised views of the Yakuza and choosing this lifestyle like Kiryu. Shishido's views were enforced by the environment he lived in. Kiryu's strength came from determination to do the right thing but also of survival. Shishido came from only of survival.
Another interesting aspect between them. Their names. Both of them has the same names of their tattoos. Ki RYU being his dragon. And SHISHI do being of his tattoo on the Shishi. Shishi is the symbol of Sucess, Prosperity, Pride and Strength. Things Shishido always wanted. But also Guardianship (As how his final boss is pretty much protecting the Omi alliance).
Unlike Kiryu tattoo which covers his back. (Symbolising how the yakuza life is always part of him but he can leave it behind and move on). Shishido tattoo covers almost on his entire body. Symbolizing how the Yakuza life will be always with him and he can never move on from it.
Both of their fighting stances are very similar. Kiryu has an a open stance. Shishido is closed stanced.
Shishido was a beautifully created character. He is the most "complete" character aside from Kiryu. Ironically. Hope he come backs."
Once again credit to devilleon7 on youtube for the video, and direct comment/quote credit to Iheardyouhavenicefeets [again gross name] for these amazing points raised.
One thing I'd like to add is how the battle feels like combonation of the battle with Ryuji and Aizawa.
Shishido feels like a fully realized Aizawa, since the final battle of this game has similar beats and even style as AIZAWA's final fight. Unlike in 5 where Kiryu fights stops Aizawa from taking over and changing the Tojo Clan and Omni Alliance by becoming the head of both and fusing them with Kiryu fighting Aizawa at the Tojo Clan Headquarters. Instead here its here Kiryu fighting the final breath of the Yakuza of Old, with Shishido representing that wanting to continue to have the Yakuza exist instead of dissolving it, and here they fight in the Omni Alliance headquarters. Thought that was a nice reference/mirror if it was done on purpose.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
To sort of end my review... this game is the columniation of what fans wanted as a proper send off to the BEAT-EM-UP YAKUZA STYLE. Sending off the beat-em up style with amazing combat, awesome music, an amazing well-written final boss, and a more satisfying conclusion in comparison to YAKUZA 6: THE SONG OF LIFE.
If you had issues with 6, GAIDEN rectifies all of those issues. This game is a joy to play, and I hope all of you choose to play it. I hope Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth has a great story, and gives KIRYU a proper conclusion and send off (that doesn't involve death).
Thanks yall for reading, play LIKE A DRAGON GAIDEN: THE MAN WHO ERASED HIS NAME!
The game is essentially an amazing send off to the classic beat-em up style of all previous games before YAKUZA 7: LIKE A DRAGON that instead took an TURN-BASE RPG approach in reference to the character Ichiban Kasuga being a fan of DRAGON QUEST. Of course there is the JUDGEMENT SERIES, however until they announce a third entry post the debacle of LOST JUDGEMENT PC RELEASE.
Anyway the crux is that this essentially the FINAL KIRYU BEAT-EM UP YAKUZA GAME... and it's a spectacular send off to the beat-em style. Everything that people criticize from YAKUZA Kiwami 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6: the Song of Life in terms of story and gameplay.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gameplay [Battle]:
The game retains the style of combat from YAKUZA 6: THE SONG OF LIFE & KIWAMI 2, however this is essentially the perfected version of those 2 games. A lot of people like to say "Judgement/Lost Judgement Perfected the Beat em up style" in my opinion, while I agree, this perfects it for the LIKE A DRAGON SERIES specifically. 1 thing that does return... kind of... is Styles, however instead of the "Brawler, Rush, Crusher, and Dragon Style", Kiryu has 2 different styles: DAIDOJI/AGENT STYLE & DRAGON STYLE.
Agent Style:
The Agent Style is focused on gadgets that help take out mass enemies while focusing on Speed with Gadgets like:
- Hornet Drones: can attack in mass
- Serpent Shoes: Boosting Rocket Shoes
- Firefly Cigarettes: Cigarettes bombs that take out mass groups
- Spider Web Line: ties and throws enemies.
Yakuza/the Dragon Style:
The Dragon Style is self explanatory in the sense it combines ALL of Kiryu's previous abilities from all previous entries, with fan favorites including:
- Essence of Double Crush
- Essence of the Dragon God
- Tiger Drop
and many more!
RGG Studios did an amazing job on making sure you could focus on using both styles, even if you do come out preferring one over the other, the point is that the game balances out both styles well to where you'll like using both!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gameplay [Minigames]: Like a Dragon Gaiden takes the best versions of all minigames into a great package. In my opinion this has the best and most fun ways to play Billards/Pool, an easy/focused and precised Darts, and Precise yet Simple Golf with regular and Bingo Golf.
You have the random RNG style of Poker and BLACK JACK that really depends on luck as to whether you win more chips or not.
You also have Shogi, Koi-Koi, Mahjong, but those are more so focused on skill and knowing about those games, so regardless if there's "improvement involved" unless you're already know the fundamentals of each, you'll probably avoid these.
Gameplay [Cabaret Clubs]:
Cabaret Clubs took a major downgrade in my opinion, in the sense that they attempted to upgraded by using real girl footage like in 6. A lot of people might call it creepy to use real women, but considering most of the women featured are both fans of the Yakuza Series/Like a Dragon Series, I think its fine and cute for these girls to be permanently part of the series, only thing is would've been more respectable if they featured actual 3D models instead of relegating them to just pre-filmed footage. The girls themselves are all really nice, adorable, and cool to... "interact" with. The girls include:
- Kei [Real Life Vtuber Kson & Kiryu Coco]
- Ayu [Beauty Salon Woman, 10/10 Sexy Bunny]
- Kaname [Gravure model with sweet personality]
- Kokoro [Personally my Favorite because while some might accuse her of "overacting" she's just so adorable and actually funny. I think she's bringing an edge of uniqueness to the game, that honestly even though I know KSON, I personally loved Kokoro for her personality and acting]
- Ai [ Female MovieStar but people where Wrestle naked - 1 thing I have to point out, you'll probably notice it, but those "points" on her dress are not from the dress...those are her... yeah]
I think in general the update is nice in terms of including these girls to be part of this amazing series, just would've been nicer if they were also modeled in the game. I know that Kei/Kson/Kiryu Coco is getting a model for Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth since she's appearing there again, however incase the other girls return too, I hope they get 3d Models as well.
Also to anyone who might say "it's creepy" it's just a video of attractive women, with text options occasionally and an erotic video at the end, but remember this is an M RATED series, so either be mature or don't play.
Gameplay [Karaoke Bar]:
The game features a lot of returning songs from previous Yakuza games, both fan favorites, and references to Kiryu's Past, and one there for the meme.
Songs include:
- Bakamitai [DAME DA NE]
- TONIGHT [Nishiki Memories]
- Hands [Haruto Memories]
- Silent Night [Kiryu Onomichi gets sad on Christmas and sees Santa Claus flying]
- Shin Ichizu Samurai [Returning from Ishin featuring famous... girls: Yui Hatano, Kana Momonogi, and Yuna Ogura as Courtesans - try not to get distracted]
- Like a Butterfly [Song where Kiryu screams/shouts in Engrish, 2 ways to listen 1 without a partner and 2 with Akame singing]
All of them are amazing and emotional, especially Hands.
Gameplay [The Castle Outfit Store: The Boutique]:
This store opens up to the player allowing for the 2nd time in Yakuza history, to customize the style Kiryu/Joryu wears. The first time being in Kurohyou 2: Asura Saga with Ukyo Tatsuya.
Here you can dress Kiryu in different styles whether it's to make him look cool, or ridiculous. What's cool is that you're able to create 6 reference suits:
- Kuze type Style [Rugged Suit Grey, Cobra Shoes Black, Rimless Glasses, and Tojo Clan pin]
- Majima type suit [Yellow Cobra Shirtless Blazer, Black Gloves, Metal Toes Black Shoes, Snake Eye-Patch, Eye Scar, and Construction Helmet]
- Kiryu Yakuza 6 style: [Short Sleeved Button Up, Red/Burgundy, White Cobra Shoes and that's it]
- Kiryu Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Style [Long-Sleeved Button-up Black, Black Cobra shoes, and thats it]
- Takaya Kuroda style (voice of Kiryu) [Blackish/Darkish Grey Rugged Suit, Fedora, Cuff Earring and that's it]
- Ichiban Kasuga Style [Rugged Burgundy Suit, and Black Cobra Shoes]
Also there are a lot of accessories that allows you to customize Kiryu whether you want him to wear earrings, gloves, etc.
And before you ask, no you can't wear Kiryu's DRAGON OF DOJIMA SUIT, story wise it makes sense because he's suppose to be a "DEADMAN," there's only 1 part that lets you wear it, but it doesn't become unlockable later. As much as this sucks, however it makes sense.
Gameplay [The Coliseum]:
In the Castle there's this cage match area called "The Coliseum" that essentially is a battle mode that features 4 styles of battle.
The 4 different styles have different gameplay styles. In 1 you either fighting as Kiryu or another character 1 on 1 in a singular or separate rounds. The other has you fighting individually against a group of enemies. The 3rd style has you fight in special matches that are available occasionally however after completing all other matches and side stories the last 2 battles become available. The final mode has you use a group of characters (some made only for this game, some fan favorites returning from previous games like Mr Masochist, Gary Buster Holmes, Yasuo Sodachi, Goda Ryuji [Imposter/Look-Alike called Lil' Goda Ryuji, etc) as well as featuring characters from Judgement [except Yagami]: Kaito, Higashi, and Sugiura. You pretty much make a team that all fight against other strong opponents.
What's really cool about this mode is that you can play for the first time as any other character that aren't Kiryu, Majima, Daigo, Saejima, & Kaito, you CAN play as them, but this is the first time a character like GARY BUSTER HOLMES is playable which is really cool. Sucks RGG decided to relegate Daigo, Saejima, and Majima to DLC instead of just having them in the game.
One of the Coliseum matches called Minamida Grand Prix is straight up amazing... kind of, it features a 6 round 1 on 1 against strong opponents specifically robots, however the robots are based upon all previous final bosses Kiryu has fought in his life (Yakuza 0 not included sadly) the rounds go as follows:
ROUND 1 - M-IWM - Robot Based on Tsuneo Iwami (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 6: THE SONG OF LIFE)
ROUND 2 - M-AIZ - Robot Based on Masato Aizawa
(FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 5)
ROUND 3 - M-DAI - Robot based on Daigo Dojima (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 4 for Kiryu)
ROUND 4 - M-MIN - Robot based on Yoshitaka Mine (FINAL BOOSS OF YAKUZA 3)
ROUND 5 - RYG - Robot based on Goda Ryugi (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 2/KIWAMI 2)
ROUND 6 - NSK - Robot based on Akira Nishikiyama (FINAL BOSS OF YAKUZA 1/KIWAMI)
Have a couple of criticisms though with this specific tournament Grand Prix:
1. Have the robots start as robots but they should've had a holographic projection of the previous bosses. Getting actual models of IWAMI, AIZAWA, MINE, GODA RYUJI, NISHIKI in the game.
2. Goda Ryuji's fighting style is based off the Ryuji Impersonator in the game instead of Ryuji's moveset from Kiwami 2
3. They should've featured a 7th round with Shibusawa or Kuze Robot
Like I said, the Grand Prix is cool, but could've been cooler.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick summary of Story:
Kiryu now called agent Joryu, works for the Daidoji post Yakuza 6, now he has to essentially pay his debts to the Daidoji, in order to keep Haruka and his kids in Okinawa safe. However in turn, Kiryu has been classified as dead, and would compromise himself if people found out the DRAGON OF DOJIMA is alive.
While on a mission he meets a Omni Alliance Lieutenant named Tsuruno that tells him about Watase's plan, and how Watase wants to help Kiryu in his situation by paying off the Daidoji, however Kiryu insists he's called Joryu.
Kiryu/Joryu has a friend named "Hanawa" at the Daidoji who is a fellow agent who helps Kiryu throughout the adventure.
After Tsuruno attempts to capture Hanawa inorder to get Kiryu's attention, Kiryu fights a strange Yakuza wearing a Hannya mask they battle with Kiryu using his Dragon of Dojima style.
Kiryu learns from Tsuruno later about Watase and Daigo's plan, in order to dissolve the OMNI ALLIANCE AND TOJO CLAN in order to save the future members of not being pawns to the corrupt government.
Tsuruno/Watase have requested of Kiryu to beat up Omni Alliance patriach called "NISHITANI the III" who lives on a giant boat called "The Castle"
Kiryu does so, however in order for Kiryu to lure him out to beat him fully into submission he takes over the giant boat called "the Castle" pissing off Nishitani.
Kiryu/Joryu and Shishido, go to a secret storage facility, to finish off Nishitani, however Kiryu sees Shishido stab and "kill" Nishitani. Kiryu asks why and learns that NISHITANI abused a young man before, a young boy that Tsuruno had saved, however the boy tried to leave the Omni Alliance so Nishitani the III tortured the boy... that boy being Shishido.
Before the events at the Omni Alliance Headquarters in Yakuza 7, Kiryu meets up with Tsuruno and Shishido to greet Watase (who's wearing a Peter Griffin outfit). Here we learn Shishido betrays Tsuruno and Watase when Watase says he has the official manuscript of dissolving the Omni Alliance, and showing on video Kiryu is still alive.
Another big thing revealed is that Shishido never killed Nishitani the III and just pretended to.
Shishido reveals that all the history of the YAKUZA to be dissolved is unfair and won't be accepted, and that if the old members can't be trusted, then he must rise and become the new leader. A giant battle insues where Kiryu, Watase, and Tsuruno all fight against Shishido, Nishitani, and the Omni Alliance, with Kiryu defeating Nishitani, and later Kiryu punching Shishido into a dark pit in the construction sight.
We get to the section in Yakuza 7 with the giant fight at the Omni Headquarters, however here you take control of Kiryu who fights to protect Watase, Daigo, Majima, Saejima, Ichiban, etc with scenes playing out the same. However post this section Kiryu acts cold to the other members in order to protect them because of his situation, with Watase telling Daigo what's going on with Kiryu in a vague way. However outside, Shishido returns, bloody and angry.
Shishido shouts to the beat up Omni Members and tells them to keep fighting til the end and that the age of the Old Yakuza will never end. With Shishido finally revealing his back tattoo of the Mystic Lion representing his power and pride, with the flowers on the tattoo representing his goals.
Here we get an epic team battle with Kiryu, Daigo, Majima, and Saejima revealing their tattoos for a final remnants of the Yakuza. After defeating them, Kiryu heads back inside to face Shishido, the last breath of the Yakuza of old. Kiryu fights Shishido in an epic battle, similar to the battle at the TOJO CLAN HEADQUARTERS against Aizawa in 5.
After defeating Shishido, the Daidoji take the unconsious Shishido and essentially force him to join, while stating that he is now considered a dead man.
After this amazing final fight, we get a beautiful scene at the end with the Daidoji rewarding Kiryu in 2 ways, the first is giving Kiryu a video message of his kids in Okinawa knowing he's alive as well as showing a picture of Haruto's drawing... making Kiryu and viewers... cry.
Afterwords, Kiryu/Joryu is told by Hanawa that he's been given a new name and identity and is being sent to Hawaii for a long vacation with no end date. He recieves the name "TACHI SUZUKI" (same named used from Yakuza 5) with Hanawa wishing Kiryu to be safe, as the game ends spectacularly... leading into LIKE A DRAGON GAIDEN INFINITE WEALTH. Releasing JANUARY 26TH, 2024 (as of writing).
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[Final Boss and What makes it great]:
Credit to Devilleon7 on youtube with his: Like a Dragon Gaiden - FINAL BOSS (PROFESSIONAL) video on youtube [Link will be in the comments section] but I found this great comment that sums up Shishido as a culmination of all of Kiryu's previous fights, for an epic send off to the Beat-em-up style.
CREDIT TO Iheardyouhavenicefeets on Youtube [gross name btw lol]
who made this great point:
"Shishido is the culmination of all YAKUZA final bosses that kiryu has encountered. He has the treacherous side of Shibusawa, The inferiority complex of Nishiki, Lust for power of Ryuji, Cynical view on life of Mine, the same desperation of holding the yakuza intact that Daigo felled, the dreams of Aizawa and the scumbaggery of Iwami. And the Takechi callbacks with the katanas.
It doesn't end there. Shishido serves as again another dark version of Kiryu but this time completely the opposite of Kiryu. Shishido is Kiryu if he never had nishiki and kazama. Instead of having romanticised views of the Yakuza and choosing this lifestyle like Kiryu. Shishido's views were enforced by the environment he lived in. Kiryu's strength came from determination to do the right thing but also of survival. Shishido came from only of survival.
Another interesting aspect between them. Their names. Both of them has the same names of their tattoos. Ki RYU being his dragon. And SHISHI do being of his tattoo on the Shishi. Shishi is the symbol of Sucess, Prosperity, Pride and Strength. Things Shishido always wanted. But also Guardianship (As how his final boss is pretty much protecting the Omi alliance).
Unlike Kiryu tattoo which covers his back. (Symbolising how the yakuza life is always part of him but he can leave it behind and move on). Shishido tattoo covers almost on his entire body. Symbolizing how the Yakuza life will be always with him and he can never move on from it.
Both of their fighting stances are very similar. Kiryu has an a open stance. Shishido is closed stanced.
Shishido was a beautifully created character. He is the most "complete" character aside from Kiryu. Ironically. Hope he come backs."
Once again credit to devilleon7 on youtube for the video, and direct comment/quote credit to Iheardyouhavenicefeets [again gross name] for these amazing points raised.
One thing I'd like to add is how the battle feels like combonation of the battle with Ryuji and Aizawa.
Shishido feels like a fully realized Aizawa, since the final battle of this game has similar beats and even style as AIZAWA's final fight. Unlike in 5 where Kiryu fights stops Aizawa from taking over and changing the Tojo Clan and Omni Alliance by becoming the head of both and fusing them with Kiryu fighting Aizawa at the Tojo Clan Headquarters. Instead here its here Kiryu fighting the final breath of the Yakuza of Old, with Shishido representing that wanting to continue to have the Yakuza exist instead of dissolving it, and here they fight in the Omni Alliance headquarters. Thought that was a nice reference/mirror if it was done on purpose.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
To sort of end my review... this game is the columniation of what fans wanted as a proper send off to the BEAT-EM-UP YAKUZA STYLE. Sending off the beat-em up style with amazing combat, awesome music, an amazing well-written final boss, and a more satisfying conclusion in comparison to YAKUZA 6: THE SONG OF LIFE.
If you had issues with 6, GAIDEN rectifies all of those issues. This game is a joy to play, and I hope all of you choose to play it. I hope Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth has a great story, and gives KIRYU a proper conclusion and send off (that doesn't involve death).
Thanks yall for reading, play LIKE A DRAGON GAIDEN: THE MAN WHO ERASED HIS NAME!
Halo24013
4 months ago