033PREVIEW
There’s a reason this seventh
main entry in the Yakuza series
has dropped the number from the
title of its Western release: the
previous game closed leading man
Kazuma Kiryu’s story. Yakuza: Like
A Dragon is a fresh start in just about every way
possible. A brand-new tale, a fresh main character,
and a completely different gameplay system. But
despite the changes, it’s Like A Yakuza at heart.Mirroring Kiryu’s origin story, Ichiban Kasuga, a
low-ranking Tojo Clan member, takes the fall for a
murder at the request of his boss and father figure
Masumi Arakawa. Behind bars for 18 years, on
release from prison he expects to be taken back with
open arms for his sacrifice. But a lot has changed.
The Omi Alliance has taken over the Tojo Clan’s
territory, and he’s been all but forgotten. Confronting
those he holds responsible, he ends up being shot
and dumped in Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijin ‘soapland’
(bathhouse) district, only surviving thanks to the
intervention of a homeless former doctor, Namba.NAMBA ONE FAN
Which is why Namba is one of the first party
members to join Ichiban on his quest. Yes, you read
that right. Yakuza now has party members, along
with stats and turn-based battles. Yakuza’s status as
an RPG can no longer be contended. Ichiban’s ownYAKUZA:
LIKE A DRAGON
Fans will be in seventh heaven as
Ichiban takes on Kiryu’s mantle
FORMAT PS4 / ETA 2020
PUB SEGA / DEV RYU GA GOTOKU STUDIO“YAKUZA NOW HAS
PARTY MEMBERS,
STATS, AND TURN-
BASED BATTLES.”