Review: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name Is Familiar But Comforting

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The Like a Dragon series loves its comforts. Set in between Yakuza 6 and the impending 2024 game Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name doesn’t come out of the gates and uppercut the player with an all-out original experience. Instead, it tides everyone over until the next release with familiarity. Where it does shine, though, is in the same department as always: The story.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name follows Kazuma Kiryu who fakes his own death and goes undercover to protect the orphanage kids from his enemies. Of course, they are on the hunt for him because that’s what bad guys do. Kiryu makes an agreement to join the Daidoji faction to keep his secret and serves as one of their top agents, operating under the alias of Joryu. However, his foes soon discover he is very much alive, kicking off a series of events that have a major impact on Kiryu and the Daidoji.

Set primarily in the Sotenbori district of Osaka, the location should be familiar to players of the previous titles. Naturally, like with any city in the world, there have been a few aesthetical changes and developments since the last time Kiryu visited – but players will feel comfortable in this recognisable setting. In addition, popular minigames such as karaoke and pocket circuit racing return, helping to keep Kiryu occupied when he decides his knuckles are too sore from pummelling enemies to a pulp.

Speaking of the action, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name utilises the classic Yakuza/Like a Dragon brawling system that fans know all too well. Kiryu is also able to alternate between two fighting styles: Yakuza and Agent. Of course, this still means there will be a lot of kicking,