There's a new trailer out for that there Like A Dragon: Yakuza TV show that Amazon's spinning up. And being one of RPS' foremost Yakuza sickos, I can say that I remain cautious about it, with perhaps a hint of optimism. It doesn't look like it's going for goofy, but instead opting for largely gritty and serious and almost entirely unrelated to the Yakuza games. Still, though, I do know how the show ends. It's really obvious, actually, when you think about it.
]]>As reported by Gematsu yesterday, SEGA have filed a trademark in Japan for the term “Yakuza Wars”. This happened on July 26th, and while Gematsu speculate this might be related to the next game in the Yakuza: Like A Dragon series, I have other plans. For the imaginary game. That I have nothing to do with.
]]>Amazon will air a live-action TV series based on Sega's Yakuza games in October this year, says the streaming service. Like A Dragon: Yakuza will be a six-part series following characters in the criminal underbelly of Kamurocho, set to straddle between two time periods: 1995 and 2005. The series "showcases modern Japan and the dramatic stories of these intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, that games in the past have not been able to explore,” said Amazon, who are releasing it through Prime Video, just like their Fallout series.
]]>A little knowledge can be worse than no knowledge at all. I know a little about the Yakuza series, having reviewed the 1980s-set Yakuza Zero for this very parish in 2018, and tried a bit of 2019's turn-based battler Yakuza: Like A Dragon. Fast-forward to 2023, and all Yakuza games are now Like A Dragon games, including the forthcoming Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which is an... Animal Crossing game, actually? With skateboarding? I'm still getting my head around the existence of a zombie spin-off, Dead Souls, to say nothing of the samurai-era Like A Dragon: Ishin. And then there's the inter-quel Like a Dragon Gaiden, due this November, which seems like a relatively straight-laced delve into the past of original protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. Phew, it's just as well Ed Thorn wrote that guide to the order you should play the Yakuza games in.
It sounds like the developers at Ryu ga Gotoku Studio have a hard time keeping track themselves, especially given the rate at which Sega publish Like A Dragon games. According to studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama, Like A Dragon's creators feel a lot of pressure to get the games done quickly, not just with a view to making money but because as projects that riff so copiously on pop culture, Like A Dragon stories go out of date fast.
]]>The next game in RGG Studio’s Yakuza/Like A Dragon series, Infinite Wealth, is a melting pot of old and new. As the bare buttocks of returning Yakuza: Like A Dragon hero Ichiban Kasuga indicated in the reveal trailer for Infinite Wealth, we’re not in Yokohama anymore, but Honolulu, Hawaii. He’s not alone on his journey either. As well as his mates from the first LAD, plus lots more newcomers, mainline Yakuza stablemate Kazuma Kiryu, now extra frosty with his silver hairdo, is also coming along for the ride as well.
Alas, the circumstances in which the two join forces wasn’t covered in my 30-minute demo at this year’s EGX. Rather, we pick up Ichiban, Kiryu and fresh faces Chitose and Tomizawa as they land in Honolulu, in search of a dodgy cop named Roman who's managed to wrong almost everyone in the group at some point in the past. 30 minutes isn’t long in a game like Yakuza, but hey, I still got to screech at restaurant goers in one of its sidequest stories, as well as terrorise the general public on Ichiban’s always-deployable segway, which I’d still call a pretty strong introduction to this latest LAD.
]]>Yakuza developer RGG Studio held their latest RGG Summit overnight, and the showcase contained more details on upcoming releases Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. We got a small extra look at Gaiden last week during Summer Game Fest, where Kiryu looks like he's meant to be starring in the next John Wick film, but the RGG Summit went into a lot more detail. Here's what you need to know.
]]>With Yakuza games (or Like A Dragon, as it's now known) on the rise here in the West, I see more and more people ask the question:"What order should I play the Yakuza games in?". Not only does it warm my heart, it also gets to me. To experience the series in the richest way possible, there's an obvious answer. But if you're someone who hasn't got all the time in the world, or you're a bit unsure whether Yakuza is the right fit for you, then there's another way in. Now pick up that bike and walk with me.
]]>One of the big reveals from last week’s Tokyo Games Show was Like A Dragon 8, the next in what we’ve been calling the Yakuza series. Except the game didn’t seem to be following the naming convention of its predecessor Yakuza: Like A Dragon, instead ditching the part associated with the Japanese crime syndicate. The head of series developers Ryu Ga Gotoku, Masayoshi Yokoyama, has since confirmed the change in a recent interview (thanks IGN).
]]>Longtime Yakuza series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu is back in force, starring in two freshly announced games. I’ve already reported on Like A Dragon 8, which stars Kiryu and new series main character Ichiban Kasuga, but devs Ryu Go Gotoku Studio also revealed that another game is coming in 2023. It'll explain what happened to Kiryu in his temporary absence from the series and is called, and I’m not making this up, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. To prove it to you, you can watch the trailer below.
]]>Yakuza: Like A Dragon is back, but it’s dropping the Yakuza part. Oh, and Kazuma Kiryu returns too. Surprise! Like A Dragon 8 is Kiryu’s first time as a protagonist in the revamped series though, which is sticking firmly to the RPG genre for this instalment. It’s scheduled for release in 2024. Check out the teaser trailer and Kiryu’s new Bieber-esque hairstyle below.
]]>In a vaguely Yakuza sort of way, we've been treated to our first glimpse of what's likely to be Yakuza 8. First spotted by Japanese video game magazine Famitsu, MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura and his team posted a video of them touring Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's offices before he gets his face scanned by a wall of cameras. But before the face-scanning, they record snippets of the Yakuza: Like A Dragon lads having a heated discussion in a small apartment. Ichiban has a ponytail! Apparently, there's a new town? And I got my mum to translate some bits. Sorry mum.
]]>Charity speedrun fest Summer Games Done Quick is staging its first in-person event since 2019, and there are shedloads of PC games to gawp at. SGDQ is one of the highlights of the year’s speedrunning calendar, and this year’s event runs until July 3rd. Doctors Without Borders is once again the charity SGDQ is raising money for, an NGO that helps people caught in warzones, disasters and outbreaks of disease. Last year’s event managed to raise $2.9 million (around £2.4 million). To get you in the right frame of mind, here’s a PC run of Tomb Raider: Anniversary from SGDQ 2021.
]]>Last year it was reported that long-time Sega director behind the Yakuza and Super Monkey Ball games Toshihiro Nagoshi was in talks to leave the company and form his own team under NetEase. Now we know for sure it's real. Nagoshi Studio has officially launched and they've already begun work on their first game.
]]>The Yakuza game series successfully passed the torch from long time leading protagonist to another with Yakuza: Like A Dragon last year and now developers Ryu Ga Gotoku are looking to do the same. Series director Toshihiro Nagoshi and producer Daisuke Sato are both leaving Sega, handing over the RGG studio lead position to writer and producer Masayoshi Yokoyama. Along with the announcement of the change, Yokoyama says that RGG plan to "let our games do the talking" including the in progress sequel to Yakuza: LAD.
]]>Sega's long-running Yakuza series already said goodbye to in-game hero when they retired old protagonist Kiryu Kazuma with their latest Yakuza: Like A Dragon. The series, and Sega, may be about to lose another familiar face with a lengthy career. Long-time Sega director behind the Yakuza series and Super Monkey Ball games Toshihiro Nagoshi is reportedly in talks to leave the company after 32 years. If he does make the leap, Nagoshi is expeted to start a new team beneath NetEase—the company currently behind mobile games including Diablo Immortal.
]]>UK and European retailer Gamesplanet is running their biggest sale of the year right now, offering deep discounts on a range of PC games from classic titles to modern marvels until August 23rd. Here are our some of our favourites from the sale, including from today's Flash Deals and options from the promotion proper.
]]>Yakuza: Like A Dragon was the first Yakuza game to be a multi-platform release in the west at the same time as it launched in Japan, which publisher Sega reckons is the main reason it's the most successful Yakuza game to date. Thanks to that success, Sega's chief strategy officer Shuji Utsumi says that going forward, they want Persona developers Atlus to release their games at the same time around the world, and on multiple platforms, too.
]]>Yakuza series developers Ryu Ga Gotoku revealed a sequel to their spinoff series Judgement today. The announcement came and went without any mention of a PC release though, alas. It did produce an interesting detail about the future of the Yakuza series. After turning the traditionally beat 'em up brawler games on their head by switching to turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like A Dragon, RGG say that the series will continue in that style while the Judgement series carries the action game banner. Intriguing!
]]>From the beginning of its inception, Yakuza was a game made for the adult male audience in Japan. It’s a point that its creators have previously brought up when interviewed about the games.
Yet, as the entire mainline series is finally available on PC, Yakuza has become an international hit for Sega, and I’m thrilled that many new converts and some of the most vocal cheerleaders are women. Coming to the latest entry, Yakuza: Like A Dragon (LAD for short), there are a lot of drastic changes to the formula, from new protagonist Ichiban to a turn-based JRPG battle system - but one notable shift is its relationship with women.
]]>Hong Kong has a popular snack chain called Aji Ichiban. Despite the name, it’s not actually Japanese, but I do recall going to these stores a lot whenever my family and I visited, where we’d fill our suitcases with its giant pack range of Chinese pork jerky and dried mangos.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Confections is also a snack shop, albeit one that specialises in Japanese rice crackers. It’s also unfortunately on its last legs - unless someone with the right business acumen can turn it around.
]]>What's up gamers? It's 2021 and that means it's time to round up the team's favourite games of 2020. You'll already know our selections if you read our annual Advent Calendar, but this post gathers all those words and games together in one convenient package.
]]>Yakuza: Like A Dragon’s turn-based fights are a turning point for the bat-swinging, crime caper that is the Yakuza series. I thought the game still retained its messy brawls even after the added tactical punch, but according to the latest patch, the game has been missing a key battle feature this whole time: "WEAK".
]]>If you've bought the special editions of Yakuza: Like A Dragon like the Day Ichi, Hero, and Legendary Hero bundles then you've got some DLC items to pocket. Although, the game doesn't make it particularly clear how to claim these items which is helpful isn't it? So in this guide I'll take you through how to claim your DLC items in-game.
]]>Want to learn how to use the Romance Workshop in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? If you want to get the best weapons in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you'll need to use the Romance Workshop to craft and upgrade your gear. This involves lots of bug catching to get the right materials, but you'll also need to know how to put them to good use.
In this guide, we break down how to use the Romance Workshop in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, explaining how to make new weapons and armor, and how to upgrade your gear. We'll also quickly explain how to invest in Romance Workshop in Yakuza: Like a Dragon and the benefits of doing so.
]]>Want to learn more about gardening in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? Yakuza: Like a Dragon has a variety of side activities that you can enjoy around Yokohama, including bug catching, business management, and gardening. Gardening is crucial if you want to craft healing items, and it can also save you some Yen while trying to build romantic relationships.
In this guide, we'll break down how to do gardening in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. We'll also point out the four gardening locations that you can unlock during the story, and break down where to find recipes that require your plants and herbs.
]]>Want to learn more about catching bugs in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? If you want to make the best weapons in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you'll need to catch some bugs. That's right, folks - insects are a key crafting material in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, so you'll need to get some grubs if you want to succeed in the toughest battles in Ichiban's journey.
In this guide, we'll break down how to catch bugs in Yakuza: Like a Dragon and explain where to farm bugs if you're after a large amount of insects.
]]>After a pretty rough run-in with someone that Kasuga thought was his pal, the protagonist of Yakuza: Like A Dragon has ended up homeless in Ijincho. But, that's not much to worry about, because he's got the power of positivity and the realistic Nanba by his side.
And these two lads are ready to do some recycling and get some jobs!
This is LollaYakuza #03: The Town At Rock Bottom.
]]>Want to know how to unlock Eri as a party member in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? During Chapter 5 of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you can unlock a secret party member named Eri. Eri is a very powerful party member who you may want on your team before leaping into any tough battles.
In this guide, we'll explain how to unlock Eri as a party member in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. We'll also break down her skills, so that you can see just how worthwhile she is as a party member.
]]>Want to discover every Yakuza: Like a Dragon romance option? While it may seem surprising, Yakuza: Like a Dragon has six different romance options that you can pursue. Most of these romance options have a reward, but there's also a big bonus that you'll get from dating them all. That means you'll need to date every romance option in Yakuza: Like a Dragon if you want the best reward.
In this guide, we'll list every romance option in Yakuza: Like a Dragon and the related rewards for each partner. We'll also break down how to raise your relationship status with each romance option, as they all have different preferences. Finally, we'll explain benefits of entering into a relationship with every romance option at once.
]]>As part of the celebration for Sega's 60th anniversary, they've sat down with long-time Yakuza series producer and director Daisuke Sato to talk about his history with the company. Although he's got years of Yakuza games to his name, including Yakuza: Like A Dragon, the series he's never gotten involved with but would like to is Sonic. Heck, maybe that's a Sonic game even I would play.
]]>Want to learn about Yakuza: Like a Dragon business management? If you want to earn money fast in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, then you'll want to try your hand at business management. It's a minigame that's not so mini, with a confusing mess of menus and stats that don't mean much at first glance. Don't let that scare you off, though, because we're here to walk you through Yakuza: Like a Dragon business management.
In this guide, we'll explain business management in Yakuza: Like a Dragon and break down the major aspects that you need to understand, including employees, properties, and shareholder meetings.
]]>Want to know where to get the Premium Sushi Set in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, there is a substory in which you must find a Premium Sushi Set for a homeless man in exchange for their crawfish. This is a very special Crawfish named Nancy, in case you needed convincing. However, finding the Premium Sushi Set won't prove easy, especially for those rushing around the city, as it is very well-hidden.
In this guide, we'll explain where to find the Premium Sushi Set in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, so that you can obtain Nancy the Crawfish and use it as a Poundmate.
]]>Looking for all of the Ounabara Vocational School exam answers in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? Ichiban has various personality attributes that you can raise throughout Yakuza: Like a Dragon. A key way to do this is through the Ounabara Vocational School, where you can take a series of exams to raise different stats. However, some of these exams are incredibly tough. Fortunately, there are no invigilators or teachers to scold you for cheating here, so we've got a lovely long list of answers ready for you to peruse.
Below, you'll find the answers to every Ounabara Vocational School exam in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. We'll also explain the requirements needed to take each exam and the rewards that you'll earn for passing.
]]>Want to make money fast in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? Ichiban needs Yen for everything in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Money makes the world go round, after all, and Ichiban's going to need to make money fast if you want to survive. That's where we come in, as we've scoured the streets of Yokohama to find the best ways to make money fast.
In this guide, we'll break down the best ways to make money fast in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. We'll also list some quests that you can complete to make money early in the game, if you're in need of a quick cash injection in the opening hours.
]]>Whether you prefer wizards, sword-and-board warriors, the irradiated wasteland, vampires, or isometric text-heavy stories, the RPG is the genre that will never let you down. Accross the dizzing number of games available where you can play a role, there's something for everyone - and we've tried to reflect that in our list of the best RPGs on PC. The past couple of years have been great for RPGs, so there are some absolute classics as well as brand spanking new games on this list. And there's more to look forwards to, with rumblings of Dragon Age: Dread Wolf finally on the horizon, and space epic Starfield in our rear view mirror. Whatever else may happen, though, this list will provide you with the 50 best RPGs that you can download and play on PC right now.
]]>Want to know how many chapters there are in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? Ichiban's tale in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is rather long, so you might be wondering how many chapters there are in total. Since Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces a new protagonist to the series, there are many hours of fighting thugs and watching cutscenes to fill you in on this new story. It's worth the time investment, though, as Ichiban will become the main protagonist of the Yakuza franchise moving forward.
In this guide, we'll break down how many chapters there are in Yakuza: Like a Dragon and how long it will take to beat the game.
]]>Looking for all the missing cats in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? The Part Time Hero quest in Yakuza: Like a Dragon tasks you with finding a bunch of collectibles around Yokohama, including some missing cats. We like cats here at RPS, so this became an imperative focus for any of us playing Ichiban's adventure. Finding the missing cats isn't easy, though, and tracking them all down can be a pain.
In this guide, we show you where to find all the missing cats in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, with a full list of every missing cat location and a tidy map that'll show you exactly where to wander on the streets of Yokohama.
]]>Want to know where to find all Kappa Statue locations in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? Kappa Statues are a collectible in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. You'll need to hunt them all down as part of the Part Time Hero sidequest, but that won't prove easy. There are 10 Kappa Statues in total, and one of them only appears after Chapter 7.
In this guide, we'll break down where to find all Kappa Statues locations in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, so that you can quickly take a picture with them all and earn a hefty amount of Yen as a reward.
]]>I don't think I fully appreciated how long Yakuza: Like A Dragon was going to be when I started this let's play series.
Still, the sincerity and scenery-chewing of its characters will get me through this mammoth task quite easily, I think. It'll have to, because we're still very much in cutscene city at the moment.
This is LollaYakuza #02: Bloody Reunion.
]]>Those Japanese mobsters with hearts of gold return today for a new adventure in Yakuza: Like A Dragon. Sega's RPG series takes a slightly different turn with this new entry, switching out the beat 'em up combat for some turn-based action.
Set in the city of Yokohama, Like A Dragon is moving on from good old Kiryu to introduce newbie Ichiban Kasuga. In an unsurprising turn for these Yakuza lads, Kasuga's story is set up by a spot of betrayal.
]]>Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a big stretch. Not in a “you’ve taken it too far, buddy” sort of way, I mean I can quite literally feel the click of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s bones as they extend their arms to the sky and heave their collective sighs of satisfaction - finally, a fresh start.
They’ve taken this opportunity to strip all the best bits from Yakuza’s creaking action adventure foundations, and build something with renewed focus. If, before, the series had flirted with committing to the role-playing genre, Like A Dragon is down on one knee proposing to the JRPG with happy tears in its eyes. And this relationship works, alright. Oh yes it does.
]]>I’m playing bombastic action RPG Yakuza: Like A Dragon for review, and I’ve not spent quite as much time as I’d like with it to give you the full lowdown. But I wanted to give you some of my first impressions - a little rib in the chest before the big sucker punch.
One thing I’m absolutely certain of already is that Like A Dragon is the most expressive Yakuza of the lot. Not that the previous bunch weren’t comfortable in their own skin, it’s more like they were a little too comfortable. They stuck so rigidly to what they knew, it felt like they were afraid to shake things up. And that they featured a main protagonist who, as much as I adore him, approached all problems in one of only three ways (frown, punch, or deliver life lesson) held them back a bit too.
]]>I've been looking forward to Yakuza: Like A Dragon ever since the RPG combat was first shown off. Sure, I thought it was an April Fool's at first, too, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. There needed to be a clean break between the old protagonist and coolest dad in the world, Kazuma Kiryu, and the new boy in town, with the coolest hair in the world, Ichican Kasuga. And what better way to do that then with a couple of absolutely massive changes.
If you're unfamiliar with Yakuza, all you need to know is it's the perfect mix of melodrama and karaoke. And it makes me a very happy boy. And, for that reason alone, I thought it would be nice – given the hell year that refuses to end – to share that joy with you.
So, welcome to LollaYakuza. Obviously the name was the first thing I thought of.
]]>Between karaoke, crime drama and shareholder meetings, it's safe to say Yakuza is about so much more than just fighting. But you do punch a lotta blokes in those games. If you wanted to punch a whole lot more, Streets Of Kamurocho reimagines the Sega series as a side-scrolling brawler. Just be quick - the free demake is only available 'til Monday.
]]>It was when I drank baby milk with a bunch of half-naked yakuza in diapers that I really knew I was back in a Yakuza game. I noted an edge of disbelief in my voice as my laughter echoed across the room. But mixed in with my cackle was genuine warmth, too. It was good to be back.
As a long time fan of Sega's action adventure beat ‘em up series, I was lucky enough to give Yakuza: Like A Dragon a whirl for a few hours of preview, and it made me grin like a happy baby throughout - like those diaper-wearing yakuza, I suppose. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the series it’ll likely elicit a similar reaction, because you don’t need to be clued in on any previous happenings to enjoy it. Like A Dragon does retain all the best quirks from its past, and builds on them, too. But make no mistake: it isn’t afraid to tear the foundations down and start anew.
]]>As much as I enjoy Yakuza games for crime drama, beating up punks, macho poses, and being a great dad to everyone I meet, I cannot deny the action and drama which excited me most in a new trailer for Yakuza: Like A Dragon was a shareholder meeting. Running a cabaret club was my favourite minigame in Yakuza 0, see, and I hope running a confectionary company in Yakuza Lad has that same weird pull. I am well up for having outraged shareholders shout "Hold on!" and tell me "I won't stand for a business that doesn't understand the importance of a proper facilities." That's the crimelife I crave.
]]>The next Yakuza game is coming this November on a date that was first leaked, then confirmed, and now changed. Yakuza: Like A Dragon is now launching on November 10th to match the Xbox Series X launch date. That's three days earlier than planned that you'll get to suit up and hit the streets of Yokohama as a criminal with a heart of gold.
]]>Looks like that Xbox leak from last month was correct. Sega have released a new trailer for Yakuza: Like A Dragon confirming a November 13th release on PC. The new trailer below shows off several of the RPG classes your party members can take on and the inevitably ridiculous combat moves that go with them.
]]>While Yakuza: Like A Dragon officially doesn't have a release date, only a November launch window, a listing on the Microsoft Store seems to have given it away: November 13th. The Store has been a real helpful source of leaks in recent weeks, with info on games including Call Of Duty: Black Ops CIA, Crysis Remastered, and Star Wars Squadron. Thanks, Microsoft.
]]>The next mainline Yakuza game is treading a lot of new territory. Yakuza: Like A Dragon is ditching series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu in favor of new hero Ichiban Kasgua. They're shuffling up the usual punch 'em up combat in favor of a turn-based system. Oh, and there's going to be English voice acting. No, no, don't go! It actually sounds pretty decent. You can hear the cast in a new English language trailer below.
]]>If you've not been scouring the internet for Yakuza: Like A Dragon gameplay since its release in Japan earlier this year, Sega dished out some details on the next game today. The highlights are of course new protagonist Kasuga Ichiban, a turn-based battle system, and a much bigger map.
]]>Did you miss today's Xbox Series X stream? While the first of Microsoft's many planned streams for their new machine was naturally concerned with their new tellybox, there were still enough multi-platform announcements and trailers going around for us PC folks to get excited over. Here's our rundown of what happened during today's showcase.
]]>Following a little leak this week, Yakuza: Like A Dragon is now officially announced for PC, coming later this year. This opens a new chapter in Sega's RPG series about mobsters with hearts of gold, starring a different wrestledad in another city. Like A Dragon also shakes up the action, going from a beat 'em up to a turn-based RPG action. Huh! Come watch.
]]>Going by a little Steam database leak, it seems that Yakuza: Like A Dragon is coming to PC - and presumably soon-ish. Sega's wonderful beefy-dads-with-hearts-of-gold RPG series only started coming to PC in 2018, 13 years after it started on PlayStations, and now it looks like we're skipping a few games ahead. Set after Yakuza 6, Like A Dragon introduces a whole new star, turning away from best dad Kazuma Kiryu. In another break from tradition, it also turns the beat 'em up combat into a turn-based RPG. Curious!
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