Rediscover classic Yakuza action with Kiryu’s return in this modernized throwback to the series’ roots
The Legendary Dragon Returns
Long-time followers of Kazuma Kiryu have reason to celebrate. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name represents a masterful homecoming for the beloved series, embracing its foundational Yakuza identity while incorporating contemporary enhancements from recent franchise innovations.
Since its 2005 debut, the Like a Dragon franchise (known as Yakuza in Western markets) has expanded to encompass approximately twenty distinct titles. This extensive catalog naturally led to some player fatigue, as repeated exploration of familiar Japanese districts and mastering recurring minigames began to lose their initial charm.
The series addressed this through spin-offs like the detective-focused Judgement games and the pivotal 2020 franchise reboot. This dramatic shift introduced protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, surrounded him with entirely new characters, and replaced the signature real-time brawling with an inventive turn-based combat system.
This directional change proved polarizing, creating significant demand among traditionalists for a return to the series’ origins. The Man Who Erased His Name answers this call by reinstating fan-favorite Kazuma Kiryu alongside his dynamic third-person melee combat and the chaotic elements that defined the franchise’s early success.
Our hands-on experience with an early build at PAX Australia confirmed that the authentic Yakuza atmosphere has been fully restored. Even within a limited demo session, the classic vibe that made the series legendary is unmistakably present and enhanced.
While Ichiban Kasuga continues as the central figure for the franchise’s future, The Man Who Erased His Name serves as a nostalgic tribute to Kiryu’s leadership era. The experience captures the essence of classic Yakuza titles while benefiting from significantly improved graphics, near-instant loading, and unprecedented content density.
Combat Excellence Reimagined
Resuming control of Kiryu delivers immense satisfaction, not only due to his composed demeanor and mature perspective but also through the complete package of features accompanying his comeback.
Exploring Japan’s vibrant urban landscapes and engaging in absurd, spectacular street fights has reached new heights of enjoyment. The combat system masterfully combines traditional Yakuza mechanics—including combo strings, environmental weapon usage, and charged attacks—with innovative Agent abilities such as summoning drone strikes. This fusion creates the signature chaotic entertainment that defines the series’ appeal.
Although the turn-based approach has its merits and contributed to Like a Dragon’s distinctive identity, returning to the foundational gameplay that initially captivated millions of players feels incredibly rewarding and appropriate.
Signature Yakuza Mayhem
Authentic Yakuza or Like a Dragon experiences demand outrageous random encounters, eccentric minigames, and thoroughly amusing activities. Based on our limited demo in a single district, The Man Who Erased His Name perfectly executes this formula once again.
During our PAX Australia session, three Dexerto team members played identical demos simultaneously. Within minutes, each pursued completely different activities: one participant tackled wave-based combat challenges, another competed in dart games, while the third explored… mature entertainment options.
This extraordinary diversity captivated audiences throughout the original mainline games, and the chaotic spirit returns powerfully here. From outfitting Kiryu in outrageous costumes to gambling fortunes at casinos and testing mahjong proficiency, the variety remains uncompromised.
While our demo provided limited story exposure, the narrative tone aligns perfectly with series expectations. Essentially, The Man Who Erased His Name presents as a contemporary homage to every element cherished by fans of the original installments.
If Yakuza 0-6 failed to appeal to you previously, this installment likely won’t alter your perspective. However, for seasoned enthusiasts craving one more authentic experience—especially with Kiryu reclaiming center stage—this November 9 release deserves your attention.
Optimizing Your Playthrough
Mastering Combat Transitions: The key to combat excellence lies in seamlessly alternating between traditional Yakuza mechanics and new Agent abilities. Practice switching between hand-to-hand combos and high-tech gadgets during crowd control situations. Environmental weapons provide excellent opening moves, while drone strikes effectively handle grouped enemies.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: Many players initially over-rely on either classic fighting or Agent skills exclusively. This imbalance reduces combat effectiveness significantly. Another frequent error involves neglecting side activities early—these provide crucial character upgrades and resources that enhance main story progression.
Advanced Strategy Optimization: For experienced players, focus on creating specific loadouts for different encounter types. Develop a crowd-control setup emphasizing area-effect Agent skills, and a single-target configuration maximizing traditional combo damage. Time your ability usage based on enemy aggression patterns—use defensive Agent skills during enemy attack phases and offensive abilities during their recovery windows.
Content Prioritization: Balance your time between main narrative progression and side content exploration. The game’s richest experiences often emerge from unexpected interactions and minigames. Allocate sessions specifically for combat mastery and others dedicated to exploring the diverse activity ecosystem.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name preview – Kazuma Kiryu is back for more Rediscover classic Yakuza action with Kiryu's return in this modernized throwback to the series' roots