A shorter but wonderfully packed spin-off that finally gives fans of the multi-decade franchise a satisfying end to Kiryu Kazuma's story while also reminding us of all the greatest parts from the previous action-based Yakuza games.
This game once started as extra content and it shows, the story is on the short side at just over 10 hours. Fortunately, the game has enough to offer through its minigames and extra content to keep you entertained for a long time, although you have to reckon with somewhat mediocre pacing and remarkably, lumbering animations. With that said, by the way, we can recommend this title to any fan of the franchise.
this game is like the mona lisa of gaming. every time kiryu does a heat action (or looks at the camera) my tip blossoms out of my foreskin like a beautiful flower. this game has me on edge constantly, in fact, i am edging while writing this review! kiryu's beautiful silver eyes that i have customized him with always get my tip twitching like a streamer. i'll be gifting this game to my little sister for christmas. ho ho ho!
The story isn’t perfect, but still spins a tale worthy of the Dragon of Dojima. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name may be a shorter game, but there’s a surprising amount of depth in that brevity. It’s been a good year for Like a Dragon, and a game that celebrates their leading man like this is worthy of your time and money. Go ahead and devour this, and get excited for Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon Gaiden is a perfect appetizer before the main course. Just a few weeks away from the release of Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, Gaiden serves as a reminder of events from previous episodes, reconnects with our favorite protagonist, and offers what the franchise does best: epic situations, complex and endearing characters, and a fantastic way to unwind.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a throwback and a step forward, putting a potential end to what came before on the way to something new. As it does so, it is a shorter, but still truly excellent example of everything that has made the Like a Dragon series so great for so many years.
Did Kazuma Kiryu need another game? The short answer is both yes and no. It’s great that this side story exists as it does bridge some plot points from previous games together, and offers some interesting lead-ins for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. On the other hand, the narrative overall doesn’t have the same strength that we’ve seen from this series time and again. There is a lot to love here for fans of the series, but there are also some noticeable issues that keep it from being an easy recommendation. The Man Who Erased His Name is a decent addition to the series, but it misses the mark in being a truly memorable experience.
What perhaps saves Kiryu's latest adventure is an absolutely fantastic combat system, bolstered with wild gadgets, and minigame offerings that just about work with an approach to breadth instead of depth. This is another entertaining, idiosyncratic, action-packed romp for the Yakuza series, but it feels as though Like a Dragon Gaiden needs to do more to justify its undermining of Kiryu's perfect sendoff in Yakuza 6.
This game is in my opinion the best game in the Yakuza series since 0. The shorter form factor really plays into it's favor, helping make the story never feel dull with action and twists at every corner, the combat system is incredibly smooth and satisfying, it's the first game where I actually want to fight enemies even after I'm rich/strong enough to not need to. The substories, like always, are solid, and the supports are a huge improvement from the Part Time Hero quests in LAD and really gives off the same energy the side content in Yakuza 5 did. But of course, the best part is the story, it truly feels like a logical continuation of Kiryu's story from 6 without feeling forced or artificial in any way. I've already sunk over 50 hours into this game, and it will probably be the first Yakuza game I 100%. I highly recommend this game for any Yakuza fan, especially if you want to see more small, content packed Yakuza games. Please check it out if you have the time
Great battle system, similar to judgement, heartbreak story, a little short but with the jobs and coliseum it gets much longer
Awesome characters as always
Leave it to Yakuza fanboys to overrate and eat every slop RGG makes.
Its the same game yet again with the same awful and repetitive combat, terrible writing and cringe humor.
Critics > User score
Thank god the critics know the truth of this franchise, its mid!!!!
SummaryKiryu returns in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, launching in 2023!
This classic high-octane RGG action-adventure sheds light on Kiryu's perspective following the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life leading up to Like a Dragon 8.