Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

It may not be a necessary entry in the franchise, but as we move into what appears to be Kiryu’s endgame, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a treat, a reward for those who have followed his story since the beginning. I genuinely was not sure what I thought of this game until the credits were rolling, and then the intention of this project clicked in my head. It’s a celebration of this character that fills in a few blanks but doesn’t overstay its welcome purely for the sake of matching the length of the other games and a teaser for the main course coming in a few months. I’ve never been more excited about the future of Like a Dragon.

A short-but-sweet bridge between Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon Gaiden packs a lot of punch into a small package. Returning to the smash-mouth style fans love about the series, there's plenty of additional content to keep you occupied beyond the game's story.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name more than justifies its existence. It creates fantastic points of tension and a real constant threat in Kiryu’s attempts at anonymity as he butts head with the Yakuza and some mysterious, shadowy figures. Always keeping me on the edge of my seat, it’s a heavy-hitter in the narrative, having me actively weep at the conclusion. This kind of magnificence is the payoff of years upon years of hard franchise work, entirely rewarding for longtime fans though boldly unapologetic and unforgiving to the newcomers. Slamming enemy’s heads into walls and getting emotional over the franchise-long angst and baggage our beloved protagonist holds has truly never felt this good. Despite now hosting more than a dozen entries, Gaiden proves the Like a Dragon name is still endlessly valuable to this day. Bring on the next dozen, I say.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a success. With just five chapters total, it tells a compelling story that maintains interest throughout. It's also a neat summary of Kiryu's storied past, serving as a solid introduction to him for those who found the franchise through Yakuza: Like A Dragon and Ichiban. Anyone interested in the Yakuza hype heading into Infinite Wealth should absolutely check out Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, which stands on its own as a great entry that does so much with very little.

Having now completed every side mission, substory, and objective in a little over 25 hours, I can only hope Ryu Ga Gotoku learns from this game and works on more bite-sized spin-offs fleshing out the rest of this universe roster of loveable weirdos, gallant heroes, and snarling villains.

A fitting "Yakuza" that takes the old Kazuma Kyriu and launches him into a new life - how long and happy we are not yet allowed to know. On the gameplay side Like a Dragon Gaiden relies on well-established mechanics that still work well, adding a couple of new tricks that seem to wink at what we will see in Infinite Wealth.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a highly recommended title for this Christmas season, as it will serve as an appetizer to welcome Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which looks extremely ambitious and promising, and will be one of the strong cards for when 2024 begins.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name brings one of the best stories in the Yakuza franchise, consolidating Kiryu as one of the most complex and underrated protagonists in games. Even with a smaller scope, the game doesn't lose its shine and proves that the Like a Dragon series still has a lot to live up to.

Like a Dragon Gaiden is more than just a part of the series in-between. Shorter, but much more intensive storytelling brings back one of the SEGA icons in exhilarating action adventure filling into the events of Ryu ga Gotoku. Lot of great moments, sidestories and new action style makes you play more and get ready for next main dish with Infinite Wealth.

Like a Dragon Gaiden acts as a perfect bridge and connects pretty much all the events between Yakuza 0 and 6, and sets up a great foundation for the upcoming game Infinite Wealth.

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.

Though treading over familiar ground, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name holds enough payoffs and enjoyable moments to make this shorter trip an emotionally worthwhile one.

Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is another fantastic entry into this much-loved series, proving that Kiryu has more than enough gas left in the tank to continue fronting the series. Despite some combat gadgets feeling a bit gimmicky and some obvious grinding to lengthen the story, The Man Who Erased His Name is a compelling time sink and proves that Kiryu isn't a spent force.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is much more than 'just a spin-off'. This entry not only provides context for Kiryu's reapparance as a headliner within the Like a Dragon franchise, but also introduces tons of nostalgia as well as some new gameplay elements. Overall, it may not be as long as the main Like a Dragon entries (but don't fret, it cannot be considered 'short'), although it stands its ground as a video game that should be considered a must-play franchisewise.

Despite not being suitable for beginners, Like a Dragon Gaiden is a spin-off made for fans that fulfills its objective: it delivers a narrative wrapped in a rollercoaster of emotions with traditional beat'em up gameplay and dozens of secondary activities. Following the franchise's classic formula, the game entertains, excites and raises expectations even further for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a starting point to get to know the series, formerly Yakuza, as it presents the immediate past of a protagonist who guides himself by the values of honor in a world of corruption. The various activities, story, and character development make this title worth enjoying. Sure, it has many cliches and a horrible camera. However, it is still a game that is very worthwhile, both for long-time fans and new ones who have just gotten into the series.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a great game dedicated to fans who love wearing the Kiryu’s jacksuit again.

The perfect slice of Kiryu for returning fans, Like A Dragon Gaiden is a piece of fantastic filler to keep players entertained while they wait for the bigger games to follow. Those new to the franchise need not apply.

Despite its flaws, I can’t deny that I had a great time walking in the shoes of Kiryu. I enjoyed the story, the exciting combat, and the thrilling action. While I may have finished the main story, I’ll be going back for more side content to see what I may have missed along the way. While the combat may not demand a high investment from its players, there’s no denying that the deeper you dig, the more you get. This is a game that rewards its players for high levels of engagement but doesn’t punish the casual player just along for the ride. Whether you’re a true blue fan or a newcomer to the series, there’s a lot to enjoy about Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

Considered inside the long trajectory of the Yakuza franchise, this is a secondary chapter, as you can see in the digital format, the length or the mechanics, but it works really well as a bridge between the game from 2020 and the game that will be released in 2024. Few games can compute with this one in terms of script, characters, minigames...

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has done it again, Like a Dragon: Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is another notch in their award adorned catalogue. The emotional journey of series favourite Kiryu and the important bridging of the gap between Yakuza 6 and 7 is a joy to behold and experience. This entry presents the best version of the now deprecated action combat design and is one of the most consistently great experiences to be had on the PlayStation 5 console.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name might be the shortest game in the series, a playthrough clocking in around 18 hours. But it does deliver on every promise of the series with a story full of twists, plenty of combat, countless side activities and as a bonus, a lot of familiar faces recognizable by the fans. It is a great game, but does not manage to stand out, and it feels like a great effort to have a proper send-off to the old formula before reconcentrating on the main games and the next Lost Judgement. It is the weakest episode of a very strong series, making it a good game.

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: The Man Who Erased His Name is likely to delight Yakuza fans. While this is a cut down affair taking place largely in just one location, being reunited with Kazuma Kiryu once again is joyous, especially with the new tricks he has up his sleeves. It’s not really suitable for newcomers, but if you’re looking forward to the release of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, you should consider this an essential purchase. Those who wish to further pry into the life of the fearsome Dragon of Dojima will want to play it, too.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a game that comes more as a luxury than a necessity. Just when it seemed that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA had completely handed the baton to Ichiban Kasuga, they spoiled us with an installment that pays tribute to everything that made the series great and treats Kazuma Kiryu and the legacy he has within his universe as well as in the real world with immense respect. Yes, we will see Kiryu again in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but he may never star in another installment. If so, it would be a phenomenal farewell to the Dragon of Dojima. Thanks for everything, Kiryu.

While it might not be among the best entries in the series, there’s still enough to Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name that makes it worth playing. Those willing to work around some bare bones design and frustrating quality of life issues will find a compact but necessary entry in the saga of Kazuma Kiryu, and will be that much more excited for the next true entry in the franchise.

Treading the path well-traveled, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name — far from the most radical of entries in the series — remains a delightful example of Ryu Ga Goktoku’s knack for high drama, wild antics and all-round time thoroughly well spent. A tad harsh it would be to so quickly denote this a “more of the same”-type of release, even with its status as an interlude between more pivotal, mainline outings, that the reliance on what has worked wonders — as much what has been so integral to the series’ structure, for better or worse — is so apparent does limit how far Gaiden will reach in the series’ hierarchy. Even so, that what this game professes is nothing short of lovably eccentric and a touch more on the unashamedly-indulgent side is far from a bad thing. The kind of writing, presentation, content and all-round execution that, even at its seemingly “least-brilliant,” still stands leagues above a vast majority of games. Put it this way, that Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name can take the concept of self-indulgence and make it one you happily grin at, applaud and ask for more of is an accomplishment in of itself.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a great interlude before Infinite Wealth comes out next year, with its throwback to the franchise’s classic real time beat ’em up combat in the shoes of Kiryu. The narrative does take a step back, and the new characters aren’t as memorable, but there’s plenty of bizarre and addicting side activities to partake in on the streets of Sotonbori or at the Castle.

As an extended epilogue for Kazuma Kiryu, The Man Who Erased His Name is well worth the time. While the game could be longer, it’s a strong send-off for a character that has made Yakuza the thrilling, dramatic series it has been for nearly two decades. As the franchise transitions to Ichiban Kazuga as the main protagonist, I will still fondly remember him, with or without his name.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name doesn’t reinvent the wheel by any means. For Yakuza/Like Dragon fans, it’ll be a familiar, albeit enjoyable experience. It has a few shortcomings – the most egregious being a painfully slow first few hours. But once it gets going, Gaiden packs a punch. One that’s sure to keep you satiated until Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth drops.

While not bringing much that's new in terms of gameplay, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a great epilogue for Kiryu's story, bringing out what's best in the series in a smaller package.

Conceived as a smaller spin-off and also sold at a budget price, Like A Dragon Gaiden The Man Who Erased His Name proves to be another solid addition to the historic Yakuza series. Taking on the role of Kazuma Kiryu again is a pleasure thanks also to the original "Agent" fighting style, and the work is abundant enough in content to provide healthy entertainment for quite a long time. What shines above all is the story, which is shorter but therefore also more intense and which gets straight to the point, providing memorable moments and developments full of twists and turns as per the brand's tradition. Of course, it doesn't have any particular ambition and simply follows the safe path already followed by the most recent episodes, and the Dragon Engine is starting to feel the weight of the years a bit, however Like A Dragon Gaiden has achieved its goal: reintroducing Kiryu among the protagonists and prepare the way for the long-awaited Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth. Mission accomplished.

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 has games, laughs, tears, and brawls where characters dramatically reveal their resplendent back tattoos. It does what a new Like a Dragon entry needs to do, and tees up some big emotional moments for its longtime series lead along the way. If you want a deep story with twists and turns, this may not be all you hope for. But if you run off the beaten path to get a model AiAi out of the UFO Catcher, this should more than tide you over to Infinite Wealth.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is another excellent entry in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, one that's packed to the gills with crime drama, oddball humor, and many mini-games.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a title that serves as a bridge between the two main series by filling in those plot holes left over from Yakuza: Like a Dragon, while also offering a complete new epilogue to Kazuma Kiryu as the protagonist, before ceding his throne as Like a Dragon's protagonist to Ichiban Kasuga.

While I did warm to new Like A Dragon protagonist Ichiban quickly, you can’t forget the OG. It’s great to see Kiryu take a victory lap in this tightly designed, smaller-scale story before the next big chapter kicks off in January 2024 with Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth!

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a compelling title full of engaging combat, welcome distractions, and an intense, emotional story. While a bit short, it’s a must-play for Yakuza fans.

The title does more than an excellent job of setting the stage for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, a tale in which Kazuma Kiryu and Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga will have their fates intertwined during the Dragon of Dojima’s final days. Those fans who complete Gaiden will get a first glimpse at Infinite Wealth, as story completion unlocks a Special Trial Version of the title. Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name marks the beginning of the end for Kazuma Kiryu, but, if its quality is anything to go by, the Like a Dragon series has a long and bright future ahead.

While The Man Who Erased His Name is a very safe Like A Dragon experience, longtime fans are sure to relish its smaller scope and renewed focus on Kiryu. It might lack some of the suspense and unpredictability of prior entries, but more than makes up for it in its more intimate exploration of one of the most legendary characters in gaming.

As always, it’s those intimate and emotional human elements that make Like A Dragon Gaiden so gratifying. Whether or not we needed to see Kiryu be pulled back so heavily into the underworld against his will is another question entirely, but if we believe at this point that the end is truly nigh for Kiryu in Infinite Wealth, this one last go-around to spend a few more deeply personal moments with him is something to be cherished – as a bittersweet way to get ready to say goodbye (for whenever that time actually comes around). Take care of yourself, Kiryu.

Like a Dragon Gaiden teeters on the edge of feeling tired and a bit predictable, but in the end, this is another memorable chapter in Kiryu's seemingly endless tale. It adds welcome weight to the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon while also telling a great individual story, which is stuffed with typically engaging characters. Refined combat carries this 'smaller' title even further, and although its optional excursions can feel a little too grindy for their own good, Gaiden stands as a rock solid instalment, and a potent reminder of why Kiryu's such a beloved protagonist.

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.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a bite-sized appetizer meant to satisfy players' appetites for just a few more months until Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth hits global shores. That being said, Gaiden hits all the marks I want to see in the series: amusing side stories, an epic crime drama that spans multiple games, and all the knuckle shuffles one could ever want. It might not be a mandatory title in the series (save for the pivotal chapter and aftermath) but it offers some explanation as to why Hawaii’s the centerpiece for the next game and just what Kiryu/Joryu was up to before making a guest appearance to mop the floor with Ichiban.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The man who erased his name was originally born as a DLC for the eighth chapter in the mainline saga, and it shows in its shorter length and in the reuse of assets, locations and character models. Still, exploring Sotenbori in the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu is a lot of fun like it's always been up to now.

From a spin-off such as Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, we can’t expect any innovation, and in fact, while enjoyable and always entertaining thanks to its varied combat-system, the game does not add much to the Yakuza series.

Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a more than solid spinoff for the successful Yakuza-series. With a satisfying fighting-system, tons of side-activities and the typical Yakuza-humor, Like A Dragon Gaiden make veterans happy and gives newcomers a chance to get into the series easily.

This is a Like a Dragon game, but smaller in scope. Fun, intense and spectacular, but it might feel too small if you’re used to the main games.

Like A Dragon Gaiden plays out like the filler season of a good anime: we meet up with characters we love around an adventure that has no significant impact on the story, with the exception of two or three elements distilled along the way. This is a title that retains the usual qualities of the series, which is enough to make it a very good game, but it is unfortunately marred by haphazard combat collisions and a story that is too long for its own good.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a must-have chapter for all fans of Kazuma Kiryu and the classic Yakuza formula, which is reintroduced in the game without variation beyond the new Agent fighting style, which is very dynamic and fun to use. It's a pity that the story takes place almost exclusively among the streets of Sotenbori, that the limited length of the campaign affects some important characterizations, and that the graphics look rather dated by now.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a nice burst of nostalgia, but it isn't worth the $50 price tag. The die-hard Yakuza/Like a Dragon fans who've followed Kiryu from start to finish will likely find that this title feels too familiar and safe. It's nice to have one more adventure with him before what seems like his for-real swan song in Infinite Wealth, but this is easily the most skippable Like a Dragon title to date.

Thankfully, with Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name behind us, RGG is set to forge ahead, blending new gameplay and characters with the distinct sense of humor and flair that made Yakuza so popular in the first place. Sadly, if you’re looking for one last enjoyable adventure with Kazuma Kiryu, I suggest playing Yakuza Kiwami 2 again. You’re going to get almost the same experience but with a much better plot, more intriguing characters, bigger stakes, and, most importantly, an awesome cabaret minigame.

It’s always good to see Kiryu again, but the lack of other recognisable faces and fun side-quests makes this a mere time filler until Infinite Wealth arrives. [Issue#35, p.76]

Yes, it's a little too familiar in places. [Issue#392, p.114]

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.

Short but sweet Yakuza action: Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is more than just a glorified expansion, but it does have its weaknesses in terms of playability and mission design.

While Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name undoubtedly suffers due to its smaller scale and a heavy reliance on the Akame Network to pad out its 12-hour story, there’s no denying how good it feels to see the Dragon of Dojima back in action – especially with the grab bag of gadgets he has at his disposal. And while this spin-off’s story is over a bit too soon, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s penchant for spinning a compelling narrative shines through, showing Kiryu at his most vulnerable and setting the stage for what’s sure to be a momentous follow-up when Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches next January.

Like A Dragon Gaiden is a game that fans of the Like a Dragon series will want to play, if only to bridge the gap in their knowledge of Kiryu’s whereabouts between games. However, those who aren’t as invested in the series can probably skip this one, unless they are really interested in the new combat. At the end of the day, it is still a Like A Dragon game with all the goofy fun that goes along with it. However, it is one of the more lackluster games in the series, and is not as robust as your usual entry.

It’s hard to evaluate Gaiden as a standalone game. And that’s because it isn’t? Sega took what could have been a flashback chapter in Infinite Wealth and tacked on some extras. Remembering this context while you play is to the game’s benefit, too. A brief vacation into the old battle style, with some minigames along the way? Yeah, it’s fun for that. It’s not a destination to itself, and it genuinely couldn’t be with all its stale re-treads. But hey, it’s nice to see Kiryu again.

Thankfully we only have to wait three months for the next “proper” title in the series to land. While Like a Dragon Gaiden might have been disappointing against the astronomically high standards of this series, I have no doubt whatsoever that January 2024 will deliver another bold step forward for SEGA’s gritty urban epic.

Like A Dragon Gaiden should tide fans over until Infinite Wealth drops as a shorter yet still enjoyable romp, but this is hardly a series highlight.

A much smaller Like A Dragon game, that offers everything fans love about the series, but one that doesn’t quite justify its own existence.

Don’t go into Like a Dragon Gaiden expecting game-changing mechanics, though I suspect that’s not what you’re here for anyway. Like a Dragon Gaiden is the video game equivalent of a cosy night in, whether you’re punching street thugs in the face or partaking in a spot of karaoke. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name brings us a heavy dose of Kazuma Kiryu with an abundance of joy that will have you grinning from ear to ear and I wouldn't want it any other way, ridiculously long title and all.

While not on par with Kiryu or the franchise's finest outings, Like A Dragon Gaiden is still a good enough game that does the job of priming you up for the next big entry in the saga.