Trying to get into the most fun open world series of all time where you chat to adult babies and also do some karaoke but confused about the many different names? Well, Yakuza and Like a Dragon are the same Sega franchise. Although newer games have introduced different protagonists and combat systems, it’s still the same IP.
Now, time for some extra confusion: Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a specific game, while Like a Dragon is also the wider series name. Since that game, the wider franchise has become Like a Dragon. Let’s figure it out together.
Why did Yakuza become Like a Dragon?
There’s actually quite a basic explanation on this one. The Japanese name, Ryu Ga Gotoku, means Like a Dragon. Sega originally used Yakuza overseas before bringing the English branding closer to the Japanese title.
The newer name also suits stories that increasingly extend beyond the yakuza themselves. Older games still count, and familiar characters continue appearing.
What is Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces Ichiban Kasuga as the main protagonist and replaces the usual action combat with turn-based party battles.
For those curious, it is a useful starting point for newcomers interested in the RPG side of the series, but you may be missing out if you don’t start with something like Yakuza Zero. Its sequel, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, continues Ichiban’s story while also giving Kazuma Kiryu a major role.
Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon first if you want to follow Ichiban’s adventures, Yakuza 0 if you like more traditional punching.
Are all Like a Dragon games turn-based?
No. Yes, it is weird. Here’s an explanation:
– Yakuza: Like a Dragon: turn-based combat.
– Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: turn-based combat.
– Like a Dragon Gaiden: action combat.
– Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: action combat.
The branding change has not made everyone wait politely for their turn.
Where do the spin-offs fit?
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (which is not a good name at all, funnily enough) follows Kiryu after Yakuza 6, so it is best saved until you know his earlier story.
Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii follows Goro Majima after Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon: Ishin is a separate historical adventure set in 1860s Japan, and actually has a remake of the same.
Where should you start?
Yakuza 0 is the easy recommendation for beginning Kiryu’s story, especially if you prefer action combat.
Choose Yakuza: Like a Dragon for Ichiban and turn-based battles, or Ishin if the historical setting appeals.
You do not need to understand every subtitle before your first trip to Kamurocho or even buy every game to get an idea of what’s going on, but it sure would help more of these weird games get made!
READ NEXT: Yakuza Games In Order (Chronological & Release Date)
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site.
