Before the full announcement hit the public eye, a new entry in the Yakuza series began to surface with details about Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name on the Sony PlayStation Store. This information came through a game portal report and early leaker notes that circulated online, with Gematsu providing the initial rundown of what was to be revealed.
According to the leak, Like a Dragon Gaiden is positioned as a spin-off that fits in the timeline between the sixth and seventh mainline installments of the Yakuza saga. The central figure driving the story remains Kazuma Kiryu, the long-standing protagonist intimately associated with the Yakuza in the franchise’s numbered chapters. The narrative promise suggested a deeper dive into Kiryu’s arc as he steps away from the familiar streets of Kamurocho for a chapter that bridges two major arcs of the larger series.
Gameplay in Like a Dragon Gaiden is framed around Kiryu taking on a double life. Players would have the option to seamlessly switch between two distinct fighting philosophies as circumstances demand. In one mode, Kiryu leans on his renowned martial arts expertise, delivering precise, up-close combat that fans have come to expect. In the other mode, he embodies the role of a covert operative, employing spy gadgets and gadgets-driven tactics to gain the upper hand against adversaries. This dual-play mechanic was described as a core feature meant to keep players adaptable and engaged, letting them choose the approach that best suits each encounter or mission objective.
From the leak, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name was slated for a November 9, 2023 release window and was confirmed to arrive exclusively on PlayStation platforms, specifically PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The timing of the official reveal suggested a heightened focus on showcasing Kiryu’s new dual-role dynamic during major event moments. Rumors pointed toward additional details being shared at a prominent industry showcase, with expectations centering on the wider implications for the series’ lore and how this title might influence the ongoing saga of Kiryu’s legacy. Attribution: Gematsu, with corroboration from sources following the Sony platform ecosystem and the publisher’s typical rollout cadence. [Gematsu]
Unexpectedly, another outlet, socialbites.ca, noted that athletes criticized EA for fees deemed unusually small, adding a separate thread to gaming discourse around monetization strategies and fan expectations. This side note underscores how diverse perspectives—from industry insiders to players and commentators—shape conversations around new releases and pricing models as developers reveal fresh installments in long-running franchises. Attribution: socialbites.ca. [socialbites.ca]