SPOILERS AHEAD FOR LIKE A DRAGON GAIDENTheYakuza/Like a Dragonfranchise has spanned several mainline games and a couple of spin-offs. FromYakuza 0toYakuza 6, Kiryu lives by his honor and seeks to emulate his adopted father. Fans see him become the Dragon of Dojima, see the Tojo Clan rely on him to save it time and again, and the trauma Kiryu encounters throughout all of this cannot be understated. He loses his best friend, his father figure, the love of his life, his function in society, and so much more. In the face of it all, Kiryu has always remained stoic and steadfast. He has been angry and he has been upset, but he’s never been broken untilLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
Although “Gaiden” suggests this is a spin-off, it’s so much more than just that.Like a Dragon Gaidenfills in the blanks of what Kiryu did after faking his death inYakuza 6, sets up and explains his role inYakuza: Like a Dragon, and further sets the stage for his return inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. It manages to not only do all of that effectively, but it manages to weave in the Omi Alliance, the Tojo clan, the Yakuza dissolution, and so much more. It even ties into Kiryu’s family and gut punches players with the most heartbreaking, emotional ending of the franchise.
Time and again, fans have charged into Millennium Tower, faced off with Kiryu’s malefactors, fought off world governments and other criminal organizations, and lost so much in the process. But none hurt Kiryu like a moment of happiness at the end ofLike a Dragon Gaiden. After completing the main story, theDaidoji factionrewards Kiryu by letting him leave and explore the world. This is how he ends up inHawaii inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but his handler offers him a little more too. He shows Kiryu footage of his gravestone from the anniversary of his death, where all the children he raised at Morning Glory visit him. Two of them, Ayako and Taichi, realize that a camera is pointed at his gravestone.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and So Much More
They speak directly to Kiryu in hopes he sees their message, telling him that no one at the Orphanage thinks he’s really gone. There are a few family updates, Taichi reveals he’s a firefighter now, and some discussion about Kiryu’s absence. The tears begin to flow. It’s when Kiryu learns they returned the next day and left a drawing made by Haruto, Haruka’s son who is four now, that Kiryu really breaks, letting the tears flow. It’s not a simple cry, it’s not a moment of solace. Kiryu fully breaks down, knowing what he has lost—time with his children, time with Haruto who couldn’t walk the last time Kiryu saw him—and it’s pure ugly crying. It’s so emotional and heartbreaking, hitting fans as hard as it hits Kiryu.
Kiryu’s Children
In a way, Daigo Dojima is a “child” of Kiryu too, as established in Yakuza 6. Like a Dragon Gaiden denies Kiryu and Daigo any real chance of a reunion, but as this relationship is established in the ways of the Yakuza, not through the orphanage, Daigo is not mentioned here.
After all, if there’s one thing many fans want before Kiryu eventually, possible retires from theYakuzafranchise is for him to be with his children. His time is going quickly, however. As fans have learned,Kiryu has cancer comeLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and it’s not certain how that will unfold. This scene at the end ofLike a Dragon Gaiden, though, shows how hurt he is by everything he’s lost, and any justice in the world would ensure he could see them again. How RGG Studio follows this remains to be seen.
He’s erased his name, he’s given up his past life, and he’s given up his children. For a man like Kiryu, it’s clearly a fate worse than death. Death, he could face with Stoicism—the loss of his children, not so much.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
WHERE TO PLAY
ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE: Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding. Under the codename “Joryu,” Kiryu embarks on a gripping action narrative with bone-shattering combat in vibrant locations filled with exciting characters and activities.ULTIMATE COMBAT WITH TWO HIGH-IMPACT FIGHTING STYLES: Dynamically switch between the Yakuza and Agent fighting styles in visceral melee combat. With the Yakuza style, strike fear into enemies by unleashing wildly aggressive moves powered by Kiryu’s unparalleled strength and flair. Or up the ante with the Agent style by delivering blows with absolute speed and precision, while using an array of high-tech gadgets like electrified bind wires to stun enemies then send them flying. Strategically adapt to the situation and leverage both styles to dominate and destroy hordes of enemies.ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENTWhether you’re brawling in the secret Battle arena, singing a new karaoke song, enjoying a drink at the live-action cabaret club, or racing in the pocket circuit, the world offers a variety of immersive experiences. An intriguing informant named Akame also provides thrilling sub-missions, drawing you into an epic showdown that unfolds the more you explore and enjoy Sotenbori and Yokohama.
