TheYakuzafranchise is now a globally acclaimed and longstanding series, yet still appears to be in its infancy in terms of the sheer amount of content that the game series can explore. Laying its roots all the way back in 2006, the franchise has only recently ventured out into wider and more standalone storylines and characters, finally moving away from Kiryu’s storied saga to new beginnings.
A prime example of recent innovation and bold change within theYakuzafranchise came with the 2020 release ofYakuza: Like a Dragon. With the high risk of the unique turn-based gameplay proving successful, the case for a sequel toLike a Dragonis clear to see.
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The Success of Yakuza: Like a Dragon
It’s important to contextualize the success of its predecessor when discussing the possibility of a sequel toYakuza: Like a Dragon. From its overhaul of classicYakuzagame mechanics to its primary focus on a cast of entirely new characters, the positive consensus surroundingLike a Dragon (despite its changes) is a testament to just how deserving of a sequel the game is.
Like a Dragonintroduced an entirely new combat system to theYakuzafranchise, moving away from thebutton mashing beat em' up mechanics thatYakuzahad used previously. Instead,Like a Dragonplays like a classic turn-based JRPG, fostering more methodical and strategic gameplay while maintaining that whackyYakuzacharm. This detachment from the formula that had previously worked so well for the franchise worried fans, however the majority were pleasantly surprised with the change. With the overwhelming amount of other mainline and spin offYakuzagames being beat em' ups, the new gameplay offered a welcome change to most.
Like a Dragonwas additionally bold in its adoption of a new cast of characters. With the story oficonicYakuzaprotagonist Kazuma Kiryubeing mostly finished, the introduction of a new protagonist that could rival the bond Kiryu had built with fans over 16 years was always going to be a difficult stage of the franchise. That being said,Like a Dragonprotagonist Ichiban Kasuga is already proving to be a fan-favorite, with his reduced canonical strength in relation to the incomparable Kiryu further justifying the new party-based RPG system.
What a Yakuza: Like a Dragon Sequel Could Look Like
WithYakuzadevelopment studioRyu Ga Gotokuset to host a digital event outlining the future of the franchise on April 29, aYakuza:Like a Dragon 2could be revealed. Although Ichiban’s story inLike a Dragonended on a fairly positive note, the franchise has historically proven that its protagonists are never truly free from danger and calls to action.
A sequel toLike a Dragoncould easily focus on the remaining power vacuum within Kamurocho due to its lack of established faction ownership, with Ichiban and his party fighting to maintain the city’s neutrality. In addition to this, Ryu Ga Gotoku could look towards the popularity of the franchise’s most recent spin-off,Lost Judgment, when considering the game mechanics of a potentialLike a Dragon 2.TheJudgmentgames are two spin-off titles within theYakuzauniverse, with a focus on detective skills and classic but more refined beat em' up combat.
IfLike a Dragon 2were to maintain the turn-based focus of its predecessor, it could easily implement a blend of both turn-based combat and the more polished real-time fighting of the popularJudgmentseries. Regardless of what fighting style is used, many will be hoping fora return to Ichiban Kasuga’s storyto further afford him the character depth befitting of aYakuzaprotagonist.
