Like a Dragon is experiencing its golden age. The success of the previously known Yakuza saga shows no signs of stopping, reaching more and more people. What was once a niche franchise with little success in the West had a “second birth” after the release of Judgement, a spin-off of the saga, and with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which started the “RPG arc” of Yakuza, led by Ichiban Kasuga.
The rest, as they say, is history. Ichiban and his friends made millions of people around the world, including myself, discover the virtues of a saga that perfectly combines drama, action, and absurd humor. Driven by this enormous success, earlier this year we were able to enjoy Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the continuation of Ichiban’s adventures, which once again “swept” in sales and put Yakuza on everyone’s lips.
With a series for Amazon Prime Video about to be released and with more than one game in development, now we just ask ourselves: what will happen to Yakuza beyond Ichiban’s adventures? Although in 2022 we already enjoy the benefits of Like a Dragon: Ishin!, a remake of a title that never reached the West, there are several games from the Ryu Ga Gotoku studio that also need a remake, both because they never left Japan and to be able to enjoy them on the new generation of consoles. Do you want to meet them? Then keep reading.
Kurohyou: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho
Launched in 2010 for PSP, Kurohyou: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho is the first title in the Yakuza series to arrive on a handheld console. This title, which was not released outside of Japan, introduces a new protagonist, Tatsuya Ukyo, a rebellious young man who gets involved in the problems of the Tojo clan, and who must win ten consecutive battles in the Dragon Heat arena, after which he earns the nickname of “The Mad Dragon of Kamurocho”.
Although familiar characters such as the Sai Florist appear, none of the main characters of the original saga participates. The game differs from other Yakuza games with its one-to-one combat and comic-style animated scenes, while maintaining elements of the Yakuza saga such as heat actions and mini-games.
Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!
The other samurai game of Like a Dragon. Ryu go Gotoku Kenzan! Is a game released in 2008 for PlayStation 3, which marked several milestones in the Yakuza saga: it was the first spin-off of the series, the first Yakuza game to use facial models based on real actors, and the first to be released on PlayStation 3. In addition, they change the game mechanics, adding several styles of sword combat.
Located in Kyoto during the Edo period of 1605, this unique game from Japan follows Miyamoto Musashi, a historical swordsman with the appearance of Kazuma Kiryu, the protagonist of the Yakuza series. In fact, many other characters from the main series appear in Kenzan (physically speaking), sometimes adopting their names or adding some variation. The game preserves characteristic elements of Yakuza, such as mini-games and secondary stories.
Kurohyou 2: Ryu Ga Gotoku Ashura Chapter
If we have talked about the first installment, we are obliged to talk about its sequel. Kurohyou 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura-hen, the direct continuation of Kurohyou: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho, was also released in 2012 for PSP and, just like its first part, it did not reach the West. Kurohyou 2 also had a live action adaptation that aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System from April 5, 2012, to June 21, 2012.
The story of Kurohyou 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura-hen takes place 2 years after the events of Kurohyou: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho. Tatsuya Ukyo decides to live his life becoming stronger and stronger. However, Dragon Heat, the place where he fought his famous 10 battles, is being challenged by another clandestine fighting group called Asura. After this, Tatsuya must ally with other young fighters to save Dragon Heat.
