Tag: Like A Dragon

Microsoft surprises everyone by adding one of last year's brightest action games to Game Pass

Microsoft has surprised gamers by adding Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii to the Game Pass catalog without prior announcement. This new title, developed by SEGA and RGG Studio, is presented as a direct spin-off of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, released in 2024. In this installment, players focus on the popular character Goro Majima, who finds himself in Hawaii after a shipwreck that erases his memory, including his own name. The Yakuza become pirates In terms of gameplay, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii returns to the real-time combat that characterizes the saga, […]

Microsoft has surprised gamers by adding Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii to the Game Pass catalog without prior announcement. This new title, developed by SEGA and RGG Studio, is presented as a direct spin-off of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, released in 2024. In this installment, players focus on the popular character Goro Majima, who finds himself in Hawaii after a shipwreck that erases his memory, including his own name.

The Yakuza Become Pirates

In terms of gameplay, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii returns to the real-time combat that characterizes the saga, offering more direct and spectacular fighting dynamics. A highlighted aspect is the inclusion of two differentiated combat styles: Mad Dog, which focuses on speed and precision, and Sea Dog, which emphasizes a more tactical and pirate approach when facing enemies. This duality promises to encourage creativity in players’ combat strategies.

Apart from the intense fights that can be experienced, the title also incorporates mini-games and naval battles, features that enrich the experience. The real-time piracy sections allow players to maneuver their ships and engage in epic boardings, in an environment that fluctuates between criminal chaos and treasure adventures. The narrative follows Majima and Noah, a young man who helps him in his quest for memories, as they navigate through conflicts and rivals in a vibrant and unconventional setting for the saga.

This unexpected release becomes one of the highlights of the month on Game Pass, adding a new layer of fun and craziness to a franchise already known for its uniqueness and appeal. This reinforces Microsoft’s trend of surprising its gaming community with unexpected additions to its subscription service.

Steam DOWNLOAD

The director of the Yakuza series acknowledges that the success of the series would have been impossible without the players of a particular platform

PC players have been fundamental to the rise and globalization of the Yakuza series, which previously only enjoyed limited recognition outside of Japan. In a special interview during the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct, Masayoshi Yokoyama, director and executive producer of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, emphasized how the acceptance of the series by PC players has driven its development in the global market. “Until 11 years ago, we released our games exclusively on PlayStation and only for the Japanese audience,” Yokoyama explained. They owe everything to PC The Yakuza series was originally conceived as […]

PC players have been instrumental in the rise and globalization of the Yakuza series, which previously enjoyed limited recognition outside of Japan. In a special interview during the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct, Masayoshi Yokoyama, director and executive producer of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, emphasized how the acceptance of the series by PC players has driven its development in the global market. “Until 11 years ago, we released our games exclusively on PlayStation and only for the Japanese audience,” Yokoyama explained.

They owe everything to the PC

The Yakuza series was originally conceived as a product created “by Japanese people and for Japanese people.” However, the proper localization of content and the creation of an accessible environment for international players were key to changing this perception. Yakuza 0, which came to PC, is considered an excellent entry point for new players, offering a self-contained narrative and appealing elements for veteran fans of the series, such as the return of Majima as a playable protagonist.

With the upcoming release of Yakuza Kiwami 3, fans can expect even more innovations. This remake will offer enhanced graphics, as well as new weapons and moves inspired by the ancient Ryukyu kingdom, and promises to be equally accessible for those new to the saga. Yokoyama emphasized that “many PC players may not have had the chance to enjoy the previous installments, so this is a great opportunity to start their journey in the Yakuza series.”

With success in the PC market, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has seen significant growth and hopes to continue innovating. Yokoyama concluded his message with optimism, wishing to continue collaborating with the PC gaming community to provide fun and exciting experiences in the future.

Steam DOWNLOAD

The top person in charge of Final Fantasy XIV acknowledges which game has surprised him the most in recent years, and it is from Nintendo

Naoki ‘Yoshi-P’ Yoshida, renowned producer of the Final Fantasy saga, has expressed his admiration for Nintendo’s recent title, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. In statements to Famitsu magazine, Yoshi-P highlighted the way the game efficiently reuses resources, an approach he considers key to success in current video game design. “From a producer’s perspective, there are many aspects that have amazed me in how resources were used and in the game’s design,” he commented, emphasizing the importance of keeping production costs low without sacrificing fun. […]

Naoki ‘Yoshi-P’ Yoshida, recognized producer of the Final Fantasy saga, has expressed his admiration for Nintendo’s recent title, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. In statements to Famitsu magazine, Yoshi-P highlighted the way the game efficiently reuses resources, an approach he considers key to success in current video game design. “From a producer’s perspective, there are many aspects that have amazed me in how resources were used and in the game’s design,” he commented, emphasizing the importance of keeping production costs low without sacrificing fun.

A Zelda that is not the one everyone has been applauding

In a context where development costs in the video game industry continue to rise, Yoshi-P encourages aspiring developers to study Echoes of Wisdom. “This game is a great example of how to focus on fun and efficiency in development,” he noted, highlighting a growing trend among contemporary developers. The reuse of assets and animations has proven to be an effective strategy, adopted by other titles such as the Like a Dragon series and Elden Ring Nightreign.

Yoshi-P also mentioned the challenges faced by the Final Fantasy XIV team regarding the balance between paying homage to previous games in the series and introducing new content. Despite these difficulties, he expressed optimism that external influences, such as a new Gundam anime series, could provide the necessary inspiration to overcome them. At a time when innovation is becoming increasingly essential, reflecting on how we reclaim resources can make a difference in creating entertaining and unique experiences.

Nintendo Switch Online DOWNLOAD

The creator of Yakuza warns that there are too many games and maybe we should relax a little

¿Cuántos juegos tienes pendientes en Steam? ¿Cómo está la lista que comenzaste hace diez años con todo para probar “cuando tengas un poco de tiempo”? ¿También sientes ese peso sobre tus hombros cuando alguien te dice que un título dura más de cien horas? Felicidades: has envejecido… Y la industria de los videojuegos no ha dejado de girar la rueda. Uno tras otro tras otro tras otro. Franquicias, indies, retro, no importa. Algo tiene que ceder. ¿Podemos tomarnos un descanso de cinco años, por favor? No lo digo solo yo, ojo: incluso el propio Toshihiro Nagoshi, creador […]

How many games do you have pending on Steam? How is the list you started ten years ago with everything to try “when you have a little time”? Do you also feel that heaviness on your shoulders when someone tells you a title lasts more than a hundred hours? Congratulations: you’ve grown older… And the video game industry hasn’t stopped spinning the wheel. One after another after another after another. Franchises, indies, retro, it doesn’t matter. It has to burst somewhere.

Subscribe to the Softonic Newsletter and receive the latest news in tech, games, entertainment in your inbox

Subscribe (it's FREE) ►

Can we stop for five years, please?

It’s not just me saying it, mind you: even Toshihiro Nagoshi himself, creator of the Yakuza saga (now Like A Dragon), believes there are too many games and no need to make them so big or so long. “Although there aren’t as many completely original games now, if you include those made outside of Japan, there are so many titles that it’s impossible to play them all”. Welcome to my world, Toshihiro.

“I think the number of games can be a bit excessive. I feel that the era of games where their length was the reason you were encouraged to buy them is coming to an end“. Well, it depends. Tell that to Rockstar with GTA 6 or the countless infinite online games that exist. Personally? Indeed, with a game of ten to twelve hours, I’m satisfied. Who needs to play 350 hours to find all the collectibles?

Nagoshi left the Like A Dragon franchise three years ago to start his own studio, and he is currently developing a game for which he still has to decide its scope: “Of course we have a map, but the current version is too large. This time, while studying existing games, we started by making a fairly large map with roads and highways. Now we are gradually reducing it and exploring what is best for it”. After creating Yakuza, frankly, he has carte blanche to do (and say) whatever he wants.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth DOWNLOAD

Sega confirms what we already suspected: Persona is one of its best-selling franchises worldwide

We all know that the Persona series is making a big impact. It’s no longer what it used to be. If it was once a niche series that only a few of us played, now it’s a giant that rubs shoulders with the big JRPGs. Even with the big names in video games. But it’s one thing to know it, because you can tell by how it’s talked about and treated in the media, and another to have confirmation with data, figures, and executives doing somersaults every time they remember it’s a franchise that belongs to their company. Which is exactly what has happened in […]

We all know that the Persona saga is making a big impact. It is no longer what it used to be. If before it was a niche saga that only a few of us played, now it is a behemoth that rubs shoulders with the great JRPGs. Even with the big names in video games. But one thing is to know it, because it is noticeable in how it is talked about and how it is treated in the media, and another is to have confirmation with data, figures, and executives doing somersaults every time they remember that it is a franchise that belongs to their company. Which is exactly what has happened in this year’s financial reports from Sega.

From Sega they have confirmed to their shareholders that the Persona series has sold 23.5 million copies of its games worldwide so far. An impressive figure for a JRPG, especially considering that its popularity didn’t start until the 3rd installment and didn’t explode until the 5th. This has been confirmed by Sega itself, stating that the most popular installment of the franchise is Persona 5, being the best-selling title of the series by far at the moment. Making it one of the IPs that generate profits for Sega today.

Praising the uniqueness of its characters and setting, the overflowing style, and how easy it is to relate to its stories, they also wanted to highlight how its transmedia approach has helped. Since its emphasis on concerts, animes, and mangas of the franchise has helped attract fans who have not played the games previously.

Similarly, other franchises are proving to be profitable for Sega. Among them are Yakuza, Sonic, Hokuto no Ken, and Phantasy Star Online: New Genesis, emphasizing that they have a diverse catalog that currently allows them to work on multiple projects while ensuring economic viability and stability. With recognized IPs that are popular among the general public, among which Persona seems to be one of their main flagships currently.

That is why, in the future, we can expect to see more of all these franchises. Although they have not specified what plans they have for any of them, and it is still too early for them to talk about how they perceive the reception of their recent Metaphor Re-Fantazio, it seems that Sega is experiencing a new golden age. Something that, with Persona 6 on the horizon to be announced and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii announced for February 21, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC, does not seem likely to change in the near future.

Persona 5 Royal DESCARGAR
2.6
Persona 5 Royal is a roleplaying game developed by Atlus. This is the definitive edition of the Persona 5 game. Here, players can get added content to the popular 2016 action RPG. It adds an extra semester at the end of the vanilla game. This semester comes with its story segment and palace.

Here’s how you can watch the Xbox Partner Preview on October 17: these are the games we expect

For some time now, Microsoft has decided that their communication strategy will be one of saturation. By holding as many events as possible, they aim to showcase all the games they have in the pipeline, both announced and unannounced, whenever possible. It’s a strategy that remains to be seen if it will bear fruit, with specific games that we can sink our teeth into, but it already has a new outcome. Microsoft has announced that they will hold an Xbox Partner Preview next Thursday, October 17th, at 8:00 PM, Spanish peninsular time. It will be broadcast both […]

For some time now, Microsoft has decided that their communication strategy will be one of saturation. By holding as many events as possible, they aim to showcase all the games they have in the pipeline, both announced and unannounced. It remains to be seen if this strategy will bear fruit, with specific games we can sink our teeth into, but it already has a new outcome.

Microsoft has announced that they will hold an Xbox Partner Preview next Thursday, October 17th at 10:00am PST Broadcasting on both Twitch and YouTube, it will last 25 minutes and they have already announced three of the games they will discuss. Here we will see The Lake House, the second and final DLC of Alan Wake II; Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, the spinoff of the Yakuza saga where we will play as Majima; and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, a soulslike from China that will arrive on Xbox consoles, PC, and Game Pass.

This will not be the only thing they present during this small event. Because while we know for sure that we will not have news of any new game from Microsoft itself, we can expect new news from other companies associated with the company. Which is where we can expect interesting things.

What can we expect to see? We will probably see something from Bandai Namco, which has just rated a Death Note game for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Taiwan, named Death Note: Killer Within, about which we know nothing. We should also not rule out that they might show the new game from MAGES., who are developing a new game in their Science Adventures franchise, and today they have celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of their Steins;Gate series by announcing that it will continue in the future. This is not to mention everything that is not even announced or might appear to be related to the company.

That’s why, even if you don’t have an Xbox console, we recommend you don’t miss this event. Things will appear that will have repercussions also on PC and, very likely, the PlayStation ecosystem and, just with what has already been announced, it already promises to be very interesting. So stay tuned because, in a couple of days, Xbox will show us what their partners have up their sleeves.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

The new Like a Dragon was leaked months ago, but it’s so ridiculous that no one believed it was true

Imagine that you are browsing the Internet and an anonymous user on 4Chan, of all possible websites, says that they already know what the new Like A Dragon will be about, in which the protagonist would be Goro Majima, who has lost his memory and ends up facing pirates, with his yakuza tattoos being the key to remembering. Moreover, the apparent leak reports that Majima will become a pirate captain and will be able to form his own crew. It’s so ridiculous that you wouldn’t pay any attention to it, right? And yet… Like a wave The post on 4Chan was uploaded in […]

Imagine you are browsing the Internet and an anonymous user on 4Chan, of all possible websites, claims to know what the new Like A Dragon will be about, in which the protagonist would be Goro Majima, who has lost his memory and ends up facing off against pirates, with his yakuza tattoos being the key to remembering. Moreover, the apparent leak informs that Majima will become a pirate captain and will be able to assemble his own crew. It’s so ridiculous that you wouldn’t pay any attention to it, right? And yet…

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth DOWNLOAD

Like a Wave

The post on 4Chan was uploaded in May, and due to the inability to verify the information, it simply kept going down until it became fodder for the eternal void of the Internet. The thing is, everyone suddenly remembered it when Ryu Ga Gotoka Studios announced Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a title so ridiculous that if we didn’t know it was one hundred percent official, we would also consider it to be false.

There are people who make a living by leaking information on their Patreon, and even they usually get it right less than half the time. How can you believe an anonymous user on 4Chan? Normally, it’s the place where anyone can create their own story or alternative video game, hoping someone will believe it and providing headlines to the most sensationalist and click-hungry press.

The news is not that someone guessed Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: it’s that they did it in the most unexpected place of all. On the other hand, the public’s reaction has been much more enthusiastic than expected, partly because at this point we love that in Like a Dragon they do exactly what they want. Even if it means breaking our expectations into twenty pieces. They have permission.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth DOWNLOAD

The Next Yakuza Could be Called Yakuza Wars

SEGA has registered the Yakuza Wars brand recently and, as if we don’t already know what it’s all about, everything points towards the new title Like A Dragon.

Yakuza fans have been eating well for a few years now. With several annual releases, Ryu ga Gotoku, the studio behind this legendary franchise, has shown how care and love for their characters can overcome anything. That and making countless remasters, spinoffs, and knowing when to make a fortunate twist to the franchise’s formula. Because no one expected the transition from action game to JRPG to work so well. Nor did anyone expect it to have its own series with Amazon.

Now it seems that SEGA is working on something new. Because on July 26th, as it has been leaked, they registered a new trademark. Yakuza Wars. Made public today, it has no associated information. That doesn’t mean that, given its name, it’s not difficult to imagine that this could well be a Like A Dragon: Yakuza Wars.

In fact, the existence of a new Yakuza is something we were already aware of. On April 1st, both SEGA and Ryu ga Gotoku Studio were holding auditions for the next Like A Dragon title. Shortly after, they introduced the girls who would play the hostess role in the game. This means that the game is not only in development, but since they are already casting, it must be in a very advanced stage. Something that gives us hope of seeing it early.

How soon? We don’t know. What we do know is that it’s not about Yakuza Kiwami 3. Because even though they want to do it at some point in the future, according to Masayoshi Yokoyama, franchise director, they are not working on it yet. This doesn’t mean that they won’t eventually have the idea of tackling that project, given the success of the first two Kiwami games. Excellent remakes of the franchise’s original two games.

That’s why, although we still don’t know more details, everything seems to indicate that very soon we will know more about a new Yakuza. Whether it will be a JRPG or an action game, a spinoff or a main series game, or when it will be released, everything is up in the air. But in any case, even considering that Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth was released this year, we won’t have to worry about not being able to play another Yakuza game next year.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth DOWNLOAD
5
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a premium RPG that transcends the conventional boundaries of the genre. It encapsulates a thrilling narrative, immersive gameplay, and a captivating open-world exploration that meticulously represents Japan and Hawaii's rich cultures and environments.

The most unexpected crossover in the world between 'Yakuza'… and 'Animal Crossing'

Yes, exactly: basically playing Animal Crossing for people who don’t want to buy the Switch.

Ah, yes, ‘Animal Crossing,’ the game we always dive into full throttle for about three months, then remember our house and neighbors only occasionally, and finally forget about them until the next game in the series. With no news on when Nintendo will bring us a new adulting and mortgage-paying simulator (we assume it will be on the Switch 2), we have a good substitute in the most unexpected place: ‘Yakuza’.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp DOWNLOAD

Time to pick berries, yes, yes!

Well, ‘Yakuza,’ or as the series is now called, ‘Like a Dragon,’ a wild fantasy that in its ninth game for January 2024 promises us, in addition to the usual fights, battles against Danny Trejo (well, a character played by him) or hitting a giant shark… having an island to relax on, creating furniture from raw materials we find around, fishing, and customizing our house. Yes, exactly: basically playing ‘Animal Crossing‘ for people who don’t want to buy a Switch.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” which will be available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC, will allow the player to relax on Happy Resort DonDoko Island, and the references to the Nintendo series are not coincidental: the animations are direct replicas of the original, only using realistic models instead of cute characters and animals.

It won’t be the only game parody; it will also allow you to participate in something like ‘Crazy Taxi’ and battles in the style of ‘Pokémon.’ For variety, it even has a Tinder-like feature to go on dates here and there. Getting into fights with other gangs starts to become less important when one is immersed in the madness and fantasy. By the way, if you think ‘Like a Dragon’ is a very modern series and you can catch up quickly, keep in mind that the first ‘Yakuza’ was released in 2005, and since then, there has been practically no year without a main game or spin-off.

Now, here’s an idea: What if the next games in the franchise all take place on an island where we can talk to animals who are our neighbors, and it’s designed in a more cartoonish style without any fighting? Alright, yes, Nintendo, I want a new ‘Animal Crossing.’ Why beat around the bush.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp DOWNLOAD

Everything Xbox has shown at the Tokyo Game Show: you’re in for a surprise

The Tokyo Games Show has started and, although it still lasts until Sunday, Xbox has already given us a few surprising announcements

From September 21st to 24th, the Tokyo Game Show takes place. As the largest video game fair in Asia, many companies don’t want to miss it, which is why many game announcements and novelties are made, especially targeting an Asian audience. That’s why, in addition to announcements that come to us little by little, we also have some larger conferences. For example, the one from Xbox. Since they are keen on breaking into the Japanese market, they attach special importance to this event and allocate more resources to it than one might expect.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

This year has been no exception. And the most interesting part has undoubtedly been the games that have been confirmed to be coming to Game Pass that we didn’t know about.

From Capcom, they have announced Ace Attorney Trilogy for September 26th. Additionally, they have announced that the next compilation in the franchise, Apollo Justice: Trilogy, will be released for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in early 2024. On the other hand, SEGA has made two announcements. Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will come to Xbox Game Pass on its release day, November 9th, and Like A Dragon: Ishin!, the spin-off set in feudal Japan from the franchise, will arrive on the service at some point in 2023.

Unfortunately, while the Game Pass announcements have been exciting, Xbox’s own announcements have been forgettable. They showed a circuit from Forza Motorsport, the Hakone circuit, provided more details about the new location in Fallout 76, Atlantic City, and confirmed that The Elder Scrolls Online will have a Japanese translation available on November 15th. Not much of interest for us here.

On the other hand, the third-party announcements have been more interesting. They’ve shown more of previously announced games like Persona 5 Tactica, Persona 3 Reload, Palworld, Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai, and Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. But there have also been updates on known games. Exoprimal has showcased its second season, Party Animals has confirmed a collaboration with Ori, and the second DLC for Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, titled Conqueror of Jiangdong, has been confirmed. Additionally, Octopath Traveler II will arrive on Xbox and PC consoles in early 2024.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

There haven’t been many new games, but there have been some very interesting ones. On one hand, they’ve announced My Lovely Empress, the third part of the My Lovely saga, an empire management game coming to Xbox and PC consoles in 2024. On the other hand, they’ve announced Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi, an adventure and action game about two siblings exploring temple ruins inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Mamoru Hosoda. However, the biggest announcement has been Hotel Barcelona. It’s a crazy hack ‘n’ slash game born from the minds of Swery65 and Suda51 that will have us facing the most notorious serial killers in the U.S. with our past selves.

With that, they’ve concluded forty-five intense minutes, clearly targeted at the Japanese audience, but with some very interesting things for us as well. It was an intriguing conference that leaves a positive impression about the future of Japanese franchises in the Xbox ecosystem.