One Year Later, Like a Dragon Gaiden is the Series Emotional High

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One Year Later, Like a Dragon Gaiden is the Series Emotional High

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Like a Dragon Gaiden is one of the most impactful games in the series for me personally. Having followed Kiryu’s journey since the very beginning, this game hit me right in the feels due to its emotional depth and the way it showcases the breaking point for a man who sacrificed everything for his loved ones.

This article contains spoilers for
Like a Dragon Gaiden
and
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
.

The “Yakuza” series, known as “Like a Dragon“, has consistently blended deep, character-focused crime narratives with whimsical side quests, which is part of what makes it so endearing to fans. For those who have been with Kiryu since the start, “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name” is a poignant addition because it delves deeper into the series’ more somber aspects while also acknowledging the adventures Kiryu had previously been through. A year after its debut, “Like a Dragon Gaiden” continues to shine in the franchise as it portrays the breaking point for a man who has given up everything for the people he cares about most.

In essence, “Like a Dragon Gaiden” acts as an accompanying storyline to “Yakuza: Like a Dragon“, since it unfolds concurrently with the game’s events and delves into Kiryu’s activities while Ichiban and the team were battling for Yokohama’s destiny. Following the shift in focus from Kazuma Kiryu to Ichiban Kasuga and the introduction of turn-based combat in “Yakuza: Like a Dragon“, “Gaiden” harks back to the original action-oriented brawling style starring Kiryu. While it serves as a link between “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” and “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth“, it holds its own ground due to its exploration of Kiryu’s strife in abandoning his identity to safeguard his loved ones.

Like a Dragon Gaiden Captures the Best of Kiryu at the Character’s Lowest Point

Like a Dragon Gaiden’s Emotional Depth Served as the Perfect Prelude to Infinite Wealth

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for the standalone release of Like a Dragon Gaiden, which was initially conceived as DLC for Infinite Wealth. This spin-off not only justifies its standalone status, but it might even have been more advantageous for it. Following Kiryu’s life as an agent of the Daidoji Faction after his supposed demise at the end of Yakuza 6, the game lays a solid foundation for a captivating narrative. However, it transcends its role as a bridge between episodes by presenting a host of remarkable new characters, each with their own compelling arcs that enrich this shorter-than-usual installment in the series.

Thus far, most of these characters, with Kihei Hanawa being the sole exception, have only featured in Like a Dragon Gaiden. However, they have managed to establish themselves as some of the most impressive characters within the series. This underlines the potential for creating captivating characters even within a concise game. Although Hanawa’s demise in Infinite Wealth might not have carried the emotional weight it should have considering his evolution with Kiryu across Gaiden, it doesn’t diminish the advancements The Man Who Erased His Name makes in developing a range of well-developed, engaging characters.

The Game’s Ending Showcases the Turmoil of Erasing One’s Name

In “Like a Dragon Gaiden,” what makes the story particularly profound is its exploration of Kiryu’s life as Joryu and the emotional trials he endures after severing ties with his former life. This deep dive into Kiryu’s past is most powerfully depicted during one of the game’s climactic scenes, where, following the successful implementation of the Great Dissolution of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance, Hanawa empathizes with Kiryu by presenting him a video secretly recorded by a camera in Morning Glory Orphanage. This heart-wrenching sequence is often cited among the most emotionally impactful scenes in the series.

Watching the video of Ayako and Taichi, now adults, paying their respects at his grave, Kiryu finds himself overwhelmed with emotion and weeps deeply. This emotional outburst, unexpected for someone typically depicted as strong and stoic, offers a glimpse into a side of Kiryu seldom seen in the series. This heartfelt scene catches players off guard, revealing a more profound depth to the character that lingers long after. Despite its bittersweet tone, this ending remains remarkably impactful, underscoring the enduring appeal of Like a Dragon Gaiden, even with the arrival of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

The concluding part of Gaiden holds a profound impact as Kiryu embarks on a fresh journey to Hawaii, where he tenderly pays tribute to his deceased love, Yumi, by leaving her ring at a church’s altar. This scene not only foreshadows the reason behind Kiryu’s presence in Hawaii for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but also delivers an emotional double-blow to bring the game to a poignant close.

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2024-11-09 18:55