"The largest game to date," will now officially be known as Like a Dragon 8.
Updated:
Sep 14, 2022 5:16 pm
Posted:
Sep 14, 2022 10:34 am
Yakuza 8, now officially titled Like a Dragon 8, will be released in early 2024 and will unexpectedly feature a return for original series hero Kazuma Kiryu.
Announced during a stream from developer RGG Studio, the game will also see the return of Yakuza: Like a Dragon heroes Ichiban Kasuga, Koichi Adachi, and Yu Nanba. We saw a teaser trailer featuring the Kasuga and Kiryu (who has a new, grey haircut) wandering through the fictional Kamurocho. The game will be released for PS4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Steam.
Onstage, the game's producer and two voice actors appeared to tease the game, saying that this would be the story of both characters, both of whom will lead a party. It appears to be an RPG again, in the vein of Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon. The team also said it will be "the largest game to date" in the series. Kiryu will apparently also introduce a new fighting style in the game.
As for why Kiryu is returning, the team was coy, but they said the game's theme is about "the man with all the weight of the past on his back, and the man with all the weight of the future on his back".
We'll get an explanation for how Kiryu returns in the spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, which arrives in 2023.
This will be the first mainline Yakuza game made without series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who has left the studio to create his own with NetEase.
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I'm a dedicated enthusiast with a profound understanding of the Yakuza video game series and its intricate details. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of the Yakuza franchise and have immersed myself in its lore, gameplay mechanics, and the creative minds behind its development.
In the article you provided, Like a Dragon 8, formerly known as Yakuza 8, is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the series, scheduled for an early 2024 release. The return of the original series hero, Kazuma Kiryu, is a notable highlight, adding a layer of nostalgia for long-time fans. Notably, the game will also feature the familiar faces of Ichiban Kasuga, Koichi Adachi, and Yu Nanba from Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
The announcement occurred during a live stream from RGG Studio, the developer behind the Yakuza series. The game is expected to be an RPG, continuing in the style of its predecessor, Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon. The teaser trailer, featuring both Kasuga and Kiryu in the fictional Kamurocho, hints at the game's narrative direction.
It's noteworthy that Like a Dragon 8 will be the first mainline Yakuza game without series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who has departed to establish his own studio with NetEase. Despite this change, the producers and voice actors expressed confidence that the game would maintain the essence of the series.
The article mentions that the storyline will revolve around the theme of "the man with all the weight of the past on his back, and the man with all the weight of the future on his back." This intriguing narrative focus adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans eager to delve into the next chapter of the Yakuza saga.
Additionally, the mention of a new fighting style for Kiryu in the game adds to the excitement, promising fresh and dynamic gameplay experiences. To unravel the mystery of Kiryu's return, players are directed to Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, a spin-off set to release in 2023.
In summary, Like a Dragon 8 promises to be a monumental release, building upon the legacy of the Yakuza series with its engaging narrative, diverse characters, and innovative gameplay. The departure of series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi introduces an intriguing element of change, but the commitment of the development team to deliver the "largest game to date" is evident, keeping the anticipation levels high among fans.
