At Tokyo Game Show 2019, Sega showcased the latest title in the Yakuza series. Dubbed Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the title takes its cue from the Japanese series name, Ryu Ga Gotoku, literally “Like a Dragon.” Known as Ryu Ga Gotoku: Whereabouts of Light and Darkness in Japan, the newest title features a new main protagonist – Ichiban Kasuga aka ‘The Dragon of the Depths’.

As a member of the Tojo Clan, the trailer features Ichiban (Ichi) eating his last meal before being sentenced to prison. Forced to take the fall for a crime he was framed for, Ichi serves 18 years before returning to freedom.

Upon his return, his old boss wants him dead. Escaping death, Ichi becomes a marked man. The trailer will showcase numerous assaults on the main character. The story will certainly cover Ichi’s attempt to uncover the truth while dealing with the Omi Alliance and the Chinese Mafia as well.

Running Parallel

Ichi’s story features no shortage of parallels to Kazuma Kiryu’s story. Known as the “Dragon of Dojima,” the series’ former protagonist was forced to take the fall for a crime he never committed. One decade later, he returns to freedom only to become a marked man by the Tojo Clan, the very people he used to work with.

Kiryu also had his own run-ins with the Chinese Mafia and the Omi Alliance through his saga. Unlike Kiryu, however, Ichi will venture through the streets of Ijincho, in Yokohama, Japan. While he was originally born in Kiryu’s city of Kamurocho, Yakuza 7 will feature an all-new city to explore.

Gameplay features

The other biggest change in Yakuza 7 will be the introduction of a turn-based party battle system in place of the series’ traditional brawler combat. However, it will not be a traditional static turn-based system. Instead, RGG studios are implementing an active turn-based system where the characters interact with the world while waiting for their turn. Akin to Valkyrie Profile, tap a button and the character you choose will attack. It features a new take on the familiar formula, essentially turning the game into a full-fledged RPG!

Additionally, Yakuza 7 brings back several new and returning mini-games to the series. One of the new mini-games includes Dragon Kart, a spin-off of Mario Kart complete with a similar logo! In addition, Golf and Cabaret Club return from past instalments! Returning arcade games include Outrun, Virtua Fighter,  and Space Harriet.

Be sure to keep up with more Yakuza news here at IndianNoob. Also, be sure to Follow the official RGG Studios account on Twitter!

Thank you for reading our preview of Yakuza 7! What was your favourite entry in the Yakuza series? Let us know in the comments below!