The first official trailer for the next mainline entry in the Like a Dragon franchise has just dropped. Titled Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, the upcoming game will take its protagonist to the US in an unprecedented international move in the series.
Ichiban Kasuga is back in style. The lead character in Yakuza: Like a Dragon will play center stage once again in the ninth mainline installment in Sega’s long-running franchise. And Ichiban gives it all in the recent trailer displayed during the Xbox Showcase 2023, which gives fans an up-close look at the muscular build of their favourite fluffy-haired gangster.
In this newly-released trailer, Ichiban wakes up butt-naked on a beach. As he gradually comes to his senses, he gets called out for being a streaker before fellow beachgoers let him in on the fact that it might be wise to put some clothes on. While Ichiban realizes he’s no longer in Japan — and he’s completely barren, he seemingly has no idea how he landed so far away from his Yokohama home.
Viewers may be just as disoriented as the confused ex-gang enforcer since the series has never ventured outside of Japan so far. To make matters worse, expectant fans of the series need to wait a little longer to know what happened to the man with the dragonfish back tattoo. No official release date has been disclosed yet. But Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is slated to launch in early 2024 on PC, PS4 and PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. The trailer hasn’t revealed any new gameplay footage, either.
Still, Ryu ga Gotoku Studio already announced that Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth would feature dual protagonists, with Ichiban Kasuga sharing the spotlight with the iconic reformed mobster Kazuma Kiryu. An upcoming spin-off will pave the way for Kazuma’s return to form. Subtitled The Man Who Erased His Name, Like a Dragon Gaiden arrives on November 9. The soon-to-be-released title intends to give fans an insight into the former yakuza’s whereabouts between the events depicted in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. According to the synopsis, Kazuma Kiryu has faked his death and given up his name to protect his family. For all his attempts at starting over, however, a mysterious figure will force him out of hiding.
A new trailer also confirmed the leaked details disclosed by tracking site PS Deals last week. Straying from the RPG blueprint of its predecessor, this real-time brawler title will introduce two different fighting styles for players to switch between a gadget-savvy Secret Agent character and an aggressive Yakuza persona. Thrilling sub-missions will also unlock the more players explore the ins and outs of Yokohama and Sotenbori, an entertainment district reminiscent of Osaka’s real-life Dotonbori area. Like a Dragon Gaiden is even bringing back the pocket racing circuit that stole the show in Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami.
By the looks of it, the series is staying true to its winning formula blending exciting exploration and minigame galore. From hitting the karaoke parlour to running a cabaret club, side activities have long been the meat of all Like a Dragon Installments. Hidden locations such as secret underground gaming venues also cater to those players up for a challenge.
A prominent feature of the series, gaming dens can even get players in the mood for real action. And the best online casinos are just a click away. The best sites offer a range of fun slot machines and table classics like poker, blackjack and craps. New technology is even spicing up the experience with exciting live dealer sessions. Review hubs help beginners get started by offering free tips and guides to the most reputable and profitable platforms out there, so they can hone their skills before hitting the poker tables in the next Like a Dragon title. Poker mini-games are also one of the best ways to make money early on in the latest spin-off game in the series.
Released in February this year, Like a Dragon Ishin! delighted all die-hard fans. This remake of a Japan-exclusive title takes players to the late days of the Edo period in an epic samurai tale for the ages. Gamers with a knack for yakuza stories are therefore having the time of their lives, as the Like a Dragon franchise sure is going as strong as ever.
