The Like a Dragon series—Yakuza, as it was previously known—has always been economical with its reuse of assets and features. Even major new releases recycle old locations and minigames alongside whatever new features they also add. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, though, is not a ‘major’ release. It’s a side story—one that bridges the gap in protagonist Kiryu’s story between Yakuza 6 and the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
As a result, it’s shorter and less ambitious than a main series entry. There’s very little here that feels new. The action is predominantly in Sotenbori—the series’ take on Osaka’s Dotonbori district, used frequently in previous games. The minigames are a tried and true collection of classics, from mahjong to karaoke to the return of pocket circuit racing. There is one new location, The
