Like a Dragon: Ishinhas released a demo centered entirely around the game’s newly redesigned combat. Last year, Sega surprised both new and longtime fans of theYakuzaseries when it revealedLike a Dragon: Ishin, a remake of the 2014 PS4 and PS3 title that featured beloved characters from the series playing the roles of real historical figures in Japan’s Late Edo period. Unlike the original, this will be the first time the game releases worldwide, and it will be available to players who pre-ordered the deluxe edition on February 17th.
Like a Dragon: Ishinwas first released in Japan in February 2014 and was a launch-window title for the PlayStation 4, while also releasing on PlayStation 3. The game utilized combat mechanics fromYakuza 5but was set in a new location inspired by the Bakumatsu period. The game centers around Sakamoto Ryoma (with an appearance based on series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu), a samurai searching for the murderer of his mentor.Like a Dragon: Ishinis aspiritual successor toLike a Dragon: Kenzan,a PS3 title similarly inspired by Japanese history that was first released in 2008.
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While the series has had some success in the west with titles such asYakuza 0, 2020’sYakuza: Like a Dragonsaw the series skyrocket in reorganization thanks to a marketing push from Microsoft and features such as an English dub. Given that the gameplay of that title was the series' debut as a turn-based RPG, it makes sense why Sega has decided to launch a demo forLike a Dragon: Ishinfocused entirely on its combat. This title blends elements fromYakuza 0such as the four different styles of combat, with a newfurther emphasis on ranged weapons such as guns. It even features a dungeon-crawling mode which uses a new card system, all of which is optional.
Despite being a remake of a nine-year-old title,Like a Dragon: Ishinis the product of many firsts from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The game is the first title to be released under the studio’s new leadership following the departures of series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi and other key staff behind the series in 2022, it will be the first game to ditch the “Yakuza” moniker in the west, instead sticking to a direct translation of the Japanese title,“Like a Dragon,” andit will be the first entry to use Unreal Engine 4.
With this in mind, the game is likely to feel somewhat different from previous entries, further justifying why Sega may have decided to release a new demo. Strangely, this demo is only available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S players despiteIshinalso releasing on PS4 and Xbox One at launch.
Like a Dragon: Ishinwill be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on February 21st 2023.
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