Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon
International cover art
DeveloperRyu Ga Gotoku Studio
PublisherSega
DirectorRyosuke Horii
Producers
ProgrammerKoji Tokieda
ArtistNobuaki Mitake
WriterMasayoshi Yokoyama
Composers
SeriesYakuza
Platforms
ReleasePlayStation 4
  • JP: January 16, 2020
  • WW: November 10, 2020
Windows, XOne, XSX/S
  • WW: November 10, 2020
  • JP: February 25, 2021
PlayStation 5
  • WW: March 2, 2021
Luna
  • US: December 10, 2021
GenreRole-playing
ModeSingle-player

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a 2020 role-playing video game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega for the PlayStation 4. The eighth mainline installment in the Yakuza series and the first to be developed as a turn-based RPG, it was released in Japan and Asia on January 16, 2020. The western release of the game for the PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on November 10, 2020 included new costumes, the returning of English audio track for the first time since the first game, and some previously paid DLC. This version was then released in Japan and Asia under the subtitle International on February 25, 2021 for Windows and Xbox platforms. The game was released worldwide for the PlayStation 5 on March 2, 2021, and a version for Amazon Luna launched on December 10, 2021.

In contrast to previous Yakuza games that focused on the life of Kazuma Kiryu, a man trying to lead a normal life after leaving the yakuza lifestyle, Like a Dragon instead introduces a new protagonist named Ichiban Kasuga. After being imprisoned for 18 years only to then be betrayed by his former boss, Kasuga goes on a personal quest to become a "hero" and uncover the reason for his betrayal alongside his companions. Yakuza: Like a Dragon received positive reviews from both players and critics who praised the narrative, characters, gameplay, unique take on the JRPG sub-genre, and presentation.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the last game in the series to use the Yakuza name outside of Japan, and the first to use the Japanese title worldwide, albeit as a subtitle. The game was followed up by a 2023 spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and a mainline sequel, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, in 2024.