Despite coming from a once very niche series,Yakuza: Like a Dragonis one of the most anticipated titles releasing in the holiday season of 2020, even up against the likes ofCyberpunk 2077andMarvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. This is in part due to the series' increased popularity throughout 2020 thanks to the releases ofYakuza 0,Yakuza Kiwami, andYakuza Kiwami 2on PC and Xbox One, opening up the three earliest entries in the story to newcomers on Xbox Game Pass. Now, for the first time in the series' history,Yakuza: Like a Dragonwill launch on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on the same day: November 10th, 2020. Sega has now also confirmed that the PlayStation 5 version will be released on March 2nd, 2021.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s first English-language footage was revealed earlier this year at Microsoft’s Xbox Series X Inside Xbox event, where it was revealed that the Xbox Series X release would bea timed-exclusive to the next generation platform, with the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One releases still planned for a simultaneous release. Now Sega has revealed that the PlayStation 5 version is coming and will be released in March 2021, with a free upgrade available to digital owners ofYakuza: Like a Dragonon PlayStation 4. The game will also be available to purchase as a standalone PlayStation 5 release for $59.99 upon its release on the platform.
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Accompanying this announcement is confirmation thatYakuza: Like a Dragon’s PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One releases have been moved up to match the November 10th release of the Xbox Series S/X version, acting as a launch title for Microsoft’s new series of consoles. The game also supports Microsoft’s Smart Delivery feature, allowing owners of the Xbox One version to upgrade to the Xbox Series S/X version for free, just as it willon PlayStation 5 when that version releases.
Yakuza: Like a Dragonis the seventh entry in the long-running Yakuza series and is the first turn-based RPG in the franchise’s history, forgoing the action beat-em'-up style of combat from previous entries. The game follows a new protagonist named Ichiban Kasuga who, upon being released from jail after 18 years, finds that nobody from his Tojo Clan family remembers him. Finding himself broke and alone in Yokohama, Ichiban investigates the real reason behind his imprisonment. This is the first entry in the series to be set outsidethe fictional red light district of Kamurochoand instead set in the real city of Yokohama.
The game features a myriad of classic RPG mechanics, with the developers citingDragon Questas a major inspiration.These mechanics include a job system akin toFinal Fantasy 3, in which the player can assign any class to any of the characters. The title also brings back theYakuzaseries' infamous sub-stories and side activities, withLike a Dragonintroducing a new kart racing mode known as Dragon Kart. The game also features an English dub featuringStar Trekactor George Takei.
Yakuza: Like a Dragonreleases for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X on November 10th, 2020. The PlayStation 5 version will release on March 2nd, 2021.
