Yakuza: Like A Dragon Releasing Early; Next Year For PS5

Over the last 5-6 years, the Yakuza series has become a standout franchise with spin-offs, sequels, prequels, and remasters all throughout this past generation of gaming. I have no secret of my love for my loveable hero with a brick for a face, his adopted daughter, and the streets of Kamurocho (Kabukicho) and elsewhere that the games take you. It is a truly fantastic series that wrapped up in 2016 with its 7th installment. Yet this November, the 8th game (Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Hikari to Yami no Yukue in Japan) is set to release but only for one of the next-generation consoles at launch.

Don’t worry, Yakuza: Like a Dragon will still release on current-generation consoles too, there is just a bit of a delay to the PS5 release. As noted by Ryū ga Gotoku studio on Twitter, the PS4 digital and disc version will work on the PS5 for its release on March the 2nd of next year. However, PS4 save files will not transfer between consoles. The PS5 late release doesn’t come as much of a shock, as Sega had previously stated its release as “at a later date.” This news comes after the reveal that the game will release on November the 10th instead of the previously announced 13th.

However, this does not seem like the most drastic of moves. Phil Spencer has been clear about expanding Xbox into Sony’s home of Japan, with a large push towards Asian developed games. The previously exclusive Kingdom Hearts main series was one of many moves, along with the ports of Yakuza games like the fantastic Kiwami 2. However, with the new audience and a new protagonist, the game is set to see the return of an English dub with George Takei and turn-based combat.

These are two changes I’m hesitant of, I must say. I enjoy the button mashing beat ’em up and the quirky Japanese game of madness. Though we’ll all find out soon enough as the game will release on PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on November 10th. For those waiting for the PS5 release, you will be waiting until March the 2nd, 2021.