2020’sYakuza: Like a Dragonmarked a big swing and a big hit for the long-running franchise. Removing players from long-time protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s shoes and instead placing them in the bat-wielding hands of newcomer Ichiban Kasuga, the series traded in the beat ‘em up brawler formula for a more playful turn-based RPG approach. That risk effectively proved that what makes aLike a Dragongame is greater than the sum of any single part, and the same could be true for any ofLike a Dragon 8’s experiments. One feature fans are excited to see return inLike a Dragon 8isYakuza: Like a Dragon’s job system.
While most of the narrative beats are under wraps followingLike a Dragon 8’s brief announcement, Ryu Ga Gotoku says the plot will put both Ichiban and Kiryu in the driver’s seats. The dual protagonist feature allows for a rich mentor/mentee mechanic that hasn’t been previously seen in aLike a Dragongame. Further expanding on that dynamic would allowLike a Dragon 8to heavily develop its predecessor’s fun but limited job system, opening up new avenues of player customization and combos to defeat enemies with.
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How Like a Dragon 8 Can Make Job Systems More Flexible
Yakuza: Like a Dragonhad a total of 14 jobs, aside from character-specific ones, with two being exclusive to DLC and most job options only available for male party members. Men had nine jobs, including DLC, and women only had five. While each character did have an exclusive job native to them, it ultimately boiled down to the game’s primarily male cast having all the fun. There’s no reason that a female character can’t be as effective of a fortune-teller or bodyguard as her male counterparts.Like a Dragon 8has the perfect opportunity to shatter this barrier and give players much more customization. This decision would significantly enhance the role-playing experience by truly allowing players to build their party as they see fit.
There’s no doubt thatLike a Dragon 8needs to embraceYakuza: Like a Dragon’s job systemfully. The job system was a perfect touch to Ichiban’s obsession withDragon Questand his hyperactive imagination, which pioneered the game’s larger-than-life aesthetic and tone. It would also be rewarding to see the far more stone-faced Kiryu tap into the fun. Audiences have been playing as Kiryu for over twenty years, and he also needs to grow with the franchise. Customizing Kiryu and his party to play wacky roles like a break-dancer or construction foreman would help ease seasoned players into the new gameplay style. Kiryu has spent a lot of time at cabaret clubs over the years, and there’s no reason he can’t decide to try out being a Host himself.
The return of Kiryu as a protagonist also gives audiences an opportunity to spend more time with another long-time staple of theLike a Dragonfranchise, Goro Majima himself. Goro has pursued a career in business management via the cabaret club and construction industries. His experience could play well into his character, fully embracing the job system and opening up new careers to Ichiban and Kiryu. IfGoro Majima has a part inLike a Dragon 8, he can definitely open up new roles for party members and encourage wacky and memorable interactions. It would be hilarious to see Goro in a chef’s outfit or watch him smash baddies with a construction hammer.
Like a Dragon 8won’t release until 2024, so Sega and series developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have a lot of time to develop the perfect sequel and fully unite new fans and long-time series players. IfLike a Dragon 8can expand its predecessor’s job system and put all party members on the same playing field, then the game has a significant chance of being the sequel the franchise’s fans genuinely want. A dual narrative featuringKiryu and Ichibancan be the bridge that links the new and old eras of the celebrated franchise together.
Like a Dragon 8will launch in 2024 for the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
