Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name | Game Pass cloudgaming Review

December 1st, 2023

Step into the shoes of a Japanese gangster without leaving your comfort zone. Christmas is closing in, and as you ponder life's uncertainties, the latest Yakuza series installment, Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, arrives just in time to channel your inner outlaw.

Take charge as Kazuma Kiryu, a bona fide Yakuza member returning to the Japanese underworld after a staged exit. His attempt to break free from the Yakuza life confronts you with a choice: sanctuary or the tantalizing allure of the dark side.

Set between Yakuza 6 and the upcoming prelude to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game delves into Kiryu's struggle to embrace peace as a monk while being pulled back into the underworld by Daigo Dojima, former chairman of the Tojo Clan. Kiryu's mission? To infiltrate the rival Omi Alliance as a secret saboteur and safeguard the Tojo clan's turf.

As you navigate this treacherous path, a mysterious informant named Akame equips you with slick gadgets and weapons to dismantle the rival gang from within. The gameplay empowers you to be a double agent, allowing for various approaches, whether through stealth or aggressive tactics.

While the main story clocks in around 12 hours across five chapters, the game's replay value is immense. Uncover secrets, seek hidden items, and test your knowledge and skills in a challenging quiz show and a final boss fight. Plus, upon completion, unlock a trial version of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, featuring exclusive scenes and a limited free-roam map of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name beckons both seasoned fans and newcomers with its immersive exploration, combat dynamics, and nostalgic Sega mini-games like Sonic and Daytona USA 2. With its humorous charm, witty dialogue, and catchy tunes, the game promises a blend of challenge and variety, making it a timeless masterpiece.

Currently available on Xbox Games Pass cloudgaming1, this game offers an opportunity to delve into a world brimming with humor, creativity, and excitement. Whether revisiting this gem or discovering it for the first time, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a journey that promises endless smiles and laughter, standing as a testament to its genre and an influential force in gaming history.

Rating: 8/10