Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a fresh start for the series, completely overhauling the tried-and-true combat for turn-based battles. With these changes comes a brand new cast of characters, following in the footsteps of the legendary Kazuma Kiryu.
Ichiban Kasuga is the new protagonist of the series, and his bright and goofy personality is the polar opposite of the stoic Kiryu. Although there are new characters and a new story, Like a Dragon still has some pretty close ties to the rest of the series.
In particular, players might be wondering if Kazuma Kiryu makes an appearance in Like a Dragon, of if he's simply done. The good news is that, yes, Kazuma Kiryu does indeed still have a role to play in Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Kazuma Kiryu Actually Plays an Important Role in Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Near the beginning of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Ichiban finds out that the Tojo Clan was destroyed by the Omi Alliance during his eighteen years in prison. The Omi now control the city of Kamurocho, but remnants of the Tojo Clan remain. At the end of Yakuza 6, Kiryu goes into hiding, in order to protect his adopted daughter, Haruka. Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes place two years after the end of Yakuza 6, and it's in those two years that the Omi Alliance makes its move on the Tojo Clan. While most of Like a Dragon revolves around the various crime syndicates in Ichinjo, Yokohama, the Tojo Clan does come back into the equation. Kazuma Kiryu isn't just a secret boss in Like a Dragon, he actually plays an important role in the story.
Players will have to face Kiryu at some point, who's 50 years old by the events of Like a Dragon, and it's certainly interesting to see the new cast interact with him. Even better is the fact that players will gain the ability to use Kiryu as a Poundmates summon. Of course, he's easily the most powerful summon in the game, as it should be. Kazuma Kiryu's role as the protagonist of Yakuza is over, but he's inexplicably tied to the series. Kiryu will likely continue to appear, in some capacity, for some time.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is available on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The PS5 version of the game launches Spring 2021.