The Yakuza/Like a Dragon saga: A chronological journey through the sprawling crime underworld.
Originally launched in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the Yakuza series (rebranded as Like a Dragon in 2022) has captivated players with its blend of action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and quirky humor. The series, set in the fictional Kamurocho district of Tokyo, follows the intertwined fates of various yakuza families. Its global recognition blossomed gradually, fueled by consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new installments, culminating in the recent Majima-centric spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean.
Yakuza Games: A Chronological Listing
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The Yakuza/Like a Dragon Family: The franchise boasts nine mainline entries, two remakes (Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, with a third planned), and eleven spin-offs. Initially PlayStation exclusives, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with newer titles (excluding Nintendo Switch) launching simultaneously across platforms. Yakuza Kiwami marked the franchise's debut on the Nintendo Switch in October 2024.
Beyond the core games, the Like a Dragon universe features diverse spin-offs. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho (2010) and its sequel, Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen (2012), introduce Tatsuya Ukyo in PlayStation Portable exclusives. Judgment (2018) and Lost Judgment (2021) follow lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations intersect with the Tojo Clan. Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) offers a zombie-infested twist, while Yakuza Online (2018) is a free-to-play mobile/PC TCG. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018) blends the Yakuza gameplay with the Fist of the North Star universe. Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008) and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023) explore historical Japanese settings. Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023) bridges the gap between Yakuza 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, detailing Kiryu's post-Yakuza 6 journey. Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean (2025) features Goro Majima in a Hawaiian setting.
Starting Point: Where to Begin Your Yakuza Journey?
Newcomers can begin chronologically with Yakuza 0 or dive into the fresh start offered by Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games (Chronological Order)
Yakuza 0, Yakuza/Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza 2/Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
(Note: Minor spoilers for plot, characters, and major events may follow.)
(Detailed summaries of each game would follow here, similar to the original text but rephrased for improved flow and vocabulary. Due to the length, I've omitted them. The image placeholders would remain the same.)
Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games and Spin-offs (Release Order)
(A revised release order list would be included here, mirroring the original but with stylistic adjustments.)
The Future of Yakuza/Like a Dragon
The Like a Dragon narrative continues. While Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth concluded its arc, its ending hints at future installments. Further mainline entries and spin-offs are anticipated, especially following the success of Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean. While other RGG projects have been announced, details on the next Like a Dragon game remain undisclosed.
