Summary
This article contains spoilers for Yakuza 3 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A brand-new trailer forLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthhas revealed a number of classic characters from across theYakuzafranchise’s history that will be making a return in this eighth entry.Infinite Wealthis being touted as the game that sees Kazuma Kiryu and Kasuga Ichiban working together as dual protagonists, with both characters having their own story arcs. Ichiban has arrived in Hawaii to find his birth mother, while Kiryu, followingthe ending ofLike a Dragon Gaiden, has taken a vacation in Hawaii.
This isn’t a relaxing time for Kiryu however, asInfinite Wealthestablishes that Kiryu is now suffering from cancer, which is a heartbreaking revelation for many longtime fans. DespiteYakuza 6initially filling the role of being Kiryu’s final game,Gaidenand subsequentlyInfinite Wealthbrought him back as a prominent character. As a result,Infinite Wealthfeels like it is setting up to be a grand finale for the longtime series protagonist, while also passing the torch to his successor, Ichiban. To complement the “finale” feeling this game is seemingly bringing, several characters from Kiryu’s past are going to be making a return inInfinite Wealth.
This new trailer forLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthwas released after The Game Awards 2023, which starts with Kiryu recalling how he was diagnosed with cancer after the events ofGaiden. Yu Nanba then prompts him to try creating a bucket list, considering his condition. As Kiryu goes around and checks off said bucket list, fans see several classic characters that Kiryu has met over the years. This includes his old friend, former Detective Makoto Date, and even Osamu Kashiwagi, the Survive Bartender. The latter was Kiryu’s uncle figure, who he thought died during the events ofYakuza 3, but had actually survived comeYakuza: Like a Dragon.
Confirmed Returning Characters for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth:
Other classic characters like the Stardust host Yuya and Kiryu’s old mentor Sotaro Komaki make brief appearances, who, outside of remakes or spin-offs, haven’t made an appearance sinceYakuza 5. Shun Akiyama, one ofthe playable protagonists of theLike a Dragonseries, also makes a brief appearance. Even Kaoru Sayama, Kiryu’s love interest fromYakuza 2, finally makes a mainline title return as well, after her last canonical appearance inYakuza 3saw her taking a job in America. SinceInfinite Wealthtakes place in Hawaii, it’s appropriate to see her back, evencommenting on how she had been waiting for Kiryu all this time too.
There are other cameos from minor characters littered throughout, such as the Club Four Shine hostesses fromYakuza Kiwami 2and even the Pocket Circuit Fighter, using his photo from0. Near the end of the trailer, Kiryu’s adopted daughter Haruka can also be heard, based on her calling him “Uncle Kaz.” This trailer carries a somber, poignant tone,giving a sense of finality to Kiryu’s character, with the chance to reconnect with all these characters being a big factor towards that.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
WHERE TO PLAY
EPIC EMOTIONAL DRAMATwo larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down his last days.BEST-IN-CLASS RPG ACTIONExperience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes. Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.INFINITE ADVENTURELive it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
