[UPDATE]: Following the RGG Summit 2022, this article has been updated with more information.
After years of asking, Western fans of the Yakuza series are finally getting a localized version of the Bakumatsu spin-off Ishin!, this time with the new moniker Like a Dragon. The surprise announcement came during Sony’s State of Play on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2022. Originally released for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in 2014, Ishin! sees our familiar Yakuza friends recast as historical samurai, including Kiryu as Sakamoto Ryōma and Majima as Okita Souji.
From the trailer:
Kyo, 1867
A lone samurai embarks on a secret quest for revenge and sparks the greatest revolution in Japanese history…
Along with the usual beat-em-up combat you’d expect from a Yakuza title, Ishin! also includes series staples such as karaoke and a plethora of mini- games.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! Key Features:
- Over the top action and diverse weaponry: Engage in visceral combat that combines feudal-era firearms and swords as players switch between four different combat styles: Swordsman, Gunman, Wild Dancer and Brawler. A deep roster of varied weaponry marks the historic transition between classic sword fighting and modern armed warfare as players train and upgrade skills to unlock even more powerful abilities.
- Historical samurai epic: An optional in-game glossary supplements context to the historical basis of the people, places, and events featured within Like a Dragon: Ishin!
- Old meets new: Like a Dragon: Ishin! expands upon its 2014 Japan-exclusive predecessor with localization support, all-new content, exquisitely remastered graphics and enhanced capabilities for modern platforms in Unreal Engine 4.
Pre-orders for the Standard and Digital Deluxe editions are now available. The Standard Edition retails for $59.99 and includes a digital copy of the game. The Digital Deluxe Edition retails for $69.99 and includes the game, early access beginning Feb 17, 2023, and six unique DLC that expands Ryoma’s cosmetics, weaponry, challenges and more. All digital pre-orders come with three bonus legendary weapons: the Kijinmaru Kunishige katana, Black Ship Cannons and Tsuyano Usukurenai legendary katana.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is slated for a Feb 21, 2023 release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
