TheLike a Dragonfranchise has always been ambitious. Attempting to juggle a powerful narrative taking place in a realistic representation of Japan, with engaging gameplay, RPG mechanics, a robust combat system, and various mini-games, is no easy feat. For the most part though, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku has managed to juggle all of these things admirably, resulting in the series' enduring popularity among fans.Like a Dragon 8is the next mainline installment, due for release in 2024, and it has been billed as the biggest game in the series yet. Given the already considerable scope of the franchise,Like a Dragon 8is an incredibly exciting prospect.
There are plenty of things for fans to get excited about when it comes toLike a Dragon 8. Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku has already made a few things known, despite the game still being in its relatively early stages of development. Firstly, the game will be keeping the turn-based combat system that found success inLike a Dragon 7. Secondly,Like a Dragon 8will see Kazuma Kiryu andIchiban Kasugasharing the limelight as dual protagonists. There will no doubt be other surprises in store too, as the series continues its evolution.
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Like a Dragon 8’s Scope is Exciting
For the most part, theLike a Dragonseries has taken place in the fictional district of Kamurocho, which is based on the real district of Kabukicho in Tokyo, Japan. Kamurocho is densely populated, with people, shops, and activities around every corner, but admittedly it isn’t the largest, being pretty small compared to most open-world maps.Ryu Ga Gotokuhas managed to navigate this issue in a couple of intelligent ways though, which has meant that Kamurocho’s size has never really been an issue.
Firstly, the developer ensures a number of the game’s missions take place inside Kamurocho’s vast buildings. Structures such as the Millennium Tower, a huge skyscraper, play host to some of the series' most intense fight sequences. This ensures gamers never really feel like the map is too small. Secondly,Like a Dragonhas branched out into other cities over subsequent entries. Locations such as Sotenbori have been added to the mix to ensure gamers don’t start to tire ofKamurocho’s streets. Gradually, over time, these maps have become larger, culminating in the newest area: Isezaki Ijincho, based on Isezakicho in Yokohama.
Isezaki Ijincho is comfortably the largest map featured in the series, as it’s approximately four times larger than Kamurocho. Featuring varied, detailed mini-games such as Dragon Kart, the city represents the full-scale evolution of Ryu Ga Gotoku’s vision. Although RGG used this map in bothLike a Dragon 7andLost Judgment, it isn’t yet known if this location will return for the next installment, but it should definitely make an appearance in one way or another.
Of course, it’s unlikely that the developer was solely referring to the size of the map when claiming thatLike a Dragon 8would be the biggest game in the series. These games have no shortage of activities, and completionists looking to do everything can expect to spend anywhere from 50 to 100 hours on the later entries in the series. This means that if indeed the next game will be the largest, fans should be in for a wealth of content that potentially takes place across several large maps. Along with innovations to the already engaging gameplay, and a narrative featuringKazuma Kiryuonce again at the helm, this makesLike a Dragon 8probably the most highly anticipated game in the series to date.
Like a Dragon 8will release in 2024 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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