Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name are quite diverse. Some critics, such as TheGamer and COGconnected, praise the story for providing depth to the existing plot and offering a satisfying conclusion. They appreciate how the narrative fills in the gaps and ties up loose ends, providing answers to questions about Kiryu's involvement. Additionally, critics like Screen Rant and Game Rant highlight the tight and jam-packed narrative, with plenty of callbacks and emotional beats. They find the story well-rounded, enjoyable, and emotionally resonant. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the story. RPG Fan, Worth Playing, and GamingBolt criticize the plot twists and writing, finding them nonsensical, lacking engagement, and constrained. They mention moments that are eye-rolling and a story that feels less interesting and forgettable compared to the mainline entries. Furthermore, GamingTrend and GamesRadar+ feel that the story is drawn out, unenjoyable, and lacks depth. They mention that the narrative falls short and isn't as compelling as previous entries in the series. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the story's emotional impact, character development, and ties to previous games, others find it disappointing, lacking in engagement, and constrained. The positive aspects of the story include its ability to provide context to the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, its satisfying conclusion, and its exploration of Kiryu's struggles and sacrifices. However, the negative aspects mentioned by critics include poor writing, nonsensical plot twists, and a lack of depth. It is important to note that the opinions vary, with some critics finding the story enjoyable and emotionally resonant, while others find it forgettable and uninteresting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name are varied, with both positive and negative aspects being highlighted. In terms of positives, many critics appreciate the return to the classic beat 'em up style of the Yakuza series, with satisfying and impactful combat mechanics. The inclusion of multiple fighting styles, such as the new Agent style, adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Push Square specifically praise the refinement and versatility of the combat system, considering it one of the series' best excursions when it comes to action. The addition of gadgets, tools, and abilities, as mentioned by MeuPlayStation and GameSpot, further enhances the combat and offers unique gameplay elements. The presence of a variety of side activities and mini-games, as noted by several critics including Destructoid and IGN Spain, adds to the overall enjoyment and depth of the gameplay experience. On the other hand, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Like a Dragon Gaiden. Some critics, such as Siliconera and Digitally Downloaded, mention that the combat system lacks depth and challenge, with a lack of innovation or improvement from previous games in the series. The controls, combat, and animations are also criticized by GamingBolt for lacking polish. Additionally, Gaming Age mentions that the integration of gadgets feels like an afterthought, potentially diminishing their impact on the gameplay experience. Some critics, like IGN France, mention that the combat may feel repetitive, which could be a downside for players seeking more variety in their gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is enjoyable, with a return to the classic beat 'em up mechanics of the Yakuza series. The combat system, while not without its flaws, is generally praised for its refinement, versatility, and the inclusion of multiple fighting styles. The addition of gadgets, tools, and abilities, as well as the variety of side activities and mini-games, adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience. However, some critics highlight the lack of innovation or improvement in the combat system, potential repetitiveness, and issues with controls and animations. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging the engaging and satisfying nature of the gameplay.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its stunning visuals and attention to detail. Atomix describes the game as visually stunning with colorful environments and impressive lighting, particularly in nighttime scenes. COGconnected commends the game for its gorgeous, dense locations that are fun to explore, with painstaking attention to detail. Checkpoint Gaming highlights the lively and beautiful depiction of a Japanese metro city, with vibrant visuals and attention to set dressing. Cultured Vultures specifically mentions the Castle location as a gaudy, neon-lit monument to wealth and excess that looks beautiful. DualShockers also praises the detailed facial animations on the PS5 version of the game. Press Start Australia mentions the Dragon Engine delivering impressive graphical fidelity and attention to detail, with well-realized locations and facial expressions. However, there are also some criticisms regarding the game's graphics and visual design. Everyeye.it mentions that the Dragon Engine, while visually impressive, shows signs of aging and could benefit from an update. Game Rant points out that while the game has gorgeous environments, the character graphics are inconsistent. RPG Fan criticizes the live-action sequences in the cabaret club minigame for feeling out of place and disrupting immersion, as well as mentioning poor video recording quality. Siliconera mentions that the game heavily relies on asset recycling, including locations, character models, and minigames, with the only genuinely new area being The Castle. PC Invasion notes that while the game is visually appealing, some textures and surfaces lack detail. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name has impressive visuals and attention to detail. The game's colorful environments, vibrant visuals, and well-realized locations are highly praised. Critics like Atomix, COGconnected, and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the stunning visuals and attention to detail. However, there are some criticisms regarding the aging Dragon Engine, inconsistent character graphics, and reliance on asset recycling. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics like Press Start Australia, God is a Geek, and Slant Magazine praising the game's visuals and impressive graphical fidelity. The game's visuals are considered one of its strengths, with the lighting effects and nighttime scenes being particularly outstanding, as mentioned by IGN Spain and Windows Central.

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, it is clear that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. Atomix praises the audio for being well done, stable, and immersive in certain missions. DualShockers also commends the game's presentation, specifically mentioning the impressive voice acting. Multiplayer.it notes that the soundtrack effectively enhances the on-screen action with a mix of old and new themes, while GamingTrend describes the Japanese voice acting as top-notch and the soundtrack as perfectly complementing the atmosphere. These positive reviews indicate that the Sound Design and Music of the game are generally well-received, with particular emphasis on the voice acting and immersive effects. However, there are also some criticisms raised by the reviewers. Everyeye.it mentions that while the Japanese voice acting is exceptional, the soundtrack is energetic but slightly less engaging compared to previous entries in the franchise. This suggests that there may be a slight discrepancy in the quality between the voice acting and the music. Additionally, Worth Playing mentions that the current version only offers Japanese voice acting, with a dub coming in the future. This limitation may be seen as a drawback for players who prefer localized voice acting options. Overall, the consensus among the critics is largely positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. The majority of reviewers highlight the impressive voice acting, immersive effects, and effective soundtrack. GameSpot mentions specific songs in the karaoke minigame and the return of the series' signature substories, further supporting the positive reception. IGN Spain also praises the Japanese voice acting for maintaining the original voices, with expertly localized Spanish subtitles that add humor to the game. While there are some minor criticisms regarding the soundtrack's engagement level and the lack of dub options in the current version, the overall sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of the game contribute positively to the overall experience.

The voice acting in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Many reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and DualShockers, praise the performances and describe them as impressive. The Japanese voice acting, in particular, is highlighted by Everyeye.it, GAMINGbible, GamingTrend, Multiplayer.it, and SpazioGames, who all commend its exceptional quality. Takaya Kuroda's portrayal of Kiryu is specifically mentioned by GamingTrend and Shacknews as a standout performance. The critics also appreciate the well-acted dialogue in immersive cutscenes and the recognizable faces from previous Yakuza games, as noted by GAMINGbible. IGN Spain adds that the Japanese voice acting maintains the original voices, which will please fans of the series. While the overall sentiment towards the voice acting is positive, there are a few minor criticisms mentioned by some reviewers. VG247 notes a slightly flatter and harder delivery from Kiryu's voice actor, but sees it as a positive change for the character. This suggests that the change in delivery style may not resonate with everyone, but it is still seen as a favorable choice for the character's development. In conclusion, the voice acting in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is widely praised by the critics. The performances are described as impressive, exceptional, intense, and convincing. The Japanese voice acting, in particular, receives high praise for maintaining the original voices and adding depth to the characters. The well-acted dialogue in immersive cutscenes and the recognizable faces from previous Yakuza games are also appreciated. While there are minor criticisms regarding the delivery style of Kiryu's voice actor, the overall consensus is that the voice acting brings the game closer to cinematic standards and successfully brings the larger-than-life personalities of the characters to life.

In terms of the technical performance on the PlayStation 5, the majority of critics had positive feedback. Critics such as GamingTrend and Player 2 praised the flawless performance, ultra-fast load times, and smooth frame rates. Meristation also highlighted the smooth 60 fps experience on the PS5. Multiplayer.it mentioned the consistent 60 frames per second with few uncertainties. These reviews indicate that the game runs smoothly and performs well on the PlayStation 5, providing an enjoyable gaming experience. However, there were also some negative opinions regarding the technical performance on the PS5. COGconnected mentioned issues with the physics engine, pop-in, and clipping. GamingBolt criticized the lack of polish in controls, combat, and animations, as well as the absence of the promised English dub. SpazioGames expressed disappointment with the lack of innovation and reliance on recycled elements from previous games in the series. These criticisms suggest that there are technical issues and a lack of refinement in certain aspects of the game on the PS5. Looking at the overall consensus of the critics, it is evident that there is a mixed opinion regarding the technical performance on the PlayStation 5. While some critics praised the smooth gameplay, flawless performance, and fast load times, others highlighted issues with physics, clipping, and lack of polish. It is important to note that the game was developed in just six months, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded, which might explain some of the technical shortcomings. Overall, there is room for improvement in terms of technical performance on the PS5. Moving on to the PC platform, TouchArcade mentioned that the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck. Unfortunately, there are no other reviews available for the PC version, so it is difficult to provide a comprehensive analysis of the technical performance on this platform. As for the Xbox Series X, CGMagazine praised the precise and enjoyable controls, with no noticeable performance issues or input lag. IGN Spain also commended the impressive technical showcase of the Dragon Engine on advanced consoles like the Xbox Series X. These positive reviews indicate that the game performs well on the Xbox Series X, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. In conclusion, the opinions of the critics regarding the technical performance of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name are varied across different gaming platforms. While the PlayStation 5 received mixed reviews, with some praising the smooth performance and others pointing out technical issues, the Xbox Series X was generally praised for its precise controls and impressive technical showcase. The PC version, on the other hand, had limited feedback but was reported to run smoothly on the Steam Deck. Overall, there is room for improvement in the technical performance of the game, particularly on the PlayStation 5, where issues with physics, clipping, and lack of polish were mentioned by some critics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name are quite varied. Many critics highlight the game's positive aspects in terms of replayability. Critics such as Atomix, Checkpoint Gaming, GAMINGbible, and Push Square mention the game's wide range of side activities, missions, and mini-games that provide plenty of content to keep players engaged. They also mention the option to extend playtime through completing side quests and achieving 100% completion. Additionally, critics like Game Revolution and Vandal mention the inclusion of nostalgic throwbacks and the ability to change the protagonist's appearance, adding to the replay value. These positive aspects suggest that the game offers a significant amount of content and activities for players to enjoy, increasing its overall replay value. However, there are also critics who express some negative aspects regarding the replay value of the game. Critics such as COGconnected and Worth Playing mention that the game could be too short for series veterans and offer fewer side quests and content compared to other titles in the franchise. RPG Fan also mentions that the substories can become less fun and more like a to-do list, potentially affecting the replay value. Digital Trends points out that the repetitive nature of the story and combat may limit the game's replay value. These negative aspects suggest that the game may not provide enough content or variety to keep players engaged in the long term. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name offers a decent amount of replay value, but it may not be as extensive or satisfying as previous games in the Yakuza series. Critics like DualShockers, GamingTrend, and Siliconera mention the game's abundance of side activities and mini-games, which contribute to its replayability. Critics such as GamesRadar+ and PC Invasion mention the presence of side content and mini-games, but also highlight the game's short main campaign and lack of post-completion activities. The positive aspects mentioned by several critics, such as the variety of side missions, customization options, and additional content, suggest that the game can provide an enjoyable and immersive experience for players seeking replay value. However, the negative aspects mentioned by some critics, such as the brevity of the story and potential lack of variety, indicate that the game may not fully satisfy all players in terms of replayability.