During a press conference today, Yakuza series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi officially unveiled Yakuza 7. Formally known as Shin Yakuza, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the beginning of the next saga in the series. It stars the new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who originally debuted in the reveal trailer for Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, in which Kazuma Kiryu passes the baton to him before defeating a street thug and transforming into Kenshiro.
Ichiban’s design is much wilder than Kiryu’s and he also has an outfit with an opposite color palette. We’re excited to learn more about him. Additionally, he seems to be a fan of Dragon Quest.
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The game is set in Yokohama.
Protagonist Ichiban Kasuga loves Dragon Quest. Sega got permission from Yuji Horii to mention Dragon Quest in the game.https://t.co/Cqmz9sOBi4
— Gematsu (@gematsucom) August 29, 2019
During this announcement, a huge change to the series was also detailed. Gone is the 3D brawling beat-em-up style the series is known for, replaced by an input turn-based combat system. It’s pretty much like the combat system that many RPGs have adopted and reminds me of the combat system from Persona 5. Needless to say, this has been received well by the fans of the series.
Dragon Quest series creator, Yuji Horii, also seems to have given Ryu Ga Gatoku Studio’s official permission to reference Dragon Quest by name, which was previously alluded to in a Substory in Yakuza 0.
We eagerly await more details on the exciting future of Yakuza!
New title announced. Main character of this game loves games, such as "Dragon Quest." Mr. Nagoshi says this game will be "watershed" for Yakuza franchise. (photo replaced) pic.twitter.com/XwmkYNXVIT
— Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) August 29, 2019
Yakuza 7 will be launch exclusively for the PlayStation 4 on January 16, 2020, in Japan, as Ryu Ga Gotoku 7 Hikari to Yami no Yukue. The game is also slated for a Western release, however, we don’t have an ETA as of yet.