GAMES
FIRST PLAY LIKE A DRAGON: ISHIN PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC
It’s a little ironic that, just as the once-niche Yakuza series has finally become more of a global brand, Sega has decided to start over and ditch the name. Yet Like A Dragon is actually much closer to the literal translation of its Japanese title Ryu Ga Gotoku (also the name of the studio behind the series) – and it’s a good time for it, as the latest instalment goes back to its roots: this is a spin-off set in 19th-century Japan.
Ishin is an ideal entry point for newcomers as there’s no baggage from the series’ history, but longtime fans will get a kick out of seeing their favourite characters recast in a costume drama. It does, however, make learning names a bit tricky, especially as series protagonist Kiryu’s character is now historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma… but he’s also introduced with the alias Saito Hajime.