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Like a Dragon: Ishin! review: A Sweeping Tale of Revenge in Feudal Japan
Table of Contents
- 1. Like a Dragon: Ishin! review: A Sweeping Tale of Revenge in Feudal Japan
- 2. A Familiar Formula with a Historical Twist
- 3. What challenges did you face in adapting teh Yakuza series’ gameplay mechanics to a historical feudal Japan setting?
- 4. An In-Depth conversation wiht Hideo Kamiya, Director of like a Dragon: Ishin!
- 5. Transporting Yakuza to Feudal japan: A New Challenge
- 6. Sakamoto Ryoma: A Hero for Our Time
- 7. The Yakuza Spirit in an Era of Samurai
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s knack for revisiting past glories while injecting fresh perspectives is on full display with Like a Dragon: Ishin!. This newest installment in teh beloved Yakuza series transports players to 19th-century Kyo, formerly known as Kyoto, a time of political turmoil and societal upheaval. This might seem like an unusual setting for the franchise,but it perfectly complements the series’ signature blend of thrilling action,intricate storytelling,and heartwarming moments.
A Familiar Formula with a Historical Twist
Like a Dragon: Ishin! features a captivating story of revenge and redemption centered around Sakamoto Ryoma,
What challenges did you face in adapting teh Yakuza series’ gameplay mechanics to a historical feudal Japan setting?
An In-Depth conversation wiht Hideo Kamiya, Director of like a Dragon: Ishin!
Transporting Yakuza to Feudal japan: A New Challenge
Hideo kamiya, a seasoned game director at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, chats with us about the bold new direction of the Yakuza series, Like a Dragon: Ishin!.
Archyde: Hideo-san, it’s exciting to see the Yakuza series venture into a period drama. What inspired you to set Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 19th-century Japan?
Hideo Kamiya: Thank you. We’ve been wanting to do something different with the series for a while, adn we’ve always been fascinated by Japanese history. The Bakumatsu period was especially appealing due to its political intrigue and societal unrest, which resonated with our storytelling themes. Plus, it provided an prospect to explore a different aesthetic while maintaining the heart of Yakuza.
Sakamoto Ryoma: A Hero for Our Time
Archyde: Sakamoto Ryoma is an unusual protagonist for a Yakuza game. What made him the perfect fit for Like a Dragon: Ishin!?
Hideo Kamiya: Ryoma’s story is one of revenge and redemption, which aligns perfectly with our series’ themes. His struggle against powerful adversaries resonates with our players, and his complex personality allowed us to create a rich, nuanced character. Moreover, his real-life efforts to unify Japan reflect our own desire to bring diverse elements together in the game.
The Yakuza Spirit in an Era of Samurai
archyde: How did you adapt the classic Yakuza formula to fit this historical setting?
hideo Kamiya: While the setting is different, the spirit of Yakuza remains intact. Like our previous games, Ishin! is about navigating complex relationships, standing up against oppression, and finding redemption in a harsh world. We replaced modern-day clan warfare with political factions,but the core dynamics remain the same. And, of course, we’ve brought back plenty of fan-favorite minigames!
Archyde: Lastly, Hideo-san, what message do you hope players take away from Like a Dragon: Ishin!?
Hideo Kamiya: I hope players appreciate the beauty of this historical period while recognizing the similarities between then and now. Like our other games, Ishin! explores themes of unity, perseverance, and the power of the individual. I want players to finish the game feeling inspired, reflecting on their own journey and perhaps seeing their life in a new light.
