Like a Dragon 8 will give Kiryu Kazuma a bigger role than in Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Earlier today, on February 24, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio debuted the second episode of its documentary, taking viewers behind the scenes at the studio. This time, the documentary features an interview with the voice of Kiryu, Takaya Kuroda, who revealed that his character has a more prominent presence in the forthcoming Like a Dragon 8 than in Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
For the first time in a while, Kiryu plays a big role, Kuroda says of the loveable brute in the forthcoming game. "This is part of his story, so I hope everyone enjoys it," the veteran actor continues, adding that he thinks Kiryu's become more "open-minded" as he's gotten older and is more conscious of how others around him feel when he speaks.
- Years before we learned of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Majima's voice actor pitched a JRPG about the fan-favorite anti-hero and was told "that's not going to happen"
- Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza is longer than the last Yakuza spin-off, but it's not the dev's fault: "The volume increased by itself"
Like a Dragon 8's reveal trailer last year announced the return of Kiryu, who now sports an incredible new grey hairdo. Whereas the character had a relatively minor role in 2020's Yakuza: Like a Dragon, appearing partway through the game to help newcomer Ichiban Kasuga, Kuroda makes it sound like he will have a much more established presence in the new game.
Considering Yakuza 6: The Song of Life was meant to be the end of Kiryu's story, he sure is sticking around a while longer than planned. The former Yakuza is intended to be in hiding nowadays, but that doesn't mean he can't reappear every now and then for a new battle, or even an entirely new game centred around him, as we're getting later this year in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
Yesterday, on February 23, the debut episode of RGG Studio's new documentary revealed Like a Dragon 8 has been in development since late 2021. We can expect the third and final part of the series tomorrow, but for now, we'd highly recommend watching both episodes for a deep dive into RGG Studio's new leadership, and how Kiryu's actor regards his beloved character.
Check out our new games 2023 guide for a look at all the titles that'll be here before Like a Dragon 8 launches next year in 2024.
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