I rarely have the opportunity to express my admiration for Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Like a Dragon series. While I occasionally talk about newer games like Infinite Wealth, I don’t often get to indulge in my love for the classic titles when the series was known as “Yakuza.” Recently, I had the chance to interview the stars of the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza series coming to Prime later this year: Ryoma Takeuchi, who portrays Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku, who portrays Akira “Nishiki” Nishikiyama. I also had a conversation with the show’s executive producer Eric Barmack.
When discussing taking on the role of Kiryu, Takeuchi mentioned, “I believe it’s crucial to start from the core and focus on human emotions. Understanding how we experience things is the most important aspect to emphasize — extracting and expanding on that is the foundation to beginning anything, regardless of it being based on existing IP… What truly matters is not the superficial aspects but delving into the deeper emotions.”
Reflecting on his familiarity with the series before playing Nishiki, Kaku shared that he attempted to play the first game but was advised by director Masahiru Take not to in order to explore the character from a fresh perspective and create a new rendition of Like a Dragon.
Barmack highlighted that the Like a Dragon IP has resonated with millions of fans and emphasized Prime’s commitment to authentically bringing it to audiences by employing top Japanese actors and a skilled director. The goal was to serve the gaming community genuinely and expand the audience through thoughtful storytelling.
Lil Snack & GamesBeat
GamesBeat is thrilled to collaborate with Lil Snack to offer personalized games for our audience. As gamers ourselves, we believe this is an exciting way to engage with the GamesBeat content you already adore. Start playing games now!
The conversation concluded with my confession that I’ve played all the games in the series (although I haven’t finished all of them) and Barmack expressing similar sentiments. Barmack acknowledged me as Kiryu’s common-law wife due to the time I’ve invested in the character, which added a humorous touch to the interview.
What to play this week
What’s new:
- Steamworld Heist II
- The Crush House
- Cat Quest III
- Creatures of Ava
- Cygni: All Guns Blazing
- Deathbound
- Volgarr the Viking II
- Ratten Reich
- Fate/stay night Remastered
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles
New on subscription services:
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (Xbox Game Pass)
- LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Gravity Circuit (Prime Gaming)
- South of the Circle (Prime Gaming)
- Loop Hero (Prime Gaming)
- Trek to Yomi (Prime Gaming)
- Kraken Academy!! (Prime Gaming)
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (GeForce Now)
- Nine Sols (GeForce Now)
