Every spinoff game in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise has rapidly surged in popularity, becoming one of the most prominent game series of recent years. The latest installment, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, transports players to Hawaii, diverging from the franchise's usual setting in the fictional Kamurocho district of Tokyo. The series also boasts several spin-offs, some exclusive to specific consoles.

Here's a look at the standout spin-offs in the Yakuza (known as Ryu Ga Gotoku in Japan) franchise in chronological order.

Every spinoff game in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise

1) Ryu Ga Gotoku: Kenzan (2008)

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Following the release of Yakuza 2 on the PS2, Sega released Ryu Ga Gotoku Kenzan on the PS3. This title retains the gameplay and fighting mechanics of its predecessors but introduces a new inventory system for extensive item storage.

Set in Kyoto during the 1600s Edo era, players control Miyamoto Musashi, a historical figure on whom the series' popular Kiryu Kazuma was re-imagined. The game remains exclusive to the PS3 and has never been localized in English, so it is only available in Japanese.

2) Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō 1&2 (2010, 2011)

Ryu Ga Gotoku Kuryohou 1 and 2 (Image via Sega)

In 2010 and 2011, the PSP handheld console saw the release of two Yakuza spin-offs, Kurohyo: Ryu Ga Gotoku Shinsho and its sequel, Kurohyo 2: Ryu Ga Gotoku Ashuraiki. Kuryoho 1 was the first title in the series to feature a protagonist other than Kiryu, introducing Tatsuya Ukyo.

Like Kenzan, neither Kurohyo game was ported to other consoles or localized for Western audiences, making them accessible only in Japanese on the PSP.

3) Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011)

Capitalizing on the popularity of zombie shooters being launched at the time, Yakuza: Dead Souls was released for the PS3 in 2011.

Set in a zombie-infested Kamurocho, the game challenges players to clear out the undead and restore the city to normalcy. It features four iconic characters from the series — Kiryu Kazuma, Shun Akiyama, Goda Ryuji, and Goro Majima.

Interestingly, Yakuza: Dead Souls is the only title to have Ryuji as a protagonist and is also the first to feature Majima as a playable character. Notably, this was the first Yakuza spin-off to receive a global release.

4) Ryu Ga Gotoku: Ishin!/Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2014/2023)

In 2014, Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin! debuted on the PS3 and PS4, focusing on the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history. Players assume the role of Sakamoto Ryoma, a historical figure re-imagined, similar to Kiryu Kazuma.

Although it was not localized for English speakers at launch, it was re-released globally in 2023 as Like a Dragon: Ishin! for the PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. The game is simply a remake of the 2014 title with Unreal Engine.

Also read: 10 most famous historical figures in Like a Dragon: Ishin!

5) Judgment (2018)

Released in 2018, Judgment introduces players to Takayuki Yagami, a lawyer-turned-detective operating his own office out of Kamurocho. Modeled after Japanese actor and singer Takuya Kimura, Yagami engages in detective work through activities such as lock-picking and tailing suspects.

Initially a PS4 exclusive, Judgment was re-released in 2021 with all DLCs included for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, and later Amazon Luna. It also received a PC port in 2022.

6) Lost Judgment (2021)

Lost Judgment launched in 2021 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, and was ported to Amazon Luna and PC in 2022.

The game continues Yagami's story, introducing new features like a dance minigame, side stories, and additional fighting styles. Its DLC, The Kaito Files, allows players to experience the game from the perspective of Masaharu Kaito, Yagami's ally.

Lost Judgment's combat system is regarded to be among the best in the series.

Also read: Judgment vs Lost Judgment: Which is the better game?

7) Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)

The most recent addition to the franchise, 2023's Like a Dragon: Gaiden focuses solely on Kiryu Kazuma. The game bridges the gap between Yakuza 6 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, featuring Kiryu under the alias, Joryu.

Players can utilize various futuristic gadgets throughout the campaign, which is now set in Osaka's Sotenbori and Yokohama's Isezaki Ijincho, locations previously featured in the series.

Like a Dragon: Gaiden is available on PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.

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