Like a Dragon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Like a Dragon across the outlets.
Somewhere between QWOP and Tekken, Stranger Than Heaven has one of the most interesting combat systems I've played in some timeStranger Than Heaven features a unique and interesting combat system that maps left and right limbs to controller bumpers and triggers, allowing for complex offensive and defensive maneuvers. While initially difficult to grasp, the system rewards players who adapt to its rhythmic, timing-based dueling, offering a fresh take on the genre. The game is a distant prequel to the Like a Dragon series, developed by Ryu Ga Gokotu Studio.- Dave The Diver Takes The Plunge: ABSOLUTE UNITS of Physical Editions To Launch 8th October.Silver Lining Interactive and MINTROCKET announced that Dave The Diver will receive physical Collector's and Complete Editions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on October 8. The Complete Edition includes the base game and multiple DLCs such as In the Jungle, DREDGE, Godzilla, Like a Dragon, and Guilty Gear Strive crossovers, along with a digital soundtrack. The Collector's Edition offers physical merchandise like an acrylic standee, pins, and a necklace.
Stranger Than Heaven Hands-on Preview - Intuitive, deeply challenging combatStranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Like a Dragon series from RGG Studio, features a deeply challenging and intuitive combat system that blends elements of Yakuza's melee and Dark Souls' punishing difficulty. The preview highlights the game's intricate combat mechanics, including blocking, dodging, environmental interactions, and a variety of enemy types. The game is set to release on January 15, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.- SEGA updates sales figures for its biggest franchisesSEGA has updated sales figures for its major franchises, with Persona 5 Royal surpassing 8.66 million copies sold. The report also mentions recent sales data for Sonic x Shadow Generations, as well as the Persona and Sonic the Hedgehog series.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance sarà disponibile su Nintendo Switch 2 il 24 settembreSEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game will be available digitally and physically, with pre-orders now open. A free update will also be available for existing Nintendo Switch owners, enhancing the game's resolution and detail. The Deluxe Editions will include a DLC featuring SEGA villains like Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.- SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 24SEGA and Lizardcube announced that the 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game follows Joe Musashi on a quest for vengeance and will feature multiple paths and satisfying gameplay. A Deluxe Edition will include the SEGA Villains Stage DLC, pitting Joe against Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance coming to Switch 2 on September 24SEGA and Lizardcube announced that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24. The game, which previously launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC in August 2025, will also receive a physical Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This edition includes the base game, the "SEGA Villains Stage" DLC, character cards, an art book, in-game items, and more.
Stranger Than Heaven’s Combat Hits In All The Right Places | PreviewStranger Than Heaven, a standalone prequel to the Like A Dragon series, offers a unique combat system where players control Makoto Daito's hands independently. The preview highlights the game's combat mechanics through three distinct encounters set in different time periods, showcasing bare-handed brawling, weapon usage, and parrying. The game is set to launch on January 15, 2027.
The Sunday PapersThis article rounds up several gaming-related articles, including an analysis of the "Heroine's Journey" in the Like a Dragon series, a look at challenges faced by older gamers, insights into creating horrifying game audio for Saros, an investigation into Sony's use of conflict minerals, and tributes to the late Warhammer 40,000 artist John Blanche. It also briefly mentions a concertgoer who replaced a stricken performer and a rock band.- VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS™ Injects Cinematic Storytelling to Reinvent the Legendary FranchiseSEGA of America and RGG Studio have revealed Virtua Fighter Crossroads, a new installment in the fighting game series set to launch in 2027. The game will feature a narrative-driven action-adventure experience with a dynamic new combat system and an omnibus story told through four protagonists. Acclaimed writers David Hayter and Brad Kane are contributing to the narrative.
Yakuza Needs to Let Players Scrap with Women, TooThis opinion piece argues that the Yakuza series, despite attempts at portraying strong female characters, ultimately perpetuates misogynistic tropes by preventing players from fighting women. The article criticizes how female characters are often deified or treated as plot devices, highlighting instances in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth as examples of this problematic trend. It calls for the series to take women seriously as opponents, allowing for true gender equality in its narrative and gameplay.
SEGA cancels billion-dollar “super game” projectSEGA has officially canceled its ambitious "Super Game" initiative, a large-scale live-service ecosystem intended to compete with titles like Fortnite and Roblox. The project, which involved significant investment and restructuring, was quietly confirmed in SEGA Sammy Holdings' fiscal year 2026 earnings presentation. The cancellation reflects a broader industry shift away from chasing live-service trends due to market saturation and intense competition, with SEGA reportedly refocusing on its successful premium game franchises.
Persona boss says it out loud: turn-based RPGs never left, it's just that "recent critically acclaimed games have brought renewed attention to them"Atlus P-Studio head Kazuhisa Wada believes turn-based RPGs never truly disappeared but have recently gained renewed attention due to critically acclaimed titles. He suggests that the perception of turn-based combat as outdated stems from developers shifting towards action-oriented gameplay rather than refining turn-based designs. Wada emphasizes the timeless appeal and exhilaration that turn-based gameplay offers, noting that many series and indie titles have continued to deliver high-quality experiences in the genre.
SEGA announces sales numbers for its biggest franchises last quarterSEGA has announced revised sales figures for its major franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Like a Dragon, and Total War, for the January to March 2026 quarter. The company also confirmed the shelving of its "Super Game" initiative and a focus away from free-to-play and Games as a Service titles, though the futures of Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio remain secure.
Animate Will Sell Sega Games Merchandise Worldwide in 2026Sega, Atlus, and Animate are collaborating to release merchandise for eight popular game franchises worldwide starting in June 2026. The collaboration will span over 140 Animate locations globally, offering goods, game demos, displays, and cafe collaborations. The featured franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona series, Like a Dragon, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, among others.
Next Sega Labbies Plush Teddy Bear Is Goro Majima from YakuzaSega is releasing a new Labbies teddy bear plush toy featuring Goro Majima from the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series. The plush will be available in two sizes and will debut on May 14, 2026, exclusively at Sega Store locations in Tokyo and Shanghai. This follows previous Labbies releases based on characters like Kazuma Kiryu, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Persona 5 Joker.
Stranger Than Heaven Launches ‘This Winter’Sega's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, formerly Project Century, is set to launch this winter, potentially in late 2026 or early 2027. The game will feature connections to the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series, with a story following Makoto Daito's journey across Japan from 1915 to 1965. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and its theme song is performed by Ado, Satoshi Fujihara, Snoop Dogg, and Tori Kelly.
Stranger Than Heaven's new combat system sounds pretty complicated, but looks absolutely amazingRyu Ga Gotoku Studio's upcoming game, Stranger Than Heaven, will feature a new, complex combat system where players control the protagonist's left and right sides independently for an unprecedented level of control. The game, set across five different eras of modern Japanese history, also includes a variety of weapons and context-sensitive attacks. Stranger Than Heaven is set to launch this Winter for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Stranger Than Heaven Is A Yakuza Prequel With A Star-Studded CastStranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series, was revealed with a new presentation showcasing its gameplay and story. The game follows Makoto Daito across 50 years and five distinct periods in Japan's history, featuring a star-studded cast including Yu Shirota, Snoop Dogg, and Tori Kelly. It will be available on Xbox Game Pass this winter.
Stranger Than Heaven First Look Details Announced, Airing May 6th | Console CreaturesRGG Studio has announced full details for an upcoming 30-minute presentation titled "Xbox Presents: A Special Look At Stranger Than Heaven." The special will air on May 6th at 7 pm EST, showcasing the story, world, characters, and gameplay of their new title, which spans five eras in Japan. The presentation will be available on Xbox's social channels, including YouTube and Twitch.