Like a Dragon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Like a Dragon across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Stranger Than Heaven's combat system is one of many gambles that RGG might regret
This preview of Stranger Than Heaven, the next Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio game, focuses on its radical departure from the Like a Dragon series' traditional brawler combat. The new system, which controls each limb with a separate button and features directional blocking, is described as novel but potentially frustrating, especially in group encounters. The article also touches on controversial celebrity casting and the game's potential connection to the Like a Dragon lore, expressing concern that the studio is gambling on unproven ideas.
Sega and Netflix Announce New Content for Classic Games
Sega and Netflix have announced a new partnership that will bring several of Sega's classic franchises to film and television. The initial projects include movie adaptations of Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven, along with a new Sonic the Hedgehog animated series for children. This collaboration is part of Sega's broader strategy to expand its intellectual properties beyond video games.
Netflix doubles down on video games by partnering with Sega for movie adaptations of Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven
Netflix is expanding its video game adaptation efforts by partnering with Sega to create movie adaptations of Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven. The streaming service is also developing a new Sonic the Hedgehog animated series. While Crazy Taxi is a well-established franchise, Stranger Than Heaven is a prequel game set to release next year, making its adaptation a gamble.
I love Stranger Than Heaven's "more intuitive and rough" combat: "Frankly speaking, with Yakuza, you could even play it with closed eyes", says its producer
Stranger Than Heaven's combat system is designed to be more intuitive and rough than the Like a Dragon series, requiring players to actively block and strategize. Producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto highlights the left-and-right arm control scheme, which aims to create a greater sense of involvement in fights. The preview showcased different difficulty levels and demonstrated the game's impressive gore, leaving the reviewer excited for its January 15, 2027 release.
As Persona 6 drives hype, Atlus' JRPG series sold another 1 million copies over Sega's last quarter
Atlus' Persona series sold over one million copies during Sega's last financial quarter, contributing to the franchise's overall sales of 30 million units. This surge in sales is likely fueled by anticipation for Persona 6 and the upcoming Persona 4 Revival, with the latter set to release in February 2027.
Somewhere between QWOP and Tekken, Stranger Than Heaven has one of the most interesting combat systems I've played in some time
Stranger 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 combat
Stranger 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 franchises
SEGA 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 settembre
SEGA 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. 24
SEGA 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 24
SEGA 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 | Preview
Stranger 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 Papers
This 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 Franchise
SEGA 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, Too
This 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” project
SEGA 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 quarter
SEGA 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 2026
Sega, 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.
