Yakuza: Like A Dragon Release Date Confirmed For November; PS5, Xbox Series X Dates Still Unclear

Sega and Ryu ga Gotoku Studio have confirmed the western release date for Yakuza: Like A Dragon, at least for current-gen platforms: November 13 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC (via Steam). While the game is also coming to next-gen platforms, all we know for now is that it'll be on Xbox Series X when the console launches and on PlayStation 5 "at a later date."

We had previously expected the launch date to be November 13 based on a listing on the Microsoft Store page, and this official announcement confirms that. Although we know that the Xbox Series X is coming in November, it could be extrapolated that it won't be any sooner than Like A Dragon's release date. But if it happens to be after that day, Xbox One owners will still be able to play the game on Series X with their purchase via Smart Delivery. There's no word on whether or not there will be an upgrade path or discount for those who would want to go from PS4 to PS5 versions.

A new trailer (see above) accompanies the release date announcement, and it's a pretty good showcase of how wild and ridiculous Yakuza: Like A Dragon seems to be. In it, you can catch a glimpse of the job system, which is the assortment of classes each of the characters can take on, such as host, breakdancer, dealer, idol, musician, and chef--yes these are combat classes. Yakuza has made a name for itself by effortlessly mixing earnest drama and comedic absurdity, but this new entry is taking that to new levels.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a fresh start for the franchise--it stars an all-new protagonist named Kasuga Ichiban and takes place in Yokohama, though fans may notice some story connections to previous games. This entry also marks a drastic change in gameplay style for Yakuza; instead of traditional 3D action-brawler combat, it adopts a turn-based RPG system with three other party members. This also marks the first time a mainline Yakuza game will feature the option for English voice overs (Yakuza 1 on PS2 only came as an English dub, while the spin-off Judgment had an English option).

For more detail on exactly what's going on in RGG Studio's new game, be sure to read my non-spoiler breakdown of the story elements in Yakuza: Like A Dragon. You can also get insight on what it took to bring Yakuza: Like A Dragon to the west in my interview with localization producer Scott Strichart.