Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a highly anticipated title as it continues the celebrated Yakuza series and it has already been a hit in Japan. On top of that trailers of Yakuza: Like a Dragon have only increased the excitement around the game and its eventual release. While the game does not have an official release date for the west, the rating boards have begun certifying the game. Safe to say, the game will be for mature audiences and many will not be surprised by that given the nature of the games in the series. However, the rating by ESRB has revealed a very odd attack that is set to feature.
The Yakuza games focus on beat em up mechanics in huge and engaging worlds. As the name of the series suggests players are part of the criminal underworld and they must manage the tasks that this occupation involves. As a result of its ambitious gameplay and large worlds, the Yakuza franchise has been largely acclaimed and the early signs suggest that this will be the case for Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
The ESRB has rated Yakuza: Like a Dragon M for Mature and the reasoning behind it consists of "violent acts," "bloody effects," and explicit swearing. However, there appears to be a strange sexually violent act that the rating board details. "The game contains some sexual material: characters discussing selling porn videos to underage kids; a special move (Extreme Bondage Attack) depicting a woman in lingerie tying up the targeted enemy." Naturally many fans will be intrigued by how this fits into what appears to be a redemption story as players embody Ichiban Kasuga as he leaves prison and faces a new life.
It seems that certain elements of Yakuza: Like a Dragon will be divisive. While many have been interested in the gameplay that has been released for Yakuza: Like a Dragon, it does seem that this game will have some strange moments that may take players out of the experience. With that said, how the game manages the aforementioned elements and its story is still yet to be seen and it may be an impressive balance.
There will be plenty to be uncovered when Yakuza: Like a Dragon is released but at the moment fans will have to wait for a release date to look forward to. If the game can introduce a varied range of activities and mechanics as the other Yakuza games have, then players will be in store for iconic characters and an immersive experience that is filled with action.
Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Source: ESRB