In surprising and exciting news, Ryu ga Gotoku Studio and Amazon have just announced a brand-new video game adaptation project, with a live-action TV series titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza coming to Prime Video shockingly soon on October 24th.
Directed by Take Masaharu and Takimoto Kengo, the series will be a six-episode run released in two batches, with the first dropping on October 24th (25th in some regions) and November 1st. As reported by Variety, it’ll be set across two time periods in 1995 and 2005 and follow the life and story of iconic series protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu.
There’s not a lot of visual material to look at just yet, aside from some very nice key art featuring actor Ryoma Takeuchi in the role of Kiryu, but hopefully trailers and other fun things aren’t far off.
Make the choice to take the next step. Like a Dragon: Yakuza comes to Prime Video October 24. pic.twitter.com/FasWRDpBez
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) June 4, 2024
“I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into ‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza’,” said director Take in a press release.
“Since the day I first put pen to paper on the original ‘Yakuza’ script, I’ve never once thought about revisiting any of my work on the series. It’s because I understand all too well the challenges and hardships that come with remaking a finished title. However, if I were ever sent to the past through some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I’d want to create. If I had to go through the wringer anyhow, I’d want to make the most engaging versions of Kamurocho and Kazuma Kiryu I could —and this show has it all,” added Yokoyama Masayoshi, head of RGG Studio and executive producer on the show.
“While the games let you experience their world through the subjective lens, this adaptation will be the ultimately objective way to enjoy the show. I have no doubt that fans of the series will be drawn to how it brings the games to life and adds new surprises. Newcomers, I’m sure will find themselves invested simply in the gritty realism of the show.”
I gave the most recent Like a Dragon game, Infinite Wealth, a huge 9/10 in my review, saying, “Infinite Wealth is a stellar follow-up to Yakuza: Like a Dragon in just about every way. It’s bigger, bolder and with some smart tweaks to combat it’s a significantly better turn-based RPG. Series fans have a ton to look forward to in the larger-than-life story and emotional character moments, and though there are some glaring issues with its dungeons and post-game offerings, the end result is the franchise’s best entry yet.”
