The Dragon Returns: An Inside Look at Kazuma Kiryu‘s Triumphant Return in Yakuza 8

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

At around 50 years old, Kazuma Kiryu – the legendary Dragon of Dojima himself – is back in action as one of Yakuza 8‘s dual protagonists. This is monumental news for fans of Sega‘s hit action RPG franchise spanning over 15 years.

The Life and Times of the Dragon

First introduced in 2005‘s Yakuza on PlayStation 2, few characters in gaming have had a career as long and storied as Kiryu Kazuma. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised in the ruthless ranks of the yakuza before working his way up to earn the revered title of "Dragon of Dojima" as a commanding officer of the Tojo Clan.

[Insert image of young Kiryu from Yakuza 0]

But behind the tattoos and fearsome reputation lies a man of principle not afraid to break from underworld traditions if it means protecting innocents. Over decades of trench warfare on the streets of Kamurocho, he‘s gained – and lost – more than most. Now in his early 50s, bearing countless scars and sins across seven mainline entries, the aging dragon returns in what may be his biggest battle yet.

All Eyes on Kamurocho…Again

Yakuza 8 brings the Dragon of Dojima back to the starting point: Kamurocho, the quaint Tokyo district that‘s expanded right alongside the series. Teased in the reveal trailer, we see Kiryu living under an assumed identity at a secluded monastery when trouble once again finds him.

[Insert Y8 reveal trailer screenshot]

The details may be scarce, but one thing is certain – if Kiryu is back in Kamurocho, chaos is sure to follow. Over three decades, he‘s toppled crime lords, rooted out government corruption, and brawled with every thug in Japan right in Kamurocho‘s streets. He‘s more synonymous with the vibrant city than staples like the Millennium Tower. Series developer RGG Studio knows this, making his return to his old stomping grounds a genius recipe for fireworks.

After the experimental detour to Ijincho in the previous Yakuza: Like a Dragon, RGG is doubling down on nostalgia, bringing back both the classic brawler gameplay and the franchise‘s most iconic character for a definitive next-gen chapter.

The Dragon and the Ichiban

But Kiryu won‘t face the rising challenge alone. For the first time ever, Yakuza 8 splits the protagonist role with the newcomer Ichiban Kasuga, hero of Like a Dragon.

[Y8 concept art of Kiryu and Ichiban]

Their bromance is already off to a fiery start judging by their amusing first meeting in the trailer. Still, RGG‘s decision to pair Japan‘s most venerable yakuza with the lovably uncouth underdog Ichiban seems genius given their odd couple chemistry.

As the series expands overseas, Kiryu passing the torch to Ichiban feels like a smooth changing of the guard. And yet, Like a Dragon‘s western success proved even newcomers are hungry for more on the legendary Dragon of Dojima. Dividing screen time between the fresh style of Ichiban with the classic Kiryu feels like a perfect blend of old and new.

While story details remain tightly guarded, their uneasy alliance promises to drive Yakuza 8‘s central conflict. And that‘s exactly what fans want.

What‘s Next for Gaming‘s Most Tenured Badass?

Appropriately, Kiryu‘s return leaves the future just as excitingly uncertain as his mysterious past. Yakuza 8 kicks off the next phase of RGG‘s Japan-centric cinematic universe, preceded by crucial plotlines in spinoffs like Lost Judgment.

Could we see Kiryu cameo in a future Judgment title? What about taking the lead in his own Yakuza prequel as hinted by 8‘s alternate identity and monastery exile? Or will Yakuza 8 wrap the conflicted icon‘s sprawling character arc for good, handing the reins to younger yakuza like Ichiban to carry on his legacy?

For Western gamers, 2023 brings a massive Yakuza gaming blitz…

[Table highlighting upcoming Yakuza titles such as Like a Dragon Gaiden along with platforms and 2023 release timeframe]

…with the mainline Yakuza 8 capping it off in early 2024. Several of these, like the Kiryu-focused side story Like a Dragon Gaiden, hint at a doubling down on the enduring fan-favorite character rather than retirement.

One thing is obvious: with the dragon himself back on the streets of Kamurocho, Yakuza‘s future hasn‘t looked this exciting in years. Despite his faded tattoos and weathered face, Kiryu Kazuma still has plenty left to give in his 50s. And that‘s exactly what I‘m itching to discover hand-in-hand with series upstart Ichiban when Yakuza 8 hits.

So get hype, Kazuma Kiryu is back where he belongs!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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