Are the Yakuza Games Connected?
The Yakuza series, also known as the Like a Dragon series outside of Japan, is an action-adventure series with a rich storyline that has captivated gamers worldwide. With eight main games released so far, it is natural to wonder whether they are connected or can be played as standalone games.
Direct Answer
Most games in the Yakuza series are connected in terms of their story, characters, and recurring motifs. The games can be played in chronological order to appreciate the story arc, character development, and recurring themes. However, with the exception of the first game and its remake Yakuza Kiwami, each game is not a direct sequel or a prequel to the one before it.
Connecting the Games
To make sense of the series’ connections, it is best to play the games in chronological order. The most significant connection between the games is the recurring cast of characters, particularly Kiryu Kazuma and Majima Goro. Kiryu, also known as "The Dragon of Dojima," is the protagonist of the series, and Majima is one of his closest allies. These two characters appear in several games, with their arcs and relationships evolving throughout the series.
Chunsoft and the Original Sin
Chunsoft is a development studio responsible for creating the first three games in the series, while Sega handled the remaining titles. This change in developer led to some discontinuities in the storylines, characters, and even gameplay mechanics. Yakuza 0, in particular, is a game that serves as a prequel to the entire series, taking place 20 years before the events of the first game. Despite this, it has direct connections to the first three games, and its storyline feeds into the overall narrative.
Games and their connections
Here is a summary of the games and their connections:
| Game Title | Connection to other Games |
|---|---|
| Yakuza 0 | Prequel to the entire series; connects to Yakuza 1 and Yakuza Kiwami; introduces Majima’s and Kiryu’s relationships. |
| Yakuza | Original game that begins the series; Kiryu Kazuma is the main protagonist. |
| Yakuza 2 | Direct sequel to the original Yakuza; explores Kiryu’s life outside of his duties as an enforcer. |
| Yakuza 3 | Third game in the series; introduces a new protagonist, Haruka, and her relationship with Kiryu. |
| Yakuza 4 | Main characters introduced, but game is not a direct continuation of the previous title; Kiryu’s and Majima’s arcs are tied together. |
| Yakuza 5 | Fifth game in the series; continues the stories of the previous games, exploring the lives of its several protagonists. |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | A new era for the series; not a direct sequel, but a new story arc involving a new protagonist. |
Recurring Characters
Several characters appear in multiple games throughout the series:
- Kiryu Kazuma: Main protagonist of the series, starting from the first game to Yakuza 0.
- Majima Goro: Secondary protagonist, appearing in almost every game, often tied to Kiryu’s storyline.
- Haruka Sawamura: Introduced in Yakuza 3 as Kiryu’s adopted daughter.
- Saejima Shinji: Also introduced in Yakuza 3 as a secondary antagonist.
Conclusion
To fully appreciate the Yakuza series, playing the games in chronological order can help you understand the relationships between the characters, locations, and story arcs. While the games can be played as standalone experiences, the connections between them, particularly through recurring characters like Kiryu and Majima, enhance the overall impact of the series. This rich and complex storyline invites players to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese crime drama and action-packed thrills.