The Yakuza video game series, now known as the Like a Dragon franchise, has been captivating audiences for nearly two decades. However, its popularity has reached new levels in the West, thanks to the recent release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon and its upcoming sequel, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The franchise's expansion into a Prime Video TV series, coupled with significant sales across various platforms, has created an opportune time for both longtime fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in this beloved Japanese crime saga.

Unlocking the Riches of the Yakuza Franchise

Embracing the Yakuza TV Series

The highly anticipated Like a Dragon: Yakuza TV series has arrived on Prime Video, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the franchise's gritty underworld. This new adaptation promises to introduce the captivating narrative and vibrant characters to an even wider audience, further solidifying the series' mainstream appeal.To celebrate the TV series' debut, various retailers are offering enticing sales on the entire Yakuza/Like a Dragon catalog. This presents an ideal opportunity for both seasoned fans and curious newcomers to dive into the franchise, with discounts on console, PC, and even Game Pass versions of the games.

Exploring the Mainline Yakuza Series

For those seeking to experience the core Yakuza storyline, the Yakuza Complete Series collection on GOG is a standout offering. This bundle includes the first seven mainline games, chronicling the captivating journey of protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. Priced at just , down from 2, this collection provides an affordable and DRM-free way to immerse oneself in the series' rich narrative.Beyond the GOG collection, other digital retailers like Humble Bundle and Green Man Gaming are also running Yakuza franchise sales, offering discounts on newer titles and spin-offs, including Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon: Ishin, and the Judgment series. These sales cater to a wide range of players, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Embracing the Shift to Turn-Based RPG

It's worth noting that the Yakuza series has undergone a significant evolution, with the mainline entries transitioning from beat-'em-up gameplay to a turn-based RPG format in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This shift has been met with critical acclaim, as the new approach allows for deeper character development and strategic combat.For newcomers, Yakuza: Like a Dragon serves as an excellent entry point, as it introduces a brand-new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and his captivating story. The game's price tag on both PS4 and Xbox platforms makes it an accessible and enticing option for those eager to experience the franchise's latest iteration.

Diving into the Yakuza Universe on Game Pass

For Xbox and PC players, the Yakuza series' availability on Game Pass presents an exceptional value proposition. By taking advantage of the limited-time deal on Game Pass Ultimate codes at Woot, players can gain access to the entire Yakuza/Like a Dragon catalog at a fraction of the regular subscription cost.This opportunity allows newcomers to immerse themselves in the franchise's rich narrative and gameplay without the need for a significant upfront investment. With the series' expansive nature, spanning dozens of hours of content per title, Game Pass provides an excellent way to explore the Yakuza universe.

Anticipating the Next Yakuza Adventure

As the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise continues to evolve, the upcoming release of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii has generated considerable excitement. Fans can secure physical copies of the standard or Collector's Edition on consoles, while PC players can take advantage of Fanatical's preorder deal for the Steam version.This new spinoff promises to offer a fresh perspective on the Yakuza saga, transporting players to the vibrant and sun-drenched setting of Hawaii. With the franchise's reputation for delivering captivating stories and memorable characters, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is poised to be another must-play addition to the ever-expanding Yakuza universe.