Like A Dragon: Yakuza: Here’s All We Know About The Series
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a Japanese role-playing video game set to arrive on the Ott platform on Prime Video titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza. It will be adapted as a live-action series and released in the latter half of this year. Ryoma Takeuchi will lead the show and portray the role of Kazuma Kiryu. Keep scrolling to know about the upcoming series in detail.
Plot–
The series depicts the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and people living in a huge entertainment district, Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the violent Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō, that acts as the backdrop of the gameplay. Like a Dragon: Yakuza showcases modern Japan and the dramatic stories of these intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, that games in the past have not been able to explore.
It is...
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a Japanese role-playing video game set to arrive on the Ott platform on Prime Video titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza. It will be adapted as a live-action series and released in the latter half of this year. Ryoma Takeuchi will lead the show and portray the role of Kazuma Kiryu. Keep scrolling to know about the upcoming series in detail.
Plot–
The series depicts the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and people living in a huge entertainment district, Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the violent Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō, that acts as the backdrop of the gameplay. Like a Dragon: Yakuza showcases modern Japan and the dramatic stories of these intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, that games in the past have not been able to explore.
It is...
- 6/4/2024
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
Much like Majima Everywhere, out of nowhere today the official Ryu Ga Gotoku Twitter account and Amazon announced that the Like a Dragon video game series is inspiring a live-action series based on the life of Kazuma Kiryu. Titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza , the series will tell a story of Kiryu’s life that the games “have not been able to explore.” The series is set to be directed by Masaharu Take ( The Naked Director ) with scripts from Sean Crouch ( The 100 ) & Yugo Nakamura and Japanese scripts from Yasuhiro Yoshida and Kana Yamada. Ryoma Takeuchi, who is known as Kamen Rider Drive and the Red stand-in in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu , will play Kiryu. Masayoshi Yokoyama, the head of Ryu Ga Gotoku and writer for the Like a Dragon franchise since its inception in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, said “I have no doubt that fans of the series will be drawn to how...
- 6/4/2024
- by Daryl Harding
- Crunchyroll
Yutaka Ito, Technical Manager at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and lead programmer for the Like a Dragon series, shared how the studio has reduced overworking in recent years. Ito recognized the existence of demanding work schedules in the past but pointed out changes in the industry and at the studio that have improved the work-life balance for developers.
According to Ito, one important factor is the move towards releasing games worldwide simultaneously on different platforms. This means that developers need to carefully plan and test the game throughout its creation to make sure it works well on all platforms and in different languages. As a result, last-minute changes are less likely to be made, which in the past have led to excessive work hours for the development team.
More News: Release Date Announced For Next Game From Genshin Impact Studio
Ito explains that the requirement for detailed task management because...
According to Ito, one important factor is the move towards releasing games worldwide simultaneously on different platforms. This means that developers need to carefully plan and test the game throughout its creation to make sure it works well on all platforms and in different languages. As a result, last-minute changes are less likely to be made, which in the past have led to excessive work hours for the development team.
More News: Release Date Announced For Next Game From Genshin Impact Studio
Ito explains that the requirement for detailed task management because...
- 5/29/2024
- by Chirag Kapadia
- GamesHorizon
Toshihiro Nagoshi, the ex-chief creative officer of Sega and the person behind the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series, shared in a recent interview on Weekly Ochiai that Sega initially rejected the first game in the series because of its theme.
The Yakuza series, now called Like a Dragon, has gained critical acclaim for its focus on the Japanese criminal underworld. However, this focus on serious themes conflicted with Sega’s market strategy at the time.
More News: Baldur’s Gate 4 Was Almost Developed by Larian Studios
According to Nagoshi, the Japanese gaming industry had difficulty creating successful games for the worldwide market in the early 2000s. As a result, Sega and other companies began to focus on making games that would appeal to a large international audience. Nagoshi recognized this change in thinking, but he was concerned about creative ideas being weakened by the emphasis on broad appeal.
When Nagoshi first proposed Yakuza,...
The Yakuza series, now called Like a Dragon, has gained critical acclaim for its focus on the Japanese criminal underworld. However, this focus on serious themes conflicted with Sega’s market strategy at the time.
More News: Baldur’s Gate 4 Was Almost Developed by Larian Studios
According to Nagoshi, the Japanese gaming industry had difficulty creating successful games for the worldwide market in the early 2000s. As a result, Sega and other companies began to focus on making games that would appeal to a large international audience. Nagoshi recognized this change in thinking, but he was concerned about creative ideas being weakened by the emphasis on broad appeal.
When Nagoshi first proposed Yakuza,...
- 5/27/2024
- by Chirag Kapadia
- GamesHorizon
The final stage of a great idea has to be when it becomes so ingrained in popular culture that it then belongs to everyone. For example, hardcore horror fans might be aware that the original Frankenstein’s Monster wasn’t green and didn’t have metal bolts sticking out of his neck, but the average person will always associate that imagery with the character even if they haven’t actually consumed any Frankenstein-related media.
In more recent years, you can observe the same phenomenon with Jason Voorhees. The Friday the 13th film franchise has been on ice for over 15 years, but the iconic killer still lives on in the public consciousness as the definitive vision of what a slasher villain looks like. Sure, the recent “Jason Universe” announcement promises to put Jason back on the map as a force to be reckoned with, but I’d argue that his...
In more recent years, you can observe the same phenomenon with Jason Voorhees. The Friday the 13th film franchise has been on ice for over 15 years, but the iconic killer still lives on in the public consciousness as the definitive vision of what a slasher villain looks like. Sure, the recent “Jason Universe” announcement promises to put Jason back on the map as a force to be reckoned with, but I’d argue that his...
- 5/22/2024
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
Sega has enjoyed a fortunate year as its sales revenue jumped 20 percent, as per its latest financial report ending March 31, 2024. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Persona 3 Reload were among the major factors in this drive, but Rovio’s acquisition pushed the company’s revenue higher. Both of these games sold over a million copies within a week of their launch.
Apart from games, Sega had a successful journey in the film industry, as it saw Sonic the Hedgehog find its place in the sun. The company desires to expand the reach of its IPs, but before that, it may throw a lot of content from the Like a Dragon and Persona franchises.
Sega Should Focus on Quality if it is to Release Those Games
The original Persona 3 was released in 2006.
Sega must have its hands full if the recent reports surfacing on the internet are true. The company is potentially planning new titles,...
Apart from games, Sega had a successful journey in the film industry, as it saw Sonic the Hedgehog find its place in the sun. The company desires to expand the reach of its IPs, but before that, it may throw a lot of content from the Like a Dragon and Persona franchises.
Sega Should Focus on Quality if it is to Release Those Games
The original Persona 3 was released in 2006.
Sega must have its hands full if the recent reports surfacing on the internet are true. The company is potentially planning new titles,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Anurag Batham
- FandomWire
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the sequel to the 2012 title developed by Capcom. The game launched on March 22, 2024, and players looking forward to the title seem disappointed for various reasons. First of all, the performance issues that the game has on PC have been ruining gamers’ experiences.
Secondly, players seem to be deeply frustrated with another element in the game: the developer’s insistence on putting in microtransactions in a single-player video game. These microtransactions have also been cleverly termed Dlc on the game’s official product page on Steam, leading to widespread outrage.
Microtransactions in Dragon’s Dogma 2 Are Making Players Bitter There are a lot of hidden in-game purchases labeled as Dlc in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
For some context, one should be aware that as and when the game launched on Steam, various in-game purchases in the form of Dlc went live alongside it. The microtransactions in the game...
Secondly, players seem to be deeply frustrated with another element in the game: the developer’s insistence on putting in microtransactions in a single-player video game. These microtransactions have also been cleverly termed Dlc on the game’s official product page on Steam, leading to widespread outrage.
Microtransactions in Dragon’s Dogma 2 Are Making Players Bitter There are a lot of hidden in-game purchases labeled as Dlc in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
For some context, one should be aware that as and when the game launched on Steam, various in-game purchases in the form of Dlc went live alongside it. The microtransactions in the game...
- 3/24/2024
- by Sparsh Jaimini
- FandomWire
Sega is going back to the top with several hit games and others. The Japanese company is looking to expand its movie and transmedia empire. Hiring a former Disney executive, Justin Scarpone, to work on IPs like Persona and Like a Dragon, which could be adapted to film or other kinds of media like series.
Like a Dragon and Persona could have movies, according to Sega Persona could have a transmedia project in the future according to Sega
After the tremendous success of Sonic the Hedgehog at the box office, Shuji Utsumi, president of Sega, has declared that the company wants to expand the reach of its IPs beyond the videogames. Names like Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, Like a Dragon, and many more are being thrown around, and with the recent hire, there’s a possibility they’re thinking of more than just new games.
Like a Dragon and Persona could have movies, according to Sega Persona could have a transmedia project in the future according to Sega
After the tremendous success of Sonic the Hedgehog at the box office, Shuji Utsumi, president of Sega, has declared that the company wants to expand the reach of its IPs beyond the videogames. Names like Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, Like a Dragon, and many more are being thrown around, and with the recent hire, there’s a possibility they’re thinking of more than just new games.
- 3/1/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
When Elden Ring burst onto the scene in 2022, it breathed new life into the open world format, which was starting to stagnate for a lot of gamers. Players were plunged into the vast Lands Between, hunting Great Runes as the Tarnished. Elden Ring‘s biggest draw is its encouragement of exploration, rewarding players with epic bosses, rich lore, and legendary gear.
The question then lingers, are there any other open world games as immersive and engaging as the From Software masterpiece? The answer to that is a resounding yes, followed by five of our picks.
Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition
One of the most visually stunning games ever made, Horizon Forbidden West expands upon 2017’s Zero Dawn with a world that’s twice as large, teeming with fascinating characters, vicious enemies, and gorgeous landscapes. As the name suggests, the further you go west in the game,...
The question then lingers, are there any other open world games as immersive and engaging as the From Software masterpiece? The answer to that is a resounding yes, followed by five of our picks.
Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition
One of the most visually stunning games ever made, Horizon Forbidden West expands upon 2017’s Zero Dawn with a world that’s twice as large, teeming with fascinating characters, vicious enemies, and gorgeous landscapes. As the name suggests, the further you go west in the game,...
- 2/15/2024
- by Viraaj Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
The latest entry in the Like a Dragon (formerly known in the west as Yakuza ) series, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth , launched on January 26, 2024, and it's already cleared a major milestone. Sega announced that the game has punched its way past one million units in global shipments and digital sales, all within the first week of launch. Related: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review: The Biggest and Best Yet To celebrate the occasion, a special "big hit" t-shirt collection is available for free in-game. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is currently available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Source: Official Twitter...
- 2/2/2024
- by Joseph Luster
- Crunchyroll
In the realm of gaming, few have accomplished as much as streamer Ironmouse has without ever actually revealing their name. As a Puerto Rican singer and VTuber, she’s taken Twitch by storm as the platforms most followed and subscribed to VTuber, all while wearing the guise of her virtual persona, an anime-esque demon queen with a perky demeanor.
On top of amassing a rabid community and accolades — including winning “Best VTuber” and “Content Creator of the Year” at The Game Awards 2023, she’s also led philanthropic efforts to raise...
On top of amassing a rabid community and accolades — including winning “Best VTuber” and “Content Creator of the Year” at The Game Awards 2023, she’s also led philanthropic efforts to raise...
- 1/20/2024
- by Ironmouse and Christopher Cruz
- Rollingstone.com
While there are a lot of major games slated to drop in 2025 (Grand Theft Auto VI being chief among them), don’t sleep on 2024! There are a ton of exciting, hotly anticipated titles releasing next year that are primed to please fans of some of the longest-running franchises in gaming, some of whom have been waiting 20-plus years(!) to return to the worlds and characters they’ve grown to know and love.
Please just note that this list currently only includes games with a confirmed 2024 release date or release window. That means that you won’t find some of the more notable games that are currently only likely to be released in 2024 (like the upcoming Elden Ring Dlc). However, we will be updating this article as more titles receive confirmed 2024 release dates.
With that said, here are the biggest games releasing in 2024!
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft – January...
Please just note that this list currently only includes games with a confirmed 2024 release date or release window. That means that you won’t find some of the more notable games that are currently only likely to be released in 2024 (like the upcoming Elden Ring Dlc). However, we will be updating this article as more titles receive confirmed 2024 release dates.
With that said, here are the biggest games releasing in 2024!
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft – January...
- 12/18/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Sonic The Hedgehog’s big-screen success has left Sega boss Shuji Utsumi thinking about which of its other “major IPs” could be adapted into movies and more.
The Sonic The Hedgehog franchise has had its ups and downs since it appeared over 30 years ago, but more recent years have seen the blue blur back on form again. This year’s Sonic Superstars was a welcome mix of modern graphics and traditional 2D platforming, while the movies – most recently last year’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – are doing decent business.
That success has left Sega boss Shuji Utsumi openly talking about what other big names the company has in its back catalogue. Could some of those be dusted off and given the big-screen treatment? In an interview with CNBC, Utsumi noted that it has “other IPs,” adding, “We are thinking of reviving other classical IPs too.”
According to CNBC, Utsumi picked...
The Sonic The Hedgehog franchise has had its ups and downs since it appeared over 30 years ago, but more recent years have seen the blue blur back on form again. This year’s Sonic Superstars was a welcome mix of modern graphics and traditional 2D platforming, while the movies – most recently last year’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – are doing decent business.
That success has left Sega boss Shuji Utsumi openly talking about what other big names the company has in its back catalogue. Could some of those be dusted off and given the big-screen treatment? In an interview with CNBC, Utsumi noted that it has “other IPs,” adding, “We are thinking of reviving other classical IPs too.”
According to CNBC, Utsumi picked...
- 11/16/2023
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Kazuma Kiryu, the aloof, honorable hero of over a half-dozen Yakuza and Like a Dragon games, is believed to be dead. And he must let the world think that he is until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him. Of course, that doesn’t stop almost everyone from seeing through the ruse—and him from doing Kazuma Kiryu-like things in full view of the general public whenever he sees fit. Still, every time he’s asked, he’ll say that his name is Joryu. As it turns out, being dead is the one thing that Kazuma Kiryu is terrible at.
As Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name shows us, though, it’s not entirely his fault. Kiryu’s at least managed to stay somewhat low profile for a couple of years following the convoluted non-ending of Yakuza 6, keeping busy...
As Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name shows us, though, it’s not entirely his fault. Kiryu’s at least managed to stay somewhat low profile for a couple of years following the convoluted non-ending of Yakuza 6, keeping busy...
- 11/6/2023
- by Justin Clark
- Slant Magazine
Long cutscenes (and lots of them) have been kind of a Final Fantasy tradition for decades now. Learning to love this franchise often means learning to love putting the controller down from time to time and simply watching the story unfold. That being said, Final Fantasy 16‘s potentially record-setting total cutscene length may test even the most patient franchise fans.
Earlier this year, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida estimated that the game featured about 11 hours of “cinematic cutscenes” that were all “seamlessly interwoven into the game, playing in-engine in real-time.” He mentioned that the team really wanted to take the time to tell a complete story within the game, which many took as a reference to the fact that Final Fantasy 15‘s full story actually played out across multiple Dlc installments. Even if it wasn’t a reference to that controversial decision, many fans were happy to know that Final Fantasy 16 would offer a complete,...
Earlier this year, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida estimated that the game featured about 11 hours of “cinematic cutscenes” that were all “seamlessly interwoven into the game, playing in-engine in real-time.” He mentioned that the team really wanted to take the time to tell a complete story within the game, which many took as a reference to the fact that Final Fantasy 15‘s full story actually played out across multiple Dlc installments. Even if it wasn’t a reference to that controversial decision, many fans were happy to know that Final Fantasy 16 would offer a complete,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Like Ryu discovering a dark energy in himself powerful enough to level mountains in his fights against Akuma, something about the ass-kicking that Street Fighter V got at launch from fans and critics alike woke something up in Capcom. Certainly, Street Fighter 6 feels like the developer’s “and we took that personally” moment of reckoning. Because compared to Street Fighter V and Marvel vs Capcom Infinite, Street Fighter 6 hits hard, and in ways that the series hasn’t since the magnificent Street Fighter III: Third Strike back in 1999.
That’s more than a shallow comparison, because even more than Third Strike, Street Fighter 6 goes all in on its stunning neon-graffiti aesthetic, whose wild stylings are underscored by a hip-hop- and acid jazz-infused soundtrack that makes the game feel more like a semi-photoreal Jet Set Radio than a Street Fighter experience. But that’s just on the surface, because this is...
That’s more than a shallow comparison, because even more than Third Strike, Street Fighter 6 goes all in on its stunning neon-graffiti aesthetic, whose wild stylings are underscored by a hip-hop- and acid jazz-infused soundtrack that makes the game feel more like a semi-photoreal Jet Set Radio than a Street Fighter experience. But that’s just on the surface, because this is...
- 6/13/2023
- by Justin Clark
- Slant Magazine
The Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise (the name was recently unified across the globe) has been on fire in recent years. 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon revitalized the series with its new battle system and protagonist, and its timed Xbox exclusivity also opened it up to new audiences. Thanks to that game, the series finally surpassed 14 million sales, which might have convinced Sega that the market was ripe to give Western audiences some of the Yakuza games they never received.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! Is the “latest” entry in the Yakuza series. The game, which was originally released exclusively in Japan for the PlayStation 3, has finally reached Western shores thanks to this 2023 remake. And while I have yet to roll credits on this game, I have played enough to say it is the most Yakuza game of the bunch, for good and bad.
Once a Yakuza, Always a Yakuza
Anyone...
Like a Dragon: Ishin! Is the “latest” entry in the Yakuza series. The game, which was originally released exclusively in Japan for the PlayStation 3, has finally reached Western shores thanks to this 2023 remake. And while I have yet to roll credits on this game, I have played enough to say it is the most Yakuza game of the bunch, for good and bad.
Once a Yakuza, Always a Yakuza
Anyone...
- 2/26/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Like a Dragon: Ishin! originally debuted in 2014, just before its parent series Yakuza got its big break outside of Japan with Yakuza 0. While entries after that game quickly came westward (and now launch the same day worldwide), Ishin remained out of reach for audiences outside Japan until now. Inspired by the franchise’s explosion in popularity and the success of samurai-centric games like Ghost of Tsushima, Sega finally decided to remaster and localize the title.
Unfortunately, Ishin has a lot riding against it. It’s a “new” game outside of Japan that shows its age.
Unfortunately, Ishin has a lot riding against it. It’s a “new” game outside of Japan that shows its age.
- 2/17/2023
- by Brittany Vincent
- Rollingstone.com
Have you ever experienced a melting pot of design choices so unique that you can’t help but love the final result despite some glaring flaws? That’s how I felt while playing Wanted: Dead. The new game from development studio Soleil Ltd. is being described as a “love letter to the sixth generation of consoles” and has a dev team made up of former developers of Ninja Gaiden and Dead Alive. In a current gaming landscape consisting of battle passes, always online connections, and microtransactions, Wanted: Dead has the potential to be a cult throwback hit for an audience that desires that hardcore old-school experience.
Wanted: Dead puts players into the role of Lt. Hannah Stone, leader of the elite Zombie Unit. Zombie Unit is a division of the Hong Kong police department that consists of convicted war criminals, forced to work for the Chinese government and dealing with...
Wanted: Dead puts players into the role of Lt. Hannah Stone, leader of the elite Zombie Unit. Zombie Unit is a division of the Hong Kong police department that consists of convicted war criminals, forced to work for the Chinese government and dealing with...
- 2/16/2023
- by Reyna Cervantes
- bloody-disgusting.com
We are in the middle of a Yakuza renaissance, or at least we would be if the franchise still went by that name. Going forward, we should actually say that we are in the middle of a Like a Dragon renaissance. Yes, Sega has seemingly changed the Western name of one of its fastest-growing global franchises, and fans are understandably asking “Why?”
The recent PlayStation State of Play showcase was full of game trailers and announcements, but arguably one of the biggest reveals was the long-awaited Western remake of Yakuza’s samurai spin-off Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin!. But that was only the Yakuza franchise’s opening act. Earlier today, Sega revealed two more Yakuza games, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon 8. Oh, and Yakuza’s detective-themed spin-offs Judgment and Lost Judgment are now available on PC via Steam. Everything is seemingly coming...
The recent PlayStation State of Play showcase was full of game trailers and announcements, but arguably one of the biggest reveals was the long-awaited Western remake of Yakuza’s samurai spin-off Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin!. But that was only the Yakuza franchise’s opening act. Earlier today, Sega revealed two more Yakuza games, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon 8. Oh, and Yakuza’s detective-themed spin-offs Judgment and Lost Judgment are now available on PC via Steam. Everything is seemingly coming...
- 9/14/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Whenever Nintendo and Game Freak release a new Pokémon game, you usually expect high sales at best and decent sales at worst. However, Pokémon Legends: Arceus has blown past most expectations and seems poised to influence subsequent franchise entries. Of course, that raises an important question: If Pokemon Legends: Arceus truly represents the future of Pokemon, could it supplant the “traditional” mechanics from previous games going forward?
On February 3rd, Nintendo of America tweeted that Pokémon Legends: Arceus had sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide in its first week. According to CNET, this is a veritable record-shattering performance, as Pokémon Sword and Shield only pushed 6 million copies in their first week. Moreover, in Japan, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game ever (via Siliconera/Famitsu). Admittedly, the race to the top isn’t over yet, as the prior titles, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, have sold around 13.87 million copies.
On February 3rd, Nintendo of America tweeted that Pokémon Legends: Arceus had sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide in its first week. According to CNET, this is a veritable record-shattering performance, as Pokémon Sword and Shield only pushed 6 million copies in their first week. Moreover, in Japan, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game ever (via Siliconera/Famitsu). Admittedly, the race to the top isn’t over yet, as the prior titles, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, have sold around 13.87 million copies.
- 2/9/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
New Delhi, June 14 (Ians) Microsoft has announced a new lineup of 30 games, 27 of which will be included with Xbox Game Pass.
The new Game Pass titles, announced during Microsoft and Bethesda's joint E3 conference on Sunday, will have 11 new games available on the subscription service via Xbox and PC.
You'll see many games this holiday, including Forza Horizon 5, which will boast DirectX Raytracing on both Xbox Series X and S, and Battlefield 2042, which will run at 60fps while supporting 128 players on Xbox Series X|S.
"Some games launching next year from our first party studios and partners, such as Starfield, Redfall, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 require the speed, performance, and technology of Xbox Series X|S," Microsoft said in a statement.
The company announced a stellar line-up of Aaa titles, including a number of must-play titles from Xbox Games Studios and Bethesda that will be available...
The new Game Pass titles, announced during Microsoft and Bethesda's joint E3 conference on Sunday, will have 11 new games available on the subscription service via Xbox and PC.
You'll see many games this holiday, including Forza Horizon 5, which will boast DirectX Raytracing on both Xbox Series X and S, and Battlefield 2042, which will run at 60fps while supporting 128 players on Xbox Series X|S.
"Some games launching next year from our first party studios and partners, such as Starfield, Redfall, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 require the speed, performance, and technology of Xbox Series X|S," Microsoft said in a statement.
The company announced a stellar line-up of Aaa titles, including a number of must-play titles from Xbox Games Studios and Bethesda that will be available...
- 6/14/2021
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Gaming company DreamHack has announced the full list of winners at today’s second annual “The Dreamies” Award Show, with multiple award-winner Hades taking home the event’s top honor.
The awards covered 20 Gaming categories and 10 Community categories, honoring last year’s games with the most impressive visuals, development, and design.
The show featured music performances by Eskimo Callboy and Cane Hill; an animation world premiere by RockSoftCookie; character transformation by Djarii; Faces of the New G4; and special talent and presenters from across the gaming world, all streamed live globally via Twitch and later on demand via YouTube.
“DreamHack creates an arena where you can come to connect, explore, win, play a part, and be yourself through the gaming lifestyle experience,” said Justin Burnham, VP of creative for DreamHack. “We are so happy to bestow Dreamie love on the very best in global gaming through our distinctly-colorful, music-infused, uniquely-broadcast way.
The awards covered 20 Gaming categories and 10 Community categories, honoring last year’s games with the most impressive visuals, development, and design.
The show featured music performances by Eskimo Callboy and Cane Hill; an animation world premiere by RockSoftCookie; character transformation by Djarii; Faces of the New G4; and special talent and presenters from across the gaming world, all streamed live globally via Twitch and later on demand via YouTube.
“DreamHack creates an arena where you can come to connect, explore, win, play a part, and be yourself through the gaming lifestyle experience,” said Justin Burnham, VP of creative for DreamHack. “We are so happy to bestow Dreamie love on the very best in global gaming through our distinctly-colorful, music-infused, uniquely-broadcast way.
- 4/30/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Nearly a month after its release, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a hotly contested game. From those who have seen all of the game’s endings to those who are just trying to understand what all the buzz is about, nearly everyone seems to have an opinion on Cyberpunk 2077 and those opinions are rarely exactly alike.
Cut through the divisiveness, opinions, and occasional drama, though, and you’re left with the question “Is Cyberpunk 2077 a Success?”
It’s a seemingly simple question that proves to be much more complicated than you may anticipate. In an attempt to add some statistical context to the Cyberpunk 2077 situation, though, here’s our breakdown of the most notable metrics that typically define success in gaming and what they tell us about how CD Projekt Red’s game is really performing so far.
Cyberpunk 2077 Critic Reviews
While the initial Cyberpunk 2077 reviews were largely positive, subsequent critic reviews have...
Cut through the divisiveness, opinions, and occasional drama, though, and you’re left with the question “Is Cyberpunk 2077 a Success?”
It’s a seemingly simple question that proves to be much more complicated than you may anticipate. In an attempt to add some statistical context to the Cyberpunk 2077 situation, though, here’s our breakdown of the most notable metrics that typically define success in gaming and what they tell us about how CD Projekt Red’s game is really performing so far.
Cyberpunk 2077 Critic Reviews
While the initial Cyberpunk 2077 reviews were largely positive, subsequent critic reviews have...
- 1/7/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s reboot of the widely popular Yakuza franchise is finally out on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a major departure from the mainline series we’ve known for almost two decades, but it stands on its own as a quirky, yet original epic. This is our review of Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
The post Yakuza: Like a Dragon appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
The post Yakuza: Like a Dragon appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 11/15/2020
- by Matt Malliaros
- Cinelinx
I’ll go ahead and get the hyperbole out of the way: Yakuza: Like a Dragon ranks as one of my favorite games of 2020, and it’s easily the best game thus far in the Yakuza franchise. Although I had my doubts when it was announced — due to the game’s shift from highly stylized beat-em-up action to Dragon Quest-inspired turn-based combat — it didn’t take long for Like a Dragon to completely win me over. While I’d anticipated a goofy, over-the-top romp filled with that type of ridiculous nonsense that the series has delivered in the past, the latest installment assembles one of the most heartfelt stories in the entire franchise — spin-offs included. And if you’ve had your own doubts because of the shift in mechanics, don’t let that stop you from sinking hours upon hours into Like a Dragon — every single shift in design and...
- 11/10/2020
- by Todd Rigney
- We Got This Covered
With Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Sega has fundamentally reinvented almost every aspect of the long-running series, resulting in the freshest and most engaging Yakuza experience in years.
I was initially skeptical about the sudden transition to turn-based combat after Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio spent years honing the series’ beat ‘em up combat, but those doubts disappeared a few hours into the game and once I met Nanba, the third member of my party.
Nanba is an ex-nurse who fell on hard times and ended up living on the streets of Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijincho red light district. His default class is “homeless guy” and his main attacks are hitting things with an umbrella, summoning pigeons with beans to swarm his enemies, and spitting flaming bursts of alcohol at people. He’s one of my favorite RPG characters ever, and he perfectly illustrates how Like a Dragon expertly walks the fine...
I was initially skeptical about the sudden transition to turn-based combat after Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio spent years honing the series’ beat ‘em up combat, but those doubts disappeared a few hours into the game and once I met Nanba, the third member of my party.
Nanba is an ex-nurse who fell on hard times and ended up living on the streets of Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijincho red light district. His default class is “homeless guy” and his main attacks are hitting things with an umbrella, summoning pigeons with beans to swarm his enemies, and spitting flaming bursts of alcohol at people. He’s one of my favorite RPG characters ever, and he perfectly illustrates how Like a Dragon expertly walks the fine...
- 11/4/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Sony wants to follow-up on the historic success of the PlayStation 4 with its next-gen console, the unsurprisingly named PlayStation 5. With the PlayStation brand stronger than ever before, many people are already predicting that Sony could be in the driver’s seat heading into the next-generation of console gaming.
But that doesn’t mean a thing if you ain’t got those games. Sony will launch the PS5 with both a series of first-party exclusives and many next-gen third-party titles. Could these games be enough to beat out the Xbox Series X’s confirmed list of titles?
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the launch titles you’ll get on the PS5 as well as the PS4 games you’ll be able to upgrade to their PS5 versions for free and the PlayStation Collections library you can expect to see on day one:
PS5 Launch Games
Here’s the list...
But that doesn’t mean a thing if you ain’t got those games. Sony will launch the PS5 with both a series of first-party exclusives and many next-gen third-party titles. Could these games be enough to beat out the Xbox Series X’s confirmed list of titles?
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the launch titles you’ll get on the PS5 as well as the PS4 games you’ll be able to upgrade to their PS5 versions for free and the PlayStation Collections library you can expect to see on day one:
PS5 Launch Games
Here’s the list...
- 11/2/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The Xbox Series X and Series S are Microsoft’s next-gen consoles that will bring all-new graphics, faster load times, and plenty of ways to enjoy all of the games you love digitally through Xbox Game Pass, the Smart Delivery system, and backward compatibility. We’ve learned quite a bit about the Xbox Series X and Series S’s impressive specs as well as what the consoles look like. In fact, based on what we know so far, it looks like the Xbox Series X will be very stiff competition for Sony’s PlayStation 5.
But console wars always come down to one thing: the games. The Xbox Series X and Series S already has quite a few first-party and third-party titles in its lineup, including flagship titles like Halo Infinite, Avowed, and the new Fable. What else do you have to look forward to playing on the Xbox Series X?...
But console wars always come down to one thing: the games. The Xbox Series X and Series S already has quite a few first-party and third-party titles in its lineup, including flagship titles like Halo Infinite, Avowed, and the new Fable. What else do you have to look forward to playing on the Xbox Series X?...
- 11/2/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
After much speculation, Microsoft has finally released the full list of games that will be optimized for Xbox Series X/S when the console launches on November 10.
“When you power on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S on November 10, you will be greeted by the largest launch lineup in Xbox history,” says Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief. “Games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Watch Dogs: Legion, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Gears Tactics, and Tetris Effect: Connected will be some of the much-anticipated next-gen games you can play on day one. The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will launch with 30 new games playable day one, 20 of them with Smart Delivery that are upgraded automatically and thousands of backward compatible titles across four generations.”
Here is the current list of optimized Xbox Series X/S launch games:
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Smart Delivery)Borderlands 3 (Smart Delivery...
“When you power on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S on November 10, you will be greeted by the largest launch lineup in Xbox history,” says Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief. “Games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Watch Dogs: Legion, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Gears Tactics, and Tetris Effect: Connected will be some of the much-anticipated next-gen games you can play on day one. The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will launch with 30 new games playable day one, 20 of them with Smart Delivery that are upgraded automatically and thousands of backward compatible titles across four generations.”
Here is the current list of optimized Xbox Series X/S launch games:
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Smart Delivery)Borderlands 3 (Smart Delivery...
- 10/19/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Sega just unleashed a new trailer for Yakuza: Like a Dragon. It follows Ichiban Kasuga and his faithful party as he begins his epic quest through the crazy streets of Yokohama. That’s not all though, the trailer highlights some of the best parts of the Yakuza franchise, the minigames. The host city for Yakuza: Like […]
The post The Quest Begins in the Epic New Trailer for ‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’ appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
The post The Quest Begins in the Epic New Trailer for ‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’ appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 10/6/2020
- by Matt Malliaros
- Cinelinx
Sega has announced a release date shift for Yakuza: Like A Dragon, while offering up a new trailer showing the game off on the PlayStation 5. Fans looking forward to Yakuza: Like a Dragon in November will be able to play it just a little bit earlier. The game has shifted forward to November 10th, […]
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The post Yakuza: Like a Dragon Moves to November 10th, PS5 Release Details Revealed appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 9/28/2020
- by Jordan Maison
- Cinelinx
Microsoft’s next-generation consoles, the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, will launch on November 10, but you can preorder the upcoming systems at several stores starting today.
Getting a preorder now ensures you’ll receive the new system the day it’s released without having to go to a store, and can begin playing as soon as possible. We’ve put together his Faq to explain everything you need to know about Microsoft’s new consoles, including when and where you can preorder the hardware, which games will be available,...
Getting a preorder now ensures you’ll receive the new system the day it’s released without having to go to a store, and can begin playing as soon as possible. We’ve put together his Faq to explain everything you need to know about Microsoft’s new consoles, including when and where you can preorder the hardware, which games will be available,...
- 9/22/2020
- by Brandt Ranj
- Rollingstone.com
Sega has released a new gameplay trailer for their upcoming Yakuza reboot, “Like a Dragon“. In the trailer, we get a good look at the eccentric turn-based combat, diverse jobs and their combat styles, and a November 13 release date. What I love about this game so far is how it feels like a modern […]
The post ‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’ Rises on November 13; New Gameplay Trailer Revealed appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
The post ‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’ Rises on November 13; New Gameplay Trailer Revealed appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 8/25/2020
- by Matt Malliaros
- Cinelinx
Sega has revealed a brand new trailer for Yakuza: Like a Dragon, showing off more of the RPG action and gameplay, while announcing a November release date. November 13th. That’s when gamers will be able to get their hands on the next Yakuza game, Like a Dragon for the current generation platforms (it will also […]
The post Yakuza: Like a Dragon Gets a New Trailer and Current-Gen Release Date appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
The post Yakuza: Like a Dragon Gets a New Trailer and Current-Gen Release Date appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 8/24/2020
- by Jordan Maison
- Cinelinx
The announcement that Halo Infinite would be delayed to 2021 sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. The delay has left some skeptics wondering how exactly the Xbox Series X will be able to compete with the PlayStation 5 when both consoles launch this holiday.
After all, Microsoft had spent the last couple of years marketing Halo Infinite as a killer app for the Xbox Series X, a title that was going to be so much more than an Xbox Series X launch game. It was positioned to be the system-seller that the Xbox One struggled to find, not to mention the first Halo installment to launch with an Xbox console since the original Halo: Combat Evolved, the game that revolutionized multiplayer shooters and breathed life into Microsoft’s fledgling gaming brand in the early 2000s.
Any hopes that Halo Infinite’s launch day release on Xbox Series X would recreate those memories...
After all, Microsoft had spent the last couple of years marketing Halo Infinite as a killer app for the Xbox Series X, a title that was going to be so much more than an Xbox Series X launch game. It was positioned to be the system-seller that the Xbox One struggled to find, not to mention the first Halo installment to launch with an Xbox console since the original Halo: Combat Evolved, the game that revolutionized multiplayer shooters and breathed life into Microsoft’s fledgling gaming brand in the early 2000s.
Any hopes that Halo Infinite’s launch day release on Xbox Series X would recreate those memories...
- 8/13/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Microsoft has finally revealed a release window for the Xbox Series X. The console will be out this November, according to a new post on Xbox Wire.
The publisher also announced that Halo Infinite is being delayed to 2021, which means that the highly-anticipated shooter won’t be a launch game for the next-gen console. But Microsoft stressed that there will still be plenty of stuff to play on the Xbox Series X in November.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s releasing alongside the console launch:
More than 50 new games planned for this year across generations and optimized for Xbox Series X, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Dirt 5, Gears Tactics, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Watch Dogs: Legion. With Smart Delivery you only have to buy these games once to play the best versions for your console, across generations.New games developed for Xbox Series X and launching with Xbox Game Pass,...
The publisher also announced that Halo Infinite is being delayed to 2021, which means that the highly-anticipated shooter won’t be a launch game for the next-gen console. But Microsoft stressed that there will still be plenty of stuff to play on the Xbox Series X in November.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s releasing alongside the console launch:
More than 50 new games planned for this year across generations and optimized for Xbox Series X, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Dirt 5, Gears Tactics, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Watch Dogs: Legion. With Smart Delivery you only have to buy these games once to play the best versions for your console, across generations.New games developed for Xbox Series X and launching with Xbox Game Pass,...
- 8/11/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
343 Industries has delayed the release of Halo Infinite, the Xbox Series X‘s big flagship game, to 2021. This means the highly anticipated shooter will no longer be a launch title for the next-gen console, which will be out in November.
Studio head Chris Lee made the announcement on Twitter. Read the statement below:
Halo Infinite Development Update pic.twitter.com/TFZvXhRN9f
— Halo (@Halo) August 11, 2020
Lee explained that the release date was being pushed back “to ensure the team has adequate time to deliver a Halo game experience that meets our vision.”
The delay comes just a few weeks after Halo Infinite‘s gameplay was first unveiled during an Xbox Games Showcase. The footage was divisive, to say the least, with one section of fans lauding the game’s “back to basics” approach that harkens back to the classic Halo games from Bungie, while another group criticized the graphics and art style,...
Studio head Chris Lee made the announcement on Twitter. Read the statement below:
Halo Infinite Development Update pic.twitter.com/TFZvXhRN9f
— Halo (@Halo) August 11, 2020
Lee explained that the release date was being pushed back “to ensure the team has adequate time to deliver a Halo game experience that meets our vision.”
The delay comes just a few weeks after Halo Infinite‘s gameplay was first unveiled during an Xbox Games Showcase. The footage was divisive, to say the least, with one section of fans lauding the game’s “back to basics” approach that harkens back to the classic Halo games from Bungie, while another group criticized the graphics and art style,...
- 8/11/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X has put the company in the spotlight since its big reveal at the Game Awards last December, and the hype surrounding it has continued to grow every day. So far, they’ve shared a lot about the new hardware, such as its staggering level of power, controller reiteration and immense catalog of backwards compatible games that will be enhanced for the console at launch. What we still don’t know, however, is specifically when that launch will be, how much it will cost or when we can pre-order it.
Notably, Microsoft and Sony remain locked in a stand-off over pricing, which has seemingly delayed our ability to pre-order the new consoles and contributed to the reason why we don’t quite yet know exactly when either system will release this holiday season. Of course, the PlayStation 4 beat the Xbox One in the current generation in...
Notably, Microsoft and Sony remain locked in a stand-off over pricing, which has seemingly delayed our ability to pre-order the new consoles and contributed to the reason why we don’t quite yet know exactly when either system will release this holiday season. Of course, the PlayStation 4 beat the Xbox One in the current generation in...
- 7/24/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Sony’s wildly successful PlayStation 5 reveal gave us all the information we’d been waiting to hear about for months, including the announcement of 26 brand new games, plenty of cool accessories to look forward to and even the quite aesthetically-divisive hardware itself. We even know what the game cases will look like and how big the new DualSense controller is expected to be in comparison to the DualShock 4. Unfortunately, however, we still haven’t heard anything about a price, as it appears Sony and Microsoft are in a stand-off with one another in hopes of beating the other in value.
Because of this, we also don’t know much in the way of when we’ll get to pre-order the new hardware, but some HTML code listed on the PlayStation store seems to indicate that it’s likely to be sooner rather than later – though it appears only one console...
Because of this, we also don’t know much in the way of when we’ll get to pre-order the new hardware, but some HTML code listed on the PlayStation store seems to indicate that it’s likely to be sooner rather than later – though it appears only one console...
- 7/23/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Sega kicked off Comic Con @ Home today with a new gameplay trailer for Yakuza: Like a Dragon in addition to news that actor George Takei is joining the cast to voice the antagonist at the center of the game’s conflict. In the “Heroes of Tomorrow” trailer, developers showcased dynamic RPG gameplay featuring protagonist Ichiban […]
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The post Yakuza: Like a Dragon Gameplay Trailer, Voice Actors Revealed appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 7/22/2020
- by katykakes
- Cinelinx
Microsoft has released some new details about the “Optimized for Series X” badge you’ve seen on several next-gen game trailers in the last few months. In an Xbox Wire blog post, Microsoft explained that the tag is being used for games that have been “either natively designed or fully rebuilt” for the Xbox Series X.
“Optimized for Series X” games will “showcase anything from virtually eliminating load times via the Xbox Velocity Architecture, heightened visuals and hardware-accelerated DirectX raytracing powered by our custom, next-generation Gpu, to steadier and often higher framerates up to 120 fps.”
Games being built natively for the Xbox Series X include the console’s flagship title, Halo Infinite, while games like Gears 5 have been enhanced to “to dramatically leverage the power and features Xbox Series X has to offer.”
The company also released a short teaser showing off some of the other games that have been optimized for Xbox Series X,...
“Optimized for Series X” games will “showcase anything from virtually eliminating load times via the Xbox Velocity Architecture, heightened visuals and hardware-accelerated DirectX raytracing powered by our custom, next-generation Gpu, to steadier and often higher framerates up to 120 fps.”
Games being built natively for the Xbox Series X include the console’s flagship title, Halo Infinite, while games like Gears 5 have been enhanced to “to dramatically leverage the power and features Xbox Series X has to offer.”
The company also released a short teaser showing off some of the other games that have been optimized for Xbox Series X,...
- 6/25/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Sega is bringing the next Yakuza game to next-gen consoles. Release in Japan as Yakuza 7, Like a Dragon is meant to be an all-new jumping-on point for newcomers to the series, introducing a new main character and storyline.
You play as Ichiban Kasuga, “a low-ranking grunt of a low-ranking yakuza family, betrayed, alone, and left on the brink of death by the man he trusted most.” After being released from an 18-year prison sentence, Ichiban must work his way up the ladder, performing a mix of jobs and tasks in the city of Yokohama.
“Level up 19 different ‘Jobs’ far from traditional RPG fare: Ichiban isn’t a Warrior or a Mage, but he can be a Bodyguard, a Musician, or even a Chef!” Sega said in a press release. “Each Job has completely unique strengths and skills – you can mix and match to find the right setup for any encounter.
You play as Ichiban Kasuga, “a low-ranking grunt of a low-ranking yakuza family, betrayed, alone, and left on the brink of death by the man he trusted most.” After being released from an 18-year prison sentence, Ichiban must work his way up the ladder, performing a mix of jobs and tasks in the city of Yokohama.
“Level up 19 different ‘Jobs’ far from traditional RPG fare: Ichiban isn’t a Warrior or a Mage, but he can be a Bodyguard, a Musician, or even a Chef!” Sega said in a press release. “Each Job has completely unique strengths and skills – you can mix and match to find the right setup for any encounter.
- 6/10/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Sega revealed a new Yakuza game, Like a Dragon, during the Inside Xbox event that will bring an all new cast and setting to the franchise. The iconic Yakuza franchise continues on into the next-gen and will be bringing a handful of changes to the series with, Like a Dragon: Along with the all-new cast […]
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The post Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a Xbox Series X Launch Title appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 5/7/2020
- by Jordan Maison
- Cinelinx
The award-winning queer Dominican author Rita Indiana makes a blazing comeback to the rap game with her latest track, “Como Un Dragón,” the lead single from Mandinga Times, her first new album in 10 years. Set for release in June, the album was produced by her San Juan neighbor Eduardo Cabra, a.k.a. Visitante of Calle 13.
A freakish combo of dembow and hard rock, “Como Un Dragón,” or “Like a Dragon,” sets the scene for Rita’s epic reintroduction. “There is a darkness cloaked in comedy,” the artist explains in a press statement.
A freakish combo of dembow and hard rock, “Como Un Dragón,” or “Like a Dragon,” sets the scene for Rita’s epic reintroduction. “There is a darkness cloaked in comedy,” the artist explains in a press statement.
- 4/24/2020
- by Suzy Exposito
- Rollingstone.com
In an interview with IndieWire back in 1996, one year before the death of the famous Zatoichi actor Shintaro Katsu, Takashi Miike said “I plan to make some sort of jidai-geki. Traditional with kimonos, swords and Samurais, as “Lone Wold and Cub” or “Zatoichi”. Its going to be for all of the family. It will be a mixture of Shakespeare and Samurais.” He intended to cast Takeshi Kitano for the lead, but Kitano wanted to direct the movie himself and so Miike got kicked out of the project that he once started. Kitano continued the production and finally released “Zatoichi – The Blind Swordsman” in 2003.
But Miike, not known for being work-shy, picks up his idea again in 2007 to direct a stage play with Sho Aikawa as Ichi. In addition to crowd-pleasers like “Crows Zero” (2007), “Sukiyaki Western Django” (2007), and “Like a Dragon” (2007), Miike’s turn to the traditional Japanese theatre, Kabuki, proofs...
But Miike, not known for being work-shy, picks up his idea again in 2007 to direct a stage play with Sho Aikawa as Ichi. In addition to crowd-pleasers like “Crows Zero” (2007), “Sukiyaki Western Django” (2007), and “Like a Dragon” (2007), Miike’s turn to the traditional Japanese theatre, Kabuki, proofs...
- 2/28/2020
- by Alexander Knoth
- AsianMoviePulse
Takashi Miike’s second phase of filmmaking, the one mostly dealing with manga adaptations, has been at its best when the Japanese master was able to make films that function as a collage of different ideas. “Ai to Makoto”, the manga by Ikki Kajiwara and Takumi Nagayasu the film is based on, gave Miike a perfect opportunity to produce a movie in that style, as it includes elements of 70s exploitation, musical and anime/manga aesthetics, to name a few. Let us take things from the beginning though.
The anime intro begins in 1961, when a skiing accident introduces the aristocrat Ai to the punk Makoto. 11 years later, and in live-action mode, the two meet again, when Ai, a senior in a prestigious high school, stumbles upon Makoto as he fights the members of a Tokyo gang on his own. Makoto emerges victorious, after the first musical act of the film,...
The anime intro begins in 1961, when a skiing accident introduces the aristocrat Ai to the punk Makoto. 11 years later, and in live-action mode, the two meet again, when Ai, a senior in a prestigious high school, stumbles upon Makoto as he fights the members of a Tokyo gang on his own. Makoto emerges victorious, after the first musical act of the film,...
- 8/5/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Pusan International Film Festival
BUSAN, South Korea -- Protean and prolific director Takashi Miike's latest youth actioner can be described as Volcano High with brains. Unlike Volcano, a Korean teen cult action film which delivers punch after punch of repetitive mind-numbing violence, Crows Episode 0 (Kurouzu Episoudo Zero) lucidly dissects the infrastructure of gangland in a high school, showing how it's a miniature of the yakuza pecking order. For those who prefer mind-numbing violence, there is enough protracted fist fights to give them concussions.
Crows is intended as the first of a trilogy adapted from Hiroshi Takahashi's manga series that sold some 32 million copies. Luckily, like other Miike films adapted from another media, Crows can be understood and enjoyed without any knowledge of its source. The film has Korean distribution, and like the recent, game-inspired Like a Dragon, it will be snapped up by Miike's regular fans.
The prelude before the opening credits shows yakuza mutt Ken getting shot at the docks. As he sinks into the water, he yells, "Genji, if I hadn't known you..." The ending will come full circle to this sequence giving it a new meaning.
The real action starts at Suzuran High, nicknamed School for Crows for the scum it enrolls. Miike introduces a squad of full-on characters who have different physical looks and degrees of viciousness. The arrival of transfer student Genji Takiya (Shyun Oguri) and his open dissing of Top Dog Tamao Serisawa (Takiyuku Yamada) intensify the turf war. Genji vows to conquer the school as a litmus test to outdo his yakuza dad. Ken, a middle-aged Suzuran dropout, re-enters the picture as Genji's sidekick/mentor. They start a takeover war that puts the adage "if you can't beat them, join them" into painful practice. The ensuing strategic maneuvers, alliance building and shifts in balance of power mirror corporate culture. They are fascinating even for cerebral audiences.
There is also no lack of smutty humor, like group date setup that gets very sticky in the pants. The young cast overall give a strong performance but the romantic sideline is very weak. Goro Kishitani, the psycho yakuza in Like a Dragon steals the show in a cameo as Genji's father, a calm and collected crime boss with worldly-wise philosophy to spare.
After a succession of one-to-one tussles and battle royales that remind one of moving up levels in computer games, the film slowly builds up a moral universe with values of loyalty, friendship and self-sacrifice that are conservative and echo the epic struggle between historical Genji and Heike clans, Japan's answer to The War of the Roses, which Miike reinterpreted in Sukiyaki Western Django. Unlike Django, one actually develops grudging respect for both sides.
The final show down is shot in a stylized f/x mix of slow motion and suddenly cranked up action. Except for an eye-popping car/motorbike chase, action choreography, though ferocious and graphic enough throughout, is not the most original of Miike's works. However, the ending is a cliffhanger that definitely psyches the audience up for the sequel.
The original comic is supposed to be a 1990s bible for Japanese Yankee (country pumpkin hooligans that have style affinity with the Leningrad Cowboys), but the image designer has revamped the handsome cast with slick black school uniforms and spiky gelled hair that makes them look very crow-like indeed. The dominant visual tone of moody black, grey and muddy brown adds a touch of mellowness to the rough-and-tumble.
CROWS EPISODE 0
TBS Pictures/Toho/MBS/Akita Shuten/CBC/Happinet
Credits:
Director: Takashi Miike
Screenwriter: Shogo Muto
Based on the comic by Hiroshi Takahashi
Producers: Mataichiro Yamamoto, Hidemi Satani
Director of photography: Takumi Furutani
Production designer: Yuji Hayashida
Music: Naoki Otsubo
Editor: Shuichi Kakesu
Cast:
Genji Takiya: Shyun Oguri
Tamao Serisawa: Takayuki Yamada
Ken Katagiri: Kyousuke Yabe
Ruka: Meisa Kuroka
Makise: Tsutomua Takahashi
Hideo Takiya: Goro KishitaniNo MPAA rating...
BUSAN, South Korea -- Protean and prolific director Takashi Miike's latest youth actioner can be described as Volcano High with brains. Unlike Volcano, a Korean teen cult action film which delivers punch after punch of repetitive mind-numbing violence, Crows Episode 0 (Kurouzu Episoudo Zero) lucidly dissects the infrastructure of gangland in a high school, showing how it's a miniature of the yakuza pecking order. For those who prefer mind-numbing violence, there is enough protracted fist fights to give them concussions.
Crows is intended as the first of a trilogy adapted from Hiroshi Takahashi's manga series that sold some 32 million copies. Luckily, like other Miike films adapted from another media, Crows can be understood and enjoyed without any knowledge of its source. The film has Korean distribution, and like the recent, game-inspired Like a Dragon, it will be snapped up by Miike's regular fans.
The prelude before the opening credits shows yakuza mutt Ken getting shot at the docks. As he sinks into the water, he yells, "Genji, if I hadn't known you..." The ending will come full circle to this sequence giving it a new meaning.
The real action starts at Suzuran High, nicknamed School for Crows for the scum it enrolls. Miike introduces a squad of full-on characters who have different physical looks and degrees of viciousness. The arrival of transfer student Genji Takiya (Shyun Oguri) and his open dissing of Top Dog Tamao Serisawa (Takiyuku Yamada) intensify the turf war. Genji vows to conquer the school as a litmus test to outdo his yakuza dad. Ken, a middle-aged Suzuran dropout, re-enters the picture as Genji's sidekick/mentor. They start a takeover war that puts the adage "if you can't beat them, join them" into painful practice. The ensuing strategic maneuvers, alliance building and shifts in balance of power mirror corporate culture. They are fascinating even for cerebral audiences.
There is also no lack of smutty humor, like group date setup that gets very sticky in the pants. The young cast overall give a strong performance but the romantic sideline is very weak. Goro Kishitani, the psycho yakuza in Like a Dragon steals the show in a cameo as Genji's father, a calm and collected crime boss with worldly-wise philosophy to spare.
After a succession of one-to-one tussles and battle royales that remind one of moving up levels in computer games, the film slowly builds up a moral universe with values of loyalty, friendship and self-sacrifice that are conservative and echo the epic struggle between historical Genji and Heike clans, Japan's answer to The War of the Roses, which Miike reinterpreted in Sukiyaki Western Django. Unlike Django, one actually develops grudging respect for both sides.
The final show down is shot in a stylized f/x mix of slow motion and suddenly cranked up action. Except for an eye-popping car/motorbike chase, action choreography, though ferocious and graphic enough throughout, is not the most original of Miike's works. However, the ending is a cliffhanger that definitely psyches the audience up for the sequel.
The original comic is supposed to be a 1990s bible for Japanese Yankee (country pumpkin hooligans that have style affinity with the Leningrad Cowboys), but the image designer has revamped the handsome cast with slick black school uniforms and spiky gelled hair that makes them look very crow-like indeed. The dominant visual tone of moody black, grey and muddy brown adds a touch of mellowness to the rough-and-tumble.
CROWS EPISODE 0
TBS Pictures/Toho/MBS/Akita Shuten/CBC/Happinet
Credits:
Director: Takashi Miike
Screenwriter: Shogo Muto
Based on the comic by Hiroshi Takahashi
Producers: Mataichiro Yamamoto, Hidemi Satani
Director of photography: Takumi Furutani
Production designer: Yuji Hayashida
Music: Naoki Otsubo
Editor: Shuichi Kakesu
Cast:
Genji Takiya: Shyun Oguri
Tamao Serisawa: Takayuki Yamada
Ken Katagiri: Kyousuke Yabe
Ruka: Meisa Kuroka
Makise: Tsutomua Takahashi
Hideo Takiya: Goro KishitaniNo MPAA rating...
- 10/7/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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