In the run-up to next week’s launch of Yakuza samurai spin-off Like a Dragon: Ishin, Sega has released a two-part combat demo for Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam.
Like a Dragon: Ishin, if you’re unfamiliar, originally released for PlayStation 3 and PS4 in Japan (under the name Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin!) back in 2014, transplanting the chaotic open-world Yakuza formula to the Late Edo Period for a historical slice of samurai action.
That action follows protagonist Sakamoto Ryōma as he returns to his home in Tosa where, after a run-in with a high-ranking samurai, he’s sentenced to be executed. Thankfully for both Ryōma and the game’s run-time, that particular crisis is averted, and our lead embarks on a quest through 1860s Kyo that blends story, action, and mini-games in much the same vein as Yakuza.
Sega has called Like a Dragon: Ishin a “ground up” rebuilding of the original, and players can now put two of the game’s “action-packed” segments – specifically a fight at Kiyomizu Temple and a battle against three armoured warriors – through their paces, courtesy of the publisher’s new combat demo on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Like a Dragon: Ishin – which is also coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One – gets its full release next Tuesday, 21st February, when it’ll cost £49.99/€59.99 for the Digital Standard Edition. There’s also a £54.99/€69.99 Digital Deluxe Edition which, alongside a selection of cosmetic and resource bonuses, provides early access to the game from tomorrow, 17th February.
