Amazon's upcoming live-action drama series "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" draws inspiration from Sega’s popular Yakuza game franchise. Directed by Masaharu Take, the series premieres on October 25 on Prime Video. The narrative blends elements from the first game released in 2005 with original content, set primarily in the fictional Tokyo district Kamurocho in the mid-1990s and 2005. Ryoma Takeuchi, known for his role in "Kamen Rider Drive," takes on the challenging role of Kazuma Kiryu, the iconic series protagonist. Takeuchi shared his dedication to accurately portraying Kiryu, emphasizing his physical transformation and respect for the game's origins while creating a fresh interpretation of the character. The series promises action-packed sequences and a faithful recreation of Kamurocho's vibrant atmosphere. "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" is poised to attract both game fans and broader audiences, exploring themes of family, love, and honor within the Japanese crime underworld.
When will the "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" series be released on Prime Video?The "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" series will be released on Prime Video on October 25.
"Like a Dragon: Yakuza" is based on the renowned Yakuza game series developed by Sega. The first game, simply titled "Yakuza," was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. The games primarily focus on Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza member navigating the criminal underworld of Kamurocho, a fictional Tokyo district heavily inspired by Kabukicho. Known for its in-depth storytelling, intricate character development, and dynamic combat system, the franchise has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Apart from the core narrative, the Yakuza games are celebrated for their rich open-world elements, engaging side stories, and diverse mini-games, making Kamurocho feel like a living, breathing entity. The live-action series aims to capture the essence of this beloved gaming universe while introducing new storylines and characters to broaden its appeal.
Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
Read more articles from Jordan Keats
Comments
I'm pretty excited for this Like a Dragon: Yakuza series Ryoma Takeuchi seems like a solid pick for Kazuma Kiryu, and if they nail Kamurocho's vibe, it could be a real treat for both long-time fans and newcomers.
I'm stoked to see how Like a Dragon: Yakuza translates those beloved game elements into a live-action format, especially with Ryoma Takeuchi's commitment to bringing Kazuma Kiryu to life. If they nail the atmosphere of Kamurocho and maintain the complex storytelling, this series is going to be a huge hit with both gamers and new viewers alike
It's awesome seeing Like a Dragon: Yakuza making the leap to live-action with the same attention to detail that made the games a hit With Ryoma Takeuchi dedicated to nailing Kiryu's character and the vibrant recreation of Kamurocho, both fans and newcomers are in for a treat come October 25.