With the Like a Dragon: Yakuza television series set to debut on Amazon Prime this October, SEGA has published starter packs to the PS Store that bundle together some of the series' most important games for those getting started with the franchise. The Yakuza Series Starter Pack pairs Yakuza Kiwami with Yakuza Kiwami 2 for £24.99 / $29.99 and the Like a Dragon Series Starter Pack combines Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth for £64.99 / $79.99.
Series chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto explained RGG Studio wished to "create clear starting points" for the series for newcomers as the brand expands to new mediums. He continues: "I hope offering these series starter packs at a value will create many new fans who play each series as we envisioned, from the beginning and in release order."
With access to Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 at once, new players will be able to experience the origins of main character Kazuma Kiryu, with remasters of the first PS2 entries on PS4. However, given that Yakuza 0 takes places before both of them and serves as the perfect entry point for the entire franchise, it's surprising to not see it included in a Yakuza Series Starter Pack. At least the Like a Dragon counterpart will fully document Ichiban Kasuga's story up until now, with both of the titles that focus on him included.
If you want to buy absolutely every Yakuza game, from Yakuza 0 through to Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, then a third new bundle can also be found on the PS Store: the Yakuza Complete Series bundle, costing £94.99 / $109.99. We have our own Yakuza starter guide built into our Best Yakuza / Like a Dragon Games Ranked page, which you can check out via the link.
As for the Amazon Prime live-action TV adaptation, Like a Dragon: Yakuza loosely follows the events of the first game and will be available from 25th October 2024. Are you interested in the show, and will you be buying either of these starter packs? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 21
It's a decent idea, but no Yakuza 0 is a criminal offence.
I forgot about the show's existence.
I'm really looking forward to the Yakuza tv show. Films and shows have really turned a corner in the last few years, starting with the Sonic movie. I don't think there has been a genuinely bad on in a few years
Ahh the brave new world where games routinely $8 jump to $30 for a 2 pack because a TV show happens.
As a massive Yakuza fan this would maybe have been the one and only TV show from gaming that interests me at all, but, for me, I think Kuroda's voice is 80% of everything I cherish about Kiryu and his story. Without his voice, I don't think the character has the same feeling at all. He's also what made me enjoy FotNS semi-Kiryu character. I'm not one of those "subs over dubs" anime obsessives, but in this one case, Kuroda = Kiryu, and without him, Kiryu doesn't matter. It's Han Solo without Harrison Ford. It just doesn't work.
I really need to get back to Like A Dragon. It felt way too convoluted for me when it first released, and even though I was enjoying it, I wasn’t in the right head space. Maybe I’ll tackle that game after I finish the few games I am playing. I hear nothing but amazing things about Infinite Wealth, and it’s always on my radar. As for the Yakuza games, 0 is one of my all time favorite games — and it’s what introduced me to this franchise rather than just hearing about it.
Good idea, but when most of the older games are regularly on sale for $5, a bundle like this kinda defeats the purpose for me.
@Lup you and me both.
@Jayslow I guess these bundles will also go on sale, though, to be fair.
I can't wait for the show. Really hoping they do it justice.
I think the best place to start for newcomers is either 0 or 7. 0 if you really want to know all the history of the characters and story. 7 if you aren't ready to commit to the entire series but are intrigued by the newer ones turn-based battle systems.
At this point I'm convinced I will never play main Yakuza series. Too much time and every game being 30+ hours is just a big fat no.
I am curious about Judgement and its sequel though. Those I will play hopefully.
@Scottyy Just go for it. People get put off by the commitment but that many quality games are worth so much more than the 100s of hours people put into live services yearly.
@Scottyy I’ve been playing through the Yakuza games this year. Started with Kiwami and have played through Zero, 1, 2, 3 and Judgement. The only games that are longer than 20 hours of those are Zero and Judgement. The Yakuza games are actually short if you mainline them.
Kiwami 1 and 2 are probably best in the series. If you're thinking of playing the series just start with these, you can play 0 and the others later. I hope they make Kiwami 3 soon though
During the last sale i scored Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1 and 2 for £10.47 🤓
@Gost
Yeah I played 0 and K1, got K2 lined up, but doing it all slowly in the hopes of K3 being out when I'm done with K2
@Doctor_BK
I am a bit obsessive so mainlining wouldn't suit me. :/
This is a horrendous sale.
You could get Yakuza 0-7 for less than £50 on previous sales.
Heck I got into the franchise with Yakuza 0 for £5. Best £5 I've spent.
why are they recommending to start with kiwami when 0 is right there!
Definitely waiting for Infinite Wealth to get to 50% off now.
@Scottyy idk I think it’s better than skipping them
In other news I bought both Judgement games in the last PS Store sale.
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