10 Best RPG Characters Of All Time

Having stepped back into the spotlight with the launch of Yakuza Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban Kasuga was introduced to the series in Yakuza: Like A Dragon.

For those who aren’t versed in the history of the franchise there’s only one big thing you need to know narrative-wise and that’s the fact that Kasuga had some unbelievably big Kiryu-sized shoes to fill. Series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu died at the end of Yakuza 6 after starring in no less than 12 main series games before Kasuga rocked up.

Spoiler, but not really a spoiler, it turned out Kiryu didn’t die like we thought he did, but when Like A Dragon first came out there was no reason to think our beloved protagonist hadn’t been completely replaced.

So, who could step into the shoes of our stoic yet kind, unbelievably tough and stylish yakuza with a troubled and heart-wrenching backstory who just oozes cool wherever he goes and whatever he does?

A goofball.

A totally loveable self-declaring hero who, despite falling afoul of some nasty adversaries that land him in prison and hot water more than once, never lets himself stay knocked down. Ichiban Kasuga, in many ways, is the only protagonist who could have followed Kiryu because apart from their combat prowess and willingness to help the little guy, the two share very little in common.

Kasuga is emotional, vulnerable, impulsive, and outlandish. He’s childish in an endearing way and imagines himself as the hero he wants to be. He’s just a guy with big dreams who’s happy to be here and do what he can even when he can’t work out how just yet. Also, he really pulls off that red suit.

Besting the impossible task of following a character who could easily have snagged a spot on this list while impressing even veterans of the franchise, Kasuga’s popularity can’t be denied.