10 Video Game Sequels That COMPLETELY Changed Genre
8. Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Yakuza's popularity has grown significantly over the past few years, quickly going from untapped Japanese obscurity to one of video games' most beloved series.
The franchise has been a mainstay on PlayStation systems for a decade and a half, and part of its sustained success was its commitment to flashy, fun fight scenes that seldom get boring. Cracking a traffic cone over a goon's head before switching combat styles and pummelling the rest with your bare hands was always a delight, so it was a surprise when developer Ryu Ga Gotoku saw the opportunity to do something different after Kiryu's tale reached an end in Yakuza 6.
Switching from real-time combat that draws inspiration from classic arcade beat-em-ups, Yakuza: Like A Dragon opts instead for turn-based combat mechanics resembling JRPG titles of old.
The presentation is certainly familiar to fans, and certainly won't be confused for anything other than a Yakuza title, but implementing a combat system similar to that of Persona 5's strategic, yet stylish, gameplay was a radical change to the beloved system of previous entries, and a curious decision to say the least.