10 Video Game Side Missions That MASSIVELY Change The Main Story

Sega’s beat-em-up franchise quickly became a fan favourite, following the Dragon of Dojima, Kazuma Kiryu. Retiring from Yakuza life to run an Okinawan orphanage, Kiryu finds himself drawn back into Japan’s underworld as a resort deal threatens his new life.

Becoming close with Okinawa’s Ryudo family and its captain, Rikiya Shimabukuro, this dispute brings them back to Tokyo’s red light district, Kamurocho. Filled with over 100 side missions, its most crucial one occurs within Chapter 6, taking Rikiya to Kiryu’s former tattoo artist, Master Utabori.

Much like the 4th Chairman, Rikiya sports a large back tattoo, this one depicting a Viper. Intended to symbolise the Okinawa spirit, his tattoo artist passed away before completion. Determined to have it finished it, they approach Utabori but he initially refuses. Upon leaving, they run into some thugs and witnessing Rikiya’s good character, Utabori finally agrees.

It’s a bonding moment for the duo but it doesn’t end here, as a further Chapter 6 mission reunites Rikiya with childhood friend, Natsumi, who's working at a bikini bar. Taking advantage of Rikiya’s good nature, she gets him involved with loan sharks before Kiryu intervenes, showing her the consequences and coming to his defence. Filled with guilt, Natsumi tearfully apologises but rather than react angrily, Rikiya shows compassion.

These don’t change the outcome of the main story but several chapters later, Rikiya's life is brought to an untimely end, fatally wounded by crime boss Tetsuo Tamashiro. By undertaking these missions, it brings his character arc to completion and makes for a far more impactful goodbye.