Summary
Yakuza, also known asLike a Dragon, is a popular video game franchises that has been on an upward trajectory ever since the release ofYakuza 0. Kiryu’s epic adventures are a joy to witness as players do everything possible to help this monster achieve his goal by bowling over his opposition.
The series also features other protagonists who engage in climactic battles of their own. Some of these confrontations can be especially emotional and showcase why fans love the serious storytelling of this franchise, which somehow pairs off well with the goofy content players can enjoy, too.
Daigo Dojima is one of the most important characters in the series, making an appearanceacross severalYakuzagames. He’s Kiryu’s steadfast friend and ally in almost all his appearances, but there are times when some sense needs to be beaten into him.
This happens inYakuza 4, where players find out that he’s a willing participant at the heart of the controversy that the four protagonists were uncovering. As a result, Kiryu chooses to face off against his ally in an emotional battle where both their ideals and might clash against each other in an amazing conflict.
When Majima encounters Nishitani for the first time, he can’t help but be perplexed by this criminal’s wanton attitude. However, deep down, he wanted to be wild and not to be chained down by anything.
This is why their meeting in prison is fateful, with the duo duking it out one more time. However, after things go south, Nishitani decides to take the hit for Majima and helps him escape.The one-eyed yakuzadidn’t know it then, but this fateful encounter would later shape everything from his morals to his fighting style.
Yu Nanba seemed like nothing more than a simple homeless man who decided to aid Ichiban in his goals. It’s not until later on that his true motives are revealed, with Nanba being downright desperate to find out any information about his brother.
This leads to him switching sides and taking on Ichiban and his friends in an emotional confrontation. He feels dejected after losing, only for Seonhee to reveal that she knows about his brother. He’s safe and lives a peaceful life under the Geomijul’s watchful gaze, but Nanba still feels thathis betrayal isn’t going to slide. However, Ichiban shoves aside his doubts and convinces Nanba to join the group after an emotional outburst, further proving why this new protagonist became a fan favorite so quickly.
When Kiryu faces off against Someya for the first time, he seems like nothing more than a cocky upstart who needed to be put in his place. It’s not until later that more context is provided for the player, making for a third and final confrontation that is loaded with emotion.
Someya does everything he can to satiate Tsuneo, the man who’d kept his ex-wife hostage at that point. This leads to a brutal moment where Someya disembowels himself under Tsuneo’s orders, leading to an emotional end to his life. Kiryu decides to honor his memory by hunting down his ex-wife and giving Tsuneo the beatdown he deserves.
4Kiryu Kazuma Vs. Daisaku Kuze
Kuze Tests Kiryu Multiple Times, Heightening The Emotion Of Each Successive Battle
Yakuza 0sees Kiryu transform from a fledgling yakuza intothe fearsome Dragon of Dojima, with Kuze standing in his way more often than not. Every successive encounter with this boss is loaded with emotion, from the cinematic second fight in the sewers to their battle after Tachibana suffers a mortal blow.
However, one may argue that the most emotional encounter they have is their final fight, where Kiryu shows how much he’s matured and proves himself to Kuze once and for all. Almost every Kuze fight fits the bill here and showcases why fans fell in love with this antagonist during their playthrough ofYakuza 0.
From the momentKiryu and Ryuji cross paths, it’s clear that they’re on a collision course. While they do duke it out two times, it’s not until their final confrontation that the stakes and emotions are at an all-time high.
After suffering major gunshot wounds, the two decide to push themselves to the very limit in a melancholic final battle wherethe music hammers in just how tragic this encounter is. Thankfully, Ryuji gets his closure by reuniting with his sister and sharing a tender moment before he passes.
2Ichiban Kasuga Vs. Ryo Aoki/Masato Arakawa
Ichiban Beats Some Sense Into The Young Master And Makes Him See The Error Of His Ways
A huge part of what makesYakuza: Like a Dragonso special ishow Ichiban’s raw emotions heighten the stakes of any climactic battle. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the final fight, where Ichiban teams up with his friends to take on Ryo Aoki before finally engaging in a one-on-one battle against the man formerly known as Masato Arakawa, something that is acknowledged in the game’s final dramatic intro.
Ichiban pummels him into submission before meeting Masato near the locker where the young master had been left as a child. What follows is an emotional outburst that will make many fans shed a tear, with Ichiban’s heartfelt rant changing Masato’s mind and finally making him see the error of his ways.
Nothing comes close to the final fight ofYakuza Kiwami, especially if players lovedthe bond these two shared in theYakuza 0prequel. Unfortunately, Kiryu’s stint in prison leaves him unable to help Nishikiyama during his downfall, where he bows down to the people working for him and tries to save his sister by any means necessary.
Unfortunately, he trusted the wrong doctor, who took the money and fled after paying his debts. Nishikiyama was close to ending his life at this point, but he vented his frustration with his insubordinate lieutenant and transformed into a power-hungry yakuza who would take over the Tojo Clan, even if it meant cutting ties with his closest friend.
