The star of Like a Dragon: Yakuza hasn't played the games - and I couldn't be happier

EntertainmentStreaming ServicesAmazon Prime VideoLike a Dragon: YakuzaThe star of Like a Dragon: Yakuza hasn’t played the games - and I couldn’t be happierWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentStreaming ServicesAmazon Prime VideoLike a Dragon: YakuzaThe star of Like a Dragon: Yakuza hasn’t played the games - and I couldn’t be happierWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Prime Video) If ever there was a game series ripe for a live-action streaming show, it’s Like a Dragon. Also known as Yakuza, theSegafranchise has immense quality in both its characters and world, with developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio delivering some extraordinary stories since the original game released in 2005. So, when Amazon announced its upcoming showLike a Dragon: Yakuza, it was a big day for fans. Then, lead actor Ryoma Takeuchi announced he hadn’t played any of the games. When the newsbroke, residents of the Internet voiced their concerns. The series has a loyal, protective fanbase, and this apparent disregard for the titles was perceived as a negative. However, as a committed member of said fanbase, I’m arguing the opposite. Iwantan adaptation that offers something different to what we, as players, already have. After all, the games have plenty of cutscenes with world-class acting that we can revisit whenever we like (most of them are even onGame Pass), so why ask for a strict reenactment? This sentiment is clearly present in the decision making of the showrunners. Takeuchi, who plays protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, explained that they specifically asked him, and his co-star Kento Kaku, not to play the video games, with the idea being to “explore from scratch.” Takeuchi respected the decision, confirming that’s why he “decided not to play.” Prime example (Image credit: Prime Video) Choose your fighter(Image credit: Prime Video)Like a Dragon: Yakuza cast on how Kiryu evolves between the Prime Video series’ two timelines – including a difference in fighting styles Choose your fighter (Image credit: Prime Video)Like a Dragon: Yakuza cast on how Kiryu evolves between the Prime Video series’ two timelines – including a difference in fighting styles (Image credit: Prime Video) Like a Dragon: Yakuza cast on how Kiryu evolves between the Prime Video series’ two timelines – including a difference in fighting styles When you considerWalton Gogginsdidn’t play any Fallout games before working on thePrime adaptation, it’s hard to argue against this approach. Yes, his character Cooper Howard – AKA The Ghoul – wasn’t directly lifted from any title, which contrasts Takeuchi and Kaku (the latter plays Akira Nishikiyama), but nobody could argue against the success of his portrayal. Then there’s the show’s length of only six episodes which, even if we’re talking an hour each, still wouldn’t compare to the average Like a Dragon campaign playtime. Of course one could argue that this wouldn’t directly affect Kiryu’s portrayal, but if the story is going to have to change to accommodate the potentially shorter runtime, then the characters will also need to adapt. We can’t have our leading man running off on side quests every five minutes now, can we? Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more In the run-up to release, check out our picks for the best shows onAmazon Prime. 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