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Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA are bringing Like a Dragon: Ishin! to Steam, and the good news is that it is already Steam Deck Verified. Originally released back in 2014, this is actually a remake. This will released on February 21st, with people who pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition getting early access on February 17th.

More about it:

Centuries of peace are coming to an end. Across the nation, factions assemble in anticipation of civil war.
Imperial loyalists unite under the banner of “sonno joui”—revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians. They fight to overthrow Japan's military dictatorship and shut its borders to foreign influence.
Meanwhile, the ruling government, the Bakufu, has assigned special police forces to maintain order—provided they can manage to coexist without drawing blades on one another.
And in the capital city of Kyo, a man who will change the course of history seeks justice... and revenge.

Sakamoto Ryoma.

Accused of murdering someone he holds dear, this lowly samurai from a backwater land renounces his name and goes into hiding. To find the true killer's identity, Ryoma must conceal himself among the wolves of the infamous Shinsengumi.
Taking the alias Saito Hajime, it isn't long before he winds up embroiled in the political schemes and savage violence that will reshape the country—and give rise to legends.

From the Steam Page:


Pictured: The Steam Deck Verified notice from Steam.

Hopefully there won't be any issues at release and Valve has thoroughly tested it, as there is a small but growing list of Verified titles that really shouldn't be.

See the recent trailer below:

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A word of warning though, it's another game to come with the dreaded Denuvo, which can cause problems when switching between PC and Steam Deck, especially so if you mess with different versions of Proton as it can detect each as a new PC and end up locking you out of the game.

I'll admit something to you: I've not actually played any of the Yakuza / Like a Dragon games. Am I missing something big here?

You can get it on Humble Store and Steam.

This and more was covered in my recent Steam Deck news round-up video:

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6 comments

CatKiller Feb 10, 2023
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Accused of murdering someone he holds dear, this lowly samurai from a backwater land renounces his name and goes into hiding.
Films have taught me that, without a master, one is not samurai but rōnin.
Termy Feb 10, 2023
I wonder if this is purely Valve verifying it or if Sega or the Devs actively strived for that?
Solitary Feb 10, 2023
I'll admit something to you: I've not actually played any of the Yakuza / Like a Dragon games. Am I missing something big here?

Yes, yes you are... but it is kinda love it or hate it don't get it, type of deal. I think everyone will tell you, just try Yakuza 0 and see for yourself. The start of the game is bit slow (like few hours slow), but once the game presents itself and opens up, you are left with a game that will keep you hooked for it's entire duration, be it for it's serious yakuza story, for it's whacky side quests, interesting characters, for it's constantly fresh, new and unexpected gameplay, full and rich open-world or just simply fun combat.
AdamRHargreaves Feb 10, 2023
I have played pretty much nothing but Yakuza games (and Peggle) on my Steam Deck and can attest that they (so far) very much deserve their verified status. At least, Yakuza 0, Kiwami and Kiwami 2 have given me no trouble whatsoever. (First two were also fine on desktop, have only played Kiwami 2 on deck). I have to keep Kiwami 2 locked at 30 though, as the deck can’t handle 60 in a lot of places (which feels a bit jarring after playing Kiwami 1 at a smooth 60). Believe this is due to them changing the engine.

Very much looking forward to Isshin… and may be the first game in years I break my “no full price” rule for.

As for whether they are worth playing. I would definitely say yes. It’s fun, OTT action in a very believable environment with interesting stories, sub quests, collectibles…. And runs perfectly on Linux. Word of warning though - one criticism the series always gets is its portrayal of the ladies, with its hostess clubs etc. I live in Japan and, to be fair, I find it is portraying a sub culture which very much exists here.
I personally have no issues with it, but I can see how it could go against current Western “me too” sensitivities. If approached with a “sensible head” on, I don’t see any problem. It’s a game… it’s not a lecture saying “this is how the world must be!”.
Arehandoro Feb 10, 2023
... be it for it's serious yakuza story...

That's a bit of a stretch. It's an idealized view of the gangster, still protrayed as someone that wants to do good in society, albeit through doubtful morals, with little criticising of the society that forces people into this kind of organizations.

But yes, the game is good, and it's definitely very much a love or hate relationship with it.


Last edited by Arehandoro on 10 February 2023 at 11:42 pm UTC
Solitary Feb 11, 2023
... be it for it's serious yakuza story...

That's a bit of a stretch. It's an idealized view of the gangster, still protrayed as someone that wants to do good in society, albeit through doubtful morals, with little criticising of the society that forces people into this kind of organizations.

But yes, the game is good, and it's definitely very much a love or hate relationship with it.

I meant serious, as in - taken seriously - even though heavily romanticized. The issues touched on are quite heavy and real (corruption, murder, torture, betrayal... and friendship).

All that in comparison to side quests which are exact polar opposite, very light-hearted and touching stories. So much heart in these games. Pocket Circuit Fighter FTW!
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