Quick Summary
Like a Dragon: Yakuza debuts on Amazon Prime Video on 24 October and a new trailer has appeared to show you what to expect.
The video game adaptation is based on the original Yakuza, so is grittier than the later Like a Dragon games.
Amazon is hoping to repeat its success with Fallout this month as another huge video game adaptation hits the streaming service.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza is based on the extremely popular RPGs from Rya Ga Gotoku Studio (and published by Sega). It's set around the earlier games – as there have been 13 main outings and spin-offs since 2005's Yakuza (not including remakes) – and that means it centres on ex-Yakuza footsoldier Kazuma Kiryu and his fight to unravel a conspiracy involving his best friend and former employers, the Tojo Clan.
You can basically expect a lot of martial arts fight sequences, with lead actor Ryoma Takeuchi (Pokémon: Detective Pikachu) previously revealing that, during filming, he "was willing to put my life on the line".
Amazon has now released a full trailer for the new show, which will debut on Prime Video on 24 October.
In it, we can clearly see that the series will pull no punches. It also seemingly lacks the more humorous side of the later games, focusing on a grittier, more realistic aesthetic and characters.
It's also worth noting that the entire series will be presented in Japanese with subtitles (which is exactly as we'd want it). That adds to overall styling and authenticity. But like the games, it does use the fictional Tokyo district of Kamurochō as its setting.
It's good to see that Goro Majima will still be integral too, as he's one of the crazier characters in the earlier Yakuza games and a true fan favourite. He's played by Munetaka Aoki here, and will even get his own game early next year when Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is released on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC in February.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Hopefully the show will whet your appetite for more Like a Dragon by then. And if you've not played any of the games yet, we thoroughly recommend you check them out. Just avoid Yakuza or its remake Yakuza Kiwami if you don't want spoilers for the TV series.
Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.
Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.
-
Amazon Prime in October: the 5 best new shows and movies to watch this month
If you're looking for new Prime Video content, you're in luck
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Kate Beckinsale wows in action-packed trailer for new Amazon Prime movie
Canary Black promises kitschy spy thriller fun, with Kate Beckinsale at the forefront
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
10 blockbuster movies coming to Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+ and Disney+ soon
There are some great films heading to streaming services – here are 10 highlights
By Brian Comber Published
-
James Cameron confirms return for his biggest sci-fi franchise, but with a twist
It'll be back
By Rik Henderson Published
-
3 hidden Amazon Prime Video shows that must go on your playlist
We've dug out three top notch TV series you might have missed
By Brian Comber Published
-
How to watch the biggest Emmy 2024 winners on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon and Apple TV+
A whole host of Emmys were given to shows on streaming services, so here's where to watch them
By Rik Henderson Published
-
10 must-see TV shows coming soon to Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Apple TV+ and more
Our picks of the best shows coming to streaming services before the end of 2024
By Brian Comber Published
-
Amazon Prime Video's top 5 new shows and movies to stream this September
Prime Video has a lot going on this September – here are the streaming service's best picks
By Max Freeman-Mills Published