Expanding the roster of playable characters is a key element in the evolution of each new installment in the Like a Dragon series. While past additions like Tomizawa and Chitose brought depth to the party dynamic in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the introduction of Seonhee as a playable character was a particularly exciting development, given her NPC origins in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This trend of incorporating characters from the previous game into the playable roster seems likely to continue in Like a Dragon 9, with one standout candidate already in the spotlight.
The vibrant and diverse cast of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth showcases a mix of fresh faces and familiar favorites, all revolving around Kasuga's magnetic personality. As players forge bonds with these characters throughout the game, there's a sense of anticipation and nostalgia, knowing that some may not make a return in future installments. However, one character stands out as a natural fit for Like a Dragon 9, possessing the charisma and complexity to shine as a pivotal party member in Kasuga's next escapade.
Yamai's Role as a Potential Party Member
Paralleling Seonhee's journey in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Yutaka Yamai starts off as an antagonist to Kasuga, engaging in multiple intense battles as they both pursue Akane. Leading the Yamai Syndicate in Hawaii, Yamai's past betrayal of the Tojo Clan in Japan sets the stage for his quest to ascend the ranks of the Hawaiian underworld, clashing with rival factions like the Barracudas and the Ganzhe.
Driven by his desire to locate Akane ahead of his rivals, Yamai's clashes with Kasuga and Kiryu gradually transition from hostility to respect, eventually leading to his unexpected alliance with the protagonists. This evolution positions Yamai as a compelling candidate for a playable role in Like a Dragon 9, offering the potential for an intriguing dynamic as a friendly rival to Kasuga, akin to Majima's relationship with Kiryu.
Yamai's Gameplay Potential
The confrontations with Yamai throughout the game hint at his prowess as a formidable ally, showcasing a range of abilities that could translate into an engaging playable character. With a combat style focused on agility and strength, Yamai's utilization of his iconic crowbar in moves like Taste of Steel and Feral Lunge suggests a role as a potent DPS character, akin to Seonhee or Zhao.
Besides his physical prowess, Yamai's repertoire includes elemental skills such as Bite the Dust and Iron Will, enabling him to inflict status effects and provide strategic support to the party. This blend of robust physical attacks and status-altering elemental abilities positions Yamai as a versatile asset, potentially surpassing other characters in terms of overall utility and combat effectiveness.