The highly anticipated Xbox Series X event kicked off today showcasing new gameplay and other next gen reveals from a number of third party companies. Fans got their first look at games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, The Ascent, and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 to name a few. The reveals also showed off some new titles as well including the previously revealed newest entry in Sega's fan favorite franchise, Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
The showcase revealed a brand new trailer for Yakuza: Like a Dragon showcases the game in full and it's newest protagonist Ichiban Kasuga. Not only is there a new protagonist, the game shifts the location to the Isezaki Ijincho district of Yokohama. The trailer shows Kasuga basically getting asked to step in and serve time for another member who was picked up by the police. After serving the time, Ichiban expected to be welcomed with open arms only to be left for dead by the group he once trusted.
In addition to new story details, the trailer reveals plenty of gameplay specific details fans have come to expect. Ichiban will be going up against plenty of thugs and former allies in a brand new combat system. Described as dynamic RPG combat, players will be using a powered up baseball bat to deliver vengeance. The footage also shows plenty of wacky and hilarious moments such as a lobster ready to fight, satellite using an orbital strike, and explosive combat moments.
According to an accompanying press release, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is planned to release as a launch title for the Xbox Series X. Thankfully, the game will also take advantage of the Smart Delivery program, letting fans who pick up the Xbox One version of the game upgrade to the next gen version completely free of charge. Better yet, the game also supports cross-save functionality between the Xbox One and Xbox Series X so players won't need to start the adventure over again from scratch whenever they decide to fully upgrade.
Today's set of reveals is just the beginning for Microsoft as they transition to a year without E3 in June. The company has more reveal streams planned including one in July which is set to focus in on first party games from across all of the Microsoft Game Studios including 343 Industries, Obsidian Entertainment, Playground Games, The Coalition, and more.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon launches later this year for Xbox Series X and PC.