Like a Dragon: Ishin may have seemed like a strange remake at first, but its arrival outside Japan quickly made sense. The recent rise of the Like a Dragon series, combined with the Kiwami remakes, created the perfect moment for this historical spin-off to shine. The remake improves the gameplay so it feels just as sharp as Yakuza 5 and Yakuza 0, while preserving the over-the-top energy fans love. Because it leans into the action-oriented brawling that Yakuza 7 moved away from, it also gives new players a taste of the older style. In 2026, Ishin remains an excellent gateway into samurai drama and street-level spectacle.
For anyone looking beyond Ishin, several other titles scratch similar itches. Some focus on slick melee combat, some lean into historical Japan, and others keep the weirdness dial turned all the way up. Below is a quick at-a-glance list before diving into each pick.
| Game | Main Appeal |
|---|---|
| Bayonetta | Stylish, over-the-top combo action |
| Devil May Cry 5 | Fast combo gameplay plus dramatic story |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | Same world with a turn-based RPG pivot |
| Samurai Warriors | Samurai power fantasy against hordes |
| Ghost of Tsushima | Open-world samurai immersion and story |
| Metal Gear Rising | Absurd action and wild story |
| Sifu | Fluid melee combat with an aging mechanic |
| Judgment | Old-school brawler with detective twists |
| Yakuza 0 | Prequel starting point with classic brawling |
| Yakuza Kiwami | Remade authentic first Yakuza story |
Bayonetta
The Like a Dragon name is known for absurd spectacle and flashy combat, and Bayonetta delivers exactly that. Players follow an umbra witch trying to recover her past while facing a deeper conflict. The series focuses on stringing together stylish combos, chaining special moves, and keeping the flow alive for as long as possible. It is a nonstop spectacle from start to finish, and a perfect fit for gameplay-first fans.
Devil May Cry 5
Fans who want a dramatic story to balance the action should look at Devil May Cry 5. A trio of heroes, both familiar and new, must team up against the Demon King Urizen. DMC 5 pushes combo-building even faster and flashier, offering plenty of options for tearing apart enemies. The story may be simpler than Ishin, but it wraps up its protagonists in an enjoyable way.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Those who enjoy the writing and world of Ishin but prefer RPGs should try Yakuza: Like a Dragon. It follows Ichiban Kasuga, a low-level yakuza member who is imprisoned and later betrayed, then must rebuild his life. The game replaced brawler combat with turn-based JRPG mechanics while keeping the flashy, comedic tone. With a new protagonist and lower barrier to entry, it is a great starting point.
Samurai Warriors
For players who want pure samurai power fantasy, Samurai Warriors turns the spectacle up to eleven. They take control of famous warriors and kingdoms from Japanese history, fighting through massive battles with hundreds of enemies. The combat is not overly challenging, but it delivers the feeling of being an unstoppable force while managing an entire battlefield. The historical theme matches Ishin nicely.
Ghost Of Tsushima
Ancient Japan is a rich setting, and Ghost of Tsushima fully realizes the samurai dream. Players step into the role of Jin Sakai, defending his homeland from the Mongol invasion. The open world is beautiful and immersive, with activities that do not feel like typical checklists. Its story about loss and hardship will resonate with fans of Ishin's dramatic side.
Metal Gear Rising
Sometimes sheer zaniness matters more than deep systems, and Metal Gear Rising provides that in spades. Raiden faces a new group of warmongers trying to spark conflict. The gameplay is simple but aggressive and wild, creating an easy adrenaline rush. The story includes magnetic men, philosophical debates, and punching a senator — exactly the kind of absurdity that makes Like a Dragon so loved.
Judgment
Fans of the old Yakuza brawler style should not worry, because Judgment carries that torch. Players control detective Yagami as he fights thugs and yakuza while solving cases. The game mixes beat-em-up action with an open world and new investigative mechanics. It has a different tone, but it is the best place for players who stayed for the combat.
Sifu
Smooth, flowing combat is a huge part of Like a Dragon's appeal, and Sifu excels at that. Players take on the role of a martial arts master's child seeking revenge, aided by a talisman that prevents true death. Sifu's beat-em-up action requires handling swarms of enemies with fluid combos. Its unique aging mechanic adds a clever risk-reward loop: each death makes the character older, trading health for new moves.
Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0 is often the best entry point for the broader series and a natural follow-up to Ishin. It follows Kiryu and Majima as they get tangled in yakuza faction conflicts before the first game. The prequel offers loads of world content, fascinating character depth, and some of the best combat in the franchise. Some moments hit harder for long-time fans, but new players can still enjoy the ride.
Yakuza Kiwami
For the most authentic classic Yakuza experience, Yakuza Kiwami remakes the first game with modern polish. Kiryu is released after ten years in prison and must protect a young girl caught in a yakuza conflict. The remake updates combat to feel closer to Yakuza 0 and adds extra Majima content. It is a perfect continuation for anyone who started with Ishin and wants the original story.
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