What Time Period does Like a Dragon: Ishin Take Place? – Answered

The newest title in the Like a Dragon series takes a small twist on the usual formula. Instead of visiting Japan in its modern days, Like a Dragon: Ishin takes us a few centuries back to the feudal period in the country before the Meiji Restoration took place. So instead of modern-day criminals, we take the role of not-so-accurate historical figures, including some famous Samurai. But which period is the game taking us to, exactly?

Which Time Period is Like a Dragon: Ishin Taking Place? – Answered

Like a Dragon: Ishin is set in 1860, making it quite historically accurate. The game follows the legacy of Sakamoto Ryoma, one of the most influential figures in Japanese history that fought for democracy and the end of the feudal era during the Edo Period. And just as the game’s official description suggests, you’re about to unravel immense changes to the country. Check it out below:

1860s Kyo is plagued by widespread inequality, and one samurai will change the course of history in his search for justice. Take up the sword of Sakamoto Ryoma and venture to Kyoto to find your father’s killer, clear yourself of a framed murder, and restore your honor. In doing so, you will bring an end to the samurai era and forever change the future of Japan. Draw your blade, load your revolver, and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure that only the creators of Yakuza: Like a Dragon could produce.

Related: Like A Dragon: Ishin! Review | Legacy Bound

The twist here is that instead of having a more accurate depiction of Ryoma, his character is based on the mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon games’ protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, just like all historical figures alongside him are all taken from the games. The title follows the usual serious-but-goofy Yakuza narrative, so you’ll feel right at home if you’re a longtime fan of the series.

So saying that you’re playing a historical game with no less than a few creative liberties and tons of Yakuza mods all around is almost 100% accurate. It seems ridiculous on paper, but this is Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio we’re talking about, so you’re up for a great time.