Summary
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Nametakes Coliseum battling to an even higher extreme through Hell Team Rumble, an ally-based brawl letting Kiryu fight alongside familiar faces. Situated in the Castle’s Hell Arena, a no-holds-barred fighting ring set atop an extravagant cruiser ship, Hell Team Rumble provides a perfect arena experience through a team of up to 10 allies. Not only does the mode allow for switching out leaders, letting players experiment with the movesets ofbeloved characters across theYakuzaseries, but the chaotic nature of so many fighting participants makes for the most fun rendition of the Coliseum to date.
Like a Dragon Gaiden’s Hell Team Rumble operates similarly to the frenzy ofKiwami 2’s eight-character Battle Royale, only this time, Kiryu’s got a whole Joryu Clan to back him up. Like other modes in the Castle’s Coliseum, Hell Team Rumble offers new challenges as players climb up the ranks of the Castle; from Bronze to Platinum status, the fights become even more unwieldly through a host of enemy combatants and arena effects. As Kiryu recruits characters to his team, a feature that extends cleverly intoGaiden’s substories, the enemies within the arena become more formidable in strength and number.
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Like a Dragon Gaiden’s Hell Team Rumble Makes For the Perfect Arena Battle
Hell Team Rumble Brings Familiar Faces into the Fray
Hell Team Rumble builds upon the series' nostalgia through its recruitable allies. Players will recognize many of its fighters from past appearances throughout the series; from a Ryuji Goda lookalike, to the weapons dealer Kamiyama or the iconic Gary Buster Holmes, there’s no shortage of references within the Joryu Clan. Even smaller characters like Akimoto-kun, whose tumultuously toxic relationship kept Kiryu and Haruka on their toes in the series' second and third entries, work to pay homage to the side quests ofLike a Dragon’s past. This extends toRGG’sJudgementspin-off as well, with Kaito and Higashi joining the fray as a defender and healer, respectively.
Ally Specialties Bear Resemblance to Kiwami 2’s Clan Creator
Hell Team Rumble take a few notes fromKiwami 2’s Clan Creator, namely in its use of class designations. Fighters can specialize in offense, defense, or healing, though each holds effects and resistances that let players strategize a bit between battles. Some arenas include incendiary-based enemies that make allies resistant to fire a better choice to bring along, while others utilize stun-based walls and enemies with shock weaponry that make fighters resistant to paralysis a wise decision. A balance of fighters is necessary for success asKiryumoves into Platinum-ranked battles, letting players take into consideration which allies are best suited for the fight.
The Fighter’s Lounge Adds Versatility to Hell Team Rumble
Gaidenextends the Joryu Clan beyond the Coliseum into its Fighter’s Lounge, allowing Kiryu to build the bonds and experience of allies. Through sending fighters off to training, popping Champagne to build the team’s motivation, or purchasing Ceremonial Oath Sake Cups as gifts, the Joryu Clan can become even more of a powerhouse. Leveling up characters is a crucial component to progressing the ranks, allowing the team to gain more fans while subsequently earning more money forKiryu to upgrade his moveset. The versatility of the Fighter’s Lounge adds to Hell Team Rumble’s appeal, while showing off its characters in a fun light as they relax outside the ring.
DLC Fighters in Hell Team Rumble
What most fans were looking forward to inGaiden’sHell Team Rumble mode was the return of three series icons who were made available throughthe title’s pre-order. These include:
While Saejima and Majima have been playable protagonists in the series' past, Daigo’s inclusion inGaiden’s Hell Team Rumble marks an exciting first foray into controlling his character. Not only can the three be used as capable allies or leaders throughout Hell Team Rumble, but they are also available for one-on-one battles, working to test the might of Kiryu’s strength. Their addition works not only in favor of the Coliseum’s innate nostalgia, but in helping to make the Joryu Clan a team worthy of taking on the Castle’s most formidable combatants.
