The recently releasedLike a Dragon: Ishinwas one of the most heavily anticipated titles to come to the storiedYakuzafranchise, which is now being globally stylized asLike a Dragon. Featuring swathes of the IP’s most popular and recognizable characters in an engaging historic period piece set within 1800s Japan, Western fans of the game have finally received a localized dedicated release, befit with better graphical fidelity and a more up-to-date cast of characters.
Given the intense anticipation ofLike a Dragon: Ishin, it is no wonder that Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku put significant effort into the offered pre-order bonuses that fans could choose to enjoy upon the game’s launch. Many of these pre-order bonuses take the form of in-game weapons with a variety of backgrounds, and the Tsuyano Usukurenai sword is one of the most fascinating.
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Like a Dragon: Ishin’s Pre-order Bonuses
Predictably, there are many editions ofLike a Dragon: Ishinthat players can choose from, including a Deluxe Edition that offers a comprehensive amount of in-game items, boosters, and even cosmetic skins for players to equip and enjoy. For those not wanting to spend extra on a more advanced edition of the game but still eager to gain some unique extra in-game content, thepre-order bonuses forLike a Dragon: Ishinproved to be a very attractive prospect for many fans.
One of the most beneficial elements ofLike a Dragon: Ishin’spre-order bonuses was that it granted players with four days of early access to the title from February 17, with this being the sole reason many keen fans opted for pre-orders. As well as this,Ishin’spre-order offered a slew of weapons for players to equip in-game, with the unique timeframe in which the game is set fostering a perfect opportunity to showcase both period-piece melee weapons as well as more modern and powerful firearms. These pre-order bonuses included the elegantly designed Kijinmaru Kunishige sword, and even the Black Ship Cannon that can be used withinIshin’sin-depth ranged combat.
Like a Dragon: Ishin’s Tsuyano Usukurenai Sword
The final pre-order weapon to accompany the Kijinmaru Kunishige andthe Black Ship Cannon weaponis the Tsuyano Usukurenai, which is another melee-based implement to the game. Adversely to the more polished and neutral look of the Kijinmaru Kunishige weapon, the Tsuyano Usukurenai is strikingly soaked in blood, with its hilt and sheath being a dark crimson and with blood consistently dripping off the blade itself.
The direct juxtaposition betweenthe aesthetics of the Kijinmaru Kunishigeand the Tsuyano Usukurenai swords appears to offer a level of implicit narrative choice to the player, with the use of the Kunishige denoting more stoic and honor-bound connotations when compared to the more sinister and battle-scarred Usukurenai. When redeemed and equipped in-game, the Tsuyano Usukurenai can be used withinIshin’sSwordsman fighting style, with the title boasting four dedicated fighting styles in all.
Interestingly, the Tsuyano Usukurenai can also be used withinIshin’sunique Wild Dancer fighting style, which bombastically mixes the use of both melee weapons and firearms in seamless combat. While the player will likely unlock, craft, and upgrade more powerful weapons over the course of aLike a Dragon: Ishinplaythrough, the striking appearance and sinister motifs of the Tsuyano Usukurenai sword is a perfect candidate for use within the opening stages of the game’s narrative.
Like a Dragon: Ishinis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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