Yakuza: Like A Dragon opening episode explained as Amazon series makes major change from game

*Warning - this story contains minor spoilers for Like A Dragon: Yakuza Episode 1, and the Yakuza game*

The new Amazon Prime series sees a live action adaptation of a beloved video game franchise and with that comes some major changes from the source material.

Based on the series published by Sega, Like a Dragon: Yakuza will see a new version of Kiryu and his confrontation with Japan's underworld.

Some fans may be wondering which game or titles the series will be adapting as there have been several since the original's 2005 release. This also includes a number of spin-off titles and a prequel set before the events of the first game.

Here's a brief rundown of how the series begins, what happens in the opening episode and what it tells us about which game in the series is being adapted.

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There are many changes ranging from minor alterations to significant additions in this live-action Yakuza adaptation.

The first major change is that the Amazon series ignores the prequel title Yakuza 0 which saw Kiryu already a member of the Dojima family before the main game even began. That means that the series is basing most of the adaptation on the 2005 original, along with the remake Yakuza Kiwami, which was released in 2016.

It does utilise the same timeframe with some events taking place in 1995, and others in 2005. However the series uses scenes from the earlier years to establish Kiryu's origin, while in the game, most of it is already established before players press start.

In the game, Kiryu is already established as a lieutenant advisor of the Dojima Family but here we see him rise from orphan into a gangster. Much like the original game and its remake, Kiryu is sent to prison for 10 years, before being released on parole and thrown straight back into the of the yakuza.

While in the game, players know straight away he is locked up for murder he didn't commit but offered to take the fall for, the series keeps the true reason more of a mystery in its opening episode. Fans will have to keep watching to see if any more changes are made to that plotline.

Although the opening shot of Kiryu shadow in his cell does give fans a glimpse at the dragon tattoo on his back, an iconic image of the character, we're yet to see if any other characters have tattoos. Meanwhile in the opening cinematic of Yakuza remake Kiwami, Nishiki is shown with a Koi fish inked on his back.

One significant change seems to be either the introduction of a new character or the redevelopment of an existing one.

In Yakuza 0, there is a character called Miho who works at a store where players can buy items. However, in the series, Miho is crucial to the plot and also the sister of Nishiki, although along with Yumi, they all share the same beginnings as the original game having been brought up at an orphanage by adoptive father Kazama.

In the game, Nishiki's sister is named Yuko and is awaiting medical treatment in the opening of the story.

Another major change is the introduction of a character seemingly new for the series in Aiko, who is Yumi's sister. It appears she could be replacing a familiar and important character that fans of the game will remember but will have to wait until the final episodes are released to find out if it is the case.

Kazama has also been slightly altered. While he still looks after Kiryu and friends at an orphanage like in the original story, in this version he has somehow left the yakuza.

He is still resistant for Kiryu and Nishiki to join the organisation themselves although the decision is taken out of his hands whereas originally, the way the pair idolise him seems to sway him to bring them into the fold.

The raid on the Dojima family owned arcade is also a new addition to the story for the series, as is the scene where Kiryu takes part in a fighting tournament. Kiryu in the games is known for talking with his fists, however he mostly takes part in street fights.

In the opening episode we also see grainy footage of 10 billion yen being stolen, which in turns threaten to cause all out war among the yakuza while Detective Date warns Kiryu of the consequences.

These are all key plot points familiar from the original Yakuza game, although it seems some characters' involvement in the robbery is altered and fans will be eager to find out if the conclusion plays out any differently.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza episodes 1-3 are available to stream on Amazon Prime now with the final episodes available on October 31