Yakuza: Like a Dragon: A Delightfully Bizarre Journey
Subscription services have changed the way that many of us pay for video games, putting thousands of games across almost every platform at the tip of our fingers. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’re here to champion the standout titles, hidden gems, and diamonds in the rough on Xbox Game Pass, PS Premium, and more. And one game that shouldn’t be missed is Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Unpredictable Surprises: The Joy of Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Tonally, Yakuza: Like a Dragon isn’t all that different from previous games in the series. It offers a dramatic, often violent tale of betrayal and chasing innocence, intermixed with the most varied side quests in gaming. The game’s world is filled with delightful characters and bizarre scenarios, where you’ll be asked to save people stranded without toilet paper in public restrooms and fight a tiger with your bare hands. The game’s unpredictable nature keeps players on their toes, providing countless surprises around every street corner.
Meet Ichiban Kasuga: A New Protagonist for Yakuza: Like a Dragon
In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, players take on the role of Ichiban Kasuga, a lovable and goofier character compared to the previous protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. Ichiban’s journey begins when he’s abandoned as an infant and is then taken in by a man who turns out to be high up in a yakuza clan. After serving an 18-year sentence for taking the fall for a murder, Ichiban re-enters the world to find that the power structure of his father’s yakuza clan has drastically changed. Ichiban’s character is instantly endearing and sets the stage for the player’s immersive journey.
Tactical Turn-Based Combat: A Fresh Spin in Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a minor reinvention for the series in terms of combat. The game moves away from the previous real-time fighting style and adopts a more strategic turn-based combat system. Battles require exploiting elemental weaknesses to gain an advantage, similar to the mechanics in Dragon Quest. The game’s job system allows players to level up different classes for their party members, providing new abilities and fresh gameplay experiences. The turn-based combat brings a new level of depth and strategy to the game, making it stand out among other RPG titles.
Reinventing the Franchise: Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s Successes and Flaws
Like a Dragon‘s shift to a turn-based combat system was a successful reinvention for the series, breathing new life into an already beloved franchise. The game’s variety and unpredictability keep players engaged, with countless side activities and Sega minigames to explore. However, Like a Dragon does have its faults, including mid- and late-game difficulty spikes that require significant grinding and a gender-specific job system. These issues may vary depending on the player, but overall, they don’t detract from the game’s overall enjoyment.
With Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth on the horizon, the franchise has the potential to reach new levels of popularity. The game’s reinvention and the introduction of a lovable new protagonist have paved the way for an exciting future. Whether players are newcomers to the Yakuza series or longtime fans, Like a Dragon is a must-play title that offers a delightfully bizarre journey filled with surprises at every turn. So, grab your controller, dive into the vibrant streets of Yokohama and Kamurocho, and prepare to be immersed in the wild world of Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a must-play title that offers a delightfully bizarre journey filled with surprises. The game’s shift to a turn-based combat system has been successful and the introduction of a lovable new protagonist paves the way for an exciting future. The franchise has the potential to reach new levels of popularity with the upcoming release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Market prediction: The game’s positive reception and potential for growth suggest a positive impact on the market, with increased sales and interest in the Yakuza franchise.
