Review: Unending Fortune in "Like a Dragon" - A Kotaku Analysis

Like a Dragon

Content Overview :
  • Introduction to the game "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth".
  • Background on the Yakuza game series.
  • Overview of the new turn-based combat and RPG features.
  • Explanation of the game's fantasy elements and combat system.
  • Summary of the game details, likes and dislikes, and playtime.

A Riveting Adventure in Infinite Wealth: Like a Dragon

Imagine a leisurely walk along the stunning beaches of Hawaii, when suddenly, a group of menacing figures approaches. In a heartbeat, you're whisked away from the serene reality of Hawaii to an alternate dimension where heroism is your only survival tool. These aren't typical tough guys anymore - their eyes glow red, and they spew toxic fumes. Yet, their monstrous forms are no match for my arsenal of skills, trusty baseball bat, and a band of allies, each armed with their unique combat abilities. But everyone must wait their turn to fight.

The Latest in an Esteemed Franchise

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the newest addition to the beloved game series previously known as Yakuza. Since its inception in 2005 on the PS2, the series has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative of Japanese gangsters navigating the intricate loyalties and alliances of the criminal world, often forced to engage in intense battles for survival.

A New Chapter Begins

Infinite Wealth serves as a direct sequel to 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which marked a significant departure from the series' traditional action-packed brawling style. The combat here is entirely turn-based, replete with all the RPG stats and features familiar to fans of games usually set in more fantastical realms. Starring Ichiban Kasuga, one of the most charismatic characters of our time, Infinite Wealth weaves an enthralling tale of mystery and organized crime within an engaging RPG that rewards your investment without feeling overwhelming or inaccessible.

An Epic Fantasy Unconstrained by Reality

While Infinite Wealth is grounded in the real world and delves into the gritty, complex lives of people entrenched in organized crime, it never falls short of feeling epic, especially during combat. Most narrative developments and cutscenes are rooted in reality, but the battles seem to unfold in a parallel universe within the protagonist Ichiban Kasuga's mind, who views the world as a fantasy game with himself as the hero.

Refreshing Take on Turn-based Combat

Once the fists and weapons start flying, the game adopts a unique persona that embraces the classic elements of turn-based combat in a fantasy RPG. It's a vibrant and joyful departure from the genre's usual tropes and predictable narratives. Infinite Wealth takes these archetypes and spins them in its unique style, with enemies transforming into monstrous versions of their real-world selves once combat begins. The flow of combat never ceases to feel exhilarating and fresh, yet familiar. As an RPG, characters have hit points and magic points, with the latter used to unleash a variety of offensive and defensive abilities. Leveling up and acquiring better equipment and consumable items help improve your stats.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth at a Glance

  • Back of the Box Quote: "Take on Hawaii's criminal underground, one turn at a time."
  • Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
  • Genre: Turn-Based RPG
  • Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows
  • Liked: Excellent turn-based combat and a wealth of rewarding side activities.
  • Disliked: Odd NPC face models; new game plus being price-gated.
  • Release Date: January 26, 2024
  • Played: 40-45 hours across the main story and side activities.

If you're a veteran of turn-based fantasy roleplaying games, you'll find the familiar rhythm of buff, debuff, attack, and defend here in beautiful full form, not merely as a tongue-in-cheek, fourth-wall breaking gimmick. Playing Infinite Wealth is a reminder of why we love this genre.



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