Overview of ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’
Embark on a journey through the gritty and gripping streets of urban Japan with ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’, a turn-based JRPG that offers an abundance of content and a deep dive into crime-drama adventure. This latest installment in the acclaimed series continues to build on its legacy, delivering a rich narrative experience filled with complex characters and a world that’s both expansive and immersive. Players can expect to be engrossed in a tale that masterfully blends high-stakes drama with the series’ signature humor and heart.
Need to Know
| What is it? | The second turn-based JRPG in the Like A Dragon/Yakuza series |
| Expect to pay | £59.99/$69.99 |
| Developer | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Publisher | Sega |
| Reviewed on | Windows 11, Nvidia 4090, Intel i9-13900k, 64gb DDR5 RAM |
| Steam Deck | Playable |
| Link | Official site |
- Expansive urban crime-drama adventure
- Rich narrative with complex characters
- Turn-based combat with action elements
- Massive environment to explore
- Wide array of minigames and side content
Gameplay and Narrative
The gameplay of ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ is a testament to the series’ evolution, offering a turn-based JRPG experience that is both familiar and fresh. Players step into the shoes of protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, a former Yakuza member turned hero, as he navigates through a narrative rich with drama and character development. The game introduces a host of new characters, each with their own unique backstories and abilities, adding depth to the already engaging storyline.
The city of Honolulu serves as the game’s primary hub, providing a vibrant and expansive setting for players to explore. This Hawaiian city sparkles with life and is the largest environment in the series to date, offering a plethora of activities and interactions that enrich the overall experience. As players delve into the game’s narrative, they will encounter a diverse cast and engage in a story that is both indulgent and captivating.
Combat System
The combat system in ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ is a refined blend of turn-based strategy and real-time action elements. Building upon the foundation laid by the previous game, this installment offers players more control over battles, allowing for strategic positioning and angle-based attacks that can send enemies flying into one another for satisfying combos.
- While the combat maintains the series’ characteristic messy and frenetic style, it introduces improvements such as the elimination of opportunity attacks from enemies.
- Players have the ability to block incoming attacks with well-timed button presses.
Players will encounter a wide variety of enemies, each transformed by protagonist Ichiban’s vivid imagination into fantastical versions of their real-world counterparts. This imaginative twist adds a layer of charm and unpredictability to each encounter, keeping the combat fresh and visually entertaining.
Storytelling and Dual Protagonists
The storytelling in ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ is a compelling tapestry woven with the threads of two protagonists’ lives: Ichiban Kasuga and the legendary Kazuma Kiryu. Their intertwined narratives provide a rich, emotional depth that is a hallmark of the series. As players navigate through the game, they will experience the unique stories of both characters, each bringing their own perspective and emotional weight to the overarching plot.
Ichiban’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, filled with the vibrancy and whimsy of his character, while Kiryu’s story adds a layer of gravitas, dealing with themes of legacy and mortality. The game masterfully balances these two distinct storylines, allowing players to engage with each character’s challenges and triumphs.
The dual narrative structure allows for a varied storytelling experience, with each protagonist commanding their own segments of the game. This approach provides a dynamic pacing that keeps the player invested in the unfolding drama, eagerly anticipating how the two stories will ultimately converge.
Side Content and Minigames
‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ is not just about the main storyline; it’s also packed with a plethora of side content and minigames that add layers of fun and depth to the overall experience. From a Crazy Taxi-inspired food delivery minigame to the return of karaoke, where characters can belt out tunes with passion, there’s no shortage of activities to engage in.
- The Sujimon League adds a creature-battling twist to the game, allowing players to collect and battle the various eccentric characters they encounter.
- This side game provides a unique and humorous take on the monster-collecting genre, offering a light-hearted diversion from the main narrative.
These minigames are not just for entertainment; they also contribute to character progression and the game’s economy, making them integral to the full experience of ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’.
Final Thoughts
After an extensive journey through the sun-soaked streets of Honolulu and the gripping narrative arcs of its dual protagonists, the reviewer’s experience with ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ concludes on a high note. The game’s rich content and the emotional resonance of its storytelling offer a fulfilling adventure that is hard to step away from. With a playtime that stretches well beyond 60 hours for a focused run, and potentially over 100 hours for completionists, the game promises a long-lasting engagement with its world.
While the option for a New Game+ mode adds potential for replayability, the sheer volume and intensity of the initial playthrough may satisfy most players’ appetites for the foreseeable future. ‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ stands as a testament to the series’ ability to deliver a deep and rewarding JRPG experience that is both indulgent and memorable. Explore more about the series and related games here.
