Yakuza: Like a Dragon - Experience a Dramatic Crime Epic Through Quirky Turn-Based Combat!

Stepping away from the familiar brawler style of its predecessors, Yakuza: Like a Dragon plunges players into the world of Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza who emerges from prison after serving an 18-year sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. Finding his beloved Tojo Clan family fractured and his former patriarch missing, Ichiban embarks on a journey through Kamurocho, Yokohama, and other vibrant locales to uncover the truth behind his imprisonment and reclaim what was lost.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon doesn’t shy away from exploring mature themes such as loyalty, betrayal, societal injustice, and redemption. It presents a complex tapestry of characters with their own motivations and flaws, mirroring real-world struggles within Japan’s underworld. The narrative takes unexpected turns, seamlessly blending gritty crime drama with moments of absurdist humor – a hallmark of the Yakuza series.
The game’s most significant departure from tradition lies in its combat system. Gone are the free-flowing brawls and combos. Instead, Like a Dragon adopts a turn-based RPG battle style reminiscent of classic JRPGs like Dragon Quest. Ichiban assembles a ragtag party of allies with unique personalities and skills, each wielding distinct abilities and job classes that add depth to tactical encounters.
The Quirky Party: More Than Just Sidekicks
Ichiban’s companions are far from mere window dressing; they become integral to both the narrative and gameplay. From the stoic former police officer Nanba, whose “Bodyguard” job excels at protecting allies, to the street-smart hostess Saeko with her “Hostess” class that specializes in debuffs and crowd control, each character brings their own unique flavor to the battlefield.
Character | Job Class | Special Skill |
---|---|---|
Ichiban Kasuga | Hero/various | Can use all job abilities |
Yu Nanba | Bodyguard | “Ironclad Will” – Protects allies from critical hits |
Saeko Mukoda | Hostess | “Alluring Stare” – Charms enemies and lowers their attack |
As players progress, they can unlock new job classes for each character, allowing for diverse party compositions and strategic flexibility in combat. The sheer number of potential combinations keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, encouraging experimentation and adaptability to different enemy encounters.
A Vivid World Brought to Life:
Beyond the captivating story and unique combat system, Yakuza: Like a Dragon shines through its meticulously crafted world. Kamurocho and Yokohama come alive with bustling streets, vibrant neon signs, hidden alleyways, and bustling nightlife. The detailed environments are ripe for exploration, offering a plethora of side activities to engage in beyond the main storyline.
From mastering mini-games like karaoke and darts to participating in wacky side quests involving street performers and underground gambling dens, Like a Dragon never lets up on its entertainment value. These diversions serve as a refreshing break from the intensity of the main narrative while also providing opportunities to earn experience points, acquire valuable items, and deepen your understanding of the game world.
Production Features that Elevate the Experience:
The game’s impressive production values further enhance its appeal. The voice acting is superb, bringing each character to life with nuance and emotion. The soundtrack perfectly complements the mood of different scenes, seamlessly transitioning from upbeat J-pop tunes in bustling urban areas to somber orchestral pieces during tense confrontations.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s dedication to detail extends even to its menu system and user interface. Navigating menus feels intuitive, and the presentation is visually appealing with colorful icons and animated transitions. The developers have clearly put thought into every aspect of the game’s design, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable player experience from start to finish.
A Genre-Bending Masterpiece:
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is more than just an action game; it’s a bold experiment that successfully blends traditional RPG elements with the signature charm and grit of the Yakuza series. Its captivating story, quirky characters, strategic turn-based combat, and meticulously crafted world make it a must-play for fans of both genres and newcomers alike.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure that transcends expectations, offers hours of thrilling gameplay, and leaves you with a lasting impression, step into the vibrant world of Yakuza: Like a Dragon – you won’t be disappointed!