Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the seventh main installment in the Yakuza series, set in modern Japan. Unlike previous games, it features a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and introduces turn-based combat, blending traditional Yakuza elements like crime, open-world exploration, and mini-games with a fresh narrative and gameplay style.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Review

Introduction

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a watershed moment for the storied franchise, marking a bold departure from the series’ beat’em up roots by embracing turn-based RPG mechanics. This seismic shift not only reinvigorates the series but also introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, whose compelling narrative and likable personality helps anchor the game’s rich tapestry of characters, memorable storylines, and innovative gameplay. While the transition isn’t without its rough edges, the end result is a genre-spanning masterpiece that manages to retain the soul of the Yakuza series while offering fresh experiences to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Development History & Context

The development of Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a gamble for SEGA and Ryu ga Gotoku Studio. The series was well-known for its action-based gameplay, but this installment completely overhauled the paradigm. Director Ryosuke Horii saw this as an opportunity to explore new creative avenues while expanding the Yakuza universe into uncharted territories. The decision to shift to a turn-based RPG was influenced by the team’s desire to offer a more strategic and storytelling-focused experience, leveraging the rich narrative tradition of the series.

Technological constraints played a role as well, as optimizing for turn-based combat allowed the team to focus on deep character animations, environmental interactions, and a more detailed world. At the time of its release in 2020, the RPG genre was experiencing a renaissance, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon aimed to capitalize on that momentum while introducing the series to a broader audience.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative follows Ichiban Kasuga as he navigates a world marred by corruption, personal betrayals, and a quest for redemption. The story is structured around themes of loyalty, found family, and the struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds. Ichiban’s journey from a wrongfully imprisoned yakuza to a hero is clearly inspired by classic underdog tales and Dragon Quest tropes, adding a layer of charm and relatability.

Characters

The cast of characters in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is one of its greatest strengths. Ichiban’s companions—such as the tragic Yu Nanba, the feisty Saeko Mukoda, the detoxing cop Koichi Adachi, and the enigmatic Tianyou Zhao—each have their own distinctive personalities, backstories, and motivations. Their interactions with Ichiban and each other create some of the game’s most memorable moments.

The writing excels in balancing emotional depth with humor, often within the same scenes. Each character’s bond events provide additional layers of narrative, further igniting player investment in their准备好各个方面的指标表现。

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The most significant change is the move to turn-based combat, which mixes traditional JRPG mechanics with environmental interactions and party-based strategies. The job system is particularly innovative, allowing each character to switch between multiple roles with unique skillsets, such as Host, Musician, or Enforcer. This adds significant depth to both combat and character building.

However, the combat system has some limitations. The early game’s simplicity can give way to late-game grinding, and the lack of movement during turns can make positioning frustrating. The UI, while functional, could have been better optimized for the turn-based pacing.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijincho is brought to life with stunning detail, thanks to the team’s careful recreation of the real-world location. The art direction blends the neon allure of Japan’s urban centers with the grit of the criminal underworld. Anistrate efforts are evident in the diverse range of environments, from Chinatown’s bustling markets to the dimly lit back alleys.

The sound design and musical score, helmed by composer Hidenori Shoji, perfectly complement the game’s tone. The mach for its Japanese and English voice performances adds to the immersive experience, with notable standouts like Kaiji Tang as Ichiban and Ed .Bentley as Yosuke Tendo.

Reception & Legacy

Yakuza: Like a Dragon received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying its place as one of the best games in the series and a top JRPG of the 2020s. Its influence is evident in subsequent titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth which continue to build upon its gameplay innovations while exploring new stories and settings. The game’s commercial success has helped elevate the Yakuza series to new heights of mainstream appeal.

Conclusion

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a masterstroke of creative reinvention that successfully merges the best elements of the Yakuza series with the strategic depth and narrative richness of turn-based RPGs. While not flawless, the game’s inspired storytelling, loveable characters, and bold gameplay choices結果 Strictly Necessary Cookies are essential functionality for website operation. Check our Privacy Policy Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! Check our Privacy Policy