
Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a bold departure from its predecessors, swapping out the familiar real-time beat ’em up action for turn-based JRPG combat. While initially met with raised eyebrows from longtime fans, this innovative shift has breathed new life into the series, delivering an experience that’s both refreshingly unique and undeniably engaging.
Set in the vibrant and bustling city of Yokohama, Japan, Like a Dragon follows Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza who finds himself betrayed by the very family he swore loyalty to. Released from prison after serving 18 years for a crime he didn’t commit, Ichiban returns to a world drastically different from the one he left behind.
His former allies are now his enemies, and the streets of Yokohama are teeming with new threats. Seeking answers and revenge, Ichiban gathers a ragtag crew of misfits and outcasts, each with their own compelling backstory and unique fighting style.
Unraveling the Narrative Tapestry Like a Dragon’s narrative is as captivating as it is complex, weaving together themes of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring power of friendship. Ichiban, a naivety tinged hero with an unwavering moral compass, serves as the perfect lens through which to explore these themes.
His journey takes him through Yokohama’s diverse districts, each brimming with its own distinct personality and challenges: from the neon-lit entertainment district of Kamurocho to the gritty industrial port area. Along the way, Ichiban encounters a colorful cast of characters who contribute their own threads to the narrative tapestry:
- Nanba: A hulking ex-yakuza with a heart of gold and a penchant for ramen.
- Adachi: A former detective haunted by his past, skilled in both martial arts and subterfuge.
- Saeko: A cunning hostess with a sharp wit and a deadly secret.
The story unfolds through a mix of cinematic cutscenes, dynamic dialogue sequences, and engaging side quests that flesh out the world and characters further. Like a Dragon’s narrative isn’t afraid to tackle weighty issues, exploring the complexities of Japanese society, the struggles of marginalized communities, and the allure of power.
A Turn-Based Twist on Yakuza Mayhem The shift to turn-based combat might seem jarring for veteran Yakuza fans accustomed to the series’ signature brawling mechanics. However, Like a Dragon embraces its JRPG roots with gusto, crafting a deeply strategic and surprisingly satisfying combat system.
Battles are fought on a grid-based battlefield, allowing for tactical positioning and creative combinations of attacks. Each character in your party has their own unique skillset, from Ichiban’s street fighting prowess to Nanba’s brute force.
The game introduces a job system that allows characters to change their combat roles, unlocking new abilities and customizing your team composition. You can mold Ichiban into a fearsome brawler, a cunning magician, or even a breakdancing chef—the possibilities are delightfully absurd.
Beyond traditional attacks, Like a Dragon incorporates special “heat actions” - over-the-top finishing moves that add a touch of signature Yakuza flair to the combat. These flamboyant maneuvers can be triggered under specific conditions and deal massive damage, turning the tide of battle in your favor.
Exploring Yokohama’s Glittering Underbelly Beyond the core narrative and combat system, Like a Dragon offers a wealth of content to keep players engaged for hours on end. Yokohama is rendered with impressive detail, teeming with bustling streets, hidden alleyways, and neon-drenched nightlife hotspots.
The game encourages exploration by rewarding curious players with hidden treasures, side quests, and mini-games galore:
- Dragon Kart: A kart racing experience that lets you zoom through the streets of Yokohama in souped-up vehicles.
- Pocket Circuit: Build and race miniature RC cars in a variety of challenging tracks.
- Karaoke: Belt out your favorite tunes (or butcher them spectacularly) at karaoke bars across the city.
These diversions offer a welcome respite from the main storyline, providing opportunities to unwind, connect with fellow denizens of Yokohama, and delve deeper into the vibrant culture that permeates the game world.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon - A Bold Evolution Like a Dragon stands as a testament to the enduring power of reinvention.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Combat System | Turn-based JRPG combat with strategic grid-based battles and unique character abilities |
Story & Setting | Gripping narrative exploring themes of betrayal, redemption, and friendship set in the vibrant city of Yokohama |
Character Roster | A diverse cast of memorable characters, each with their own backstory and fighting style |
Side Content | Rich variety of mini-games and side quests offering hours of additional entertainment |
While it departs from tradition, this bold evolution breathes new life into the Yakuza franchise, delivering a truly unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends classic RPG elements with the series’ signature charm and swagger. If you’re looking for a JRPG that breaks the mold and offers a unique blend of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, then Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an absolute must-play.