The start of 2024 has brought with it an exciting addition to the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series with the release of "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth." This title kicks off what promises to be an electrifying year for fans of Japanese games, with other anticipated releases on the horizon. However, "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" is the game to grab your attention first. Following up on the enormous success of Yakuza 0 in 2017, we now find ourselves diving into the latest adventure featuring the lovable Ichiban Kasuga and the iconic Kazuma Kiryu.
"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" arrives at a time when the SEGA series is arguably at its peak. Having had a glimpse of the game at industry events, we were fortunate enough to delve deeper into its world at a preview event in sunny New York. Our play session provided us with varied experiences, from controlling Ichiban in the tropical setting of Hawaii, following the aging Kazuma Kiryu, to participating in the new and expansive side activity, Dondoko Island.
Hawaii serves as one of the new vibrant backdrops for the game, marking yet another new environment for the series. Honolulu City is introduced as the largest playable area yet in the franchise. The city is teeming with life, from sunny beaches to crowded tourist spots and everything in between. Transportation takes an entertaining turn with the inclusion of the Street Surfer (essentially a segway), which not only serves as a mode of transport but also offers an auto-cruise option—a sort of fast travel system with a finite charge, requiring the occasional stop at recharge stations.
However, it's worth exploring on foot too, since the side activities this franchise is known for are scattered generously across the map. Engaging with NPCs and triggering side stories is now more rewarding through an updated Walk & Talk system, which has evolved into a Bond Bingo game rewarding players with friendship points vital for unlocking new attacks and jobs.
The zany side stories that the "Like a Dragon" series is renowned for remain a fixture, ranging from fire-spinning competitions to taking exams. Wander enough, and you’ll stumble upon truly unique characters and comedic encounters, including feeding milk to a cow or snapshotting “sickos” in nefarious acts with Sicko Snap mode. It reassures fans that the game retains the humor and odd charm that has made the series a standout.
Combat is another area where "Infinite Wealth" shines, now allowing a freer movement of characters during turns. This seemingly small tweak adds another layer of strategy, enabling better positioning of enemies to maximize attack impact or use environmental objects as weapons. There are new jobs to experiment with, and some of these can be discovered by completing optional activities or through Alo-Happy Tours.
Beyond Ichiban's story, we get to engage in a secondary campaign with Kazuma Kiryu in "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth." Kiryu’s story takes a more serious tone as the character deals with a personal health crisis. Reacting to his cancer diagnosis, Kiryu sets out to complete a bucket list, leading to gameplay and missions infused with reflection and nostalgia. These missions allow players to reminisce about past events from the entire Yakuza series, letting you upgrade Kiryu’s abilities and fighting styles.
Our preview explored only a fraction of what "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" has to offer, but it was clear that the new title is both ambitious and comprehensive. The seamless transition between playing as Ichiban and Kazuma Kiryu suggests a fully integrated dual storyline that is likely to capture the hearts of players.
"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" is not only the most ambitious installment of the series in terms of its scale, stories, and mechanics, but it's also a testament to its developer RGG Studio's commitment to the franchise. Whether one is drawn to the quirky activities and humorous aspects of Ichiban’s story or the heavy and contemplative tone of Kiryu’s journey, there is content here that appeals to both returning fans and newcomers alike. With rich environments, enhanced combat, and deep narrative themes, "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" is shaping up to be an unmissable adventure on the PS5, representing a pinnacle moment for the legendary series. Will this be the journey where fans bid farewell to the beloved Dragon of Dojima, or will it open up new avenues for the series to explore? Regardless, the anticipation is high, and the excitement for this game's full release is palpable.
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