Yakuza: Like a Dragon Review
The protagonist of Yakuza: Like a Dragon is Kasuga Ichiban, who has a new backstory and narrative, instead of the Kiryu we are accustomed to.
The second significant change that the Yakuza series brought with the "Like a Dragon" game is the battle mechanics. We've always been accustomed to defeating our opponents in real-time in the Yakuza series with traffic lights, bicycles, pachinko machines, and all kinds of objects. However, "Yakuza: Like a Dragon" is the game where they decided to replace the combat mechanics with a JRPG-style turn-based system. In other words, "Yakuza: Like a Dragon" has replaced the shoot-first think-later system with a strategic format.
- Mini Games
- Enemy Variety
- You can discover different strategies
- New protagonist
- Gameplay feels clumsy at first
New Protagonist, New Cast and New Story
Yakuza: Like a Dragon has changed its entire cast, including the protagonist. In this game, we experience the story of Ichiban, who was imprisoned for years for a murder he did not commit. After his release, Ichiban learns that he was imprisoned for nothing and that his former best friend betrayed him. If you think that the story of the game will not interest you because the protagonist has changed, we recommend that you give Yakuza: Like a Dragon a try.
Gameplay Mechanics
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the game with the biggest change in the entire series. Somewhere at the top of this list of changes are gameplay mechanics. The Yakuza series' hit, break, smash, then hit more mechanics that we are used to, and if that wasn't enough, hit with items on the street, has been completely changed to a tour-based system with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Although we, like all Yakuza fans, thought that this system would kill the fun of the game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon managed to break our hesitations.
Our main concern about the round-based system was that it could slow down the flow of the game. However, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has surprisingly managed to integrate the turn-based system into the game in a fluid and entertaining way. Speaking of battle mechanics, it is impossible not to mention the variety of enemies in the game. Yakuza: Like a Dragon has 250 different enemy types that you can encounter on every street and corner.
Although some enemies look quite ordinary, most of them have crazy looks that suit the Yakuza series. Additionally, each enemy has different special abilities, moves and behaviours. We do not recommend keeping your eyes open, especially against enemies wearing trench coats; if possible, close your eyes to keep your sanity high and avoid lethal damage.
Mini-Games
One of the aspects where the Yakuza series stands out is that it not only offers combat mechanics but also various mini-games. We can call the Yakuza series a matryoshka. When you buy it, you think you have one game, but there are dozens inside! Yakuza: Like a Dragon comes with a total of 24 mini-games, which you can try in different locations of the open world. Here is a list of complete mini games:
- Outrun
- Space Harrier
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Super Hang-On
- Fantasy Zone
- Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown
- UFO Catcher
- Batting Practice
- Darts
- Golf
- Dragon Kart
- Movie Theatre
- Karaoke
- Shogi
- Mahjong
- Survival Can Collection
- Property Management
- Vocational School
- Cabaret Club
- Pachinko / Slots
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Oichi-Kabu
- Koi-Koi
Is it worth playing the “Yakuza: Like a Dragon”?
Yakuza: Like a Dragon has managed to breathe new life into the game with its fresh gameplay mechanics and brand-new protagonist. While the storytelling, open-world events, and visual design remain unchanged, the new main character and turn-based battle system may feel unfamiliar. However, if you are a fan of the Yakuza series, we guarantee that you will quickly overcome this feeling and thoroughly enjoy the game.