We now arrive at the latest installment in the Yakuza series, teased in its digital predecessor, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased his Name. Players once again step into the role of Ichiban Kasuga (introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon), with the turn-based combat system making a return, contrasting with the arcade-style fighting mechanics of the previous title. Following the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Kasuga, now a figure known for his unexpected heroism amidst yakuza conflicts and political machinations, embarks on a new path: assisting former yakuza members in reintegrating into civilian life. His routine in Yokohama takes an unforeseen turn when he faces unemployment due to a fabricated online narrative propagated by an influencer. A new lead emerges, revealing that Kasuga’s long-lost mother resides in Hawaii. Upon arriving, he discovers that numerous parties share an interest in her fate, including series mainstay Kazuma Kiryu. Naturally, the Japanese mafia is present amidst the backdrop of dolphins, sunshine, and beaches, and a notable Hollywood villain also makes an appearance.
The game upholds the series’ hallmark combination of compelling narrative and eccentric side quests, with a portion of the story unfolding in Hawaii, offering a distinctive setting and novel viewpoints. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth serves not only as a continuation of Ichiban and Kiryu’s respective journeys but also presents a poignant element as Kiryu confronts a battle with cancer, adding significant emotional depth to the narrative.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios (RGG Studios) has not only preserved the essence of the series but has also incorporated new features, including a Pokémon-inspired game mode and an Animal Crossing-influenced island management and development system. These additions, coupled with returning mini-games such as karaoke and arcade games, ensure a wealth of content to explore beyond the main storyline.
While the game retains the role-playing mechanics of its predecessor, requiring players to engage in side quests and level grinding to adequately meet the game’s challenges, there are moments where streamlining could have enhanced the overall experience. Encounters with bizarre enemies, such as colossal sharks, and participation in unconventional missions provide entertainment, but can occasionally contribute to a somewhat meandering storyline. The Crazy Taxi-esque segments, while engaging, can at times feel distracting and somewhat akin to elements found in GTA.
In terms of presentation, the game delivers the visual fidelity expected from the Yakuza series on current-generation hardware. The Hawaiian setting provides one of the most expansive virtual environments to date. The voice acting remains consistently strong, with the option to choose between Japanese and English audio.
In conclusion, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a commendable sequel that expands upon the series’ strengths and incorporates novel, innovative elements. It serves as a tribute to the beloved characters while offering a richly detailed and engaging world filled with entertainment and emotional resonance. The core narrative proved highly enjoyable, and we feel that we only scratched the surface of the numerous mini-games and side activities. Ideally, experiencing all the titles from Yakuza 0 onward would be a fantastic endeavor, however, this would require not only Infinite Wealth but also Infinite Time – a problem perhaps mitigated by the former.
A definitive must-have for series enthusiasts and a strong contender for consideration amidst this spring’s robust gaming releases for all others.
Plaion provided review copies for evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence editorial content.
