Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio brings us a new chapter of the current series Yakuza, Like a dragon: infinite wealth. On this occasion, the Japanese studio pulled out all the stops and offers us an almost infinite game which is built on the foundations of previous games and, above all, of Yakuza: like a dragon Does this turn-based action role-playing game live up to this legendary saga? Is it more of the same? I tell you that It will surprise and delight you in equal measure.I therefore invite you to stay and discover it in the following analysis.
For this analysis, I was able to test the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions, by playing them on an Xbox One respectively.
A story that captivates you from the first moment
Like a dragon: infinite wealth departures a little after events recounted in the first Like a dragon. To avoid spoilers on the first game in this new range and as well Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Cleared His NameI will limit myself to presenting this we will start in Yokohama with some of our former allies. After a series of events, we will be forced to travel to Hawaii in an adventure that develops through a large number of cutscenes that It captures us from the first moment.
As the protagonist, repeat Ichiban Kasuga, although this time Kiryu plays a very relevant role. During our journey we will find all kinds of characters, old and new. They therefore take up the characters from the previous games, which will make us feel familiar with the plot from the first moment. And the new ones who join this suite are characterized in complex ways and we will accept them soon as an integral part of our team.
Therefore, as expected, Like a dragon: infinite wealth has an exciting storytold at any time with the interlocution of a sarcastic and adult tone it matches perfectly. It has twists and turns with profound moments, enough to keep us glued to the controller for a long time. It is true that its development is a little slow and introductory to the playable mechanics, although I understand that it was done to appreciate all his work as a whole
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes us on a trip to Hawaii
Although this is not the only playable space in this Like a dragon: infinite wealth, Hawaii is new that many fans have been asking for for years. The familiarity of previous locations, despite their changes each episode, was too much left behind due to their repetition. We had to discover a new world under the orders of Kasuga, and that’s what happened in this episode, including the card is perfectly connected between main activities and secondary activities.
Apart from the main adventure (which will serve, as we have already mentioned, to introduce us to other secondary adventures), we will have all kinds of activities which can be done in the form of the already famous Mini games. We will discover here many new features, the mechanics of which are generally relatively basic but which are absolutely refreshing. Fun and original, perfect for spending a few good hours improving our records. In add ition, we will walk the streets with a kind of electric skateboard
The side missions are interesting and the characters are very well presented. Everything seems to have a series of connections with the main story, which makes all the missions of this game splendid. We will have a dungeon located in a dangerous building that functions as a type of layered extraction mode. Partially dangerous neighborhoods that house valuable objects… in short, a endless activities (in which we count recreational machines) which always seem organic.
The two big “mini-games” of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
As in any good game in the series Yakuza worth its salt, there are mini-games and “great games“. On this occasion, the protagonists of Like a dragon: infinite wealth These are the Sujimon League and Dondoko Island.
The Sujimon League is inspired by Pokemon and its combat system, leveling up, etc. This mode concerns obtain and evolve sujimon (characters of all types), in a series of 3-on-3 battles (with 3 others Sujimon In the reservation). The fights are simple and are based on the type of specialty of our player. Sujimon, their immunities and their invulnerability. We will go up by defeating the trainers of the different gyms to complete this mode which has a certain depth.
Dondoko Island is the other “great game” inspired by Animal crossing. Perfectly inserted into the story, we will travel to a special island. This island will have a series of resources where we can build and carry out different types of activities. We will even fight there. The objective is to build a station and, although it is not essential to play these modes, we will get a good amount of money to buy, among other things, new weapons.
The role and combat, a clear evolution compared to previous opuses
Like a dragon: infinite wealth It has a role system in which by performing various actions such as fighting, greeting the citizens of Hawaii, or even “flirting”, among others, we will increase the level of our characters in terms of: passion, confidence, charisma, kindness, intelligence and style. This will have certain repercussions depending on the situation, such as the unlocking of new areas for example.
As for the fights, a clear evolution is seen compared to the first Like a dragon. The combat will be more dynamic, since it allows us to move in a sort of circumference. What seems to be something very basic is not, because it allows us manage the pace of combatbeing able to quickly finish off our opponents, attack them from behind, use objects on stage as weapons, create a domino effect with our allies, etc.
Additionally, as we progress through the levels we will unlock special abilities that depending on the type of profession of our character (this one, will change the fighting style), it will be totally different and will have a different attribute (fire, water, electricity)… and will be able to damage our enemies more depending on their vulnerabilities. We can also stand guard, proceed to spectacular attacks with our allies, etc. The combat also requires us to follow a series of QTEs or button mashing which makes it more dynamic. we will acquire new weapons that we can also customize and deal special types of damage to them.
Audiovisually, it fails to move to the next generation
Concerning the graphic aspect, textures and character modeling are left behind too much if we compare it even with the games of the last generation. It’s true that The main characters have a good level of detail and some plausible expressions. But most of the NPCs in the game are very sparsely detailed, although this is understandable to some extent, due to their number on the streets.
Artistically, the game shines Since the scenarios of the previous games are already known, this Hawaii incorporates a new lighting system, with a play of shadows and lights which, especially at night, shine perfectly. During combat, the effects are quite spectacular. Our protagonist’s physique is up to par., interacting with the setting and giving us a feeling of appropriate “weight”. Although it is true that in some sections where we will have to overcome obstacles, they do not work very well.
Concerning the sound, the game is located in Japanese, Chinese and English voices. I played in the latter and in the the level is acceptable. Regarding the translation of Subtitles (this enters Spanish), the work done It’s up to par and has some totally hilarious moments. Soundtrackwill accompany us on our mobile at all times and will appear very exciting depending on the moment, giving it the necessary drama that certain occasions deserve.
Finally, comment that both versions (both old gen and next gen) perform correctly. I particularly like the latter, since the frame rate is higher, as well as the level of textures and resolution, with the complete absence of loading times.
conclusion
Like a dragon: infinite wealth This is the definitive game in the series Yakuza. Not everyone is attracted to the move from real-time combat to turn-based combat, although it This doesn’t have to be an obstacle to enjoying the game. Because Like a dragon It’s more than fighting (which are already very well resolved). East an evolution of most gaming systemswhich allows you to explore a new place in the saga as it is Hawaii. With some mini-games that will provide you very high variety/hours ratio. Just like a a story that will captivate you from the first moment and this is told in detail.
In short, if you have not yet tried any title from this legendary saga, Like a dragon: infinite wealth lets you capture it in the best possible way. Without a doubt, It is, and will probably be, one of the best titles of this year 2024 which has just started.
Like a dragon: infinite wealth It is available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Don’t forget to visit our website to stay up to date with the latest news from the gaming industry.
Like a dragon: infinite wealth
Pro.
- The biggest Yakuza yet
- An evolution in most playable aspects
- New and in-depth mini-games
- A story that captivates from the first moment
- The new location, Hawaii
Contra.
- Lose the emotion if you haven’t played the previous games in the saga
- Graphically, it’s a little late
I’ve always loved playing and reading about video games, why not write?
Table of Contents