Two months ago Sega launched, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (analysis), game that serves as a prologue to the events of Infinite Wealth. This game is the eighth main title in the franchise formerly known as Yakuza and the second to be starred by Ichiban Kasuga. Additionally, it should be noted that the main games of the franchise Like a Dragon —since its seventh installment— are characterized by being turn-based RPG games.
Us, thanks to the demo that is unlocked by passing The Man Who Erased His Namewe had already had the opportunity to know something about Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. However, we were not prepared for all the content that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has put into its eighth installment. So in our review or analysis of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryū Ga Gotoku 8), we will know how long the game lasts and everything about the combat system and the activities of the title.
The story of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth It has two protagonists. So, in this eighth installment of the franchise, formerly known as Yakuza, Both Ichiban and Kiryu have their own specific—though connected—plot arcs and objectives in their adventure. However, unlike Yakuza: Like a Dragon (analysis), in Infinite Wealth Players must know the franchise in depth. Since, the main story draws directly from that of the seventh installment. However, the chapters focused on the Dragon of Dojima have a significant amount of nostalgia that will only be properly enjoyed by those who have accompanied Kazuma Kiryu for 18 years.
Some Kiryu side stories from previous games have an epilogue in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
In the history of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Ichiban and Kiryu – for different reasons – embark on a trip to Hawaii to search for Akane KishidaKasuga’s mother and the love of Kasuga’s life Masumi Arakawa. During the trip, Ichiban and Kiryu realize that other criminal groups on the Island are interested in Akane. At the same time, Kiryu reveals that she suffers from an aggressive cancer and that she has little time to live. The two heroes of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
A great rival for Ichiban
During Kiryu and Ichiban’s adventure we will meet different characters, who – as is customary in the franchise – have different personalities and enjoy a well-written story with different conversations and moments that make us sympathize with them on multiple occasions. One of the characters who debuts in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth es Yutaka Yamai. He is a former member of the Tabata family—a member of the Tojo clan—who now resides in Hawaii and as the story progresses he becomes that rival that the new hero of the franchise so needed. Basically, without being equal, Yamai is the “Goro Majima” of Ichiban. His cold personality contrasts perfectly with Ichiban’s warmth and they create a fun dynamic every time they interact.
On the other hand, each of the playable characters has their own story arcs that we can complete by listening to conversations and activating—as the bond is leveled up—drinking scenes. These not only serve to get to know each of our companions better, but also to improve their team fighting skills. On a plot level, the team fight—foreign to the Dragon of Dojima—helps Kiryu realize that much of Kasuga’s power comes from friendship and ties with her friends.
In Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth it’s impossible to get bored
During our experience with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, we were overwhelmed by the number of spaces and activities in the game. Aside from Kamurocho and Isezaki Ijincho—places where full games have been developed in the past—we have Hawaii. This area of the game is gigantic compared to the two located in Japan. In addition, this area of the title has most of the activities that Ryu Ga Gotoku has included in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Some of these activities, such as the Sujimon League, have a considerable duration. Or for example, Dondoko Island can even be considered a separate game. However, the progress of both activities is linked to our progress in history. Since as we level up we can catch better Sujimon or recruit guests to Dondoko Island. Additionally, in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth we will find a delivery game that is reminiscent of Crazy Taxi and a dating minigame. In addition to these mini-games, we find the classics of the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio franchise such as poker, shogi, black jack, oicho-kabu, koi-koi, Golf, batting machines and of course mahjong.
Although most of the minigames are widely known to the franchise’s oldest fans, they always manage to catch and capture attention.
Additionally, some of the game’s achievements require us to spend time on some of these activities. Others require being in “New Game +”, which – unfortunately – is not included in the base game.
The decision to have New Game + separate from the standard version of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth It’s strange for a feature that has always come with a title of this genre. Furthermore, when an RPG does not have New Game + at its launch, it is usually added—over time—for free. Even Yong Yea—Kiryu’s voice in English— has expressed his displeasure with this decision. We hope that this decision is reversed, since it is unfortunate that something so basic is behind a payment.
A fun combat system with improvements that make group fights easier
The combat mechanics of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth They have a small novelty that has given a new twist to what was seen in the seventh installment. Now, Kasuga and his friends can move in an area of the combat location. Thanks to this, players will be able to make new strategies by positioning their characters to take advantage of skills together. Besides, With free movement you can choose the trajectory in which an enemy can be launched. This in order to cause more damage or even hurt other villains with the body of our target or elements of the environment.
Additionally, the use of magic or skills that provide improvements to the attributes of our characters or reduce those of the enemy is essential to win. This is especially evident when we face the dangers that await us in the game’s dungeons. These are located in Hawaii and Isezaki Ijincho (Yokohama).
Each of the playable characters Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth They have an exclusive job. Additionally, there are thirteen jobs that can be equipped to any of the characters. Of these five, they are exclusive to female characters and the others can be equipped to any of the other playable characters. Once we have unlocked several jobs for our characters, and they have a sufficient level, we can equip up to six skills from different jobs. Thanks to this, the fighting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth They are dynamic and very fun.
Exaggerated and fun movements
Explore the different areas of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Not only does it help us collect Sujimons or guests for Dondoko Island. Since, as we complete secondary missions we can collect new mercenaries who for “a small price” will lend us their power in battle.
The music of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is composed by Chihiro Aoki. She is known for being the musical director of Like a Dragon: Were! (review) and the main composer of the previous game game a Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. So in this eighth installment his work continues with the same quality and in the last chapters of the game there are a couple of quite memorable songs.
How long does it last Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth?
If you just want to focus on the main story and want to know how long it takes or how long it takes to finish Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthwe tell you the story of the game we complete it after 75 hours. However, how long it takes to complete all the objectives or achievements is another matter. Since, at the moment we are 92 and we have not yet finished the story of Dondoko Island and other secondary missions. So we dare to say that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth could be around 130 hours long to be cyan percent completed.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the consolidation of the generational change of the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio franchise. This is thanks to a strong story that makes clear the personality, values and paths of its two protagonists who represent the past and future of the franchise. All this sea of emotions Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth They are a perfect ending to Kazuma Kiryu’s adventure and they make clear the path that Ichiban will follow from now on. As for its content, expectations have lived up to it and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has delivered a title that does not allow the player to get bored. This thanks to a lot of activities and secondary missions. However, nothing is perfect. Since some basic features of a game have been left out of the standard version of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Despite this, this is without a doubt one of the best games in the franchise, which we recommend that you do not miss.
Review or analysis Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth made with a digital copy for PC (Steam) provided by SEGA.
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