Yakuza: Like a Dragon! A Refreshing Take on the RPG Formula
Yakuza: Like a Dragon throws away the familiar beat-em-up style of its predecessors and embraces the turn-based RPG genre, delivering a surprisingly engaging and humorous experience. It’s like your favorite gangster movie decided to take a detour through a JRPG world, resulting in a charmingly bizarre mix that works incredibly well.
The game follows Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking member of the Tojo Clan, who is released from prison after serving an 18-year sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. Returning to Kamurocho, the vibrant heart of Tokyo, Ichiban discovers his former clan has betrayed him and seeks revenge while navigating the complex underworld of Yokohama.
A World Where Dreams Meet Reality (and Turn-Based Combat)
Yakuza: Like a Dragon seamlessly blends its gritty Yakuza story with classic RPG elements. Instead of brawling your way through enemies, you engage in strategic turn-based combat using Ichiban’s “Job System.”
This system allows Ichiban to switch between various classes like the powerful “Hero,” agile “Breakdancer,” or even a wacky “Chef” who dishes out damage with culinary delights. Each job comes with unique abilities and strengths, allowing for diverse party compositions and strategic gameplay. Imagine a hulking bodyguard unleashing devastating blows alongside a flamboyant entertainer using dance moves to confuse opponents – it’s as unconventional as it is entertaining.
More Than Just Fists: The Depth of Yokohama
Yakuza: Like a Dragon doesn’t skimp on exploration and side content either. Yokohama, the game’s bustling setting, is packed with minigames, activities, and heartwarming substories.
You can run your own cabaret club, compete in kart races, or even play baseball with your party members. The world feels alive with quirky characters and unexpected encounters. One minute you might be helping a lost child find their way home, the next you could be facing off against a Yakuza boss in a heated karaoke battle.
Beyond the Battles: A Story of Friendship and Redemption
While combat is crucial, Like a Dragon shines brightest through its story and characters. Ichiban is a lovable underdog with a heart of gold, always striving for justice and redemption. He assembles a diverse group of allies, each with their own unique backstory and motivations.
There’s the fiery homeless veteran Nanba, the cynical but loyal ex-hostess Saeko, and the enigmatic former assassin Adachi. Together, they form an unlikely bond as they fight for what they believe in, facing moral dilemmas and complex choices along the way.
| Character | Job(s) | Personality |
|---|---|---|
| Ichiban Kasuga | Hero, Brawler, Chef | Optimistic, naive, determined |
| Masamune Date | Host, Politician | Charismatic, manipulative, cunning |
| Koichi Adachi | Hitman, Assassin, Enforcer | Mysterious, stoic, skilled |
| Eri Kamataki | Idol, Songstress | Enthusiastic, energetic, kind-hearted |
A Unique and Engaging RPG Experience
Yakuza: Like a Dragon successfully blends the grit and drama of the Yakuza series with the strategic depth of RPG combat. Its charming characters, engaging story, and abundance of side content make it an unforgettable experience for both veterans of the franchise and newcomers to the world of Yakuza.
The game’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries within the RPG genre ultimately creates a refreshing and rewarding adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression.