You Don't Know Yakuza: Like a Dragon Until You've Experienced Its Quirky Charm!

Prepare yourself for an experience unlike any other, because Yakuza: Like a Dragon isn’t your typical shooter. In fact, it throws the entire “shooter” genre out the window and replaces it with a delightful concoction of turn-based RPG combat, hilarious side quests, and a narrative so captivating you’ll be hooked from the opening cutscene.

Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a bold departure for the long-running Yakuza franchise, introducing a fresh protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking member of the Arakawa Family who gets betrayed after serving an 18-year prison sentence.

Instead of firearms and explosive action, Like a Dragon embraces turn-based combat reminiscent of classic RPGs. Imagine Final Fantasy, but with yakuza brawls and ludicrous special attacks that involve bicycles, trash cans, and even summoning your party members’ inner dragons (yes, really!).

A World Where Karaoke and Cabs Collide

The game world itself is a vibrant recreation of Yokohama, Japan, brimming with detail and personality.

Explore bustling streets, dive into dimly lit bars for karaoke sessions (with surprisingly accurate lyrics!), or indulge in the absurdly enjoyable “Pocket Circuit” mini-game where you race miniature cars built from salvaged junk.

It’s these quirky touches that make Yakuza: Like a Dragon truly shine. Whether you’re helping a homeless man find his dentures, participating in a breakdancing competition, or even running your own cabaret club, there’s always something bizarre and entertaining waiting around the corner.

Beyond the Surface: Themes of Justice, Friendship, and Redemption

While Yakuza: Like a Dragon may initially appear as pure comedic chaos, it delves into surprisingly profound themes beneath its wacky exterior.

Ichiban Kasuga’s journey is one of self-discovery, forgiveness, and fighting for what’s right. He grapples with the betrayal he suffered, the harsh realities of life after prison, and the complexities of loyalty in a world filled with gray morals.

Throughout his adventure, Ichiban forms strong bonds with his companions, each with their own unique backstories and motivations: Nanba, a former yakuza with a penchant for “business,” Adachi, a street performer whose wisdom hides beneath his flamboyant exterior, and Saeko Mukoda, a fierce lawyer fighting for social justice.

This ensemble cast brings a unique blend of humor, heart, and pathos to the narrative. Their relationships evolve through shared hardships, hilarious encounters, and deeply personal moments that showcase the power of connection in the face of adversity.

A Blast from the Past with Modern Touches

Yakuza: Like a Dragon expertly blends classic turn-based RPG mechanics with modern sensibilities.

The combat system is surprisingly deep, allowing for strategic party composition, skill customization, and the utilization of various “jobs” that grant characters unique abilities and playstyles.

Want Ichiban to be a charismatic “Hero” who buffs his allies? Or maybe you prefer a more tactical approach with Nanba as a “Hitman” specializing in high-damage attacks? The possibilities are vast, encouraging experimentation and tailoring your team to suit your playstyle.

Visually, Yakuza: Like a Dragon embraces its own unique aesthetic, mixing gritty realism with exaggerated anime-inspired character designs.

The soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s tone, seamlessly blending catchy J-pop tunes with hard-hitting battle themes that amplify the intensity of each encounter.

Final Verdict

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an unexpected gem in the gaming landscape.

It transcends the limitations of its genre by delivering a captivating story, unforgettable characters, and a gameplay experience that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Whether you’re a seasoned Yakuza fan or a newcomer looking for something fresh and exciting, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is sure to leave a lasting impression. Just be prepared for a wild ride filled with laughter, tears, and the occasional bizarre encounter that will have you saying “only in Yakuza.”