Infinite Wealth: The "Like a Dragon" Saga Continues

It's been nearly two decades since the debut of the original Like A Dragon in Japan. In that time, Kazuma Kiryu has endured being falsely accused of murder, managed an orphanage, faced off against tigers in combat, belted out karaoke tunes like a seasoned Vegas reveler, and solidified his status as a yakuza icon. Initially following an incremental approach, each subsequent installment of the series added layers to its intricate crime narrative while refining its brawler-style combat. While Yakuza 6: The Song of Life was thought to be Kiryu's farewell in 2016, the 2020 soft reboot, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, shifted gears by introducing a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and adopting a turn-based RPG format.

Despite this evolution, eight years post-Yakuza 6, with a cameo in Like A Dragon and a spin-off delving into Kiryu's ongoing saga, he remains a prominent figure. The game begins several years after the events of Yakuza: Like A Dragon. With the dissolution of the two major yakuza organizations, Ichiban Kasuga, hailed as the Hero of Yokohama, attempts to carve out a new path by embracing the mundanity of a nine-to-five office job. He tries to integrate the former members of the yakuza into society, although it is not an easy task. Amidst his efforts, he socializes with civilian friends and former party members, all while clumsily attempting to court Saeko. However, true to the series' nature, Ichiban finds himself abruptly pulled back into the realm of crime and deception. While the initial chapters may unfold at a leisurely pace, Ichiban's unwavering optimism and his authentic relationships with those around him infuse the experience with a sense of camaraderie, akin to reconnecting with cherished friends.

Job Progression in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

In the first 25 hours of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game masterfully introduces and layers mechanics, a crucial aspect given the enhanced complexity of combat compared to its predecessor. While retaining the turn-based RPG framework, subtle adjustments significantly enhance engagement, particularly the addition of player movement during battles. Unlike its predecessor, where environmental interactions were limited, players now have the freedom to maneuver Ichiban and his companions across the battlefield, opening up avenues for environmental and positional tactics, such as exploiting vulnerabilities from behind for extra damage.

Moreover, as the bond between party members strengthens, the introduction of tag team attacks and follow-up strikes accelerates combat, blurring the lines between traditional menu-based RPGs and the series' brawler roots. The type of attack forces the player to choose his strategies and battle tactics well. Anyone who buys Xbox adventure games would be impressed with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Despite these brawler-like elements, the RPG essence remains intact, with characters wielding MP-consuming abilities that vary from breaking guards to inflicting status ailments or elemental damage.

In Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, each party member is equipped with their own unique job and progression path. Returning characters maintain their roles from the previous game, while newcomers like Tomizawa, now a Cabbie, and Chitose, assuming the role of Heiress, bring fresh dynamics to the fray. Notably, Kiryu's initial job, "Dragon of Dojima," grants him access to three distinct fighting stances—Rush, Brawler, and Beast—inspired by his styles in Yakuza 0, all reimagined for turn-based combat. But as you advance in the game, you will be able to unlock jobs influenced by their experiences in Hawaii. From the aquatic prowess of the surfing Aquanaut to the ass-kicking Action Star, the supportive Geodancer, and the damage-dealing Night Queen, each job offers unique abilities and playstyles.

Dive into Yokohama's Delights: Side Activities in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

In terms of side content, Infinite Wealth stands tall compared to any other game in the series. Substories return, thrusting poor Ichiban into a plethora of awkward and absurd scenarios. Sujimon Battles offer a sprawling secondary combat system reminiscent of the Pokemon series. Players accompany Ichiban as he visits gyms, collects badges, and engages in three-on-three battles against various creeps and misfits, all while exploring the bustling streets where they can enjoy. Of course, side quests provide even more content but if you buy Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth for this reason, you won't even need that extra content as the world of the game is so big and the freedom to do what you want is so high that lack of content will never be a part of your thinking. While the combat mechanics remain accessible, the questline is extensive and the mechanics surrounding catching, evolving, and leveling up Sujimon are both intricate and darkly humorous.

During the journey, players will stumble upon DonDoko Island, where an Animal Crossing-inspired hotel management simulation awaits, overseen by delightfully eerie mascots. The array of side activities extends beyond the ordinary, featuring a humorous yet occasionally uncomfortable dating mini-game, a fusion of Crazy Taxi and Tony Hawk's food delivery escapade, and impeccably performed karaoke songs. For those seeking traditional pastimes, classics like shoji, mahjong, darts, blackjack, poker, oichi-kabu, koi-koi, and batting cages make a return, alongside revamped versions of the vocational school and can-collecting mini-game. While some activities may hold less appeal than others, each contributes to the vibrancy of the game world, offering a welcome respite from the somber main narrative and allowing players to seamlessly transition between diversions.

Exploring the Depths of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

We all like to buy Xbox games that are hits, so do not think twice and get the latest Yakuza game - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. As Infinite Wealth delves deeper into its dual protagonist narrative, the melodramatic undertones become increasingly prominent. Players find themselves alternating between controlling Kiryu and Ichiban, each navigating their own set of challenges alongside their respective party members. While Ichiban's journey often exudes a sense of carefree adventure, Kiryu's path is marked by a stark contrast. The game bravely confronts Kiryu's morality head-on, depicting how he acquires cancer through a freak accident. While pre-release speculation humorously pointed to Kiryu's vices like chain smoking and heavy drinking as potential culprits, Infinite Wealth takes a poignant stance, illustrating that illness can strike indiscriminately, irrespective of one's lifestyle choices. In these segments, traditional substories take a backseat as the focus shifts towards Kiryu's "Awakening."

As Kiryu reminisces about past moments and encounters old acquaintances in familiar locales across Yokohama and Kamurocho, the narrative slows down, allowing for introspection and emotional depth. With the aid of a familiar face from the police force, Kiryu embarks on a journey of reconnecting with those he had distanced himself from since relinquishing his former identity. Unlike the portrayal of Kiryu as a broken individual in previous installments, Infinite Wealth chooses to spotlight his acceptance of assistance and his efforts to mend fractured relationships. Witnessing Ichiban's kindness ripple through the world and Ryu Ga Gotoku's portrayal of Kiryu as a vulnerable figure in need of support left me emotionally overwhelmed. Despite its flaws, such as uncomfortable live-action dates and DLC-locked new game plus, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth shines in its combat, intricate systems, engaging side activities, compelling new characters, stunning visuals, captivating soundtrack, and emotionally resonant storytelling.