In the world of gaming, few series have captured the hearts of players quite like Yakuza. Known for its signature beat ’em up action, the series took a surprising turn with 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The switch to a stop-start, turn-based JRPG combat system left fans both excited and bewildered. However, its follow-up, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, promises to enhance and retool the combat system, offering a unique blend of tactical decision-making and flexible movement. Set in the stunning backdrop of Hawaii, this game aims to deliver the best of both worlds in a whirlwind of brawling action.
A Compelling Storyline in Like a Dragon
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth brings back the beloved protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and pairs him with the series stalwart, Kazuma Kiryu. The duo embarks on a journey to Hawaii in search of Kasuga’s biological mother. However, they soon find themselves entangled in a gripping conspiracy involving a local religious sect and multiple crime syndicates. The storyline takes unexpected twists and turns, exploring contemporary issues such as environmental mismanagement and online misinformation. The writing in Infinite Wealth is laudable, offering a perfect blend of serious drama and lowbrow comic relief. The banter between characters adds depth to the narrative, discussing topics ranging from the limited battery life of Sega’s Game Gear handheld to the differences in taste between Japanese and Hawaiian soy sauce.
A Captivating Setting
Infinite Wealth marks the first time a Like a Dragon story ventures beyond the shores of Japan, immersing players in the exotic setting of Hawaii. The game captures the essence of the Hawaiian islands, allowing players to explore its sandy shorelines, shiny shopping malls, and indulge in local delicacies like shave ice. The sprawling Honolulu map offers a vast playground for players to roam, providing a refreshing change from the typical game settings involving battleships and sports cars. The game successfully transports players to a fictionalized slice of paradise, complete with flip-flops and a zippy motorized Segway for that ultimate tourist experience.
Enhanced Combat Mechanics
Building upon the turn-based combat system introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth takes it to the next level. The combat mechanics feature more flexible movement and proximity-based attacks, adding a rough-and-tumble tactility reminiscent of traditional Yakuza street fights. Players have the freedom to reposition their team members within a set movement arc at the start of each turn, allowing for bonus damage by attacking enemies up close or from behind. Moreover, the ability to grab objects like bicycles and explosive barrels adds an extra layer of chaos to the battles. The bonds between team members also unlock powerful chain reactions, creating visually stunning and satisfying combo moves. The combat feels dynamic and kinetic, offering an adrenaline-fueled experience that surpasses its predecessor.
Diverse Job System
The job system, a feature introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, makes a return in Infinite Wealth. Players can alter the class of each character to suit their party’s composition. The game offers a wide range of job classes, each with its unique set of abilities and attacks. Whether it’s Kasuga as a wetsuited Aquanaut or Adachi as a katana-swinging Samurai, the job system allows for strategic customization of the party. Each job class expands with a growing number of special attacks as players level them up, ensuring a dynamic and engaging combat experience. The variety of jobs adds depth to the gameplay, making battles feel like exhilarating clashes straight out of a cosplay competition.
A Vast Array of Side Activities
Infinite Wealth offers an abundance of supplemental content to enrich the gaming experience. The Sujimon system, which replaces pocket monsters with peculiar men, returns with even more limited-time-only raids, training sessions, and stadium battles. Super Crazy Delivery, an addictive arcade time attack minigame, tests players’ skills in delivering packages within a time limit. Sicko Mode tasks players with photographing Speedo-clad musclemen hidden in bushes, adding a quirky challenge to the game. The Dondoko Island side activity allows players to gather resources, craft furniture, and beautify their own home and surrounding areas. Fishing, bug catching, and the occasional pirate attack add additional layers of enjoyment to the game. The side activities in Infinite Wealth are diverse and engaging, ensuring that players are never short of things to do.
Seamless Gameplay Experience
Infinite Wealth benefits from numerous design decisions that enhance the overall gameplay experience. The ability to fast travel to cab ranks from any point on the map ensures efficient navigation. Players can easily check weapon availability at stores without physically visiting them. Groups of enemies in the world are color-coded, indicating which ones to engage with and which ones to avoid. The game also offers the option to instantly wipe out weaker enemies with a tap of a button, saving time and effort. The seamless gameplay experience is further elevated by thoughtful details and minor design choices that allow players to focus on the action and exploration.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced combat mechanics that blend turn-based gameplay with tactical decision-making
- Engaging storyline with unexpected twists and contemporary themes
- Captivating setting in Hawaii, offering a refreshing change from traditional game settings
- Diverse job system, allowing for strategic customization of the party
- Abundance of side activities and supplemental content, providing hours of additional gameplay
- Seamless gameplay experience with thoughtful design choices
Cons:
- Lack of difficulty options for the first playthrough, potentially limiting accessibility for some players
- Repetitive random encounters in the streets
Conclusion
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a game that successfully combines the best of both worlds. With its enhanced combat mechanics, captivating storyline, and a diverse range of side activities, the game offers an immersive and exhilarating experience for players. The stunning Hawaiian setting adds a unique flavor to the game, providing a refreshing backdrop for the brawling action. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the game delivers on its promise of chaos and carnage, surpassing its predecessor in terms of gameplay and storytelling. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a must-play for fans of the Yakuza series and newcomers alike.
So, grab your controller and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the streets of Hawaii in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth excels with its enhanced turn-based combat, captivating Hawaiian setting, and rich storyline involving a conspiracy in Hawaii. This game blends tactical combat, diverse jobs, and numerous side activities, offering a seamless, immersive experience despite some repetitive encounters and fixed difficulty. – Flare