Prepare yourself for a wildly entertaining journey through the neon-drenched streets of Yokohama with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a bold departure from the series’ traditional beat ‘em up formula. This entry dives headfirst into the world of turn-based JRPG combat while retaining the iconic charm, humor, and heart that define the franchise.
Forget about brawling your way through hordes of enemies; in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you’ll be strategically maneuvering Ichiban Kasuga, a former yakuza yearning for redemption, through elaborate turn-based encounters. Inspired by classic JRPGs like Dragon Quest, the combat system is surprisingly deep and engaging.
Ichiban’s Unconventional Path to Redemption
The story follows Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza member who takes the fall for a crime committed by his boss. After serving an 18-year prison sentence, he emerges into a changed Yokohama, where his former clan has betrayed him and abandoned their old ways. Determined to uncover the truth behind his betrayal and find a new path in life, Ichiban sets out on a journey filled with unexpected twists, eccentric characters, and plenty of side-splitting humor.
Unlike previous Yakuza protagonists, Ichiban lacks formal combat training. He compensates for this with boundless enthusiasm and a knack for befriending anyone he encounters. Throughout his adventures, he gathers a diverse group of allies, each possessing unique skills and personalities that contribute to the party’s overall strength in battle.
Party Composition and Skills: A Quirky Cast with Diverse Talents
One standout feature is the dynamic party system. Ichiban can recruit a variety of companions, including a former hostess yearning for love, a homeless man with a penchant for explosives, and even a retired wrestler seeking redemption.
Each character specializes in different combat roles and learns unique skills that correspond to their personalities and backgrounds. For instance, Nanba, the former wrestler, excels at grappling attacks and AoE (area of effect) damage, while Saeko, the ex-hostess, wields powerful elemental magic. This variety allows for strategic team building and encourages experimentation with different party compositions.
| Character | Role | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Ichiban Kasuga | All-rounder | Can utilize a variety of weapons and learns support skills. |
| Yu Nanba | Tank/Grappler | Excels in close combat and AoE attacks. |
| Saeko Mukoda | Mage | Utilizes powerful elemental magic. |
| Koichi Adachi | Support/Healer | Provides buffs to allies and heals them during battle. |
Unleashing the Dragon Engine: A Vibrant Yokohama Beckons
Developed using Sega’s proprietary Dragon Engine, Yakuza: Like a Dragon boasts stunning visuals and immersive environments that capture the essence of Yokohama. From bustling marketplaces and neon-lit entertainment districts to quiet alleyways and traditional Japanese gardens, the city feels alive with detail.
The game seamlessly blends its turn-based combat system with exploration and narrative segments, offering a captivating blend of genres. You can spend hours wandering through Yokohama’s vibrant streets, engaging in side quests, participating in mini-games like karaoke and batting cages, or simply enjoying the humorous banter between Ichiban and his companions.
Beyond the Streets: A Deeper Dive into Themes
Beneath its comedic exterior, Yakuza: Like a Dragon tackles profound themes of redemption, loyalty, and the search for identity.
Ichiban’s journey is not simply about avenging his betrayal; it’s about finding his place in a world that has seemingly moved on without him. Along the way, he confronts the consequences of his past actions and grapples with the complexities of morality.
A Legacy Continued: Breaking New Ground for the Yakuza Series
Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a bold departure for the franchise, introducing turn-based combat and a new protagonist while retaining the series’ signature blend of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling.
While some longtime fans may miss the familiar brawling gameplay, the innovative combat system and captivating narrative make this entry a worthy addition to the Yakuza legacy. For those unfamiliar with the series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon serves as an excellent entry point, offering a unique and unforgettable gaming experience.
