Like a Dragon: Ishin! revitalizes a previously Japan-exclusive entry in the beloved RGG Studio franchise, offering a captivating samurai adventure for a global audience. This remake breathes new life into the 2014 title, making it a standout release in a year packed with exciting games. While set in 19th-century Kyo, Ishin! retains the signature Like a Dragon charm, delivering a compelling narrative, engaging combat, and a wealth of side activities.
This game transports players to 1863 Japan, a period of political upheaval. While seemingly disconnected from the main Like a Dragon timeline, Ishin! cleverly reimagines familiar characters in new roles, adding a layer of enjoyment for long-time fans. Kazuma Kiryu, the series’ protagonist, returns as Sakamoto Ryoma, a samurai seeking justice. This casting choice, along with other familiar faces, creates a fun dynamic for those familiar with the series.
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The narrative, while occasionally lengthy, is one of Ishin!’s strongest points. It weaves a compelling tale of political intrigue and personal vendettas, filled with complex characters and unexpected twists. Though some plot points, especially towards the end, may feel slightly contrived, the overall narrative remains engaging from beginning to end.
Ishin! departs from the series’ traditional hand-to-hand combat, placing greater emphasis on katana and pistol combat. This shift introduces four distinct fighting styles: sword, gun, hand-to-hand, and the unique Wild Dancer style, which blends swordplay and gunplay. The Wild Dancer style proves particularly engaging, showcasing the game’s innovative combat mechanics.
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Adding another layer of depth to combat are Trooper Cards, special abilities that range from simple attack boosts to unleashing devastating fireballs. Experimenting with different card combinations to create unique decks adds a strategic element to battles and is consistently entertaining.
While the main story shines, the side quests are a point of contention. Unlike previous entries, Ishin!’s side quests often lack the depth and humor that fans have come to expect. Many serve as mere introductions to character bonding opportunities, which can feel repetitive and tedious.
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However, Ishin! redeems itself with a wealth of other activities. Series staples like karaoke, fishing, and the battle arena return, complemented by a surprisingly enjoyable farming simulation. These diversions add substantial replay value and provide a welcome break from the main narrative.
Another minor drawback is the game’s disjointed world design. Unlike the seamless and immersive Kamurocho, Ishin!’s Kyo feels fragmented and less engaging to explore. This often necessitates frequent use of the fast-travel system, potentially diminishing the sense of place.
Despite these minor flaws, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the series. It encapsulates the core elements of the Like a Dragon formula, offering a compelling narrative, engaging combat, and a wealth of side activities. This remake feels remarkably modern and showcases the brilliance of RGG Studio’s decision to bring this title to a wider audience.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC. This review was conducted on a PlayStation 5 console using a review copy provided by the publisher.
