From stopping nefarious government plots to unexpected dolphin encounters and dreamlike Hawaiian islands, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth delivers the signature blend of pulpy drama and whimsical charm that only RGG Studio can master. As the sequel to the critically acclaimed Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth had high expectations to meet. Does it succeed? In almost every way, yes, it surpasses its predecessor.
This latest adventure follows former yakuza associate Ichiban Kasuga on a journey that’s as heartwarming as it is action-packed. RGG Studio has crafted a vibrant world brimming with detail and quirky charm, and Infinite Wealth is best experienced by immersing yourself fully in its offerings. From throwing up Shaka signs to exploring the vast Hawaiian landscape, every moment is an opportunity to connect with the game’s unique spirit.
A Wealth of Content
like-a-dragon-infinite-wealth-sujimon.jpgInfinite Wealth offers an astounding amount of content. The Pokemon-esque Sujimon battles, Kiryu’s exclusive “Bucket List” side quests, the Animal Crossing-inspired Dondoko Island adventure, and a plethora of minigames like dating apps, Crazy Taxi-style deliveries, and classic Yakuza staples like darts and mahjong, provide endless entertainment.
RGG Studio boasts that Hawaii is their largest map yet, and it’s overflowing with activities. Even after 80 hours of gameplay, there are still Sujimon tournaments to conquer and substories to uncover. If you’re seeking a game to occupy your time for weeks, Infinite Wealth is an excellent choice.
A Compelling Narrative with Minor Flaws
like-a-dragon-infinite-wealth-danny-trejo.jpgWhile the side content shines, the main storyline, while engaging, doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The narrative is filled with the series’ signature twists and turns, but some plot points feel contrived, serving primarily to set up future events. While not detrimental to the overall experience, these moments lack the impactful punch of its predecessor.
Similar to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth features a noticeable difficulty spike towards the end. However, the developers have implemented a clever solution with generous checkpoints before major boss battles, mitigating frustration and allowing players to quickly retry challenging encounters. This improvement streamlines the experience and makes the difficulty curve more manageable.
Memorable Characters and Dynamic Combat
Despite minor narrative shortcomings, the character interactions between Ichiban, Kiryu, and the rest of the crew are some of RGG Studio’s best work. Each character is well-developed, with newcomers Eric Tomizowa and Chitose Fujinomiya stealing the spotlight. Their compelling backstories and personalities make them just as engaging as the series’ veterans.
The villains, too, are a memorable bunch. One antagonist, in particular, feels like Ichiban’s Hawaiian equivalent of Goro Majima, hinting at potential future alliances. The voice acting, particularly Danny Trejo’s portrayal of a machete-wielding villain, adds another layer of enjoyment.
The combat system receives a significant upgrade thanks to one key change: character movement. Players now control their character’s position within a designated circle, adding a tactical layer to battles. This allows for strategic maneuvers like backstabbing for increased damage and proximity bonuses for close-range attacks. Leveling up expands the movement circle, further enhancing combat possibilities.
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Kiryu’s inclusion brings his signature action-focused combat style to the mix. Players can switch between three of his iconic fighting styles, adding variety and allowing for strategic counters. The ability to activate the “Dragon of Dojima” style offers a nostalgic burst of Kiryu’s classic moves, albeit briefly.
A Near-Perfect Experience
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, despite a few minor narrative inconsistencies, is a must-play title. The engaging side content, memorable characters, and refined combat system create an unforgettable gaming experience. It’s a testament to RGG Studio’s mastery of storytelling and game design, and a strong contender for one of the best games of 2024.
Score: 5/5
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was reviewed on PC with a review copy provided by the publisher. The game was released on January 25 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.
