Formerly known as the “Yakuza” series, Like a Dragon underwent its biggest changes in 2020 when the main protagonist was switched to Ichiban Kasuga from the beloved Kazuma Kiryu and the game went from being a 3D action “beat-em-up” to the turn-based RPG it is now. These were significant changes, but Yakuza: Like a Dragon was definitely a success, catering to both newcomers to the series and fans who’ve been here since the beginning. Now that the sequel is here, it’s a cliche statement, but the latest game is bigger and better than ever.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth picks up a few years after Yakuza: Like a Dragon left off, pretty much at the same rate of time we’ve been waiting for it. The game depicts life in Japan following “The Great Dissolution,” which saw the disbandment of the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, the largest surviving yakuza groups from the last seven games. Ichiban Kasuga has happily been working at Hello Work, primarily helping other former yakuza find employment during tumultuous times. Of course, something is brewing behind the scenes, and Kasuga suddenly ends up in Hawaii in search of his paternal mother for reasons involving more than just soul searching.
Not to be outdone, Kazuma Kiryu is also back in a protagonist role. Just a few months ago, RGG Studio and Sega released Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, a title that was more or less a bridge from Yakuza 6: The Song of Life to this game, while still acknowledging the events that occurred in Yakuza: Like A Dragon. For the sake of spoilers, I won’t delve too far into what his role in the game is aside from being a main character; yet, I’ll say this: If you thought Yakuza: Like a Dragon was the passing of the torch from Kiryu to Kasuga–no, it’s really Infinite Wealth, which does this and a lot more.
Kiryu’s journey in Infinite Wealth takes a lot of nostalgic turns, and the translation team at RGG and Sega pulled no punches when it came to self-praise.
Unlike Yakuza: Like a Dragon, this isn’t a game I’d recommend if you want to dive into Yakuza. That distinction belongs to both Yakuza 0 and the aforementioned Like a Dragon—which series veterans brand as “Yakuza 8.” Fans of the series will be quick to note that while the games have always had serious stories (we’re talking Japanese mob and gangster life after all), what gives the series its charm are the outrageous side stories and minigames you can play. Infinite Wealth triples down on those aspects that make the series what it is, so if you’re looking for that familiar silliness the series is known for, you’ll be right at home here.
If you’re expecting something drastically different with the way the narrative handles itself, you’re not going to find that here. Infinite Wealth is much of the same, except you have two main characters in this story alongside a completely new setting which freshens up the series more than you’d ever think possible.
So, if I had any gripe with the Like a Dragon series, it’s that you spend most of your time in some made-up version of metropolitan Japan. Whether it’s Ijincho or Kiryu’s old stomping grounds in Kamurocho, as accurately as they depict the streets of Tokyo, it’s kind of grown tired because they’re featured in almost all the games in the series. This makes exploring Honolulu as Infinite Wealth‘s main setting one of the most refreshing parts of the game.
One of the best things about Infinite Wealth is its accurate depiction of Hawaii. Real-life stores and brands like the ABC Stores (above), Hilo Hattie clothing and gift shop, and Matsumoto Shaved Ice all make featured appearances in the game.
As someone who’s been to Oahu a couple of times, I came away extremely impressed with RGG Studio’s depiction of Waikiki. A lot of aspects were as real as it gets — there are real local businesses such as Matsumoto Shaved Ice, Hilo Hattie, and the ubiquitous ABC Store locations littered throughout the island made me laugh. The local bites are here as well, such as malasadas, poke, and loco mocos all featured. I have absolutely nothing but praise for the team that worked to make Honolulu feel as authentic as it was. If anything, it made me wish I was in Hawaii today.
Speaking of vacation destinations, remember when Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the world by storm in 2020? RGG pretty much put Animal Crossing in Infinite Wealth. Around midway through the game, Kasuga goes on a trip to the mysterious Dodonko Island where he’s suddenly tasked with turning an abandoned island resort into a 5-star vacation destination. This is done by cleaning out the garbage and crafting amenities and furniture out of the resources you find scattered throughout the island. There’s a little bit of Yakuza flair thrown in when you have to deal with villainous pirates constantly trying to trash the island, and it leads to all sorts of hilarity. Like a bunch of other minigames found in the series, while early progression is required, you’ll eventually be able to quit out and do whatever you want. But if you stay and work on Dodonko Island, it feels like another game entirely, adding even more value to an already impressive package.
Getting back to the main gameplay, again, Infinite Wealth isn’t much different from its predecessor. The game retains the same turn-based battle system found in Like a Dragon, and fights can be fleeting depending on how high you’re leveled up and how you use the “Auto-Battle” system. The ability to change classes also makes a return with even more zany jobs, like the option to be a surfer and attack people with your surfboard, and the way the game integrates Kiryu into fights further highlights RGG Studio’s expertise in both action and turn-based styles in this series.
Yes, the turn-based battle system is back, and yes, that’s Kasuga and friends fighting a giant squid.
Outside of battle, it’s your typical city-based open-world game. While you can’t steal cars or anything like that, you do gain the ability to use a segway to make getting around easier, along with the usual taxis for fast travel at a fee. Optional skits with the different party members in the story give you a reason to “complete the checklist” in exchange for exploring the city in addition to relationship boosts that’ll make every character more useful in battle. This happens for both Kasuga and Kiryu’s parties.
While there’s a lot of story-based overlap between the characters, you’ll often spend time in Japan with Kiryu exploring both Ijincho and Kamurocho. Both regions consist of many places Kiryu can go to reminisce about the past. Whether it’s an old cabaret club, a bar, or even the batting cages, these “memoirs” are a simple yet intuitive way for the development team to pay homage to the games of the past–including Judgment and Like a Dragon: Ishin. These recollections aren’t necessary to move the story forward, but even as somebody who only got into the series with the last game, they’re definitely triggers that make me want to go back and play the entire Yakuza series when I find the time to, and I imagine it’ll do the same for other players.
I obviously didn’t go into too much detail with the story, but as players will likely see in the packaging or marketing, Danny Trejo and Daniel Dae Kim are both in the game and they serve more than just cameo roles. While they expectedly both have roles as gangsters in the story and I wouldn’t say either of them were needed, they definitely add to the experience especially when it comes to the more serious drama featured in the narrative. And yes, for those wondering, Danny Trejo uses machetes.
Machetes aside, I did want to highlight two things that made me further appreciate the game’s narrative. I mentioned that at the beginning of the game, Kasuga worked at an employment agency. One thing I didn’t mention, and call it a spoiler if you want, yet it really doesn’t matter to the central plot—he gets laid off. I don’t know if this was a parody to what’s currently happening in the gaming industry, but it definitely hit close to home. Not only that, but this is also the first AAA game I ever played that actually acknowledges the COVID-19 pandemic for what it was–an important part of history. There’s a point in the game where you find that the homeless communities are both growing (and dying) thanks to a lack of funding for projects that supported them. This also hit close to home, not just because it was obviously real, but I actually had Covid during the first week of February, and right when I got better, I got laid off. So not only was I actively playing this game while going through all those struggles—they were acknowledged and to me, that resonates.
A game that isn’t afraid to talk about the pandemic. How about that?
There’s a lot to do, but if we’re talking content, players strictly mainlining the campaign will probably take around 60 hours to roll credits, making this the longest Yakuza game in the series. This can also be attributed to the game featuring some of the longest cutscenes in the series while pacing players through the various minigames and distractions there are to find. So, while the game requires you to play through an introduction of the “extra” content, they don’t force you to stay. However, if you choose to, you’re treated to something that’s actually fun.
I already mentioned the Animal Crossing clone, but there’s also the Tsujimon League where you have to catch them all (guess where that’s from), a dating app specializing in bait-and-switch practices, and there’s even Sicko Snap–a bus tour minigame where you have to take pictures of “sickos” in their underwear throughout Waikiki. All of this is as fun as it is stupid, which might as well be an RGG mantra.
While it doesn’t go out of the box (more than you’d expect a game in this series to), Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth still finds a way to stand out during a release window that includes other top-notch JRPGs including Persona 3 Reload and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. If you were a fan of the Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you’ll find Infinite Wealth more engaging in pretty much every way, easily making it one of the best games of the year.
If you were a fan of the Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you’ll find Infinite Wealth more engaging in pretty much every way, easily making it one of the best games of the year.
Formerly known as the “Yakuza” series, Like a Dragon underwent its biggest changes in 2020 when the main protagonist was switched to Ichiban Kasuga from the beloved Kazuma Kiryu and the game went from being a 3D action “beat-em-up” to the turn-based RPG it is now. These were significant changes, but Yakuza: Like a Dragon was definitely a success, catering to both newcomers to the series and fans who’ve been here since the beginning. Now that the sequel is here, it’s a cliche statement, but the latest game is bigger and better than ever.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth picks up a few years after Yakuza: Like a Dragon left off, pretty much at the same rate of time we’ve been waiting for it. The game depicts life in Japan following “The Great Dissolution,” which saw the disbandment of the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, the largest surviving yakuza groups from the last seven games. Ichiban Kasuga has happily been working at Hello Work, primarily helping other former yakuza find employment during tumultuous times. Of course, something is brewing behind the scenes, and Kasuga suddenly ends up in Hawaii in search of his paternal mother for reasons involving more than just soul searching.
Not to be outdone, Kazuma Kiryu is also back in a protagonist role. Just a few months ago, RGG Studio and Sega released Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, a title that was more or less a bridge from Yakuza 6: The Song of Life to this game, while still acknowledging the events that occurred in Yakuza: Like A Dragon. For the sake of spoilers, I won’t delve too far into what his role in the game is aside from being a main character; yet, I’ll say this: If you thought Yakuza: Like a Dragon was the passing of the torch from Kiryu to Kasuga–no, it’s really Infinite Wealth, which does this and a lot more.
Kiryu’s journey in Infinite Wealth takes a lot of nostalgic turns, and the translation team at RGG and Sega pulled no punches when it came to self-praise.
Unlike Yakuza: Like a Dragon, this isn’t a game I’d recommend if you want to dive into Yakuza. That distinction belongs to both Yakuza 0 and the aforementioned Like a Dragon—which series veterans brand as “Yakuza 8.” Fans of the series will be quick to note that while the games have always had serious stories (we’re talking Japanese mob and gangster life after all), what gives the series its charm are the outrageous side stories and minigames you can play. Infinite Wealth triples down on those aspects that make the series what it is, so if you’re looking for that familiar silliness the series is known for, you’ll be right at home here.
If you’re expecting something drastically different with the way the narrative handles itself, you’re not going to find that here. Infinite Wealth is much of the same, except you have two main characters in this story alongside a completely new setting which freshens up the series more than you’d ever think possible.
So, if I had any gripe with the Like a Dragon series, it’s that you spend most of your time in some made-up version of metropolitan Japan. Whether it’s Ijincho or Kiryu’s old stomping grounds in Kamurocho, as accurately as they depict the streets of Tokyo, it’s kind of grown tired because they’re featured in almost all the games in the series. This makes exploring Honolulu as Infinite Wealth‘s main setting one of the most refreshing parts of the game.
One of the best things about Infinite Wealth is its accurate depiction of Hawaii. Real-life stores and brands like the ABC Stores (above), Hilo Hattie clothing and gift shop, and Matsumoto Shaved Ice all make featured appearances in the game.
As someone who’s been to Oahu a couple of times, I came away extremely impressed with RGG Studio’s depiction of Waikiki. A lot of aspects were as real as it gets — there are real local businesses such as Matsumoto Shaved Ice, Hilo Hattie, and the ubiquitous ABC Store locations littered throughout the island made me laugh. The local bites are here as well, such as malasadas, poke, and loco mocos all featured. I have absolutely nothing but praise for the team that worked to make Honolulu feel as authentic as it was. If anything, it made me wish I was in Hawaii today.
Speaking of vacation destinations, remember when Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the world by storm in 2020? RGG pretty much put Animal Crossing in Infinite Wealth. Around midway through the game, Kasuga goes on a trip to the mysterious Dodonko Island where he’s suddenly tasked with turning an abandoned island resort into a 5-star vacation destination. This is done by cleaning out the garbage and crafting amenities and furniture out of the resources you find scattered throughout the island. There’s a little bit of Yakuza flair thrown in when you have to deal with villainous pirates constantly trying to trash the island, and it leads to all sorts of hilarity. Like a bunch of other minigames found in the series, while early progression is required, you’ll eventually be able to quit out and do whatever you want. But if you stay and work on Dodonko Island, it feels like another game entirely, adding even more value to an already impressive package.
Getting back to the main gameplay, again, Infinite Wealth isn’t much different from its predecessor. The game retains the same turn-based battle system found in Like a Dragon, and fights can be fleeting depending on how high you’re leveled up and how you use the “Auto-Battle” system. The ability to change classes also makes a return with even more zany jobs, like the option to be a surfer and attack people with your surfboard, and the way the game integrates Kiryu into fights further highlights RGG Studio’s expertise in both action and turn-based styles in this series.
Yes, the turn-based battle system is back, and yes, that’s Kasuga and friends fighting a giant squid.
Outside of battle, it’s your typical city-based open-world game. While you can’t steal cars or anything like that, you do gain the ability to use a segway to make getting around easier, along with the usual taxis for fast travel at a fee. Optional skits with the different party members in the story give you a reason to “complete the checklist” in exchange for exploring the city in addition to relationship boosts that’ll make every character more useful in battle. This happens for both Kasuga and Kiryu’s parties.
While there’s a lot of story-based overlap between the characters, you’ll often spend time in Japan with Kiryu exploring both Ijincho and Kamurocho. Both regions consist of many places Kiryu can go to reminisce about the past. Whether it’s an old cabaret club, a bar, or even the batting cages, these “memoirs” are a simple yet intuitive way for the development team to pay homage to the games of the past–including Judgment and Like a Dragon: Ishin. These recollections aren’t necessary to move the story forward, but even as somebody who only got into the series with the last game, they’re definitely triggers that make me want to go back and play the entire Yakuza series when I find the time to, and I imagine it’ll do the same for other players.
I obviously didn’t go into too much detail with the story, but as players will likely see in the packaging or marketing, Danny Trejo and Daniel Dae Kim are both in the game and they serve more than just cameo roles. While they expectedly both have roles as gangsters in the story and I wouldn’t say either of them were needed, they definitely add to the experience especially when it comes to the more serious drama featured in the narrative. And yes, for those wondering, Danny Trejo uses machetes.
Machetes aside, I did want to highlight two things that made me further appreciate the game’s narrative. I mentioned that at the beginning of the game, Kasuga worked at an employment agency. One thing I didn’t mention, and call it a spoiler if you want, yet it really doesn’t matter to the central plot—he gets laid off. I don’t know if this was a parody to what’s currently happening in the gaming industry, but it definitely hit close to home. Not only that, but this is also the first AAA game I ever played that actually acknowledges the COVID-19 pandemic for what it was–an important part of history. There’s a point in the game where you find that the homeless communities are both growing (and dying) thanks to a lack of funding for projects that supported them. This also hit close to home, not just because it was obviously real, but I actually had Covid during the first week of February, and right when I got better, I got laid off. So not only was I actively playing this game while going through all those struggles—they were acknowledged and to me, that resonates.
A game that isn’t afraid to talk about the pandemic. How about that?
There’s a lot to do, but if we’re talking content, players strictly mainlining the campaign will probably take around 60 hours to roll credits, making this the longest Yakuza game in the series. This can also be attributed to the game featuring some of the longest cutscenes in the series while pacing players through the various minigames and distractions there are to find. So, while the game requires you to play through an introduction of the “extra” content, they don’t force you to stay. However, if you choose to, you’re treated to something that’s actually fun.
I already mentioned the Animal Crossing clone, but there’s also the Tsujimon League where you have to catch them all (guess where that’s from), a dating app specializing in bait-and-switch practices, and there’s even Sicko Snap–a bus tour minigame where you have to take pictures of “sickos” in their underwear throughout Waikiki. All of this is as fun as it is stupid, which might as well be an RGG mantra.
While it doesn’t go out of the box (more than you’d expect a game in this series to), Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth still finds a way to stand out during a release window that includes other top-notch JRPGs including Persona 3 Reload and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. If you were a fan of the Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you’ll find Infinite Wealth more engaging in pretty much every way, easily making it one of the best games of the year.
by Danreb Victorio
