January 26th 2024.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth – A New Adventure
The latest installment in the Yakuza series, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, takes players on a new adventure with Ichiban Kasuga teaming up with Kazuma Kiryu in the sunny beaches of Hawaii. While some may have grown tired of the frequent releases in the series, this game proves to be a refreshing and entertaining addition.
Despite being the eighth mainline game, Infinite Wealth is the first main entry in four years, following the successful pivot to turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like A Dragon. Along with rebranding the entire series, it introduced new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, an eternal optimist who sees the world as a Dragon Quest adventure. While the series is known for its consistent quality, this game stands out as a smart and hilarious act of franchise rejuvenation that has attracted a wealth of new fans.
While Kiryu shares the spotlight in the box art, this is still primarily Ichiban's story. The game picks up with Ichiban working at a job center, helping ex-yakuza adapt back into society. But when a distorted version of his exploits goes viral, he loses his job and is back to being broke. It's only when he receives a tip about the whereabouts of his biological mother that he sets off on a journey to Honolulu, where he discovers the city's struggles with criminal gangs. Along the way, he crosses paths with Kiryu, who has been sent to track down the same woman. Together, they embark on a mission to unravel the mystery of her disappearance.
While the plot may take some time to get going, the game's cast of characters more than make up for it. Ichiban's naive and relentlessly positive personality brings a sense of charm and humor to the game, making even the most mundane side quests enjoyable. And for the first time in the series, the game takes place in a culture outside of Japan, providing a rich landscape for cultural clashes and comedy.
In addition to the vibrant setting, the game also delves into deeper themes such as homelessness, inflation, and Hawaiian mythology. The level of detail and thought put into this game is impressive, especially for a region that is rarely featured in video games.
One of the highlights of the game is the improved turn-based combat, which makes random battles more enjoyable and strategic. The addition of knockback damage and a social app mechanic adds a new layer to the gameplay, making battles more dynamic and engaging. And with a vast array of side activities to explore, including a Pokémon-like mini-game and an Animal Crossing-inspired mode, there is never a dull moment in Infinite Wealth.
Overall, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a culmination of the series' strengths, with a perfect blend of humor, charm, and engaging gameplay. It's a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a new adventure with familiar faces and a fresh perspective.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth - New Horizons
In the eighth installment of the Yakuza series, titled Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban Kasuga joins forces with Kazuma Kiryu. This time, the game takes players from the streets of Japan to the sunny beaches of Hawaii.
If you've been keeping up with the spin-offs Like A Dragon: Ishin and Like A Dragon Gaiden, you may have felt a bit of franchise fatigue. Although the series is consistently of high quality, the familiar foundation it is built on has led to a rapid release schedule by developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
However, if we look past the numerous spin-offs, Infinite Wealth is actually the first mainline entry in four years. It follows the success of 2020's Yakuza: Like A Dragon, which not only rebranded the entire series but also introduced a new turn-based combat system and a new main character, Ichiban Kasuga. Despite some minor design flaws, this refreshing change rejuvenated the franchise and brought in a whole new fan base.
While Like A Dragon served as a great entry point for new players, Infinite Wealth may seem a bit overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the series. This is because the original protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, makes a return as a party member. His story was wrapped up in Yakuza 6, but he has since made appearances in spin-offs and cameos. Therefore, his presence in Infinite Wealth carries his entire arc and may feel daunting to newcomers. However, for long-time fans, it is a satisfying culmination of the series so far.
Although Kiryu shares the spotlight on the game's cover, Infinite Wealth is still primarily Ichiban's story. It picks up with Ichiban working at a job center, helping former yakuza members transition back into society through unconventional means. When a distorted version of his story goes viral, he loses his job and is back to being broke. However, a tip from a former ally leads him to Hawaii, where he hopes to find his biological mother whom he has never met.
In Hawaii, Ichiban's search for his mother becomes intertwined with the state's own struggles with criminal gangs. By chance, he runs into Kiryu, who is also looking for the same woman on behalf of the Daidoji faction. Together, they embark on a journey to unravel the mystery of her disappearance.
While the plot may take some time to pick up, the game's colorful and eccentric cast keeps the slow pace entertaining. Ichiban's character shines through as a naive and optimistic individual trying to do the right thing in a world that makes it difficult to do so. His personality ties together the game's many side quests, making them all the more enjoyable to complete.
Infinite Wealth also explores the clash of cultures as Ichiban finds himself in a place outside of Japan for the first time. This vibrant tourist destination becomes a playground for humorous and witty culture clashes. For instance, Ichiban encounters an American who is obsessed with Japanese anime and samurai movies, leading to some cringe-worthy yet cleverly navigated scenarios.
The game also delves deeper into Hawaii's struggles, such as homelessness, high costs of living, and Hawaiian mythology. It is refreshing to see the same level of detail and cultural exploration applied to a location rarely featured in video games.
Hawaii is the most well-realized location in the series so far, with more items to discover, a wider variety of areas, and a social app mechanic that encourages players to interact with NPCs and build friendships. These friendships help to unlock class upgrades for Ichiban, making exploration an enticing side activity.
The combat system in Infinite Wealth has also seen significant improvements, making random battles more enjoyable. The turn-based system is similar to Like A Dragon, but now there is a greater emphasis on positioning and utilizing the environment. You can knock enemies into each other, causing additional damage, or maneuver them into the perfect position for a powerful attack. This adds a strategic element to battles, along with considering elemental weaknesses of enemies.
Infinite Wealth also boasts an impressive array of side activities and mini-games, including a mode called Dondoko Island, which is essentially Animal Crossing with a campy twist. Another mode, Sujimon League, is a hilarious take on Pokémon, where you compete against trainers using random citizens you have beaten up on the street as your team. These activities add depth to the game and are surprisingly well-executed.
In conclusion, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a culmination of the series' strengths, with a vibrant and engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and an impressive variety of side activities. It is a testament to the franchise's ability to evolve and adapt, while still staying true to its roots.
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