Yakuza: Like a Dragon! A Turn-Based RPG with Quirky Charm

Stepping away from its signature beat ’em up style, Yakuza: Like a Dragon throws players into a vibrant, hilarious, and surprisingly deep turn-based RPG experience. Set in the familiar bustling streets of Yokohama, Japan, this seventh mainline entry in the Yakuza series introduces Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza who gets betrayed by his own family and thrust into a whirlwind adventure to uncover the truth behind his imprisonment and find redemption.

The narrative expertly weaves together themes of loyalty, betrayal, second chances, and the ever-present clash between tradition and modernity. While Ichiban’s journey starts with revenge, it quickly evolves into a quest for justice and understanding, forcing him to confront his own past actions and grapple with the consequences of violence. The game doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker side of yakuza life, exploring themes of organized crime, exploitation, and the complex moral dilemmas faced by its characters.

From Brawler to Strategist: A Fresh Take on Combat

Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a significant departure for the franchise with its embrace of turn-based combat. Instead of frenetic brawls, players now strategically maneuver their party members, utilizing unique skills and abilities based on job classes.

This system adds a layer of depth previously unseen in the series, encouraging tactical thinking and experimentation. Each character can be assigned different jobs like “Hero,” “Chef,” or “Fortune Teller,” each granting access to diverse abilities and influencing their role in battle.

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This job system allows players to customize their party composition and experiment with different strategies. Imagine having a “Bodyguard” tanking enemy attacks while a “Hostess” uses charm-based skills to weaken foes, setting the stage for powerful follow-up attacks from your “Assassin.”

Yokohama: A Playground of Quirks and Chaos

Yakuza: Like a Dragon retains the series’ signature blend of gritty realism and absurd humor. The city of Yokohama bursts with life, offering countless side quests, mini-games, and activities to distract you from the main story. Whether it’s helping a karaoke singer overcome stage fright or battling pigeons in a ridiculous street brawl, there’s always something quirky to discover around every corner.

The game excels at capturing the essence of Japanese culture and pop references, often blending them seamlessly with its over-the-top narrative. From classic Sega arcade games to nostalgic anime homages, Yakuza: Like a Dragon constantly throws delightful nods towards gaming history and Japanese entertainment.

Production Values: A Polished Dragon

From a technical standpoint, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a polished and impressive game. The character models are realistically rendered, the environments are detailed and immersive, and the voice acting (both in English and Japanese) is top-notch. The soundtrack perfectly blends traditional Japanese music with energetic battle themes, further enhancing the immersive experience.

One cannot overlook the heart of Yakuza: Like a Dragon – its characters. Ichiban Kasuga’s journey from naive gangster to compassionate hero is compelling and relatable. The supporting cast is equally memorable, each contributing unique personalities and motivations that breathe life into the story.

Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon Worth Your Time?

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Yakuza series or new to its world, “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” offers a fresh and captivating experience. The game successfully marries its traditional elements with innovative gameplay mechanics and a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through the streets of Yokohama filled with laughter, heartbreak, and plenty of hard-hitting turn-based combat!