On paper, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth has all the things I might presumably ask for in a recreation from RGG Studio: Kasuga Ichiban from the 2020 RPG Yakuza: Like A Dragon co-leading with collection legend Kazuma Kiryu–two characters I really like dearly combating alongside probably the most memorable supporting casts lately. It is the most effective of each Yakuza worlds coming collectively for a narrative about life, legacy, and the daunting realities of the world we reside in–but, greater than something, atonement and the varied kinds it might probably take. It additionally comes with tremendously improved RPG techniques that nail the tactical pleasure of turn-based fight whereas upholding Yakuza’s id in outstanding methods. And in splitting its time in Hawaii with Yokohama, you get two strong and detailed places to discover new and previous concepts by means of the most important suite of aspect actions the collection has had up to now.
For all its comedic absurdity and elective diversions, Infinite Wealth brings its heavier themes into focus–at times–with the sort of dramatic storytelling the franchise has mastered over time. It is unlucky to say, nevertheless, that the primary story loses the thread alongside the way in which. By placing unearned emphasis on its least attention-grabbing elements and meandering for a lot of its runtime, the compelling narrative ambitions it units up are largely left unfulfilled. That is robust to grapple with for what’s speculated to be a monumental passing of the torch between the 2 beloved leads and one final hurrah for one whose life we have seen unfold throughout almost 20 years’ value of video games. And so, as an alternative, Infinite Wealth turns into a recreation about particular person moments–moments of bittersweet reflection, moments of heartfelt camaraderie, and moments of hype that uplift legendary characters even increased. These are moments that remind you the Yakuza franchise is far larger than anybody recreation. Even when Infinite Wealth’s overarching plotline comes up brief in essential methods, these moments nonetheless make it value enjoying.
Issues kick off with a powerful opening that places the realities of regular grownup life entrance and heart, virtually as if RGG held a mirror as much as my face and made a prologue chapter primarily based on a number of the issues I have been by means of. Extra than simply being actual and related to the typical individual, this additionally tees up a robust theme in regards to the struggles of reintegrating with society after a lifetime of crime, which has incessantly been explored within the collection from completely different views. In Infinite Wealth, the theme is used to indicate Ichiban’s struggles, as somebody who embodies all the things good about being the naive goofball with fists of iron and a coronary heart of gold, and as an individual pushed by the beliefs established in his earlier recreation. Moreover, the recurring theme of public opinion and web virality dictating actuality sharply foreshadows how Infinite Wealth steeps itself in fashionable social commentary.
As a lot as Ichiban makes peace together with his previous, it comes again round and propels him to go to Hawaii searching for household, making for a pleasant getaway but in addition a brand new place to get caught in one other complicated net of highly effective criminals and conspiracies. The streets of Honolulu have been recreated with the identical degree of element as Kamurocho, Ijincho, Sotenbori, or another location from the collection. As somebody who’s hung out within the precise places modeled in Infinite Wealth, it is wild how acquainted all of it felt, from the attractive Waikiki shoreline the place the Duke Kahanamoku statue stands, to the backstreets round Ala Wai I walked after late nights out, it is all dropped at life with consideration to element. ABC Shops are round each nook, the Ala Moana mall and different buying facilities have a putting resemblance right here, and even the native boutique 88 Tees has a store the place you should buy gear and presents. It is a welcome change of surroundings, particularly given its spacious streets are dense with aspect content material but in addition excellent for busting out a segway and cruising alongside. It is solely becoming that you just get a devoted button to make Ichiban throw up the shaka and greet passersby with a hearty “Aloha!” too.
Infinite Wealth would not take you to Hawaii for trip, though–therein lies a narrative about an underworld that is simply as insidious as something we have seen in Kamurocho. This comes with some sharp commentary about how the remainder of the US treats Hawaii, the interconnectedness of the police with the felony underworld, and the significance of native charity holding its individuals collectively. A variety of robust groundwork will get laid in these opening chapters, however as the primary story goes on, a big period of time will get spent on repeatedly laying extra groundwork with out taking the narrative in a significant path. At sure factors, Infinite Wealth as an alternative turns into extra involved with establishing factions and comparatively weak villains for the sake of supplying you with one thing to chase. By dedicating a lot effort and time to plot threads that both do not quantity to a lot or simply aren’t very compelling, I struggled to purchase into what the whole get together was combating for more often than not. Yakuza video games have been nice about supplying you with one thing tangible to combat for, and even when you realize an enormous plot twist goes to upend your efforts, no less than there is a convincing momentum towards the story’s larger truths. As Infinite Wealth went on, nevertheless, I could not assist however see the clock ticking on it with the ability to make good on the issues that matter most and I got here away with blended emotions.
That is to not say Infinite Wealth would not have unimaginable touches alongside the way in which, as a result of with these uncharacteristic lows come some spectacular highs. For Kiryu, there is a highly effective degree of introspection that exhibits him coming to phrases with all the things he is struggled with, and he reckons with the broader concept of the yakuza as a company and bearing some accountability for the results of their misdeeds. What you do with the restricted time you might have left turns into an ever-present theme, and each time he seeks closure for one facet of his life, it is a bittersweet feeling for such an inspiring character. Because the important story is usually targeted on the larger image of factional drama, a number of of Kiryu’s greatest moments are relegated to aspect content material. At instances, I wrestled with the concept that crucial elements of his life have been seen as an afterthought, particularly as soon as I noticed how Infinite Wealth considerably undermines what Like A Dragon Gaiden arrange for him. However no less than he will get an enormous stage at crucial factors. And when you’ve been with the collection from the start, Infinite Wealth gives one of many collection’ highest peaks by mixing the franchise’s historical past into an unforgettable gameplay sequence.
Whereas Ichiban additionally will get some nice moments showcasing his unbreakable religion within the individuals round him, I am unable to assist however come away irritated with what this recreation does together with his character general. Certain, he nonetheless has plenty of rising as much as do within the aftermath of the earlier recreation, however he is so typically used as a software for shallow jokes and has a major problem with who he directs his empathy in direction of, so it seems like he is noticeably regressed. Contemplating how the opening chapters reinforce the qualities that made him a lovable character, it is disappointing that we solely see brief glimpses of brilliance all through the remainder of the story.
Even nonetheless, it is a collection that has confirmed character growth is its best energy, which comes by means of in many of the supporting forged. That is significantly true of newcomer Tomizawa, whose arc of humble and doubtful beginnings is fleshed out, permitting him to develop in plausible and human methods, finally becoming into the present band of misfits. Chitose provides a youthful perspective and an vital lens into the trendy world to distinction with the older people who’re at all times simply seemingly down on their luck. Everybody from Yakuza: Like A Dragon returns in some type, and whereas they typically really feel sidelined in the primary story, the instances they do band collectively are heartwarming. A lot of that appeal comes by means of in Drink Hyperlinks, elective conversations that open up as you improve your bond degree with get together members. Via both Kiryu or Ichiban, you get well-written heart-to-hearts that add a layer of nuance to every character, reminding you that generally speaking by means of your troubles and asking for assist can unexpectedly change your life for the higher. It is a bit odd that some seemingly essential developments occur by means of this portion of aspect content material, however they’re value working towards regardless.
Having all these lovable characters in a celebration genuinely makes the RPG fight all of the extra gratifying, as their personalities shine by means of of their default Jobs and movesets. Whether or not I am combating an enormous shark off the aspect of a ship or an in-game Danny Trejo who’s dual-wielding machetes, the turn-based fight places the highlight on every of the get together members and their distinct persona, letting fight additionally drive the story and improve their characterization. As ridiculous as it’s to wash down enemies in a bubble bathtub or pop bottles of champagne to do water-based harm, for instance, it is also an easy mix of the collection’ unmistakable humorousness and the depth of dramatic high-stakes battles. Moreover, the expanded Job system lets every character tackle completely different roles with some totally ridiculous assaults and spells, just like the surfer-inspired Aquanaut, the lethal ninja Kunoichi, or the gunslinging Desperado. Yow will discover borderline damaged staff compositions with super-effective movesets, however relatively than feeling like exploits, it is rewarding within the sense that it comes from a greater understanding of the techniques at play, that are noticeably deeper than these of the earlier entry.
Mechanically talking, quite a lot of smaller modifications result in important enhancements in fight. With the ability to transfer round an outlined house throughout every flip permits you to line up again assaults, area-of-effect spells, and knockbacks, which add a brand new strategic layer to the system. Bond ranges and Drink Hyperlinks are additionally built-in into development to open up perks like slick combo assaults, freebie follow-ups, and tag-team assaults, and it is a great embodiment of the ability of friendship wrapped into tangible gameplay perks. It isn’t essentially the most elegant system, since positioning will be imprecise and context-sensitive actions can impede the precise assault you need to execute. However the tradeoff is that you just’re in far more management of the get together, and the tactical issues that come together with that management makes for a satisfying and distinctive circulation. And on the finish of the day, the place the hell else are you going to get a turn-based RPG with grown-ass adults taking up imaginary jobs to combat their hardest foes? Even after I wasn’t absolutely invested within the story, the battles saved me engaged. And due to the stellar fight system I did not even thoughts the occasional dungeon grind that is soft-required to succeed in the suitable degree to progress in the primary story.
The best way Kiryu has been molded into an RPG character is good as nicely. His three signature stances give his regular assault flexibility, and his Essence spells name again to the abilities he is picked up over time. However most of all, his Dragon’s Resurgence restrict break must be one of many coolest issues the collection has ever finished, particularly as a story gadget. Regardless of fights being turn-based, this provides you a short window to manage Kiryu within the previous action-brawler type to indicate he nonetheless carries that Dragon of Dojima spirit it doesn’t matter what. General, RGG has actually discovered its footing in making its personal excellent RPG fight system, and one which stands amongst a number of the greatest within the enterprise.
In fact, one other facet that’s important to the spirit of a Yakuza/Like A Dragon recreation is the elective actions that litter the maps of Honolulu and Yokohama. Small issues like background conversations you possibly can provoke whereas roaming the world give a little bit increase to social standing with get together members and add some good taste to them. The in-game Tinder equal is as outlandish as it’s plausible, with writing you possibly can inform comes from individuals who’ve had experiences on courting apps. And as is custom, substories are round each nook. The collection has made its repute on a number of the wild issues that occur in these aspect quests–for Infinite Wealth, there are a number of situations of comedic gold and neat callbacks, after which there are some main flops. Generally it felt like RGG went excessive for the sake of it, or tried to ship a poignant message however woefully fumbled the supply. It is also actually disappointing that they put Ichiban in some gravely uncomfortable conditions for goofs, so in some respects, the substories have overpassed what made them good to start with.
The massive swing Infinite Wealth takes is in Dondoko Island, the Animal Crossing-style crafting and administration exercise that sort of exists in its personal realm. I am hesitant to name it a minigame given how concerned its mechanics are. From clearing trash so as to develop into new zones to farming supplies throughout the island, a sure degree of effort is required to start out constructing out your resort. A worthwhile aspect story can be connected to advancing your rating in Dondoko Island, and this entails heading off hostile pirates, inviting guests to make cash off of, and crafting more and more refined buildings. A part of me misses the simplicity of Ichiban Confections from the earlier recreation, the place constructing a enterprise and appeasing stakeholders have been wrapped in a briskly paced management-sim minigame. Nonetheless, I do not thoughts the trade-off for having extra to chew on with Dondoko Island, and fortunately I had the urge for food for partaking with these kinds of techniques.
To convey issues again all the way down to earth, Memoirs of a Dragon are Kiryu’s bucket record of aspect actions for him to both get pleasure from his life for as soon as or replicate on the life he is led. These are available in numerous kinds, like brief strains of dialogue the place one thing on the earth triggers Kiryu’s reminiscence of a selected occasion from a earlier recreation or full-on substories that go deeper on reopening sure plotlines from the previous. Like the remainder of the collection, they’ll vary from hilarious to heart-wrenching. Whereas knocking these out might really feel formulaic, it offers a sure heat and reverence to a personality who additionally displays many regrets and acknowledges the errors he is made in life. Kiryu’s extra complicated than he typically leads us to consider, and that aspect of him surfaces in moments all through Infinite Wealth.
A microcosm of these nice moments is present in karaoke. It is at all times been a staple of the franchise and the go-to minigame that completely captures Yakuza’s persona. The sport instantly acknowledges the significance of karaoke and the position it has performed all through the collection with a small however lovely second to enrich the best hits songlist included in Infinite Wealth. Each character will get to leap in on the enjoyable for catchy tunes each new and previous, and there is even a non secular successor to the traditional “Baka Mitai” by Kiryu himself. It is one other of these particular person moments I discussed earlier that maintain issues collectively, stopping the sport from crumbling beneath the burden of its ambitions.
There’s additionally the lingering thought that Yakuza: Like A Dragon had a robust message to ship and which it stated with its entire chest–and that is about displaying dignity and humanity to the individuals who reside on the margins of society. Infinite Wealth begins with a promising tackle that theme, then principally drops the notion because it’s extra involved about chasing mysteries and plot twists that lack the chunk and emotional pull that the collection has traditionally finished so nicely. Going to Hawaii opens up a wide range of methods to bolster the ethos established by the earlier recreation, however as an alternative it too typically performs on the placement for gags or to create an excuse to beat on big-bad others who merely exist to be punching luggage. Very similar to the idea of language limitations being a captivating narrative theme, which will get dropped shortly after it is launched, it seems like Infinite Wealth bit off greater than it might chew and needed to roll with undercooked execution ultimately.
In my evaluation of Yakuza: Like A Dragon from 2020, I stated the way forward for the collection was in good arms with Ichiban as the brand new lead, and I nonetheless consider that as a result of there’s nonetheless a lot to adore about him. For as inconsistent as Infinite Wealth is in reaching the heights of its predecessors, it delivers fragmented however unforgettable moments for individuals who’ve been on the Yakuza trip all this time. This sequel proves that RGG is a reliable participant within the RPG house with a vastly improved fight system that’s so uniquely consultant of the collection’ id that it seems like an ideal match, and it is used to nice impact by merely spotlighting its unbelievable supporting characters. As a swan tune for Kiryu, I am conflicted on the way it all comes collectively, however it’s unattainable to not get emotional in regards to the methods it lends a deserved weight to his legacy. So, I am not going to recollect this recreation for its villains, their motivations, or the explanations for combating in Hawaii, however I’ll bear in mind it for the wild Yakuza hijinks and the sobering messages about what we do with the time we’ve left.