Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
As a devoted fan of the Yakuza series, the release of 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon initially threw me off guard. The sudden shift to stop-start, turn-based JRPG attacks took some getting used to after being accustomed to the signature combo-based beat ‘em up action for over a decade. However, its follow-up, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, made substantial improvements to the combat system. While still turn-based, the tactical decision-making introduced by its predecessor was enhanced with more flexible movement and proximity-based attacks, reflecting the rough-and-tumble tactility of Yakuza street fights. Infinite Wealth’s brawling feels like the best of both worlds, and its stunning new Hawaiian setting provides the perfect backdrop for unleashing its superior style of combat.
Main Hero’s Return and New Plot Twists
Main hero Ichiban Kasuga returns alongside series stalwart Kazuma Kiryu, who is in a reflective mood due to his recent cancer diagnosis. This odd duo travels to Hawaii in search of Kasuga’s biological mother, only to find themselves ensnared in a conspiracy involving a local religious sect and multiple crime syndicates. The captivating mystery takes dramatic twists and turns without becoming convoluted, exploring contemporary issues like environmental mismanagement and the spreading of online misinformation.
The core supporting cast from Yakuza: Like a Dragon reprises their roles, joined by likable locals Eric Tomizawa and Chitose Fujinomiya, alongside memorable villains, including one played by Danny Trejo. The writing in Infinite Wealth is some of the best in the series to date, alternating between serious drama and lowbrow comic relief, with meaningful idle banter between the characters.
New Setting, Same Weirdo Enemies
Infinite Wealth’s Hawaiian setting is a refreshing change, providing a captivating, spacious environment to explore. In addition to Hawaii, you also get to explore both the Yokohama and Kamurocho maps from previous games in the series, complete with a unique set of substories and side activities.
Enhanced Combat and Team Dynamics
Despite taking place on US soil, Infinite Wealth retains the characteristic weirdo enemy types of the series while improving the combat system. The addition of bonus damage for strategic repositioning and the ability to use and throw objects add a lively and intuitive element to the turn-based combat.
The bonds between the team members create powerful chain reactions during battles, adding to the kinetic and chaotic nature of the combat. The introduction of new fighting stances for Kiryu brings back the series’ classic street fighting feel, enhancing the overall combat experience.
Job System and Enhanced Difficulty Curve
The job system from Yakuza: Like a Dragon returns with more appealing job classes in Infinite Wealth. The game’s more manageable difficulty curve makes the campaign more accessible, eliminating the need for extensive grinding to progress through the story.
Supplemental Content and Side Activities
Infinite Wealth offers a variety of supplemental content, including an expanded Sujimon system, addictive arcade minigames, and in-depth side activities such as Dondoko Island. The side stories in the game come across as more engaging and varied than those in the previous installment.
Seamless Experience and Minor Design Decisions
Infinite Wealth benefits from several minor design decisions, contributing to a more seamless experience. These include the ability to fast-travel to cab ranks from any point on the map, visual cues to identify enemy types, and the instant elimination of weaker enemies to streamline gameplay.