Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Analysis (Review)

February 7, 2024 Off By Markus Norat

GAME SHEET:
Release:  January 26, 2024
Players:  Up to 2 players
Genre:  RPG.
Developer:  Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher:  Sega
Available languages:  German, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Korean, Spanish, French (France), English, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian.
Available on platforms:  PC – Computer, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S.
Rating:  18 years old – Sexual Content, Legal Drugs, Extreme Violence.
Game version analyzed:  American version for Playstation 5.

What’s up guys! Today I’m super excited to bring you a review of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. As a big fan of the Yakuza franchise, I’m holding back from giving away everything about this game in the introduction, as it really is a super release from SEGA, and, undeniably, it’s the best game in the franchise. Get ready to embark on a journey full of adrenaline, lots of humor and twists, as we explore every detail of this title that promises to revolutionize the action RPG genre.

With the return of Kazuma Kiryu and the introduction of Ichiban Kasuga as the protagonist, we can already expect a lot of emotion and drama, typical of previous games. However, what really intrigued me was the setting this time: none other than the exotic setting of Honolulu, Hawaii! Furthermore, with a change in the combat system and a more surrealistic approach, Infinite Wealth promises to provide you with a unique experience that challenges the expectations of even the most experienced players.

So, prepare your controls, adjust your headphones (or turn up the sound on your TV) and embark with me on this detailed analysis of what is already one of the biggest releases of 2024; Welcome to the wonderful Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth .

I’m ready to share with you all the ups and downs of this exciting title. Here we go!

Mechanics and Gameplay:

In Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, we are transported to a universe where gameplay and mechanics elevate the franchise to a level never seen before. The game, set in a richly detailed world, offers an intoxicating mix of drama, action and comedy, where each element is carefully woven into the tapestry of the narrative. The turn-based combat system has been revolutionized, offering unparalleled strategic depth. You have the freedom to position your characters on the battlefield, exploiting enemies’ weak points and combining skills so that each confrontation is unique. Additionally, the diversity of classes and the ability to customize skills ensure that each player finds their own unique style of play.

The first thing that catches your eye is the turn-based combat system, which has been improved since its introduction in the series. Now, we not only choose our attacks from a menu, but we also position our heroes on the battlefield. This strategic positioning adds a layer of tactical depth, where flanking an opponent or lining up area attacks becomes crucial to success. Special abilities, which vary depending on each character’s class, offer a range of stunning visual effects and strategic impact, from devastating attacks to team buffs and heals.

The diversity of classes available for characters enriches the gaming experience, allowing for extensive customization. Each class not only defines the set of skills available, but also influences the playstyle. Unlocking new classes and the ability to carry skills between them introduces a layer of long-term strategy, encouraging experimentation and team optimization.

In addition to combat, the game shines in its interaction with the environment. From vibrant urban exploration to immersive minigames, every aspect of Infinite Wealth is designed to delight. Minigames, ranging from relaxing activities to frenetic challenges, are not only fun pastimes but also an integral part of the overall experience, often intertwined with story progression and character development.

Exploration plays a significant role, with every corner of the vibrant world offering secrets to discover and stories to uncover. The rich and engaging narrative is delivered through well-written dialogue and missions that perfectly balance moments of tension with humor, ensuring that the journey is emotionally rewarding and constantly surprising.

Graphics:

Visually, the game is a spectacle. Upon diving into the visuals of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, we are immediately captured by a vibrant color palette and meticulous details that bring the game world to life. The game stands out not only for the technical quality of its graphics, but for the way it uses visual design to deepen immersion in the rich cultural and environmental fabric of Honolulu, where much of the adventure takes place. The streets of Honolulu are portrayed with an impressive level of detail, making you feel truly immersed in this tropical paradise. The expressiveness of the characters and the fluidity of the combat animations are also worth highlighting, bringing each fight scene to life in a spectacular way.

The representation of Honolulu is a true work of art. Every street, alley and landscape is recreated with an attention to detail that is rare in today’s games. From the pulsing neons of entertainment districts to serene beaches and urban parks, each setting is charged with personality and life. The diversity of environments encourages exploration, rewarding players with stunning views and moments of pure visual awe.

The characters’ facial and body expressions in Infinite Wealth reach new heights of realism. The game uses motion capture technology to bring impressive authenticity to interactions and combat. Animations flow naturally, with each stroke, gesture and expression reflecting the characters’ unique character. This not only adds depth to the narrative, but also makes each confrontation a visually captivating experience.

The combats are a spectacle in themselves, thanks to the stunning visual effects that accompany the special abilities and movements of each class. Spells, physical attacks, and special abilities illuminate the battlefield with a show of light and color, while maintaining a clarity that allows the player to follow the action without getting lost.

The lighting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth deserves a special mention. Whether it’s the soft glow of a beach sunset or the aggressive neon of urban areas at night, the game uses light to create atmosphere and emotion. Textures, from characters’ skin to clothing materials and environments, are incredibly detailed, adding a layer of realism and tangibility to the world.

Despite its visual ambition, Infinite Wealth maintains a solid performance on most platforms. There are moments of frame rate drops in particularly dense areas, but these are exceptions in an otherwise fluid gameplay experience. Loading times are minimized, ensuring that player immersion is rarely interrupted.

Sound:

The music and sound effects of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth are, like the game as a whole, a true masterpiece, elevating the player’s experience to new levels of immersion. From the striking soundtracks to the detailed sound effects, each auditory element contributes to the construction of a vibrant and immersive world.

The game’s soundtrack is great and perfectly complements the unique atmosphere of each scene. The music ranges from relaxing and contemplative melodies to intense and exciting tracks during battles. Each composition is carefully crafted to fit the narrative context, providing an immersive and exciting listening experience.

Furthermore, the musical diversity is impressive, covering a wide range of styles and genres. From themes of suspense and mystery to more lively and energetic music, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s soundtracks manage to captivate the player at all times, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.

The game’s sound effects are equally impressive, offering an added layer of realism and immersion to the game world. Every action, from blows during battles to the ambient sounds of busy streets, is reproduced with stunning fidelity, creating a sense of authenticity and dynamism.

The sounds of urban environments are especially notable, capturing the subtle details that make each location unique. From the hustle and bustle of the streets to the distant sounds of urban life, sound effects contribute significantly to the feeling of being immersed in a living, breathing world.

The game’s voice acting is another outstanding aspect, with exceptional performances that bring the characters to life in a captivating and convincing way. Each voice is carefully chosen to reflect each character’s unique personality and characteristics, adding depth and authenticity to in-game interactions.

Additionally, the lip syncing is impressive, ensuring a fluid and immersive gaming experience. The dialogues are delivered with palpable expressiveness and emotion, allowing the player to connect even more with the characters and the story.

Fun:

The most striking aspect of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is, without a doubt, its immersive and captivating narrative. With well-developed characters, surprising twists and a plot rich in details, the game manages to hold the player’s attention from start to finish. The journey of the protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, is full of emotion, humor and moments of great emotional impact, which makes it impossible not to get involved with the story.

Furthermore, the duality between serious moments and comedic moments provides a perfect balance, ensuring that the gaming experience is both exciting and fun. The well-written dialogue and interactions between characters add layers of depth to the narrative, making the player feel truly immersed in the game world.

Another aspect that significantly contributes to the fun in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is exploring the game world and discovering its secrets. With a vast and detailed environment to explore, full of secrets, side quests and optional activities, the game offers a sense of freedom and adventure that stimulates the player’s curiosity.

Each street, alley and building has its own story and secrets to discover, encouraging players to explore every corner of the map in search of hidden treasures and unexpected encounters. The sense of discovery and satisfaction of unraveling the mysteries of the game world adds an additional layer of fun to the overall experience.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s combat system is another aspect that contributes significantly to the game’s fun. With turn-based battles and a variety of skills and classes to choose from, players are challenged to think strategically and plan each move carefully.

The diversity of enemies and bosses constantly challenges players to adapt their strategies and explore new tactics to achieve victory. Additionally, character progression and the ability to unlock new skills and classes throughout the game keep the gameplay fresh and interesting, encouraging players to experiment with different play styles and tactical approaches.

The possibility of customizing and developing characters according to players’ individual preferences is another aspect that contributes to the fun in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. With a variety of customization options, from choosing skills to selecting equipment and classes, players have the freedom to create unique characters and adapt them to their personal play style.

Additionally, the game’s progression system is well-structured and rewarding, ensuring that players feel constantly motivated to continue advancing the story and improving their characters. The feeling of growth and evolution throughout the game is extremely rewarding and adds an additional layer of fun to the overall experience.

Performance and Optimization:

In terms of performance, the game does very well, with fast and efficient loading, allowing players to enter the game quickly and switch between areas without much delay. Likewise, the game’s controls and response are precise and responsive, which makes for a fluid and pleasantly responsive gaming experience.

There are, yes, some moments of frame drops in busier areas, although these drops are quite subtle, and, from what was noticed in our game, these drops are not significant enough to cause any type of damage to the gameplay.

Conclusion:

After having a lot of fun exploring every corner of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and finding great pleasure in diving headfirst into Ichiban Kasuga’s story, I have no doubt in saying that this game is simply sensational! With an engaging narrative, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a rich, detailed world to explore, Infinite Wealth stands out as the best title in the Yakuza franchise to date.

Kasuga’s journey in Honolulu is full of moments that will stick with you for a long time, from unexpected encounters with iconic characters to strategic combats that keep players on the edge of their seats. The addition of Kazuma Kiryu to the team brings an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement, while new characters like Chitose and Seonhee add freshness to the group’s dynamics.

Furthermore, the graphics are simply stunning and the immersive sound effects elevate the gaming experience even further, transporting you from your living room (or wherever you’re playing) to the stupendously beautiful scenery of Honolulu. Every detail, from the street architecture to the ambient sounds, contributes to the feeling of being immersed in a truly living and pulsating world.

But what really makes Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth an exceptional game is the fun it provides. Whether facing enemies in exciting combat, exploring the various minigames and side activities or simply following the exciting journey of Kasuga and his friends, there is always something to captivate and entertain players.

Therefore, I am very happy to recommend Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to all fans of action RPGs and the Yakuza franchise. With its perfect mix of drama, a good dose of humor, engaging gameplay and a captivating narrative, this game is a true gem that cannot be missing from any gamer’s collection. Get ready to fall in love with this incredible adventure in Honolulu and dive head first into one of the best games of the year!

2024 has barely started, I know, but I can already say with certainty that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is, without a doubt, one of the most complete and exciting games of the year and will be in contention to be the best of the year. With a story that grips from start to finish, refined gameplay and a vibrant world full of activities, it’s an adventure that I highly recommend.

Strengths: