Yakuza: Like a Dragon! A Hilarious Dive into Japanese Crime and Quirky RPG Battles

 Yakuza: Like a Dragon! A Hilarious Dive into Japanese Crime and Quirky RPG Battles

Prepare yourself for a wild ride through the neon-soaked streets of Yokohama, Japan. Forget everything you thought you knew about the Yakuza franchise – “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” throws tradition out the window and embraces the wacky world of turn-based RPGs with spectacular results.

This isn’t your typical gritty crime drama filled with stoic gangsters and brutal violence (although there’s still plenty of that!). Instead, imagine a delightful cocktail of classic JRPG mechanics mixed with the signature Yakuza charm, topped off with a hefty dose of Japanese absurdity. Meet Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza member who gets betrayed by his own clan and left for dead. After serving an 18-year prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, Ichiban returns to Yokohama a changed man, only to discover his former family has moved on without him and the city is teetering on the edge of chaos.

A Dragon Awakens: The Story Unfolds

Driven by a thirst for revenge and a desperate need to find his place in a world that’s seemingly forgotten him, Ichiban stumbles upon a bizarre series of events that thrust him into the heart of a conspiracy involving a powerful corporation, shady politicians, and a mysterious homeless man who just happens to be a legendary fighter.

The narrative expertly weaves together heartwarming tales of camaraderie and self-discovery with laugh-out-loud moments of absurdity. Expect unexpected twists and turns as Ichiban assembles a motley crew of allies, each with their own unique skills and quirks: a former yakuza hostess with a fiery personality, a perpetually anxious but surprisingly skilled homeless man, and a flamboyant ex-policeman with a penchant for drama.

Combat Remix: From Brawls to Turn-Based Tactics

One of the most striking departures from the traditional Yakuza formula is the shift to a turn-based RPG combat system. Don’t worry, you’ll still be landing bone-crunching punches and unleashing devastating finishing moves, but now you’ll need to strategize and utilize your party members’ unique abilities to overcome challenging foes.

The “Job System” adds another layer of depth to the combat experience. Inspired by classic JRPGs, characters can switch between various jobs, each with its own set of skills, weapons, and stats. Want Ichiban to be a hard-hitting “Brawler”? No problem. Feeling like channeling your inner ninja with the stealthy “Rogue” job? Go for it!

This system encourages experimentation and allows you to tailor your party composition to match your preferred playstyle.

Imagine unleashing Ichiban’s devastating “Suplex” attack followed by Nanba, the homeless fighter, using his “Heaven’s Fist” technique for massive damage. Or maybe you prefer a more strategic approach, utilizing Saeko’s healing abilities as a “Hostess” to keep your team alive while Adachi, the ex-policeman, snipes enemies from afar with his trusty revolver.

Exploring Yokohama: A Feast for the Senses

Beyond the captivating story and innovative combat system, “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” offers a vibrant and immersive exploration of Yokohama. From bustling marketplaces teeming with street vendors to hidden alleys brimming with shady characters, every corner of this virtual city pulsates with life.

Engage in side quests that range from absurdly hilarious to surprisingly heartwarming. Help a struggling ramen chef find the perfect noodles, track down a runaway hamster with a penchant for mischief, or even participate in karaoke contests where your singing skills (or lack thereof) will be put to the test.

A Visual Feast:

Visually stunning, “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” seamlessly blends realistic character models and environments with anime-inspired flourishes during combat. Expect exaggerated animations, over-the-top special effects, and dramatic cutscenes that capture the essence of classic JRPGs while retaining the Yakuza franchise’s gritty realism.

Feature Description
Genre Action RPG
Developer Ryu ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher Sega
Platform PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date November 10, 2020

Final Verdict:

“Yakuza: Like a Dragon” is a bold and refreshing reinvention of the beloved Yakuza franchise. While it may initially surprise longtime fans with its departure from the series’ established formula, this innovative RPG delivers an unforgettable experience filled with humor, heart, and surprisingly deep combat mechanics. Prepare to fall in love with Ichiban Kasuga and his ragtag crew as they navigate the treacherous underworld of Yokohama in a hilarious and utterly captivating adventure.