Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review
Infinite Wealth kicks off a few years after the events of Yakuza: Like A Dragon, and boy, does it start with a bang. Ichiban finds himself in a bit of a pickle (as usual) and ends up jetting off to Hawaii in search of his long-lost mother. But this isn’t just Ichiban’s show – enter Kazuma Kiryu, the legendary Dragon of Dojima, who joins the fray in a surprising turn of events.
The story weaves between the neon-lit streets of Isezaki Ijincho and the sun-drenched beaches of Honolulu, creating a narrative that’s as expansive as it is engaging. It’s like watching two of your favorite TV shows crossover, but better! The contrast between these locations isn’t just visual – it plays a crucial role in the story, highlighting the cultural differences and challenges our protagonists face.
What really got me hooked was how the game handles its dual protagonists. Ichiban and Kiryu’s stories intertwine in ways that feel both natural and exciting. It’s not just fan service (though there’s plenty of that for series veterans); their partnership adds depth to both characters. We see Ichiban’s optimism and growth juxtaposed with Kiryu’s experience and world-weariness, creating a dynamic that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
The narrative tackles some heavy themes, from identity and belonging to the challenges of reintegrating into society after a life of crime. But true to the series’ form, it balances these serious moments with humor and heart. One minute you’re pondering the nature of family and loyalty, the next you’re helping a street performer perfect their hula dance. It’s this blend of tones that makes the story so captivating.
Without spoiling anything, I can say that the plot twists and turns in ways I didn’t expect. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Infinite Wealth throws a curveball that’ll keep you guessing. It’s a testament to the writers’ skill that they can keep the story fresh and exciting, even this far into the series.
Let’s talk about the star of the show – Honolulu. As someone who’s spent countless hours roaming the virtual streets of Kamurocho and Ijincho, I was blown away by how Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has brought Hawaii to life. It’s not just a pretty backdrop; it’s a living, breathing world that begs to be explored.
The attention to detail is staggering. From the bustling beaches to the quiet back alleys, every corner of this virtual Honolulu feels authentic. I found myself constantly distracted by the little things – the way the sunlight glints off the ocean, the diverse crowd of tourists and locals milling about, even the way the palm trees sway in the breeze. It’s clear that the developers put their heart and soul into recreating this slice of paradise.
But it’s not just about looks. The city is packed with things to do. You’ve got your classic Like A Dragon side activities – karaoke, batting cages, and the like – but with a Hawaiian twist. Ever wanted to try your hand at hula dancing or take part in a ukulele battle? Now’s your chance! These activities aren’t just fun diversions; they’re woven into the fabric of the game, often tying into side quests or character development in clever ways.
One of my favorite additions is the ability to cruise around on a Segway. It might sound silly (and it is), but it’s a blast zipping through the streets, taking in the sights. It’s these little touches that make exploring Honolulu such a joy.
The city also serves as a perfect backdrop for the game’s themes of cultural clash and adaptation. Watching Ichiban and his crew navigate this new environment, with all its quirks and challenges, leads to some hilarious and heartfelt moments. It’s a fish-out-of-water story that never feels cliché, thanks to the genuine curiosity and openness of our protagonists.
Now, let’s talk about the meat and potatoes of any RPG – the combat system. If you played Yakuza: Like A Dragon, you’ll be familiar with the turn-based style, but Infinite Wealth takes it to a whole new level.
The first thing you’ll notice is the increased mobility. Characters can now move around the battlefield, adding a layer of strategy to positioning. Want to knock an enemy into a conveniently placed bicycle? Go for it! This freedom of movement makes battles feel more dynamic and engaging. It’s not just about selecting attacks; it’s about using the environment to your advantage.
The job system makes a triumphant return, with some hilariously Hawaiian-themed additions. Fancy being a Pyrodancer or an Aquanaut? These new jobs not only look fantastic but also add variety to your combat options. The ability to inherit skills from different jobs allows for some really creative character builds. I spent way too much time mixing and matching abilities to create the perfect party lineup.
One of my favorite improvements is how the game handles lower-level enemies. The new “Smackdown” feature lets you quickly dispatch weaker foes without going through a full battle sequence. It’s a small change, but it makes exploring and leveling up so much smoother.
The Poundmate system (summons, essentially) has also been expanded. Some summons now stick around for multiple turns, adding an extra layer of strategy to when and how you use them. And trust me, some of the new Poundmates are absolutely hilarious – I won’t spoil them, but keep an eye out for some familiar faces.
Boss battles deserve a special mention. They’re challenging, epic, and often require you to think outside the box. The game does a great job of ramping up the difficulty gradually, so by the time you hit the tougher fights, you feel prepared but still challenged.
If there’s one thing the Like A Dragon series is known for (besides its gripping main story), it’s the sheer amount of side content. Infinite Wealth takes this to a whole new level with some of the most engaging and expansive minigames I’ve ever seen in an RPG.
Let’s start with the Sujimon system. It’s basically Pokémon, but with burly men and eccentric characters instead of cute creatures. You collect Sujimon by defeating them in battle, then train and evolve them to take on other trainers. It’s surprisingly deep, with its own storyline and challenging battles. I found myself spending hours just trying to complete my Sujidex (yes, that’s what it’s called).
Then there’s Dondoko Island, which is essentially Animal Crossing meets survival crafting. You’re tasked with turning a run-down island into a thriving resort. It starts off simple enough – clearing trash, gathering resources, building basic structures. But before you know it, you’re managing a full-fledged paradise, complete with shops, attractions, and even a farm where you can raise your Sujimon. It’s a game within a game, and it’s addictively fun.
The dating sim aspect has also been expanded with the Miss Match app. It’s more involved than previous iterations, requiring you to customize Ichiban’s profile and engage in text conversations. It’s silly, often hilarious, and sometimes surprisingly heartfelt.
And of course, we can’t forget the substories. These side quests have always been a highlight of the series, and Infinite Wealth doesn’t disappoint. From helping a street performer perfect their hula dance to unraveling conspiracy theories, these stories run the gamut from laugh-out-loud funny to genuinely touching. Many of them cleverly play on the cultural differences between Japan and Hawaii, leading to some truly memorable moments.
From a technical standpoint, Infinite Wealth is a marvel. The game looks gorgeous, especially on current-gen hardware. The character models are detailed and expressive, bringing the colorful cast to life in ways that previous entries couldn’t quite manage. The lighting, particularly in Hawaii, is stunning – the way the sun glints off the ocean or casts long shadows in the evening is truly a sight to behold.
The audio design deserves special mention. The voice acting (in both Japanese and English) is top-notch, bringing nuance and emotion to every character. The soundtrack is a perfect blend of the series’ signature style and Hawaiian-inspired tunes. It sets the mood perfectly, whether you’re engaged in an intense battle or just strolling along the beach.
However, no game is perfect, and Infinite Wealth does have a few minor issues. The camera can sometimes be a bit finicky in tight spaces, especially during combat. There are also occasional frame rate dips in particularly busy areas, though these are rare and don’t significantly impact the experience.
One controversial aspect is the decision to lock New Game+ behind DLC. While the base game offers plenty of content, it’s disappointing to see this feature, which has been standard in previous entries, now tied to an additional purchase.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is, without a doubt, a triumph. It takes everything that made Yakuza: Like A Dragon great and cranks it up to eleven. The shift to Hawaii breathes new life into the series, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining the heart and soul that fans have come to love.
The story is engaging and emotionally resonant, with Ichiban and Kiryu’s partnership being a particular highlight. The combat system has been refined and expanded in all the right ways, making battles more dynamic and strategic than ever before. And the sheer amount of side content is staggering – you could easily spend dozens of hours just on Dondoko Island or the Sujimon battles alone.
What really sets Infinite Wealth apart, though, is how it all comes together. Every element, from the main story to the smallest side activity, feels purposeful and well-integrated. It’s a game that respects your time, ensuring that everything you do contributes to your overall progress in some way.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The New Game+ situation is disappointing, and there are a few minor technical hiccups. But these issues are small potatoes compared to the overwhelming positives.
In the end, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth isn’t just a great entry in the series – it’s a strong contender for game of the year. It’s a game that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, this is an adventure you don’t want to miss.
