Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon and an RPG game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Check out our review to see what it did well, what it didn't, and if it’s worth your money.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review Overview
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 The Story is a Cinematic Masterpiece Hawaii is a Vibe~ Excellent Turn Based Combat Swimming with So Much Content |
Yong Yea as Kiryu New Game Plus: Infinite Greed |
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Overall - 92
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a cinematic masterpiece and a strong Game of the Year contender. Despite its minor flaws and the greedy decision to put New Game Plus behind a paywall, the game is still an excellent addition to the franchise with its flawless turn-based combat, heaps of fun side-activities, exciting exploration, top-notch voice acting, and an emotional story told like no other. It's not just a game; it's a love letter to fans of the franchise while brilliantly setting the course for Like a Dragon's future.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Story - 9/10
The Like a Dragon franchise has always been regarded highly because of its complex narrative, interesting characters, and compelling themes. I'm happy to say that Infinite Wealth stands as one of the best stories not only within the series but also in video game history (at least in the last few decades). No exaggeration here—aside from a few minor story beat issues and chapter 1 being a slow burn, which is typical for most RGG games. Despite those minor hiccups, the game's story grips you from beginning to end, steering you through an emotional rollercoaster and unveiling a captivating tale that intricately intertwines the stories of Kiryu and Ichiban.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Gameplay - 10/10
No exaggeration here when I say that this game is a behemoth, packed with a multitude of activities that will keep you hooked and entertained for hours. Whether it's exploring Honolulu, belting out tunes in karaoke, constructing Dondoko Island, or diving into emotional and wacky substories, the options are endless. I understand the shift to turn-based combat has divided fans, but believe me, the game brilliantly enhances the fighting experience with quality-of-life improvements and new upgrades, making it feel faster and more satisfying. There's truly something for everyone, and even now, I keep stumbling upon new and exciting things to do in the game.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Visuals - 9/10
The Dragon Engine hits a new peak in visual excellence, surpassing the already stunning graphics of its predecessors. Infinite Wealth wows with visuals that feel way too real, capturing the tiniest details like pores and crafting cut scenes reminiscent of intense crime dramas. With remarkable camera angles, lighting, and color choices, the game skillfully blends the vibrant warmth of Hawaii with the shadowy essence of the Yakuza underworld. It's a visual treat that perfectly balances beauty and horrifying. While the game occasionally employs stock animations for certain cutscenes, it's a deliberate stylistic choice consistent with what we've come to expect from RGG games.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Audio - 9/10
Chihiro Aoki and Hidenori Shoji return with an awesome soundtrack blending old and new songs. It fits the game's shift from the original character, Kiryu, to the new lead, Ichiban. And yes, once again, Kazuhiro Nakaya (Ichiban) and Takaya Kuroda (Kiryu) deliver tear-jerking performances. Their outstanding voice acting truly deserves an Oscar nomination. Both the Japanese and English casts did an amazing job, except for one crucial character, but I'll get into that later. Also, is it just me, or is the sound mixing for Nanba’s English dub terrible? I could barely hear him throughout most of the game.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Value for Money - 9/10
Seeing that this could be Kiryu's last game(according to trailers), for die-hard Yakuza fans, this game is a must-buy and an excellent addition to the series. Newcomers can also jump in blind, as the game does a decent job recapping previous installments. Yet, as a fan, I suggest playing the earlier games first or at least checking out story recaps because it definitely enhances the overall experience, given that this game is a culmination of the franchise. Admittedly, $70 is no small sum, and it's a shame that New Game Plus is behind a paywall. Despite this, the game's incredible story, non-stop fun activities, and addictive gameplay make it a worthwhile purchase, even for newcomers.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review I Making Big Waves Over Competition
This game was my most anticipated title of 2024, and while I was excited, there was a bit of nervousness about whether it would live up to the hype. Fortunately, all my doubts have been cleared, as RGG has once again delivered an outstanding game that could easily contend for Game of the Year.
Infinite Wealth excels in nearly every aspect, from its story to its gameplay—it's honestly a close-to-perfect game. While Yakuza: Like a Dragon was supposed to kick off Ichiban's story as the main protagonist, this game surprises by putting both Ichiban and Kiryu in the spotlight, akin to Yakuza 0. It feels like a genuine passing of the torch, and the game takes its time to nurture the bond between the two characters.
Just like other RGG games, the narrative slowly reintroduces familiar faces and delves into what characters have been up to after the previous installment. Although the story begins at a fairly slow pace with Ichiban because the group leads normal lives, it never gets boring. In fact, this mundane setup serves as a perfect backdrop for the wild and unexpected twists that unfold once Ichiban arrives in Hawaii.
And oh boy, do the waves get more insane as the gameplay also gets ramped up to eleven once Ichiban sets foot on the shores of Hawaii. The turn-based combat reaches new heights of fun and fluidity, thanks to numerous quality-of-life improvements and additions that turn encounters from tedious to enjoyable. And yes, Kiryu’s ability to ignore turn-based is ridiculously overpowered and incredibly enjoyable, perfectly aligning with his character that is sure to please long-time fans.
Apart from the main story and combat, Hawaii has a treasure trove of fun and exciting side activities featuring beloved classics like Karaoke and thrilling new additions. One standout is Dondoko Island, a personal favorite, delivering a gaming experience akin to Animal Crossing.
Don't worry about getting lost in Hawaii, as the game not only treats you to visually stunning locations in Honolulu but also surprises you with secrets, bonding opportunities, and entertaining sub-stories.
However, despite the game's portrayal of a perfect getaway paradise, there are still some minor issues that prevent it from achieving a perfect score.
I have nothing against Yong Yea, but being cast as Kiryu is undoubtedly a mismatch. His performance lacks charisma, and even a seashell seems more expressive than the way he delivers his lines. It's disheartening, especially when the rest of the English dub is amazing. If this is potentially Kiryu's final game, a more earnest effort to breathe life into the beloved character should have been considered. It's truly disheartening that the Dragon of Dojima, renowned for his singing prowess, had to resort to autotune in the English dub's Karaoke.
Another downside to the game is the disappointing choice to put New Game Plus behind a paywall, a decision that truly surprised me and seems quite unfortunate. I'm hoping that future updates for the game will be available for free.
Despite its minor flaws, this game provides an utterly amazing experience, almost as if I had actually visited Honolulu.
Pros of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
| Things Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Got Right |
|---|
|
The Story is a Cinematic Masterpiece Hawaii is a Vibe~ Excellent Turn Based Combat Swimming with So Much Content |
The Story is a Cinematic Masterpiece
This game delivers the most emotional story in any RGG game to date and it does not pull any punches.
The focus on Kiryu's battle with cancer and Ichiban's quest to find his mother in Hawaii weaves together personal and relatable narratives, contributing to a larger tale about the Yakuza's past and future.
RGG took a bold step by giving Kiryu cancer. Fortunately, the team handled it with great care and respect, making it a standout part of the game. Some of my favorite moments in the game involve reminiscing about Kiryu's past and checking off items on his bucket list.
No spoilers, but it's a delightful treat for long-time fans, and it's incredibly rewarding to witness Kiryu's growth throughout the series. This is the most vulnerable Kiryu has ever been, and Kuroda does an excellent job of portraying a dying Kiryu. It’s honestly quite heartbreaking. Kiryu, the man we believed was invincible, is finally coming to terms with his final moments.
One of the things I love about the LAD series is how time in the game mirrors our real-world time, allowing characters to age with us. RGG did a fantastic job of keeping up with the times and making the story feel current and relevant.
Who would have thought Vtubers would be part of the LAD series? It feels surreal, but strangely fitting and well-deserved. It just goes to show how far the games have come.
The story's core still revolves around Ichiban Kasuga, the man taking over from Kiryu as the protagonist. His story is equally compelling. Ichiban, now a working man and known as the Hero of Yokohama, faces wrongful accusations and cancellations. Suddenly, his former captain, who was supposed to be in jail, tasks him with finding his mother in Hawaii. What begins as a simple task turns into a race against Hawaii's most threatening gangs. Once again, Ichiban, alongside his friends, embarks on a mission to put a stop to certain troubling events.
While it might seem a bit confusing initially, the plot gradually unravels, shedding light on questions about Ichiban's mother who may be just what every gang in Hawaii is looking for. Why is she in Hawaii, and is she truly alive?
While some characters don't get as much attention as in previous games, the new additions like Tomizawa and Chi-chan bring a refreshing vibe to Ichiban's friend circle. Their likability and excellent dynamic with the cast make them standout members. Seonhee, in particular, shines among the diverse cast and stole the show quite several times. Also, even if some of the characters aren’t as prevalent in the story, the bond links certainly more than make up for their lack of screen time in the campaign.
The most captivating character interactions occur between Kiryu and Ichiban. Their dynamic is brilliantly crafted, showcasing the stark differences and yet also surprising similarities between the two characters. It's a delightful treat watching them learn from each other, with Kiryu serving as a mentor, passing the torch to Ichiban.
My only small gripe is that some of the villains introduced are a bit underwhelming, and there are certain key moments I wish were approached differently. I'm being intentionally vague because I don't want to spoil this masterfully-told story. Just keep in mind to have a box of tissues with you because this game will take you on an emotional trip to Hawaii.
Excellent Turn-Based Combat
I’m so glad they improved upon the turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. As fun as it was, it had some glaring issues.
One of the biggest additions is that the combat now allows you to reposition yourself in a small area which creates more depth and opportunity in battle. This is a game changer because the ability to reposition is crucial as it opens up possibilities for tag-team attacks, lets you grab objects for enemy strikes, and enables hitting multiple foes simultaneously.
Thankfully, they addressed the issue with basic attacks in this game. In Yakuza: LAD, these attacks were weak, forcing heavy reliance on skill-based ones that drained a lot of MP. Now, basic attacks are more viable—they deal increased damage, slightly restore your MP with each successful hit, and inflict additional damage when you're close to an enemy. Moreover, basic attacks can knock back enemies, hitting others in their path.
The battle UI has also seen some minor improvements to make the gameplay more seamless. One such improvement is the addition of a tag team attack button in the main UI instead of the menu.
In addition, the new jobs added are so much cooler and more useful than before, although I wish you could just change jobs on the fly without having to go to the Alo-Happy Job Centers to change them. Not only that, but jobs are more flexible now as players can carry over more skills learned from different jobs.
The link system introduced in the previous game is back better than ever too. This system is similar to the Social Link system from the Persona games. You bond with their teammates through "Party Chat" "Table Talk," and "Drink Links."
Building bonds is essential in battle, offering more chances for tag-team moves and providing extra perks to your team members. To enhance your bonds, I recommend boosting your personality stats earlier, as specific stat levels are needed to strengthen your connection with team members.
Lastly, we definitely have to talk about Kiryu’s broken ability to remove the turn-based combat and go back to the original brawler beat-em-up for a short time. You get to pick from three styles: The Brawler style lets Kiryu unleash Heat Actions. The Rush style enables Kiryu to rapidly attack and move faster across a wider area. The Sledgehammer style lets Kiryu grab and throw enemies and objects around.
All the styles are incredibly powerful, but my top choice is the classic Brawler style. There's something incredibly satisfying about using heat actions, just like in the good old days.
The revamped turn-based system is a significant improvement—faster, more polished, and distinctly unique, addressing past issues and enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Hawaii is a Vibe~
Goodbye, Ijincho, and aloha Honolulu! I already knew I was in for a massive splash when the trailers first showed Hawaii, and let me tell you, it more than exceeded expectations. Hawaii is a tropical paradise.
While it's too early to declare if it's the best city in the LAD franchise, I'm confident it's a top-tier contender. RGG works its Yakuza magic and fills this lively city with a plethora of new and exciting places to explore, making it a vibrant and worthwhile addition that hopefully returns in the series.
Being the largest city in the series, it might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but, like Ichiban, just go with the flow, and soon you'll be cherishing every little detail this city offers. Exploration gets a fun twist with new additions, like swimming around the beach, riding a bus where you and your party can hang out while waiting for the next stop, or the new Segway that you can customize and cruise around with, all before needing a recharge, conveniently done at the nearest station.
Exploring this city is a total thrill, and the best part is, it's not just fun – it's rewarding. You discover secret items, get inspired to get fresh new jobs, strengthen bonds with friends, and a whole lot more. From Aloha beach to Waikīkī, the game is filled with unique stunning environments, and the NPCs feel more alive than ever.
While RGG tends to reuse assets, this time, the NPCs are a diverse bunch—natives, tourists from all over—and the fact that you can interact with them, exchanging Alohas, makes the place feel more realistic.
Seeing the same old lady or thug from Japan's cities is a thing of the past! But don’t worry, you can revisit the past cities, as teased in the trailers. The cities, especially Ijincho, have a vibrant and interconnected feel like never before.
Unlike previous games, Infinite Wealth doesn't overlook characters from Ichiban and Kiryu's past. Instead, it acknowledges the impact they've had on people's lives. You'll spot former substory characters casually hanging around town, and there are nostalgic nods that fans will truly appreciate. But, no further spoilers from me regarding that.
Just note that this game might give you the urge to book a flight to Hawaii.
Swimming with So Much Content
One thing's for sure in this game – boredom is not on the menu with Infinite Wealth. True to its name, it's overflowing with infinite fun and thrilling content that'll keep you glued for countless days. The usual LAD favorites are all here: card games, arcades, mahjong, and the good old classic karaoke. Speaking of which, the new song Honolulu City Lights
is, in my opinion, the best karaoke track in the series right now.
Talking about signature features, the series is famous for its memorable special mini-games, such as the Cabaret Club from Kiwami 2 and Zero, and the Ichiban Confections from 7. In this game, two special mini-games could be games on their own, honestly – Beyond Dondoko Island and the Sujimon League.
Palworld shouldn’t be the only one catching Nintendo's eye; Beyond Dondoko Island and Sujimon share striking similarities with two well-known Nintendo favorites. Jokes aside, these two mini-games pay a fun tribute to Animal Crossing and Pokemon.
I completely lost track of time playing Dondoko Island—it's like a social sim where you're on a mission to turn it into a top-notch resort. This relaxing yet addictive game involves exploring the island with your dolphin buddy, tidying up, fishing, gathering materials, buying and crafting furniture, improving infrastructure, and bonding with the locals.
It's therapeutic, but oddly enough this game features the classic brawler-style gameplay when you fend off invaders. Packed with various activities, you can easily spend about 10 hours enjoying this mini-game. Adding to the excitement, you can visit other people's islands online, making the process of crafting your island even more enjoyable and special.
Bonus points for having Saya Hiyama as one of the helpers on the island!
Sujimon was a Pokemon-like parody mini-game introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This minigame allowed players to find Super Jittery Men, known as Sujimon, in the world; once defeated, they would be registered in the Suji-dex.
This mode was greatly expanded in Infinite Wealth, adding three-on-three battles with other Sujimon trainers, and the ability to recruit Sujimon.
Furthermore, Infinite Wealth significantly expanded this mode by introducing three-on-three battles with fellow Sujimon trainers and the ability to recruit new Sujimon.
Adding a playful nod to Pokemon Go, the game mode features Sujimon stations akin to PokeStops. There's even a Pokemon Snap mini-game parody, allowing you to snap pictures of peculiar characters while riding the bus.
Your ultimate objective, though, is to conquer the Discreet Four and claim the title of Sujimon Master. It's not only hilariously quirky but surprisingly engaging, even if it's quite easy.
Beyond Dondoko Island and the Sujimon League, Honolulu introduces exciting new side games, my personal favorite being Crazy Delivery. Here, you must stylishly deliver food on time, pulling off cool bike moves reminiscent of the Crazy Taxi franchise.
And if you’re not crazy about the chill fun vibes of Honolulu and miss the chaotic nature of Kamurocho, then don’t worry as Honolulu has plenty of hidden corruption waiting to be seen.
You got notable gangs swimming at each other's teeth and corrupt cops waiting for you to slip up. So as easy-going as Hawaii looks, you should never underestimate the enemies you fight as they can be challenging at times especially if you’re underleveled. The good news is, that they don’t hinder exploration, and don’t instantly attack you, unlike previous games.
As for substories, they remain as wacky and memorable as ever. They serve as a delightful break from the main story's serious tone, although I do wish they included a few more emotional substories like in previous games. It's hard to top the Yakuza 7 substory where Ichiban encountered a ghost girl who went to go on a date with him.
Cons of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
| Things That Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Can Improve |
|---|
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Yong Yea as Kiryu New Game Plus: Infinite Greed |
Yong Yea as Kiryu
Since the announcement of Yong Yea voicing Kiryu Kazama, there's been a lot of controversy in the community regarding him. Some fans argue he's miscast, claiming his voice doesn't match the iconic Dragon of Dojima but I wanted to reserve my judgment until the game's release, and after listening to his performance, toggling between English and Japanese, I have to agree with the fans – he is sadly a huge miscast.
It’s not just his voice but also the way he delivers his lines. I could immediately tell there was something wrong with his performance because it felt like he was just reading off the script or trying too hard to be tough and cool, but it just came off as grating. Don’t get me wrong, there are quite a few times where he does a decent job in some scenes but unfortunately, it's far from perfect and obviously nowhere near the goat himself Takaya Kuroda, who masterfully delivers an emotional performance to such a quiet character. Yea’s voice sadly does not exude the presence and manliness of the character.
This should be Kiryu's most vulnerable state, battling cancer, but Yea doesn't quite capture the pain, anguish, and weariness that Kiryu is experiencing. Unlike Kuroda, who adds depth and emphasis even in the smallest details.
What's even more disappointing is that the English dub, which is excellent and matches up well with the Japanese version, especially with Kaiji Tang as Ichiban, makes Yea stand out like a sore thumb. I believe he could have done better, considering he's a talented voice actor. I'm unsure if it's entirely his fault or a result of the casting director's voice direction.
New Game Plus: Infinite Greed
I still can’t understand why SEGA and RGG decided to put New Game Plus behind a paywall, a $15 paywall mind you. This isn't the first time, as the Japanese version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon did the same, adding New Game Plus as paid DLC post-release. Doing this again for a worldwide release on the same day essentially ruins the replay value for many players (myself included) and could create massive issues down the line.
Is Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Worth It?
Yes Kyodai
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an absolute must-buy. Hear me out. Despite the $70 price tag and the greedy decision about New Game Plus, this game offers an incredible experience like no other game. It's not just about the fun immersive gameplay; it also imparts valuable life lessons and perspectives through its themes, characters, and beautifully crafted story.
It's a significant game that resonates with the times and is a game that everyone should play at least once. If that doesn't sway you, just think about missing out on battling a massive Jaws-like shark, surfing the sparkling waves of Hawaii, building your cozy dream island, and cruising the world in style on a Segway.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Overview & Premise
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes place 4 years after the events of the previous game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The game follows protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as they embark on a journey into past places in the series: Ijincho, Kamurocho, and the new exciting waves of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ichiban Kasuga—a lovable underdog looking for his mother who’s supposedly in Hawaii—and Kazuma Kiryu—a man confronting his final days with his unstoppable fists. Fate brought the two ex-Yakuza members together to confront their past. Fortunately, they have their friends by their side to support them against sinister gangs out to stop them. This game is set to be the emotional conclusion to Kiryu Kazama’s saga and the true beginning that cements Ichiban as the new face of the franchise.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth FAQ
RGG Wanted Hawaii as Authentic as Possible
Producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto went the extra mile by visiting Honolulu, conducting interviews, and doing research to ensure the in-game city is as accurate and authentic as possible. They even featured real stores like ABC Stores and 88 Tees from the city. However, anything that didn't fit the team's vision was of course tweaked.
Where Can I Play Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth?
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is now available for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and PS5
Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Product Information
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| Title | LIKE A DRAGON: INFINITE WEALTH |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 26, 2024 |
| Developer | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Supported Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
| Genre | RPG, Action, Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | M (Mature) |
| Official Website | Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth |
