Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Jan 26th, 2024
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review Blog
"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" is a complex and multifaceted game that offers a deep narrative experience combined with engaging gameplay mechanics, set against the backdrop of a vibrant and detailed world. Here's a breakdown of the game in several categories:
Story and Setting
- Dual Protagonists: The game features Kiryu and Ichiban as dual protagonists, providing a rich narrative that explores their individual stories and the broader implications of their actions within the game's universe. This dual perspective allows the story to expand significantly, offering a more comprehensive view of the game's world and its characters.
- Political and Social Commentary: Set in Hawaii, the game uses its setting to delve into issues such as the treatment of the unhoused and sex workers, police corruption, and the impact of organized crime. These themes are explored with maturity and nuance, reflecting the series' longstanding engagement with social and political topics.
- Character Development: The game introduces new characters alongside returning ones, providing ample opportunities for character development. The narrative spends significant time fleshing out these characters, making them memorable and integral to the story.
- Narrative Depth: The story explores themes of redemption, the consequences of one's past actions, and the complexities of reintegrating criminals into society. It does so with empathy and thoughtfulness, although it sometimes stumbles, particularly in its portrayal of certain villains and plotlines.
Gameplay and Mechanics
- Combat System: "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" continues the series' turn-based combat system, with updates that add depth and engagement. The introduction of directional and combo attacks, along with exploiting enemy weaknesses, provides a strategic layer to combat encounters.
- Exploration: The game's open world, spanning locations such as Kamurocho, Ijincho, and Honolulu, is richly detailed and offers a variety of environments to explore. Honolulu, in particular, is noted for its distinct vibe, with bright beaches and luxurious hotel districts offering a contrast to the series' traditional settings.
Performance and Presentation
- Voice Acting: The game features strong performances from its Japanese cast, with some new additions receiving particular praise. However, the voice acting for certain characters, especially non-Japanese speaking roles, is criticized for lacking authenticity and occasionally detracting from the immersion.
- Visuals and Atmosphere: The game's settings are beautifully rendered, with a particular emphasis on creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere in Honolulu. The transition between different locations is handled well, maintaining the series' reputation for high-quality visual presentation.
Accessibility and Entry Point
- Series Knowledge: The game is not recommended as an entry point for newcomers to the series. A familiarity with previous titles, particularly "Yakuza 6: The Song of Life" and "Yakuza: Like a Dragon," is necessary to fully appreciate the narrative and character arcs.
Overall Experience
- "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" is praised for its engaging gameplay, deep narrative, and well-developed characters. The game's exploration of complex themes and its rich, open-world environment are highlights. However, certain narrative elements and the portrayal of some characters and plotlines receive mixed reviews. The combat system is a standout feature, offering a strategic and enjoyable experience.
In summary, "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" builds on the series' strengths, offering a rich narrative and engaging gameplay. While it excels in many areas, some aspects of the story and presentation could have been handled better. Fans of the series and those interested in deep, narrative-driven games will likely find much to appreciate in this latest installment.
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