Game Overview:
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, released on January 25, 2024, is the ninth mainline entry in the acclaimed Like a Dragon series (formerly Yakuza). Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, this action-packed RPG blends gripping storytelling, strategic combat, and vibrant open-world exploration. Set in Hawaii and Japan, the game reunites protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu in a globetrotting adventure. Below, we break down every key detail to help gamers navigate this epic title.
Release Date and Platforms
Initial Release Date: January 25, 2024
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X/S
- Xbox One
- Microsoft Windows
The game launched simultaneously across all platforms, with enhanced performance for next-gen consoles. A digital deluxe edition offered early access starting January 23, 2024.
Developer and Publisher
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (creators of the Yakuza and Judgment series). Known for deep narratives and dynamic combat, the studio built the game using their proprietary Dragon Engine, enabling detailed environments and seamless transitions between exploration and combat.
- Publisher: Sega, a titan in the gaming industry, renowned for franchises like Sonic and Total War.
Genres and Gameplay
Genres:
- Role-playing Video Game (RPG): Character progression, skill trees, and party management.
- Action Game: Real-time brawler combat with combo-driven mechanics.
- Adventure Game: Open-world exploration across Hawaii and Japan, packed with side quests and mini-games.
Key Gameplay Features:
- Dual Protagonists: Switch between Ichiban Kasuga (turn-based RPG combat) and Kazuma Kiryu (classic action brawling).
- Job System: Customize characters with unique roles like “Samurai” or “Chef.”
- Mini-Games: Hawaiian-themed activities (e.g., surfing, fishing) and returning favorites like karaoke and Mahjong.
Story and Setting
The narrative serves as a direct sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020) and the side-story Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023). Ichiban Kasuga travels to Hawaii to reunite with his long-lost mother, joined by Kazuma Kiryu, who confronts his own legacy. The story weaves themes of family, redemption, and identity, set against the neon-lit streets of Yokohama and the tropical sprawl of Honolulu. Players explore diverse environments, from bustling cityscapes to serene beaches, while unraveling a plot filled with emotional twists and gangland intrigue.
System Requirements
PC Requirements
- Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 1400
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 580
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 60 GB available space
- Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 5700 XT
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 60 GB available space (SSD preferred)
Console Performance
- PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X: 4K resolution at 60 FPS with ray tracing.
- PlayStation 4/Xbox One: 1080p at 30 FPS.
Soundtrack and Composers
The game’s eclectic soundtrack blends Hawaiian melodies with hard-hitting battle themes, composed by industry veterans:
- Hidenori Shoji (Yakuza series veteran).
- Chihiro Aoki, Yuri Fukuda, Hyd Lunch, and Shunsuke Yasaki.
Tracks range from laid-back ukulele tunes to intense boss fight orchestrations, enhancing the game’s emotional depth. Standout tracks include the Hawaiian-inspired exploration theme Island Breeze and Kiryu’s nostalgic battle anthem Dragon’s Resolve.
User Ratings and Critical Reception
Critic Scores:
- Metacritic: 88/100 (PS5), 86/100 (PC).
- IGN: 9/10 – “A triumphant blend of heart and humor.”
User Reviews:
- Praised for its dual combat systems, emotional story, and Hawaiian open-world design. Fans highlight the chemistry between Ichiban and Kiryu as a standout feature.
- Criticisms include occasional performance dips on last-gen consoles and minor pacing issues in the late-game story.
Awards/Nominations:
- Nominated for The Game Award for Most Anticipated Game (2023).
- Won “Best RPG” at the 2024 Japan Game Awards.
Future Content: Spin-Off Announcement
A post-credits teaser revealed Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a spin-off starring fan-favorite rogue Goro Majima. Set six months after Infinite Wealth, it promises pirate-themed antics, naval combat, and a fresh take on the series’ signature humor. The spin-off is slated for a late 2025 release.
Conclusion
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a masterclass in RPG storytelling, offering over 50 hours of content across its main story and side quests. With its dual protagonists, genre-blending gameplay, and lush settings, it’s a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Whether brawling through Honolulu’s back alleys or bonding with party members at a beachside bar, this game delivers an unforgettable experience.
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