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Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Meet Ichiban Kasuga in a story-led crime RPG where street fights become turn-based battles and Yokohama is full of side stories.
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Ichiban Kasuga takes the lead in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. After spending years in prison for his criminal family, he returns to a world that has moved on without him. The main story follows his search for answers and the friends he makes in Yokohama. It has serious crime-drama moments, but it also makes room for absurd jokes, small personal stories and a hero who openly loves role-playing games. You can start here without finishing the earlier Kiryu-led Yakuza games, although you will spot familiar faces if you know the series. Expect mature violence and themes.
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The biggest change from most earlier Yakuza games is the combat. When a fight starts, you choose an attack, skill, item or defence for each party member instead of controlling every punch in real time. Jobs act like character classes: a job changes the skills and role a party member can use. Keep an eye on enemy weaknesses, MP for special skills and whether a friend needs healing before spending a turn on damage. Outside battles, explore the city on foot, find restaurants and shops, and take substories that reveal more about the people living there. It is easy to spend time in minigames, but the main story always gives you a clear route back.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio developed the game and Sega published it first in Japan for PlayStation 4 on January 16, 2020 as Ryū ga Gotoku 7. The English-language Yakuza: Like a Dragon release and Xbox, PC and other PlayStation versions followed later. Its original release year is therefore 2020, even if your local store lists a later date or platform. The later Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a separate sequel, not another edition of this game.
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