Yakuza: Like a Dragon - Review @ Niche Gamer

Niche Gamer reviewed Yakuza: Like a Dragon:

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Review

In 15 years, the Yakuza franchise has blossomed from a obscure cult series, into a major pillar in Sega’s portfolio. It helped that the series was both a gripping crime drama, and also a quirky life-sim that is packed with mini-games.

Every entry would further refine upon the concepts of the last, with the beat ’em up mechanics becoming more nuanced. Different playable characters would be introduced, and eventually the long running main character would take up different fighting styles.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon takes huge risks for the series which has been playing it very safe since the beginning. Kazuma Kiryu, the enduring protagonist of the franchise, has been retired. Further, the developers have completely abandoned the action gameplay in favor of a traditional JRPG turn-based system. Miraculously, this bold and new direction is exactly what Yakuza needed.

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Yakuza: Like A Dragon proves you can make a masterpiece by experimenting with the formula. It is more than just being the best Yakuza game yet, but also one of the best RPGs ever made. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio did their homework, understand what makes a great JRPG, and combined it with their honed craftsmanship of decades of making some of the best crime dramas in video games.

The Verdict: 10

The Good

• Dragon Engine running full blast on new generation consoles allows it to hit high frame rates and look better than ever
• A deep well of side-content and mini-games that range from series staples to new concepts like Dragon Kart and a robust business sim
• A gripping story, full of characters you'll care about
• Isezaki Ijincho is a huge new map that is meticulously detailed and brimming with life
• Turn-based RPG gameplay is a breath of fresh air and is a great fit for the Yakuza franchise

The Bad

• George Takei as a tough and macho mob boss is a dubious casting choice