Why Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Is a Must-Play for Yakuza Fans

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the latest chapter in the Yakuza series, a turn-based RPG that elevates its predecessor with refinements, humor, and a sense of adventure that fans of the franchise will relish. While not without a few flaws, the game delivers a richer, more satisfying experience that ties up loose ends and introduces exciting new mechanics. Let’s dive into why Infinite Wealth is everything fans wanted and more.

A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces

The game picks up with Ichiban Kasuga and his loyal companions, Chitose and Tomizawa, living peaceful lives—until they are dragged back into the yakuza world. The narrative cleverly avoids the cliché of a "prison break" scenario and instead explores the yakuza's dwindling influence in Japan and a compelling familial mystery. Ichiban's journey to uncover the truth about his mother leads him to Hawaii, marking a refreshing shift from the usual urban landscapes to sun-soaked beaches and a colorful new setting.

Ichiban's new friends, including a quirky taxi driver who robs him at gunpoint, add depth and charm to the team. And yes, Kiryu makes a return—but not in a forced, fan-service role. His appearance is a touching farewell to the series’ iconic character, and his struggles with his health add emotional weight to his interactions with Ichiban and the rest of the gang.

Hawaii: The Perfect Backdrop for Yakuza

Hawaii’s vibrant districts, surf shacks, and stunning ocean views make it an ideal setting for Infinite Wealth. It’s a paradise that complements Ichiban’s personality, providing an escape from the chaotic yakuza life. The island's slower pace also allows for moments of relaxation, as you can stroll along coastal paths or enjoy a tram ride with no particular destination in mind. The game's depiction of Honolulu is a highlight, capturing the tropical charm while infusing it with the quirky, offbeat humor that defines the series.

In addition to Hawaii, the game also returns to Yokohama, where Kiryu reflects on his past and his role in Ichiban's life. The mix of nostalgia and new experiences makes Infinite Wealth feel both familiar and exciting.

Refined RPG Mechanics and Combat

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth refines the turn-based combat system introduced in Yakuza: Like A Dragon (LAD), improving on the foundation and tightening the reward loop. Character stats like Ichiban's personality traits—passion, intellect, etc.—now directly affect the jobs (or classes) you can unlock, adding more strategic depth. Additionally, the bond system allows you to inherit skills from other jobs, encouraging experimentation with different playstyles.

One of the best improvements is the combat’s flexibility. Players can now move around in battle, taking advantage of "Back Attack" damage when positioning behind enemies or using environmental objects for tactical advantages. This shift brings a fresh dynamic to the turn-based battles, keeping them engaging and interactive.

However, there are still some balancing issues with enemy levels. At times, battles can feel either too difficult or too easy, depending on the enemies you face. The lack of visible enemy levels before combat kicks off can also be frustrating, making it important to save frequently.

Side Content and Humor

As always, Yakuza delivers an abundance of side content, and Infinite Wealth is no exception. The two major additions—Sujimon (a Pokémon parody where you capture and level up weird creatures) and Dondoko Island (an Animal Crossing-inspired island rejuvenation project)—offer hours of additional gameplay. While Sujimon is entertaining, Dondoko Island is a standout, combining the best of Yakuza's quirky mini-games with a surprising amount of depth.

The game also maintains the series’ trademark humor, seamlessly blending absurdity with serious moments. From Ichiban's pet crawfish Nancy to heartwarming side stories like helping an old man fulfill his wife’s last wish to see snow, Infinite Wealth continues to surprise and delight with its emotional depth and offbeat charm.

Some Room for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth isn't perfect. While the story and side content shine, the game occasionally struggles with its pacing and balancing. New Game+ is locked behind special editions, which feels a bit restrictive, especially when considering how expansive the game is. Additionally, while combat has been improved, regular battles can still feel repetitive at times.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on high-end PCs but struggles with frame rates on the Steam Deck, especially in busy areas like Hawaii. If you're playing on lower-end hardware, you might experience some lag during intense moments.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Yakuza Fans

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a fantastic sequel that improves upon Yakuza: LAD’s turn-based formula and delivers a memorable experience that both expands and refines the series. With its engaging story, beautiful locales, hilarious side content, and satisfying combat improvements, it’s a game that fans of the Yakuza series won’t want to miss.

While it may not be perfect, Infinite Wealth captures the spirit of the Yakuza franchise better than ever. If you’ve been longing for more of Ichiban and the gang, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is everything you could hope for and more.