Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review
Yakuza has now released its eighth installment titled Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. At this point, I may no longer be able to use the legendary name Yakuza. The Ryu Ga Gotoku studio wants players to focus on the name Like A Dragon. And there is a clear reason for this. If the previous installment, Yakuza 7, signaled a transition from Kiryu to Ichiban with the title Yakuza: Like A Dragon, then with this eighth installment, I now understand why the studio wants to completely move to the new name.
It is a tribute to the legacy left by the predecessor, representing the legendary Yakuza Kiryu, and now it is Ichiban's turn to carry on the name Like A Dragon. Both of these outdated yakuza characters bear dragon tattoos. And not far off, the year 2024 is the year of the dragon. Surely, there is a hidden meaning and a desire for prosperity for this franchise.
I cannot predict the future, but with what this eighth installment shows, I feel that Ryu Ga Gotoku has accumulated enough experience to create the most perfect Yakuza game to date. They have left the journey of these two yakuza in the best way possible. It seems that when playing this game, emotions from the past to the future overwhelm me. I started playing Yakuza with the prequel, Yakuza 0, and followed Kiryu through 6 main installments and the recent expansion, Gaiden. Then, looking at Ichiban, I thought it was right, Kiryu couldn't always be the main character. The Yakuza franchise or Like A Dragon needs a worthy successor.
Therefore, a transition and tribute are what need to happen. And this eighth installment is created for that purpose. To understand why the dragon bloodline needs to be preserved and passed on from generation to generation. So, after spending more than 50 hours on this game, I put down the controller, a smile and tears streaming down my face. I realized that mixed emotions of joy and sadness have gone through this franchise for almost 10 years. And this game alone has achieved everything that the previous installments came together for. I know that Like A Dragon's journey will not end with this eighth installment, and perhaps in a few years, I will come back, but it will be difficult to find the complete feeling and excitement again, won't it?
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth stands out by combining elements from both the old and the new. It utilizes a narrative structure similar to the prequel, which has helped make the Yakuza franchise truly renowned, along with the new-generation JRPG gameplay introduced in the seventh installment. This game can be enjoyed by both new and old fans alike, as no one will be left out. However, it is best experienced if you have played the previous installments, so even if you can't play the six games featuring Kiryu or the prequel, playing Ichiban's story in the seventh game will give you a basic understanding of the game universe.
Returning to Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, this game is a classic example of how to tell the story of two main characters. If you have read my review of Alan Wake 2, you'll recall how I praised the clever storytelling of Remedy, which condensed the narrative of two main characters, Sage and writer Wake, while also noting that The Last of Us Part 2 lacked the finesse to avoid controversy. Yakuza 0, on the other hand, is a prime example of how to create an engaging story centered around two main characters.
Yakuza 0 was so good that it led me to play all the subsequent Yakuza games, and that's why I was excited to learn that Infinite Wealth would feature separate storylines for Kiryu and Ichiban. The storytelling in the Yakuza franchise has never been a weak point for Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
The story of Infinite Wealth takes place a few years after the events of the seventh installment. It no longer focuses on previous issues such as gang wars and power struggles; instead, it presents the game as a microcosm of modern Japanese society. In reality, the Yakuza in Japan has nearly been eradicated, and they exist more as memories than as tangible entities. Japanese society itself is not welcoming to them either. With reduced activities and less appeal in recruitment, the phrase "hang up the sword" has become a reality, and these Yakuza members are struggling to reintegrate. Therefore, Infinite Wealth accurately depicts this harsh reality. Ichiban has abandoned the Yakuza path and now works for an organization that provides jobs for the disadvantaged. After the dissolution of the two largest Yakuza factions, the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance, in the seventh installment, there is no place left for the Yakuza. Ichiban serves as a beacon of hope for the outdated Yakuza, offering employment opportunities. He knows that what he is doing is to fulfill his late father's wish, the person who laid the groundwork for the "dissolution" plan years ago. But there are no roses without thorns; this is just the calm before the storm, and it serves as a reminder that Like A Dragon is a game where nothing is easy, and everything has to be solved with fists.
The storyline in the game is truly extensive but not convoluted. We will see Ichiban not only staying in Yokohama city but also venturing to Hawaii in the United States in his dangerous journey. Here, players will witness the return of both old and new characters, who can be allies or enemies, making Ichiban unsure of who he can trust.
However, what I have noticed is that since Ryu Ga Gotoku switched from traditional beat 'em up gameplay to JRPG turn-based gameplay from the seventh installment, the storylines in both the seventh and eighth parts have become more fantasy-oriented to suit the turn-based style. The protagonist will no longer act alone but will need teammates to solve problems together. This shows a different Ichiban compared to Kiryu in the past. Ichiban embodies honesty and kindness, like a classic hero in medieval or mythological JRPGs. Therefore, even in the modern world, players may have doubts about its suitability. Luckily, with a studio that understands the core issue well and creates an excellent script, Ryu Ga Gotoku knows how to handle it without causing cringe and manages to convince players.
The mission to help the Yakuza reintegrate is still unfinished, but now Ichiban has to go to Hawaii to find his mother and discover the dark secrets on this beautiful tropical island. Ichiban will experience joys and sorrows from within himself and his teammates. And then, he meets Kiryu, and from there, these two men with many thoughts have the opportunity to open up and become the key figures for their own separate storylines that will be told later.
Ichiban's storyline will focus on the capital city, Honolulu, in Hawaii, while Kiryu's storyline will be in the Isezaki Ijincho district in Yokohama. With Ichiban's storyline, it will bring a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that Hawaii offers, even though it is still incredibly dangerous. Here, Ichiban not only has to find his mother but also discover his true self, what kind of person he truly wants to be. Because in the end, the traces of the Yakuza within him are no longer present, and he wants to become a better version of himself, a spiritual support for his loved ones or a reliable destination for his friends. Ichiban always has a smile on his face, but to see it, we will see how much blood and tears he has sacrificed. However, with his fiery belief, Ichiban can still lead his friends towards the same ending.
In order to explore this island, he will have to navigate through warring factions and confront his own allies to test his loyalty, all while trying to find his mother before it's too late. Fortunately, Ichiban is a new character in the franchise, so in this eighth installment, he will be paired with many new characters, including both enemies and teammates. They come from different places with their own unique circumstances, adding depth to the already dense storyline. Here, no character is secondary, and they all shine, leaving no one overshadowed. Tomizawa, a timid taxi driver, gradually believes that he can become strong. Chitose, a beautiful and seductive woman, is extremely intelligent but harbors shocking secrets. These characters provide great support for Ichiban, making him feel that even though he is considered the hero of the game, he is not the only one making a difference. And as we often know, the Japanese are very strong in one thing, and that is the "power of friendship."
Now let's talk about Kiryu's storyline. I was pleasantly surprised when SEGA announced that Kiryu has cancer before the game's release. It would have been a huge plot twist if it had not been revealed, but after experiencing the game, I understand why SEGA wanted players to know this early on. They wanted fans who have spent years with Kiryu to mentally prepare, as this will be an emotional journey, especially for those who have played all of Kiryu's Yakuza games like myself. Just like in Yakuza 0, where Kiryu and Majima have separate storylines but share a common goal, Infinite Wealth follows a similar structure with Kiryu and Ichiban. Although they operate in different places, their minds are connected, bidding farewell to the bustling Hawaii and entering a contemplative Yokohama. Kiryu's storyline is truly designed for OG fans of the series, evoking nostalgia and emotions. It will be touching to see Kiryu reunited with his old companions, specifically Ichiban's former teammates from the seventh installment. It's as if Ichiban is entrusting his old comrades to take care of Kiryu so that he can continue his journey with his new teammates without any worries.
Kiryu knows that he does not have much time left, and therefore, it is best to finish what he started. And Kiryu's gameplay brings a completely contrasting emotion compared to Ichiban's. Even though it is a JRPG and very Japanese, it can be said that it follows a linear path, and you cannot freely switch between characters like how Alan Wake 2 works.
However, being confined within this structured storyline is not necessarily a weakness. Similar to Yakuza 0, when the game's storyline is captivating, you don't even feel forced to say goodbye to Kiryu's gameplay and transition to Majima's gameplay. It's like watching an action-packed thriller TV series full of suspense. Infinite Wealth follows the same pattern. Each chapter of the game ends with a cliffhanger, making you curious to know what will happen next, and then when you switch to another character, you understand why but from the perspective of the remaining main character. The intertwining of Ichiban and Kiryu is like the flow of dragon blood running through their bodies. Despite being over 6000 miles apart, these two men find each other and believe that they can overcome their common enemies.
One thing that I feel is complete in the storyline, something that Yakuza 0 failed to achieve, although it wasn't intended for that, is the meeting between Kiryu and Majima in Yakuza 1. This prequel cannot allow these two characters to meet if there were no plotholes. That's why in Yakuza 0, even though the storyline reached its peak, I was disappointed that there was no interaction between Kiryu and Majima, as if they were so close yet so far apart, even though they were working on the same mission. So in Infinite Wealth, that void is filled when Kiryu and Ichiban find each other and embark on their final journey together.
And here, I want to talk more about the character Kiryu and his story in Yokohama. In reality, Kiryu's journey in the game is an unfortunate one as he was supposed to be in Hawaii to support Ichiban. However, cancer forced him to return to Japan. This reason makes us players feel conflicted and pained as we delve deeper and worry about Kiryu's fate. Kiryu's story in Japan involves investigating the Yakuza organization's connection to gangs in Hawaii to support Ichiban. Because of this, Kiryu's and his old teammates' stories in relation to Ichiban become more complex, with dead ends and small openings leading to harsh truths. What price will Kiryu have to pay? Will he die? Is there any escape for the characters in the game who are constantly being pressured by evil forces? Do Kiryu and we ourselves feel that the justice we pursue is true when justice seems like a game manipulated by the wicked?
Infinite Wealth itself embodies the pursuit of contradiction in this philosophy because we all know that Yakuza has no authority to speak of right or wrong. Kiryu himself knows that he used to be a low-level Yakuza thug, so what qualifies him to say that what he is doing is right? If Ichiban's gameplay is straightforward, Kiryu's gameplay is filled with questioning. Kiryu used to be the head of the Tojo Clan, the largest Yakuza gang in the game. Therefore, not only the characters in the game, but also the players themselves find it difficult to accept such extreme injustice and begin to understand the true nature of Kiryu. As a result, Kiryu's gameplay seems to answer the biggest and most important question in the game: Is Yakuza truly evil?
That very question becomes the essence of the entire game, and by the end of the game, we question whether the villains in the game are truly completely evil. Yes, this game has many villains, and a story with a strong hero theme, and it also leans towards JRPG, so a proper antagonist is essential. And with Ichiban and Kiryu having their own storylines, there is more than one villain. The pinnacle of Infinite Wealth is that the ultimate villain in the game does not follow the usual path. While it is not uncommon to find villains with high ideals in many games, a villain with reasons and goals that surpass conventional moral values is an entirely different story. Because the final villain in the game, who I cannot disclose, has a brilliant performance that may make us feel compelled to support them instead of Kiryu and Ichiban. It may make us question our own morals for believing in them. This game is like a slap on Japanese society's face, questioning whether Yakuza deserves a second chance in real life. Because if we believe in the Yakuza in the game but not in real life, then our morals might be hypocritical. It is precisely because the Yakuza series, including the spinoff series Judgement, takes place in the real social context of Japan that players might feel conflicted.
After all, I have spent over 50 hours exchanging for a feeling that is hard to describe with words, and I have never regretted it. Because during that time, whether eating and sleeping with Kiryu or Ichiban, I never wanted to put down the controller and turn off my Xbox because I wanted to find the answer to that question. Clearly, in a world where right and wrong are not clear, is there still a chance for those who bear the name of the Yakuza to correct their mistakes? A successful game in terms of storytelling is to provoke ourselves to question what is right, what is wrong, and what is the price to pay when we try to find the truth. The question "Is the Yakuza really evil" will be answered at the end of the game, but are you truly ready for that? For me, Infinite Wealth has achieved in Ichiban's gameplay, or more precisely, Kiryu's gameplay, as it has helped me establish the truth that I believe in. That even when you know the answer that Ryu ga Gotoku whispers, you still have to admit that Infinite Wealth possesses a story that is too good, too convincing, and too difficult to find in another game, right?
With its engaging gameplay, this is truly a standout feature that is just as impressive as the game's storyline. As someone who isn't particularly thrilled by traditional turn-based JRPGs with slow-paced, turn-based combat, Infinite Wealth has made this turn-based gameplay mechanic diverse, or perhaps I should say, dynamic. Even though you can't control Kiryu or Ichiban's punches against enemies as you would in the familiar beat 'em up style, you can still feel that same satisfying sensation in this JRPG style.
And why is that? It's because this version has addressed and overcome the weaknesses that its predecessor, Yakuza 7, had. In Yakuza 7, characters had to stand still when attacking. However, in Yakuza 8, the game introduces a completely new turn-based mechanic called proximity. It can be described as a range of movement. Here, team members can move in real-time, meaning you don't have to remain stationary while attacking like in outdated JRPGs. Instead, you have the freedom to move your character and choose the right position to strike. It may sound similar to Tactical Turnbase, but it's not the same. Since every battle takes place in an open world, any location can become a battleground. Therefore, Ryu Ga Gotoku maximizes the element of agility. Each character moves within a circle, and with enemies scattered in different positions, after you land a hit, you could find yourself in a completely different location than your initial position, without following any specific formula.
The game introduces two interesting features to increase damage before attacking in the Proximity mechanic: Proximity Bonus and Back Attack. With the Proximity Bonus, if you get close to an enemy while still within your character's movement circle, your attack can be more powerful. Back Attack, on the other hand, is when enemies choose to defend during their turn, but if you can position your character behind them, you can still deal damage, not only inflicting full damage but also receiving an additional damage bonus. As a result, every battle now requires calculations not only based on attacks or items but also on positioning, and this happens in real time, making turn-based battles feel action-packed. This is a significant change that makes gameplay enthralling whenever you play, and it can even appeal to players who aren't fans of JRPGs.
Of course, Ryu Ga Gatoku knows that their Yakuza game series has become famous for having badass characters paired with visually stunning, violent beat 'em-up gameplay. So, when transitioning to JRPGs, they had to make a compromise. That's why the Proximity mechanic almost entirely captures this essence and allows players like me, who already love beat 'em up games, to still enjoy that element even in a JRPG setting. But did you know that even in this turn-based style, the game still delivers familiar moments of beat 'em-up action? It's not just a coincidence that I say this 8th installment is a tribute to longstanding fans like myself. The main character, Kyrru, possesses an exclusive ability called Dragon's Resurgence, which allows him to unleash his full power when his energy meter is full, transforming him into a badass character who can disregard the linear mechanics of traditional JRPGs and freely attack anyone he wants. This explosive moment surprised me immensely, and it shows Ryu Ga Gotoku's intention to reignite the passion of longtime fans. This ability is extremely beneficial in life-or-death battles.
Furthermore, the other characters also have their own unique fighting moves and abilities. The job change mechanic, which allows characters to switch classes, has made a comeback. This enables team members to choose a specific job and acquire specialized skills. From a chef and hip-hop dancer to an idol singer and even a BDSM pole dancer, no shortage of eccentric professions perfectly align with the quirky mindset of the Japanese. This allows players to freely assemble a fighting team according to their preferences.
Overall, Yakuza 8 not only delivers a great storyline but also offers a captivating and dynamic gameplay experience. With its innovative Proximity mechanic and the ability to recreate the thrill of beat 'em up action even in a turn-based JRPG style, it's no wonder that this game is a testament to the dedication of Ryu Ga Gotoku in satisfying both their existing fan base and newcomers alike.
Of course, fighting is a given in a Yakuza game, but it also brings a lot of mini-games to the table, and it seems a bit biased towards Ichiban as he gets to enjoy two major mini-games: Sujimon and DondokoIsland. With Sujimon, it takes a comical approach similar to Pokemon, where street fighters resemble Pokemon creatures. Ichiban will capture them along the way and use his team to battle against others. I have never ceased to be surprised by the unusual elements that Ryu Ga Gotoku brings to the table. As for the other mini-game, Dondoko Island, the studio once again takes inspiration from Nintendo's Animal Crossing series. Ichiban will arrive on a small island in Hawaii and embark on a mission to revitalize it. He will go fishing, build houses, clean up the island, and find ways to attract tourists back. These mini-games are highly entertaining and offer a great mental escape after completing the main story, as you may not know what to do next.
Of course, while biased towards Ichiban, Kiryu also has some side activities, although calling them mini-games might be an overstatement. In Kiryu's gameplay, he has a Bucket List, which is essentially a list of things to do before he dies. Here, he has the opportunity to meet people he has encountered in previous installments. This mechanic serves as a tribute to long-time fans like me since playing it brings back nostalgic emotions and makes one wonder how things would have turned out if Kiryu had met these characters. Overall, Kiryu's Bucket List game component is not as expansive as Ichiban's two main mini-games, but it still provides an emotionally charged experience for OG fans and is something you shouldn't miss even after completing the game.
The game still offers many traditional sub-stories that function as side quests, allowing you to immerse yourself more in Hawaii and Yokohama, gaining a better understanding of the people in these places and rejuvenating your spirit before returning to the stormy main storyline. Additionally, I highly appreciate that Ryu ga Gotoku has added some quality-of-life features to enhance the player's comfort during gameplay. Especially notable is the improved means of transportation within the city, as this is the first installment that allows players to ride a scooter-like segway, saving travel time while still being able to explore the city. Furthermore, if a player wants to fast travel, they no longer need to go into menus and access a phone to book a taxi. Now, the in-game map allows players to select fast travel points, maximizing time efficiency.
Overall, Infinite Wealth's gameplay doesn't bring major changes, but it has been finely tuned and designed to provide the most immersive and satisfying control of Ichiban, Kiryu, and their respective companions.
Of course, it would be a disservice not to mention the impressive presentation of this game, as both the gameplay and the storyline shine. It can be said that the Dragon Engine has been mastered after many years, and Yakuza 8 is a beautifully designed game. Although this game may not reach the photorealistic graphics of some games that use Unreal Engine 5, the graphics in this game have never been low-rated. The cutscenes in the game look very detailed, almost lifelike, with incredibly realistic textures, lighting, and smooth animations. I also appreciate the improved quality of the quick skip cutscenes, which are now closer to pre-rendered cutscenes for a more seamless experience.
Furthermore, the environments and scenery in the game are reminiscent of the 7th installment but with more shine and eye-catching visuals, as textures and lighting have been improved. The Honolulu district in Hawaii is a sunny tropical city with white sandy beaches and a vibrant summer atmosphere. The streets and alleyways exude a bustling tourist city vibe that even in the freezing winter of Hanoi, I still felt excited. On the other hand, the Ichijo district in Yokohama has a more contemplative and autumnal atmosphere, with warm brown tones enveloping the entire city. It is quieter and more profound, reflecting the thoughts and concerns of Kiryu who resides there. The game's performance is also stable, as I have played it on PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5. The game runs smoothly at 60fps in most instances. However, the performance on PS5 may be slightly inferior when the character executes special moves with many continuous effects, resulting in a drop in FPS. This issue is not as prevalent on my Xbox or PC. However, the standout feature on PS5 is the load times, with virtually no loading screens, while the other two platforms occasionally experience slower loading times of a few seconds.
Moreover, the voice acting and music are also major highlights of this game. The Yakuza franchise is known for featuring many famous Japanese actors, and the 8th installment is no exception. Two film actors, Hiroki Hasegawa as Masataka Ebina and Ryo Narita as Eiji Mitamura, make their debut appearances in this franchise and deliver impressive performances. As a fan of Japanese cinema, I was thrilled to see Hiroki Hasegawa and Shinichi Tsutsumi, who had previously made their debut in the 7th installment as Jo Sawashiro. These two actors were the main leads in a famous Yakuza film called "Why Don't You Play in Hell?". Therefore, it is evident that Ryu Ga Gotoku has a keen eye for choosing actors for their roles.
Furthermore, the voice actors for the previous characters also deliver excellent performances. It would be a disservice not to mention Takaya Kuroda, the legendary voice actor for Kiryu Kazuma, whose deep, masculine voice is irreplaceable. Additionally, Kazuhiro Nakaya, who voices Ichiban, also performs admirably, bringing a lively, youthful, and masculine voice to the character. If you didn't know, Kazuhiro Nakaya previously voiced Akira Nishikiyama, Kiryu's closest friend. Due to this connection, as Nishiki departs, leaving Kiryu's fate a mystery, it is fitting for Ichiban to become the new protagonist, and there is no better choice than Kazuhiro Nakaya to pass the torch from Takaya Kuroda. It is clear that Ryu Ga Gotoku has a discerning eye for selecting voice actors for their iconic characters. Furthermore, all the remaining characters are well-rounded, contributing to the superb voice acting quality.
Finally, the music. It can be said that the game's soundtrack is a combination of EDM and Heavy Metal. If we have seen EDM dominate Ichiban's gameplay since the 7th installment, Heavy Metal has always been present with Kiryu since the early games. Therefore, when both Ichiban and Kiryu are the main characters in this game, the music follows their respective styles, perfectly suited to both of them. In Ichiban's part, the energetic EDM tracks perfectly match the Hawaiian setting, while Kiryu's gameplay has a classic and nostalgic feel, with heavy metal tracks accompanied by soulful violin or electric guitar melodies.
One track that I particularly love in the entire game is the final boss battle theme. The track "The End of Denial" captures all the emotions within me, showcasing that this is not just an ordinary boss fight but the culmination of everything that has led up to this point. It carries a powerful heavy metal vibe, yet it is not devoid of heartfelt moments, as if the fight is not just about sheer violence but also artistic expression. It reminds me of the track "Oath of Enma" in Yakuza 0 when Kiryu fights Kuze for the last time. It encapsulates all the feelings of masculinity and introspection. And this is just one example; the game's soundtrack is incredibly diverse, and I believe you will find many other great pieces of music. Once again, I must commend composer Hidenori Shoji and the team at SEGA for creating an outstanding soundtrack. It demonstrates the game's audiovisual presentation reaching its full potential from every perspective.
VERDICT
After everything, in the world of Yakuza, there is no permanent knockout, losing a finger or more has no real significance because once a Yakuza rises, as long as they're alive, they will come back. This philosophy of violence has become the lifeblood of this entire franchise for the past 20 years. And now, in "Like A Dragon," it doesn't stop at just the Yakuza anymore. The Japanese underworld has changed, and it's time for "Like A Dragon" to change too.
That's why the essence, the most important legacy that Kiryu left behind, has now been passed on to Ichiban, a new generation to carry on and elevate them further. I firmly believe that this 8th installment, "Infinite Wealth," has successfully accomplished this transition. It showcases the talent of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in shaping this Yakuza universe. Even more importantly, it is presented in a meticulously crafted and emotionally stunning video game form. It's a JRPG that I highly recommend you play because it's not easy to find a game that is not only enjoyable but also evokes indescribable emotions.
