Yakuza as a series has grown from strength to strength in recent years. The brand has pulled in plenty of newcomers in that time, and, for many, working out where and when to jump on may be an issue. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, developed by Japanese Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega, is a good answer to that dilemma.

While the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is perhaps best for its story-heavy action-adventure beats, Infinite Wealth steers the franchise back towards turn-based JRPG territory. For some, it will be a welcome return. For others, it may be the wrong turn.

Tin Dragon

Infinite Wealth, is, officially. the ninth mainline entry of the Like a Dragon (Yakuza) series. Infinite Wealth is a direct sequel to 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and to last year’s spin-off Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

And this makes Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth the perfect starting point if you want to see what all the fuss is about. Infinite Wealth merges everything that has come before it in one single title.

And it does so, more importantly, while keeping everything that makes the series good intact.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a bit of a watermark moment for the series. It changes up the very core of how the game is played, moving to a turn-based combat system and truly embodies its RPG roots.

Minigames sidestory densetsu tonkotsu japan weeaboo Like a Dragon

Infinite Wealth is built on this system as well, but with a few interesting twists.

Sub Story

Infinite Wealth is more of what fans love in many ways. The new kid on the block, Ichiban Kasuga, the protagonist of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, teams up with Kazuma Kiryu, the original protagonist of the first six titles of the series.

Ichiban Kasuga Kiryu Kazuma Yakuza series

The action of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes place mainly in Hawaii this time out. This in itself is a huge change as it marks the franchise’s first-ever overseas location. Those after a taste of Japan need not worry as there are some scenes back in the series’ homeland.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers a expectedly deep and over-the-top tale. Ichiban and Kaz team up to help Kaz find and reunite with his mother. The pair, along with allies old and new, also tackles some huge life issues.

It’s your standard Like a Dragon tale, to be honest. Infinite Wealth starts out as a simple tale, but quickly escalates and turns into a much bigger, deeper and complex affair. And the plot is extremely easy to spoil, so I’ll leave it at that.

You’ll spend half your time getting gut punched by some truly emotional moments. Moments that will even bring a tear to the hardest of Yakuza fans.

Sword and Shield

Gameplay sticks to the foundation cast in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. You’ll spend the other of your time getting into wild battles pulling off evermore powerful and glitzy attacks.

The turn-based combat itself is slick. The system has been improved and overhauled, in both the movement as well as timing front.

Pulling off tag moves and follow up attacks is now easier. There is even an auto battle option, if you just want to breeze through low-level fights.

The job system also returns in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This adds a bit of flavour and spice to the core combat. Roles like cowboy, surfer and action star, to name just a few, all open up bizarre and over-the-top encounters.

Fans will get a kick from seeing your cast of friends return, who in turn make up your fighting party. All complete with their own arcs and drives, which are honestly a bit better written and overall integrated into the tale than in Yakuza: Like a Dragon in most cases.

Infinite Wealth combat style prompt buttons commands list move cough tin

And then there is Kazuma Kiryu – who is a bit of a wild card as he plays by his series rules, when you fill his heat gauge. So, you are free to battle in real time when you fight as him and the turn-based system goes right out the door. Plus, he has his three different fighting styles as well.

Squid Ahoy

Hawaii itself also plays a big part in breathing life into the game, as it feels so different from what we have had in past games. It’s easily the biggest location to date and it’s really fleshed out in interesting ways, packed with character and diversity under its blue-sky ways.

And being a Like a Dragon game, you can bet it’s a world packed with random battles, collectibles, side quests, and bonding opportunities just waiting to be discovered, as you explore its streets and sea fronts.

The side quests are of standard you would expect from the series in terms of writing and activities. It becomes extremely easy to lose yourself to these ancillary amblings. And this is before you find the game’s interesting spins on the Pokémon, Crazy Taxi and Animal Crossing formulae.

Infinite Charm

Visually, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is outstanding. The detail and polish you would expect from the series is all here. From the busy streets, to the starlit night sky, the games world is a joy to behold.

Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth map guide bike car travel

Sound also hits the mark. Unlike last year’s Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Infinite Wealth has shipped with a full English dub. And this English dub sees a lot of returning voice actors nail their performances, which adds much to the audio.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a monster of a title that is extremely deep and highly polished. The experience shines with stellar production across the board. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth very much feels like the pinnacle that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have been working towards.

Fans will love Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth through and through and hints at the future of the series. On the other hand, newcomers will get a perfect intro to an incredible series. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth sets a new bar for Like a Dragon, and even for the genre itself.