Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu step off the plane in Hawaii for a new chapter in the Like a Dragon saga. This 2024 release from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio marks a major shift by taking players outside Japan, blending the series turn-based combat with action elements as the duo searches for Kasuga's long-lost mother. Players navigate vibrant districts in Honolulu alongside familiar Japanese locales, uncovering secrets that tie both characters together.

The narrative weaves through American business tycoons and yakuza remnants while maintaining the franchise's signature mix of heartfelt drama and satirical humor. Critics praised the ambitious scale and emotional storytelling, with IGN awarding it a perfect score and The Guardian calling it a "happy yakuza holiday." The game launched on January 26 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Windows, drawing praise for its polished mechanics and expansive world. [edit]

Infinite Wealth refines the turn-based combat system introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, making it smoother and more dynamic. Players control a party of up to four characters, switching between them during battles or using them simultaneously for combo attacks. A key innovation in this title is the integration of action elements into the turn-based framework; players can utilize the environment as weapons, interact with objects mid-combat, and perform real-time dodges and counter-attacks.

The game features a robust job system with numerous classes returning from previous entries alongside new additions. These jobs range from classic archetypes like the Brawler and Mage to unique roles such as the Idol, Pirate, and Detective. Each character has a distinct skill tree and special abilities that evolve based on their chosen profession. The game also introduces New Game+ modes upon completion, allowing players to restart the story with preserved levels and equipment across three difficulty tiers: Normal, Hard, and Legend. [edit]

The plot begins with Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu stepping off a plane in Hawaii to investigate the mystery of Kasuga's long-lost mother, whom he believes may be alive. Their journey uncovers a sprawling conspiracy involving American business tycoons, yakuza remnants, and hidden family secrets that tie the two characters together across decades. The narrative blends the series' signature mix of heartfelt drama, over-the-top action, and satirical humor, offering a critique of American capitalism while exploring themes of redemption and legacy. [edit]