Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth preview - Time for newcomers to see what the fuss is about
2023 was an unbelievable year for games, and if our Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth preview is anything to go by, games in 2024 are off to a flyer, too.
Ryu Ga Gotoku’s next instalment in its sprawling crime saga is ambitious and comforting all at once, even for a series newcomer like myself. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s tinged with emotional depth and pathos that only Ryu Ga Gotoku can juxtapose so handily with a dating minigame.
Earning my stripes
Click to enlargeI’ll admit, before heading to this preview, I had limited knowledge of the Yakuza series as a whole, as someone who tends to avoid combat in games - even the turn-based style found in the first Like A Dragon.
That made playing Infinite Wealth a fun challenge, approaching it as someone who hasn’t spent any time with Kiryu or even current protagonist Ichiban outside of the fun social clips and screenshots that flood my timeline now and again.
I prefer my games cosy and quest-focused, but to my surprise, Ichiban’s surprisingly personal story had me more invested than I ever thought possible. Make no mistake: if you’ve been swept up in the hype surrounding Infinite Wealth, the kind of bizarre whirlwind of zaniness that only the Like A Dragon and Yakuza franchises can offer, then you can rest safe that this is as good a place as any to start.
For those of you who have played the first Like A Dragon (interstitial title Gaiden hadn’t been released at the time of our preview), you’ll know already what I soon discovered: these titles have a little something for all, the storyline isn’t exclusive to long-term followers, and while the spin-off series is a layered RPG that slots into the legendary Yakuza world, it isn’t exclusively tied to it. In fact, I haven’t gone a day since the preview without thinking about Infinite Wealth’s upcoming launch so that I can be reunited with Ichiban, the terrifyingly brilliant Alo Happy and help the gang restore Dondoku Island.
Things to do, people to see
Click to enlargeRyu Ga Gotoku’s choice to give Infinite Wealth dual protagonists in Ichiban and Kiryu is the perfect way of making the action-packed RPG game accessible for new players, but still respecting and catering to loyal followers who have been with the studio since the first Yakuza title. Chief Producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto revealed that it was due to this dual approach that the studio felt comfortable taking the game to an entirely new starting location of Honolulu City as it ‘made sense’ for the characters to end up there from past decisions.
We meet each of our protagonists at different points in their lives. Kazuma Kiryu is battling cancer, approaching his own final curtain after leading the franchise with his own inimitable charm for so long, while Ichiban Kasuga remains as affable, likeable, and downright charming as ever.
Their two story arcs play out against the backdrop of the biggest map in the history of the series, and the Ryu Ga Gotoku team spent a lot of time in Hawaii to ensure they could recreate it in the most realistic form, even partnering with local businesses to make the experience as ‘true to life’ as they could. Given the size of the map, anyone fearing that there may be less to do is mistaken, thankfully. You’ll find plenty of story content, subplots, and, of course, a variety of minigames to keep things fresh throughout.
You’ll also find opportunities to fill out your in-game 'Pokedex' with the Sujidex bestiary returning from Like A Dragon.
It was during my exploration that I realised how closed off my mind had been to the Like A Dragon series, and the 90 minutes of free exploration and play time we were allocated was nowhere near enough to satisfy my curiosity. I managed to preview six of the substory elements, all of which were extremely fun to explore, and the Miss Match minigame that sees the hapless Ichiban try dating made me physically laugh out loud thanks to witty writing and great performances.
Back To Kamurocho
Click to enlargeThe two protagonists not only vary gameplay throughout but also allow Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth to seamlessly blend previous storylines and characters into new and old maps, and while I can’t personally speak to its reverence to previous titles, Kiryu’s Japanese storyline and gameplay is very much an openly-curated love letter of nostalgia for long-standing fans of the Yakuza franchise.
Kamurocho is reimagined with a whole host of nostalgia-based mini-games, with collectable references to big moments in past titles that progress Kiryu’s character, and ‘re-ignite his memories’.
From Karaoke to Bingo, Golfing and a 1998/99 SEGA Spikeout Arcade Game within the district, there’s tonnes more to unlock and discover. I won’t spoil the storyline for you, but there are some sensitive themes throughout the narrative that I thought were handled beautifully, and despite not having the prior investment that a seasoned player would have for the characters, it didn’t take away from my ability to resonate and understand their unique journeys, whether that be through humorous quips to harrowing, intimate plotlines.
Sakamoto explained that with every iteration of the franchise, Kazuma Kiryu’s character has gotten older and hit different life stages, and to truly allow fans to experience the different life moments and add realistic experiences, they needed the storyline to go in the organic way it has.
Ichiban Crossing
If Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is full of surprises, its biggest one feels perfect for the cosy gamer like myself. I practically squealed upon realising that I could build and create my Hawaiian island retreat, and Sakamoto says the Dondoku Island could easily have been its own standalone game.
By adding Dondoku Island as an additional mode, Infinite Wealth now caters to an audience who likely would have never discovered the title (including myself, before this preview), and could even encourage friends and loved ones to join in the gameplay by tackling different aspects of their strengths and tastes. For one, I can’t wait for my first run-through with my partner - he can tackle the combat and main storyline while I restore Dondoku into a tourist hotspot. The mode will also have daily updates and quests, with ways to share your island progress and craft or collect an array of furniture from the island shop, making it even more replayable than I experienced in just my short 30 minutes.
There are truly so many explorable elements to the mode, including evening exploration, your own island home to decorate, and a separate currency system to the main game. I’m excited to see what more the studio has in store for players when Infinite Wealth launches.
Turn-based shenanigans
Click to enlargeLike A Dragon switched the franchise to a bizarre, classic JRPG-style combat style in the vein of early Dragon Quest games, but I found this to be my least favourite aspect of Infinite Wealth.
It’s just not something that’s clicked with me in the past, but given our preview jumped us to a late-game battle, I’m hopeful that more time building my characters and party the way I want to will help me feel more in control of things.
Still, that encounter had one of the quirkiest bosses you’re likely to face in any game in 2024, and I’m excited to see how longtime fans and newcomers alike respond to its mechanics.
Final Thoughts
The Yakuza franchise as a whole may not have gripped me initially, but Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth has created a gateway for not just myself, but others who may favour different genre styles and gameplay to delve into Ryu Ga Gotoku’s huge catalogue of prior works.
After my guided tour throughout Infinite Wealth, I’m itching to join back up with Ichiban and the gang to explore at my own pace and in my own way. I hear Dondoku Island is lovely at this time of year.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth releases January 26, 2024, on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Steam.
