Yakuza: Like a Dragon

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 583 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 460 out of 583
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 583
  3. Negative: 76 out of 583
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  1. Kauzik
    Nov 22, 2020
    6
    Yes its definitely a yakuza game, great story too. But can we not with turn based. If it was any other game I would have passed. It makes sense for southpark to do it but not yakuza. please not again
  2. Redhood448
    Dec 2, 2020
    10
    Although there was a change in the gameplay, it is still very fun, the new system is very interesting and gives multiple options when fighting and with the implementation of the jobs it makes it very fun to level up and see the new skills , the story left me speechless, it is a very good story which knows how to perfectly introduce the new protagonists, in addition to making you fall inAlthough there was a change in the gameplay, it is still very fun, the new system is very interesting and gives multiple options when fighting and with the implementation of the jobs it makes it very fun to level up and see the new skills , the story left me speechless, it is a very good story which knows how to perfectly introduce the new protagonists, in addition to making you fall in love with the new characters and secondary characters, to conclude I would like to say that despite the change in protagonist and gameplay, yakuza like a dragon continues to maintain the essence of the yakuza saga, after almost a hundred hours of play, I can say with complete confidence that yakuza like a dragon is a great game totally recommended and even if you have never played a yakuza , it is highly recommended to give this title a try.… Expand
  3. GamingNinja
    Nov 19, 2020
    6
    Very slow, boring, graphics worse than the previous ones, massive dissapointment as a huge yakuza fan.
  4. Nobilis1984
    Mar 2, 2021
    4
    Very boring.
    I'm not a fan of the series, but at least I've tested all of its predecessors. I've always preferred GTA, but they were pretty good.
    The latest work is now more of an RPG and the fights are not that good anymore. The characters are too weak for me and the story is boring.
    Everything is better, dear developers.
  5. Zaronx
    Mar 25, 2022
    10
    A lot of people did not like the change to this new turn based RPG style but dang! The game is really fun, characters are very well made and I kind of like the new fighting system, I think it adds more depth to the gameplay, the fact that they implemented levels is cool too because it forces you to think before engaging with enemies, in the previous games if you just do the story and a fewA lot of people did not like the change to this new turn based RPG style but dang! The game is really fun, characters are very well made and I kind of like the new fighting system, I think it adds more depth to the gameplay, the fact that they implemented levels is cool too because it forces you to think before engaging with enemies, in the previous games if you just do the story and a few side quests you'll pretty much be beating any boss senseless, but here I got wiped because I entered a higher level area by common mobs. If you're a fan of the series and can look past the fighting system I think you'll really enjoy this game… Expand
  6. Maugaran
    Jul 7, 2021
    10
    Brilliant Game. The Combat System and the new main protagonist makes this Game to the best Yakuza Title. A Masterpeice of RPG. 3. Place after Skyrim and Witcher 3 in my Alltime Games List.
  7. C4dovnik
    Dec 8, 2021
    10
    Отличная графика, очумительный сюжет, забавные диалоги, продуманные персонажи, много приколов странных чисто японских, но всё равно цепляющих и весёлых.
  8. furyohfury
    Mar 28, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Plot wise, pretty standard yakuza game, but they decided to make it a goddamn persona with all the WE ARE FRIENDS AND WE HELP EACH OTHER **** And if it worked in persona,here it looks stupid most of the time. As for gameplay they added personality stats like in persona which can't even be upgraded if you complete local university, which is made for it. Fight system is fine actually but at the endgame i found myself in a **** situation. I completed most of the sidequests, sotenbori battle arena (which as i googled gives you many xp). Then i come to fights with majima/saejima, kiryu and tendo and I am somehow underleveled on ~10 levels. I dealt with first two fights (roughly) but then there is tendo. And i just **** dropped the game. I went through all the tower and its about 15 fights, and got to fight tendo. I fought him like a **** 30 minutes i guess (because of the level) and he oneshotted Ichiban (game over) and i couldnt even do something about it because he can do multiple turns at once. So its either i poke this **** for 30 minutes again and pray to all gods that he wont do it again, either i go back to checkpoint, make the build against oneshot and go through all tower AGAIN. NOPE thank you, **** that. Seems like devs didnt even play their game if they didnt see that total ****… Expand
  9. Nitaro
    Feb 17, 2021
    10
    I tried the previous Yakuza games but never really got into them. And after reading all the reviews of YLAD, and people comparing it to persona 5 and DQ, it got me interested. After all I love those games. So I went ahead and bought the game for my ps4 pro. Imo
    Yakuza 7 = Yakuza + Persona 5 + Dragon quest XI . In other words, It's the best game I have played in a loooooong time. If you    I tried the previous Yakuza games but never really got into them. And after reading all the reviews of YLAD, and people comparing it to persona 5 and DQ, it got me interested. After all I love those games. So I went ahead and bought the game for my ps4 pro. Imo
    Yakuza 7 = Yakuza + Persona 5 + Dragon quest XI . In other words, It's the best game I have played in a loooooong time. If you love Jrpgs, and you love persona and/or DQ games, YLAD is a no brainer. The only downside was that the graphics could have been better on the PS4 Pro. After watching all the reviews in best resolutions, it was a bit of a disappointment that the game runs at 1080p on the pro. Apart from that, this game is perfect in every way. This game's new turn based combat system is the missing piece of puzzle that makes yakuza series into the next big thing in the gaming industry imo. All the negative reviews are mostly people hating turn based combat or hardcore yakuza fans who refuse to adapt to something new and better. If you miss out on this game, you are truly missing out on something great.    … Expand
  10. vvv123
    Aug 9, 2022
    4
    I've played 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2, 3 and 6 and all were better. The stakes were higher, with something major happening within the first 30 mins to keep me invested. I'm about 4 1/2 hours into the game and find it boring, with long unnecessary cutscenes. While I do like turn-based combat, it doesn't suit the Yakuza series. The combat in previous games is what made the series unique to otherI've played 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2, 3 and 6 and all were better. The stakes were higher, with something major happening within the first 30 mins to keep me invested. I'm about 4 1/2 hours into the game and find it boring, with long unnecessary cutscenes. While I do like turn-based combat, it doesn't suit the Yakuza series. The combat in previous games is what made the series unique to other games. The protagonist would need to be as interesting as Kiryu but it isn't the case, so I'm not invested in the game.… Expand
  11. GameforGamers
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    what do you get when you give a title to a passionate team of game developers, yes you get a masterpiece called Yakuza, this game is near perfect and make other game from the same genre feels like downgrades.
    the game play is well done turn-based combat was is a great choice, the japanese voice actors did a great job of making the characters feels almost real, but most importantly the    what do you get when you give a title to a passionate team of game developers, yes you get a masterpiece called Yakuza, this game is near perfect and make other game from the same genre feels like downgrades.
    the game play is well done turn-based combat was is a great choice, the japanese voice actors did a great job of making the characters feels almost real, but most importantly the story is so damn good.
    for every gamer out there this is a must play    … Expand
  12. Fourdetrance
    Aug 7, 2022
    0
    Bunch of perverts. I didn’t make it past the first two characters talking about “selling animal p0rn to kids”… in the beginning of the game. Who the f&$k is into this stuff?! If you’re into this game, you’re a nasty pervert that needs some serious help. Seek out a psych quick. I deleted the game immediately.
  13. DarkwingSchmuck
    Apr 2, 2022
    10
    Like previous Yakuza games, Yakuza: Like a Dragon (A.K.A. "Yakuza 7") boasts an absorbing narrative from start to finish filled with charm, humor, and dramatic twists and turns, as well as a wealth of quality side activities that will keep you hooked for hours. However, Yakuza 7 transitions the franchise into a turn-based JRPG, and on its first attempt it only manages to succeed at beingLike previous Yakuza games, Yakuza: Like a Dragon (A.K.A. "Yakuza 7") boasts an absorbing narrative from start to finish filled with charm, humor, and dramatic twists and turns, as well as a wealth of quality side activities that will keep you hooked for hours. However, Yakuza 7 transitions the franchise into a turn-based JRPG, and on its first attempt it only manages to succeed at being one of the very best JRPGs of its generation. Yakuza 7's battle system is expertly designed with an excellent job system, while its transition into turn-based fits in theme with its protagonist's, Ichiban Kasuga, story and personality.

    Furthermore, Ichiban is one of the very best protagonists you'll find in a video game. He is instantly endearing and charismatic, and one can't help but root for him.    … Expand
  14. feathercave
    Jun 27, 2023
    7
    Yakuza game that moved to Role Playing Game.

    good point - You are good at inserting movie scenes. - Decent music. -The main character has a positive personality. -Fellow characters are attractive and clearly higher than the previous yakuza series. - Yakuza Role Playing Game. Cons -The tempo is worse than before. -The world setting is somewhat unreasonable. - I'm tired because I    Yakuza game that moved to Role Playing Game.

    good point
    - You are good at inserting movie scenes.
    - Decent music.
    -The main character has a positive personality.
    -Fellow characters are attractive and clearly higher than the previous yakuza series.
    - Yakuza Role Playing Game.
    Cons
    -The tempo is worse than before.
    -The world setting is somewhat unreasonable.
    - I'm tired because I use a lot
    -Enemy hardness is abnormal in the second half.    … Expand
  15. Dredd731
    Dec 29, 2020
    10
    So basically, all of the negative reviews are from kids that don't like turn based rpgs, noted. If you bought the game without knowing it was turn based, you should only be mad at yourself.
  16. David1991
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    This game is incredible. From graphics to story to gameplay. This is the future of the yakuza series.
  17. SLURM187
    Feb 22, 2021
    10
    Seriously, this is such a great game. The characters are memorable and loveable. The combat system is great. If you are a fan of classic RPGs such as (wait for it) Dragonquest, then you will feel right at home. I enjoyed every minute of this game. There were only a couple sections that I needed to grind, other than that, the game had a very nice flow to it. People complaining about theSeriously, this is such a great game. The characters are memorable and loveable. The combat system is great. If you are a fan of classic RPGs such as (wait for it) Dragonquest, then you will feel right at home. I enjoyed every minute of this game. There were only a couple sections that I needed to grind, other than that, the game had a very nice flow to it. People complaining about the change to the combat system need to just sit this one out if it's not for them. There were tons of Yakuza games under the old system. Sometimes, new ideas can refresh a series, and in my opinion, that is the case with YLAD. Fantastic game.… Expand
  18. balnog
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Absolutely superb, crazy gameplay with a shockingly good storyline. Caught me completely by surprise, was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I'd tried some earlier Yakuza games and just didn't click, but this is a revelation.
  19. AcerolaOrion
    Oct 12, 2022
    5
    Why is there soooo much freaking combat and why is the combat sooo boring? There is sooooo much of it. Enemies will literally spawn 10 meters down the street from you AFTER YOU JUST KILLED A PREVIOUS GROUP OF ENEMIES ON THE SAME STREET!
    Maybe try the South Park RPG approach next time!
    The english VA is a major improvement to previous titles for a game that prides itself on its    Why is there soooo much freaking combat and why is the combat sooo boring? There is sooooo much of it. Enemies will literally spawn 10 meters down the street from you AFTER YOU JUST KILLED A PREVIOUS GROUP OF ENEMIES ON THE SAME STREET!
    Maybe try the South Park RPG approach next time!

    The english VA is a major improvement to previous titles for a game that prides itself on its storytelling (only to drown it in awful gameplay).    … Expand
  20. Kai82
    May 11, 2023
    8
    A new chapter in the Yakuza franchise. It has a new main character, switched the battle system to turn based combat and is more RPG than all other entries. I really enjoyed this game but have to admit it has a few rough edges. However it kept the strengths of the franchise and feels familiar. The story is about Ichiban Kasuga who was born in the Soapland in Kamurocho and never knew hisA new chapter in the Yakuza franchise. It has a new main character, switched the battle system to turn based combat and is more RPG than all other entries. I really enjoyed this game but have to admit it has a few rough edges. However it kept the strengths of the franchise and feels familiar. The story is about Ichiban Kasuga who was born in the Soapland in Kamurocho and never knew his parents. He joined the Arakawa Yakuza family after their patriarch saved him. Years later he goes to prison to save his patriarch from a serious fall out. When he returns his world turned upside down and he wants answers which draws him into a far bigger scheme than he would imagine (Wont spoil anything here). The story is entertaining and emotional. Like most Yakuza game it can sometimes get a bit ridiculous but works for me. The thing I was worried about was the change to turn based combat. However this works well and they made me enjoy this. The part time hero and Sujidex are O.K. for me. In total the side activities are excellent. Now to the rough edges with a slight spoiler warning. 2 locations in the game feel empty as there are no side quests except a dungeon. Some enemies feel a bit too much like damage sponges, level ups give not that much stat increases and only in the late game you can switch jobs without strong regrets. Your job levels give far better stat increases than your character levels (Better equipment outclass these also). If you have double digit levels in a job you don't want to start at level 1 with much lower stats. Only from a late chapter you have access to (special) enemies that give huge amounts of experience to decrease grinding. Overall the game won me over and I anticipate the next entry in the franchise. The characters, gameplay and overall experience is worth an 8/10 and recommendation for Yakuza fans.… Expand
  21. lordalaric
    Oct 26, 2021
    9
    If you are a fan if JRPGs, good graphics, excellent music and Japanese Dramas, then this game is for you
  22. grafpsycho
    Dec 17, 2022
    1
    Why they had to make it turn based one wonders, this game is the only one so far that really sucks
  23. maelronde
    May 15, 2021
    10
    A wonderful celebration of JRPG genre in a modern setting that supports the framework surprisingly well. The humor is silly and outrageous. Yet amidst the irreverence, the serious emotional storyline has me at the edge of my seat. The pacing is gripping and the difficulty is just right. I can't believe how well this game works -- a must have for jrpg fans.
  24. lowkee33
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    I loved this game. It wasn't perfect in every way but it did enough right that I don't even care. As usual the story is great. If you have played any of the previous games you kinda know what to expect. The game is the same aside from the combat. I was super worried at first about it being a turn based game. I have played them but not as much as Arpg's. Any way needless to say I played forI loved this game. It wasn't perfect in every way but it did enough right that I don't even care. As usual the story is great. If you have played any of the previous games you kinda know what to expect. The game is the same aside from the combat. I was super worried at first about it being a turn based game. I have played them but not as much as Arpg's. Any way needless to say I played for a bit and I was hooked. The gameplay, exploration, story and side quests are very fun and entertaining. There is also several dungeons you can replay to grind for good stuff. All and all its a solid game and definitely worth your time. Do yourself a favor and give it a shoot.… Expand
  25. mikepatyaev
    Sep 14, 2022
    8
    RISE LIKE A DRAGON. Become Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza grunt left on the brink of death by the man he trusted most. Take up your legendary bat and get ready to crack some underworld skulls in dynamic RPG combat set against the backdrop of modern-day Japan.
  26. kirkender
    Jul 20, 2021
    9
    This is my first Yakuza game and I am so freaking happy. It is a near perfect JRPG in all of the ways. More please!
  27. exeo
    May 13, 2021
    8
    Divertido, cachondo, bonito, dramático... podría ser perfecto, pero no acaba de conseguirlo. Quizás faltan variables en el combate que te hagan sentir que ganas por mérito propio, o más personajes de equipo...
  28. Zakis1991
    Aug 8, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Перестал следить за сюжетом после 6 главы, но прошел. В игре много минусов, очень много бегать, если хочешь собирать команду на яд, кровотечение, огонь, и холод, то не получится, у боссов всех иммунитет ко всему этому, а еще эти эффекты не стакаются. Встретил гринд вол, не мог пройти дальше по сюжету, пока не прокачался,… Expand
  29. Daniel0809
    Mar 14, 2021
    9
    New combat is cool, interesting. story & side stories are fun, intriguing &great but its a grind.
    NPCs need some work because when you fight the NPCs they move exactly the same and respawn. The batting cage dragon & cart are so much fun, seagull cinema is hilarious! ! Im very satisfied w/ the game. Loving it im gunna platinum it.
  30. ChumaGG
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esto es un 10.

    Tanto la historia, diseño/desarrollo de personajes y la jugabilidad son increibles.

    Es uno de los juegos mas bizarramente increibles que he jugado.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best PS4 Game of 2020
27
#27 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. CD-Action
    Jun 9, 2021
    85
    Like a Dragon is the eighth installment of Yakuza, but a new protagonist makes it a great opportunity to get acquainted with the franchise. Even though the new turn-based combat system may become tedious at some point and I was disappointed with the lack of thrilling boss battles, it’s one of the best games in the series. Ichiban Kasuga and his friends are a really awesome bunch and I very much enjoyed experiencing Yokohama through their eyes. [01/2021, p.70]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Apr 12, 2021
    100
    A great detour from the classic Japanese series, which shows that the Yakuza can work with turn-based battles and a ton of bizarre humor. [Issue#309]
  3. GameCritics
    Feb 27, 2021
    90
    Issues aside, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a masterpiece that might also be of historical note, since I’m hard-pressed to come up with another series that changed genres without losing what made it special in the first place. Players come to Yakuza games expecting fantastic storytelling, a bustling open world, and intense combat. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios have proven they can swap out one leg of that stool without sacrificing its strength, and that’s an accomplishment few can claim.
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