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. BigKidPlays
    Sep 9, 2023
    6
    The combination of difficulty, weird design choices and the game being too long killed this one for me. I HATE grinding in games, but I felt like I needed to grind in order to advance. I didn't like the dungeons, and the thought of having to grind these dungeons just made me drop the game. The business management sim also didn't interest me at all.
  2. JackGoldWind
    Sep 1, 2023
    9
    Persona 5 meet Yakuza Series, English dub fell so meh a real Yakuza play the game in Japanese audio
  3. Giwon
    Aug 27, 2023
    10
    오픈월드 RPG 게임들에서 서브 컨텐츠들이 스토리의 흐름을 깨트리는 경우가 허다하다. 하지만 이 게임은 무지막지하게 방대한 서브 컨텐츠를 제공하면서도 메인 스토리의 흐름과 같은 방향으로 흘러가도록 치밀하게 짜여져있다. 잘 짜여진 스토리와 잘 설계된 서브컨텐츠, 매력적인 캐릭터들, 최고의 B급 감성. 단언컨데 이 게임은 수작이 맞다.

    It happens often that sub-contents break a stream of main story. Nevertheless this game give an enormous amount of sub-content, it is meticulously organized to flow in same way as the main story. Good    오픈월드 RPG 게임들에서 서브 컨텐츠들이 스토리의 흐름을 깨트리는 경우가 허다하다. 하지만 이 게임은 무지막지하게 방대한 서브 컨텐츠를 제공하면서도 메인 스토리의 흐름과 같은 방향으로 흘러가도록 치밀하게 짜여져있다. 잘 짜여진 스토리와 잘 설계된 서브컨텐츠, 매력적인 캐릭터들, 최고의 B급 감성. 단언컨데 이 게임은 수작이 맞다.

    It happens often that sub-contents break a stream of main story. Nevertheless this game give an enormous amount of sub-content, it is meticulously organized to flow in same way as the main story. Good story, well-designed sub-contents, attractive characters, and pleasant gag. I'm sure this game is a good game.    … Expand
  4. Spacemonkey1964
    Aug 12, 2023
    6
    A decent enough JRPG but very long winded and dialogue heavy. The basic gameplay loop is repetitive; go someplace, meet someone, talk ( a lot ), have a fight. Repeat. There's lots of mini games to relieve the boredom like the dragon cart and business management and 50+ sub plots, some better than others. The turn based combat is a nice change of pace and allows for strategic planning.
  5. Harthik69
    Aug 5, 2023
    7
    Good Game. Can give it a second try in future, I might like the gameplay and visuals
  6. GigiProiettili
    Jul 30, 2023
    10
    this game is pure magic. highest standards in Yakuza narrative and many funny/nonsense and emotionally impacting moments. 10 out of 10. and Nanba's breath smells of victory! literally!
  7. WintherMan
    Jul 7, 2023
    0
    This is not a yakuza game.. This should be an entire game on its own, different setting like they've done with "Judgement" game.. The new characters, turn based RPG.. Eh.. Its just.. Boring.. For people who like Turn based, grindy, slow pacing RPG's this is up their alley.. BUT! this is the Yakuza SERIES.. Let me feel like i am about to be **** pounded.. Let me feel how MY fist, smacks aThis is not a yakuza game.. This should be an entire game on its own, different setting like they've done with "Judgement" game.. The new characters, turn based RPG.. Eh.. Its just.. Boring.. For people who like Turn based, grindy, slow pacing RPG's this is up their alley.. BUT! this is the Yakuza SERIES.. Let me feel like i am about to be **** pounded.. Let me feel how MY fist, smacks a dude through a **** wall.. Not Spend my time scrolling through attack moves while i try to find this cringe ass protagonist somewhat enjoyable.. I am looking forward to the new game, as it appears they have gone back to the original style.. AND THANK **** FOR THAT!

    This.. In my opinion.. Is trash    … Expand
  8. pelona39
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    Many of my friends recommended me to play this game, so I did... and yeah this is great, no regret!

    I am not playing the other Yakuza game before, this game is new story and new character of Yakuza. Story Not a fantasy genre, but Kasuga Ichiban as main character have vision that he is in the video game world RPG like Dragon Quest. Story talk about Yakuza, gangs and even politics in    Many of my friends recommended me to play this game, so I did... and yeah this is great, no regret!

    I am not playing the other Yakuza game before, this game is new story and new character of Yakuza.

    Story
    Not a fantasy genre, but Kasuga Ichiban as main character have vision that he is in the video game world RPG like Dragon Quest. Story talk about Yakuza, gangs and even politics in Japan. Kasuga is an ex-Yakuza and loyal to his master, Kasuga will do anything for his master... someday, his master wants Kasuga to commit to Jail for covering Yakuza's name because one of member murdered someone. Kasuga do what his master want, he is going to jail for 18 years, after 18 years Kasuga released and he saw that everything changed including Yakuza itself sinced Kasuga in Jail. No one recognize Kasuga as Yakuza anymore, even his master. So Kasuga decided to survive and finding out what happened, and Kasuga have a new friend Namba helping Kasuga in new adventure.

    Side quest story also really good, funny and enjoying, not repetitive side quest like JRPG in general, side quest of this game really memorable.

    Sound/music
    Not that bad to be honest. But yeah not memorable.

    Gameplay
    I never play Yakuza game before, so this is turn-based combat and surprisingly not boring, it's so alive, there are so many funny attack or command animations that sometimes made me laugh. Open world exploration, not too big but still good.

    Graphic
    just ok...

    Overall
    Well done, the game made me laugh every time, I am really enjoy this game!    … Expand
  9. 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
  10. OswaldTaylor64
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    I wish all the Yakuza (Like a dragon) games were like this! Love the turn-based combat, and of course love the story.
  11. juniortiger
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    I love this game and lot action game and graphic amazing and story amazing and good day
  12. Uncl3s4mbr
    Jun 15, 2023
    10
    Probably the best Yakuza game or at as good as Yakuza 0. Very good story and gameplay. I liked the change to turn based. Nice minigames as always, good graphics and combat system.
  13. CutNickel
    Jun 6, 2023
    7
    Yakuza: Like a Dragon toma a un nuevo cast de personajes para seguir lo que dicen es el GTA Japones. La historia tal cual es increible sin lugar a dudas hasta lo que son los ultimos capitulos donde siento que flaquea un poco el juego, lo cual sin lugar a dudas es triste ya que lo que hace a un juego genial es su final. El nuevo sistema de combate deja total libertad para todo tipo deYakuza: Like a Dragon toma a un nuevo cast de personajes para seguir lo que dicen es el GTA Japones. La historia tal cual es increible sin lugar a dudas hasta lo que son los ultimos capitulos donde siento que flaquea un poco el juego, lo cual sin lugar a dudas es triste ya que lo que hace a un juego genial es su final. El nuevo sistema de combate deja total libertad para todo tipo de locuras desde hacerle cortas con papel al enemigo o invocar una langosta para que te ayude en el combate lo cual es hilarante sin lugar a dudas. Lo unico malo que podria decir ademas de la historia y algunos bugs que me encontre es que es practicamente obligatorio farmear niveles y items para los ultimos combates donde lo pase sumamente mal. Aun asi es un juego que siempre recomendare cuando me pregunten por un RPG para la Ps4 o Ps5.… Expand
  14. porseh
    May 28, 2023
    9
    Pensaba de verdad quencon el combate con turnos iba a perder la esencia pero me equivoque plenamente...lo a mejorado con creces...adictivo hasta decir basta
  15. BTSFANCLUB
    May 13, 2023
    7
    Game is OK.

    Story is way too much dialogue for me, and it feels like its just: story, battle, story, battle, story, etc. Not much variety Combat system is pretty fun, I enjoyed the other yakuza games combat as well but always had an issue w boss fights not being that fun. This game didnt have that, they all had a strategic counter. Allthough you def had to do some grinding to lvl up in    Game is OK.

    Story is way too much dialogue for me, and it feels like its just: story, battle, story, battle, story, etc. Not much variety

    Combat system is pretty fun, I enjoyed the other yakuza games combat as well but always had an issue w boss fights not being that fun. This game didnt have that, they all had a strategic counter.

    Allthough you def had to do some grinding to lvl up in other activities because the story doesnt give you enough xp to lvl up to the point that you are not underleveled to face the next chapter, this starts from chapter 7 all the way too 14. The final chapter was pretty easy.

    The substories are fun.

    The business minigame is ok, not as fun as the cabaret club but more fun than what Yakuza 0 ha but doesnt have interesting characters like the 5 kings.

    Dont play this game if you dont have the time for it.    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. Wrath_over
    May 5, 2023
    8
    The yakuza games are a mixed bag, enjoyable but hard to recommend for nonfans.

    The slowburn that i felt with most yakuza titles is also here ,exasperated by now being turn based. If you can brave through the slow start a true gem is here. Some people describe yakuza as a Japanese GTA. Though it doesn't have the largest open world out there, you get a condensed, yet faithful version of    The yakuza games are a mixed bag, enjoyable but hard to recommend for nonfans.

    The slowburn that i felt with most yakuza titles is also here ,exasperated by now being turn based.
    If you can brave through the slow start a true gem is here.
    Some people describe yakuza as a Japanese GTA. Though it doesn't have the largest open world out there, you get a condensed, yet faithful version of Japanese cities. ( I was once able to navigate, shinjuku and osaka thanks to, landmarks in the game), Jam-packed with side activities, quests, restaurants, minigames, and junk to collect. A game map the fraction the size of any Ubisoft title, but with 100 times the content and charm.

    Like a dragon swaps out the brawler gameplay of old for a persona like turn based system, explained by the main character, by his love of dragon quest. Initially i though it would get old just tapping the punch attack in the menu, but yakuza embraced the whacky, with a large number of JOBs, that at as character archetypes ( Idol healer, damage dealing hitman, or a status affecting hobo), your enemies ,also get cranked up to 11, you fight men in trash bags, and construction equipment.

    Like a dragon is a departure but also the best starting point , aside maybe from yakuza 0.
    If you can deal with a slog of a start, your in for a good time in a great franchise    … Expand
  18. Marucat
    Apr 25, 2023
    10
    Forever in love with this game. Charming characters, funny Moments, amazing story.

    100/100
  19. kenpachinegi
    Apr 12, 2023
    9
    akuza: Like A Dragon is a wonderful addition to the franchise. It hits the mark with a likeable new protagonist and an engaging new combat system without losing what makes Yakuza great.If you like Yakuza, then you'll like Like A Dragon. It is everything that makes the series great and is one of the freshest entries since Yakuza 0.
  20. 3nz0_spidey
    Apr 9, 2023
    10
    I've Played Many RPGs, But It's the Best I've Played (even though I played Final Fantasy 7)
  21. TianLong1
    Mar 31, 2023
    10
    I did not expect this gameplay which is a huge change from the previous Yakuza releases, but It was amazing and a great change from what we were used to play. I would never imagine this JRPG turn-based system to work so well within the Yakuza universe, but somehow it just does and in a incredibly triumphant fashion. The story is very well written and the plot keeps thickening as youI did not expect this gameplay which is a huge change from the previous Yakuza releases, but It was amazing and a great change from what we were used to play. I would never imagine this JRPG turn-based system to work so well within the Yakuza universe, but somehow it just does and in a incredibly triumphant fashion. The story is very well written and the plot keeps thickening as you progress through the game. The characters in your group are unique and have great personaiity that make you care for them, the side stories are comedy gold, the mini-games are entertaining, and the ending is the perfect icing on the cake.… Expand
  22. CaptainRock
    Mar 6, 2023
    2
    Turn based combat=Mobile Gaming

    If I wanted to play chess, I would play chess. This is not a Yakuza game...
  23. kiryu6666666666
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    Yet another RGG Studios gem, an easy reccomendation. 10/10 score!!!!!!!!!!!
  24. Milo2904
    Feb 16, 2023
    9
    I did enjoy previous Yakuza games, but this one is my favorite. Loved the new combat system!
  25. PasiMetaAho
    Feb 5, 2023
    6
    Turn based street fighting? Really????????????
    RGG really shat the bed with the gameplay even if the story is as always god tier!
  26. Chillaoi
    Jan 13, 2023
    9
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que dei pro jogo:
    Gostei da implementação da jogabilidade por turno, personagens interessantes e como sempre na série yakuza um humor ótimo.
  27. Fyxhcl
    Jan 3, 2023
    9
    Great game. It was the first Yakuza game for me, but I'm a JRPGs fan so I knew I should give this a try. I wasn't disappointed at all.

    Graphics are good. Yeah maybe not the absolute best for newer generation of console, but whatever: the setting is realistic and really well done, you'll really feel like you're exploring a japanese city and I believe there aren't two building that are    Great game. It was the first Yakuza game for me, but I'm a JRPGs fan so I knew I should give this a try. I wasn't disappointed at all.

    Graphics are good. Yeah maybe not the absolute best for newer generation of console, but whatever: the setting is realistic and really well done, you'll really feel like you're exploring a japanese city and I believe there aren't two building that are the same, exploring and looking at the details is amazing and fun. Characters animation are good too. The game is really stilysh and full of funny stuff.

    The combat looks super cool and it's pretty quick, although it is very simple and after some time it gets a bit repetitive. Especially the characters customization is not the best, with a lot of useless skills, or skills that are too similar between them. Jobs are interesting but it's difficult and grindy to unlock them all, so I stuck with the best ones for each character and only leveled those.

    The plot is very good. Maybe a bit over the top, but is full of twists and it really drags you towards all the game, because you'll want to know why certain things happened, the ending and the resolution of everything is satisfying. The characters are interesting, maybe not too deep but they are ok and a good company.

    Sub quests are nothing special and not too difficult, mostly you'll need to fetch something or kill some enemy, but what make you want to do them are the silly little stories that they have behind, that are always interesting and fun. The game is full of mini games, and while I didn't play all of them, they're not necessary at all to finish the game, so you can choose to play those that you prefer. Grinding them all to get 100% would be a boring activity but I didn't feel the need to do that.

    I was a bit disappointed by the two additional areas that open up later in the game, they don't add much to the gameplay and are simple containers for a few shops or other minigames (similar to those in the main area) so I was excited to explore them, but didn't find them very interesting in the end.

    Overall, I consider this one of the best JRPGs that I played lately, it has some flaws but does well so much more things, the setting is very original for a JRPG so that's some fresh air for fans of the genre. If you like the genre just get this game and you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  28. Max552
    Dec 31, 2022
    0
    Can't say I was a fan. Played and found it too easy and quite boring. I really don't see the fuss about these games.
  29. omr9
    Dec 29, 2022
    10
    love it my first rpg game and yakuza game that i've ever played it and it was such a beautiful experience if you can give it a chance
  30. GuiBio
    Dec 29, 2022
    8
    Tons of secundary stuff to do. could spend hours only playing darts/majong inside the game.
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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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