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. vahn
    Dec 29, 2020
    10
    Simply put, one of the best jrpgs of this year: the combat was good old turn based fun, with a job system like the old times, and vast amounts of minigames that alone are very fun (especially loved dragon kart, even though it was very easy). Not just that: the story is very good, a bit confusing at times but definitely a story that kept me curious until the end, and with plenty of twistsSimply put, one of the best jrpgs of this year: the combat was good old turn based fun, with a job system like the old times, and vast amounts of minigames that alone are very fun (especially loved dragon kart, even though it was very easy). Not just that: the story is very good, a bit confusing at times but definitely a story that kept me curious until the end, and with plenty of twists and turns that got me really hooked into it. But even though the story was serious it still didn't shy away to be funny when it wanted...it is yakuza, after all, it can do both flawlessly and this time the game makes fun of jrpgs tropes, and it's just so fun!

    But be warned, the game isn't flawless, AT ALL. In fact I would say there are a huge amount of flaws in the game, some of which are very frustrating to deal with and ruined my day a lot of times.

    For starters, avoiding combat is hard: enemies have an ENORMOUS vision and will see you very easily, making the escape much harder than it should. Secondly, the game is very unbalanced when it comes to leveling and jobs: leveling through normal fights is pretty much pointless, they give almost no exp and you're required to grind either the arena or the invested vagabonds, basically the metal slimes of this game which gives a lot of exp and job exp.

    As for jobs, they're fine for the most part and they're basically the jobs you may see in a class-based MMORPG or JRPG: bodyguards are more like berserkers, enforcers are knights, chefs are ninjas, and so on. The major issue is how most of the jobs are weaker than the character's unique jobs, and the only reason to use a different job is to get their unique skills, in particular, the elemental skills since most jobs don't have any. In fact, this leads to the issue of jobs being very unbalanced: most jobs have too many samey with same attributes and only very few can be brought to other jobs, like the lightning spell from the fortuneteller or the bomb from the foreman, which usually leads to these jobs only being important to give you the needed spells and nothing more. This can be a serious problem because the game has only 6 elements - Blunt, Blade, Gun, Fire, Water, Lightning - but a lot of late enemies are weak to the actual spells and not to physical attacks, which forces you to spam one or two moves at best. A lot of enemies are simply too resistant to blunt and blade attacks, and there are not many magic spells or gun attacks to make for it, so you WILL have to learn as many skills as you can to get on the other jobs...

    In addition, there's a huge imbalance with leveling as well: at chapter 12 you'll unlock the arena, at around level 30 or something, and you are REQUIRED to do this as the next boss you'll fight is a bloody level 50 boss! I repeat, you are required to do this seemingly optional content at chapter 12, or else you will die at the level 50 boss! And it's a very hard one considering it has adds, and then a second boss comes into the fight as well!

    And last, but definitely not least, the game is over if the leader dies....of all the bloody things they had to take inspiration from, why take the flaw of Persona (or Shin Megami Tensei in general)? This is so, SO frustrating I cannot believe they did this. Kasuga, the protagonist, isn't a terrible character at all, the hero class can pretty much do everything from healing to buffing, and even has a self-saving spell that allows him to survive a fatal hit...but why give us a game over if he dies?! There are resurrecting spells, and very easy to obtain, and even items that can ress characters! So why is it a game over if Kasuga dies?! I just...URGH!

    Beyond that, the game is overall fine: there's no difficult selection but the game is overall easy (if you keep yourself leveled that is) and most of the options like crafting are pretty useless until late game. The business management game is fun but you'll also have to do it in order to unlock an additional extra character - which also has no point to the story, so you'll never see them ever interacting with anyone...just why even bother? - and most minigames are enjoyable. There's also a lot of side-stories to do, some good, some great, some funny. Overall, the game is chockfull of content to do and it's a good time waster if you are into minigames, and there are many to do.

    I guess the biggest issue is, being a Yakuza game, it's no longer a brawler and I respect the skepticism, however, I highly recommend giving the game a try even if you're a fan of the Yakuza series, because I think they were very bold to try something completely different than before, and overall succeeded in doing it, and if this game is good enough we might get an even better sequel with more balanced gameplay, and an even better story!

    It's definitely not a masterpiece by any means, but the game is so full of stuff, and so much fun to play, I cannot recommend it enough! Give it a shot if you can!    … Expand
  2. ronnel990
    Nov 12, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best Yakuza game in the series better than GTA V and red dead redemption combine.… Expand
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. David1991
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    This game is incredible. From graphics to story to gameplay. This is the future of the yakuza series.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. byateamwithlove
    Dec 24, 2020
    10
    The departure from action style combat to RPG turn based makes the Yakuza series to be everything it wanted to be . As a huge Yakuza fan , the reason I fell in love with this franchise was substories , great characters , writings and mini games . The combat always was there to simply do something but that’s it . Yakuza 7 doubled down on the things that matters and executes everything itThe departure from action style combat to RPG turn based makes the Yakuza series to be everything it wanted to be . As a huge Yakuza fan , the reason I fell in love with this franchise was substories , great characters , writings and mini games . The combat always was there to simply do something but that’s it . Yakuza 7 doubled down on the things that matters and executes everything it wants to do . Can’t recommend it it enough .… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. Reed618
    Jan 5, 2021
    10
    Having finished the game I have to say I'm kind of blown away by it. I've played every main entry plus judgment and while I have some issues with like a dragon it really impressed me.

    cons: There are some chapters where it feels like the story drags a bit and the enemy encounter rate feels ridiculous at times and often fights reward so little xp they aren't worth the effort. Being    Having finished the game I have to say I'm kind of blown away by it. I've played every main entry plus judgment and while I have some issues with like a dragon it really impressed me.

    cons:

    There are some chapters where it feels like the story drags a bit and the enemy encounter rate feels ridiculous at times and often fights reward so little xp they aren't worth the effort.
    Being hit by a car and losing 100hp sucks and it takes forever for ichi to stand back up again.
    Unlocking new jobs felt a bit pointless. I got saeko's social link maxed out and unlocked the dealer job but even after leveling up this job which only became available at level 5 of the social rank I found it was still significantly less powerful than her previous class.
    I don't like how if ichi dies it's a game over.
    My final big gripe with the game is how much hp and defence some bosses have. The second last boss in particular was just an absolute chore. I spent the entire fight getting ichi to use an ability that would prevent him from dying if his hp was reduced to 0 because this boss could instantly knock out anyone with one of his special moves. I did so little damage to him as well. It wasn't a difficult fight, just a really really long one.

    Pros:

    The rpg fighting system is fun. It's not the most indepth system. I mostly alternated between using my most powerful group attacks and using my most powerful one on one attacks. Also the only useful status effect seemed to be poison but overall it was fun.
    I really like how they've made side activities more rewarding. Completing substories often rewards you with a poundmate which is like a summon and they can be both hilarious and very helpful.
    The substories were some of the best in yakuza history I think. I found myself laughing at several times and pulled in emotionally by some too.
    I like that they added romance options too. It's a fun extra.
    It's also nice how taking the time to work through a battle arena not only makes you stronger but gives you great gear. Taking exams at a vocational school will boost your personal stats. singing karaoke and dining out will boost your social links. It's really impressive how the side activities which often feel extra in yakuza games now feel more important than ever.
    I also love that you change job classes at the unemployment center and some of the special moves you unlock with these jobs just look so frickin cool. Same with the poundmates, it's just pure yakuza zanyness at it's very best.
    The last big thing that impressed me was the story. I came to really care about the characters a lot and the narrative did some clever things I wasn't expecting. It was really touching overall and I came to appreciate ichi a lot.

    Overall I was really impressed. I have some issues for sure but the experience was a 10 from me. Yakuza is a series I love but it was starting to feel a little samey. This really did a lot to rejuvenate it for me.    … Expand
  12. mrnickapic
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    This game is hands down one of the best Yakuza games just fantastic i just completed the game and the story yes does have a lot of twists but i feel that's what makes the game interesting the combat is kinda new at first but it doesn't ever feel slow and it just builds up for you the side stories are also super nicee but the main thing for me is the main character Ichiban and his friendsThis game is hands down one of the best Yakuza games just fantastic i just completed the game and the story yes does have a lot of twists but i feel that's what makes the game interesting the combat is kinda new at first but it doesn't ever feel slow and it just builds up for you the side stories are also super nicee but the main thing for me is the main character Ichiban and his friends the relationship between them and how its build is just fantastic and Ichiban is not better than Kiryu as a protoganist for sure but he is still fantastic… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. Arngrim560
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    Just perfect, a very nice history and the turn based combat is just perfect, if you like yakuza and rpg videogames is a must-play.
    Ichiban kasuga ftw.
  15. manute12
    Apr 13, 2021
    10
    This game is phenomenal, a love letter for those who love yakuza series and jrpg...It´s been a while since a game made me feel like this. 10/10
  16. kunkun
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Juegazo , lo mejor es que por fin cambiaran ese modo de juego de simplemente machacar botones sin cerebro y ademas el primero con subs en español , mejor imposible… Expand
  17. 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
  18. C4dovnik
    Dec 8, 2021
    10
    Отличная графика, очумительный сюжет, забавные диалоги, продуманные персонажи, много приколов странных чисто японских, но всё равно цепляющих и весёлых.
  19. StarsWitch
    Nov 12, 2020
    10
    the gameplay is absolutely fun, the mini games are one of the best in the series and the story is on par with 0 if not better! I love it and I hope future games keep this up as well as provide mkre social commentary cause that stuff is amazing ❤️
  20. anuva
    Feb 28, 2021
    10
    I want everyone to be ichiban, the world would be a better place.

    This game makes me happy and I'm super into it
  21. BotWfan
    Nov 12, 2020
    10
    Anyone who criticizes without playing is pathetic. I finished in Japanese earlier this year and now I'm playing at the world launch and loving it again. This and Persona 5 Royal are my favorite games this year.
  22. GCDeadshot
    Nov 15, 2022
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time, I completed it 100% and will do so again.
  23. Shanwagbo
    Nov 15, 2020
    10
    Hands down the best Yakuza to date but then again I'm biased because I love turn based Jrpgs and I'm a lover of Dragon Quest just like good old Kasuga yet another fantastic game in the Yakuza franchise:)
  24. Sweeb
    Dec 27, 2020
    10
    Absolute beast of a game. Yakuza games never ever disappoint. Yakuza is now my favourite franchise.
  25. realfire23
    Nov 23, 2020
    10
    Iam serioulsy not understanding the bad reviews below. Must be written by people who havent played the game or were not aware that it is turn based.

    It is how the final fantasy 7 remake we deserved but never got. Because some idiots thought they need real time trash battle. First I thought WTF that doesnt make sense yakuza with turn based combat and this silly classes but everything    Iam serioulsy not understanding the bad reviews below. Must be written by people who havent played the game or were not aware that it is turn based.

    It is how the final fantasy 7 remake we deserved but never got. Because some idiots thought they need real time trash battle.

    First I thought WTF that doesnt make sense yakuza with turn based combat and this silly classes but everything makes sense in this game.

    Story:
    One of the best Yakuza Stories so far. Great characters nice twists.

    Graphics:
    Nice. But it sometimes drops under 50 fp even with my 3080. Haiya

    Combat:
    I simply love it, I even prefer it over brawler real time. A very smart way how to handle it.

    Gameplay:
    Overall Great. Great weapons, Great crafting.

    Humor:
    All these little hints and easter eggs. Relations to other RPGs and Yakuza. Just fantastic.
    Even the metal slimes apppear in a way :D

    Just be aware it is a classic JRPG.
    If you like dragon quest or older FF, or Persona BUY it.
    If you like yakuza but you arent open to new things . Dont Buy it    … Expand
  26. GarrettAndEerie
    Nov 16, 2020
    10
    it is nice to finally play a turn-based RPG that is extremely difficult, explicitly for adults, and isn't made on the cheap. Typically, the only turn-based games I'm able to enjoy are -$30,000 budget ones with no animations, because the bigger budget JRPG's are for toddlers and can be beaten while wearing a blindfold (final fantasy, pokemon and so forth).
    this isn't the case here.    it is nice to finally play a turn-based RPG that is extremely difficult, explicitly for adults, and isn't made on the cheap. Typically, the only turn-based games I'm able to enjoy are -$30,000 budget ones with no animations, because the bigger budget JRPG's are for toddlers and can be beaten while wearing a blindfold (final fantasy, pokemon and so forth).
    this isn't the case here. overleveling was a major issue in previous Yakuza titles because each and every activity would grant you EXP. they've mostly completely removed the overabundance of EXP, and you'll generally face enemies that are equal to your level throughout the story. most of the easiness comes from the fact that armor and weapons have no level cap, so you could theoretically go play poker for a few hours and then buy the most powerful Dealer career weapon in the game and put it onto a character that's only level 10.

    I think that the main character, Ichiban, is much, much, much better than Kiryu. Kiryu had no personality whatsoever, and mostly just scowled at people rather than talked. In contrast, Ichiban is a funny monkey man with a whole lot to say that reminds me of Luffy from One Piece or something along those lines.
    I spent 10 hours playing the business management minigame last night and I loved it.    … Expand
  27. chags420
    Nov 16, 2020
    10
    the game entertains and the story is very interesting from the beginning, it starts very slowly but then it gets adjusted and you realize the overwhelming content it has. it's a yakuza like a DRAGON QUEST
  28. 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
  29. Clockworknate
    Mar 17, 2021
    10
    I've only played 30 hours but so far its an amazing game, I love the turn based action and holy sh*t the story actually drew me in and got me hooked everytime something happens. Definitely suggest this to any turn based fans. I haven't loved a game that I wasn't sure about in the beginning this much for a long time!!!
  30. GodHandsLee
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    One of the best JRPGs in years and one of the best Yakuza games. Children should stop complaining about the changes when there's already 7 main entries, 2 remakes and a number of spinoffs that have the same combat system.
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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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