Yakuza: Like a Dragon

I originally intended to wait for the PS5 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon to start my first playthrough. When the PS4 version came out, however, I found I couldn’t wait, and I impulse bought it. I’m glad I did, since it ended up being my favorite game of 2020 and it gave me a story about love, loyalty, and helping those in need during a really trying time. But I’m also glad I played this game again on PS5. Not only is the experience better thanks to the higher resolution, better frame rate, and faster load times, but it’s just a damn good game that I’m happy to play multiple times. There are definitely a few growing pains in the transition from beat-em-up to RPG, but I have no doubt that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will address these issues in the next Yakuza game. And with the way Yakuza: Like a Dragon ends, I hope they are already working on a sequel. Because I want more!

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a must-play for both Yakuza and J-RPG fans. The PS5 version is a step-up from the original release and the story is as gripping as ever. We just wish that the PS5 version had made use of the DualSense's features and the Activity cards.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is still a fantastic experience, and it's a game that's hard not to recommend. Yes, it is technically an RPG, but it never feels like one when playing it. The entire cast is made up of loveable characters, the storyline is both heartfelt and goofy, and it's almost impossible not to crack a smile while playing. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is pure fun and does a great job capturing the essence of video games. It may not take full advantage of the PS5's hardware, but it doesn't need to in order to be a great game - and what few upgrades occur in the leap to current-gen probably make this the best way to experience Yakuza: Like a Dragon all the same.

For RGG Studio's first crack at an RPG, it's a damn fine result. It delivers what I love most about Yakuza and introduces new ideas that largely pay off. Ichiban isn't doing it alone, either. He has friends and mentors, ones who've helped him fight and overcome personal tragedies. It was an absolute thrill to watch him grow, and that's what's most important for a game so focused on its characters. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a passing of the torch, and a fantastic entry in a beloved franchise that proves that it's in good hands with Kasuga Ichiban.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an important entry for a series that's trying to redefine itself without losing what makes it Yakuza. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even though its pacing was inconsistent. A lot of the enjoyment is due to the new protagonist Ichiban, his memorable companions, and their relationships, which are engaging to explore. Most of the adventure is set in the Yokohama region, which is a joy to interact with, and so are its shops and engaging side stories. While the introduction of RPG mechanics was a daring move, it ultimately paid off, and I prefer the full-on RPG approach over the old brawler gameplay. Most of its RPG systems are simplistic to the point of almost being repetitive, but it lays a solid and fun foundation upon which future titles can build.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon on PS5 is still the same great game as it was on PS4. However, as upgrades go, there isn't much here for new players and PS5 feature support is weak or not well implemented. So, the game is just as good as it was, but there isn't much of a reason to come back.

A basic upgrade. The SSD helps load some elements more quickly; the graphics aren’t radically improved. That said, the game is still phenomenal. [Issue#187, p.88]

The tale of incredibly endearing protagonist Ichiban Kasuga shines brighter than ever on PlayStation 5, where Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers enhanced visuals. This next-gen upgrade lets you choose between 60 frames-per-second at a slightly higher resolution, or 30 frames-per-second with 4K support. And, well... That's about it. Aside from what we think are some improved lighting techniques, Like a Dragon looks pretty much the same as it did on PS4. The draw distance is still a bit wonky and city streets are filled with low quality textures. It's not a bad looking game overall, but it's a shame that it doesn't do more.

The PS5 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon delivers a technically flawless experience.