User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 179 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 18 out of 179
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  1. Mar 10, 2021
    10
    So it looked great on ps4 with 1080p 30fps, but looks amazing on ps5 with 1440p and a cool 60fps locked. The game itself has an amazing story with lovable characters. Devs took a chance with turn base combat but it paid off, even though I loved old yakuza fighting style. (Play judgment if you want a newer yakuza game with fresh graphics, top notch game too), my only complaint is that yourSo it looked great on ps4 with 1080p 30fps, but looks amazing on ps5 with 1440p and a cool 60fps locked. The game itself has an amazing story with lovable characters. Devs took a chance with turn base combat but it paid off, even though I loved old yakuza fighting style. (Play judgment if you want a newer yakuza game with fresh graphics, top notch game too), my only complaint is that your ps4 save file won’t carry over so you have to start over. Would’ve given it an 9 because of that but am giving it a 10 to counter losers putting a 0 because of the save carry over thing. Expand
  2. Mar 3, 2021
    9
    To keep it short and sweet, the most fun I've had playing a game in a while. The boosts of the PS5 are relatively subtle but there are clear improvements to graphical fidelity. It is overall, a much smoother, cleaner, and more polished experience with load times reduced significantly from the PS4 version. The story remains one of the wackiest yet one of the most emotional games of the manyTo keep it short and sweet, the most fun I've had playing a game in a while. The boosts of the PS5 are relatively subtle but there are clear improvements to graphical fidelity. It is overall, a much smoother, cleaner, and more polished experience with load times reduced significantly from the PS4 version. The story remains one of the wackiest yet one of the most emotional games of the many PS5 and PS4 games that are around. A must-play for so many reasons. There is a sharp dichotomy between gameplay and the story but this dissonance works so well to make such a memorable experience, as always with Yakuza games. That's the best way to describe Yakuza: like a dragon. Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but damn near close to it. I could go into details about its many perfections and imperfections but that's for real reviewers. I'm just excited to see how Ryu Ga Gotoku takes further advantage of the newer hardware for the next games in the series. Expand
  3. Apr 6, 2021
    10
    Game Completed : April 4, 2021
    Playing hours : 52 hours
    I remember how much i fell in love with the final fantasy series particularly the classic ones 6 to 10. Each of the entry provides unique, inspiring and invested story. I remember whenever we anticipate how will the next setting be and a present time setting is the least we could anticipate because the integration with its formula
    Game Completed : April 4, 2021
    Playing hours : 52 hours

    I remember how much i fell in love with the final fantasy series particularly the classic ones 6 to 10. Each of the entry provides unique, inspiring and invested story. I remember whenever we anticipate how will the next setting be and a present time setting is the least we could anticipate because the integration with its formula seems impossible. Thanks to Yakuza like a dragon, this is exactly how i imagine it to be and it is a MASTERPIECE! i now have a new favorite series well... tied with FF7 Remake. Its quirkiness makes it even more authentic. What i also find in the game such a masterpiece is how the story and narrative tied up together for 40 hours where it never felt stretched. Which is my common complain with triple A story driven game like the Witcher, Assassins Creed where its a 40 to 50 hour game but should only take you less than 10 hours if you intent to get its main story. Yakuza like a dragon on the other hand, serves you a story with an actual 40 hour length where it never felt cut or stretched.

    Story/ Narrative : 10/10
    Graphics - 9.5/10
    Gameplay - 10/10
    Sound - 10/10
    Replay Value - 10/10
    Progression System - 10/10
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  4. Apr 7, 2021
    10
    This game - I cannot describe how much I love it. I've never played a Yakuza Game before (didn't like the combat system), but this one uses another approach both for combat and story (as far as I can tell). It's so goofy and pretty much every side quest is so ridiculous but in a way that is actually pleasing. It's not like the South Park games (especially the 2nd entry) where it's justThis game - I cannot describe how much I love it. I've never played a Yakuza Game before (didn't like the combat system), but this one uses another approach both for combat and story (as far as I can tell). It's so goofy and pretty much every side quest is so ridiculous but in a way that is actually pleasing. It's not like the South Park games (especially the 2nd entry) where it's just gross, this game knows how to balance seriousness, emotion and goofiness in a way that at least appeals to me. The main story is very well written and sufficiently serious while the side content is just as weird as it gets. I love kart racing, planting flowers, doing some economy simulation while playing an JRPG with dating and bonding with the characters. Graphics are also extremely nice, only the cut scenes seem to be still on PS4 level. Can only recommend. Expand
  5. May 11, 2021
    8
    Juegazo hallá donde los haya, historia interesante personaje HIPER ENTRAÑABLE, le bajo un punto por falta de doblaje al castellano, siempre penalizo por lo mismo, pero el juego es muy recomendable.
  6. Apr 7, 2021
    8
    I loved this game during 50-hours main story. Downsides: sudden difficulty spikes and some obscure mechanics (foreman job for example). And absolutely unholy amount of grind to get the platinum (up to 20-30 hours doing the same thing all over again in one tiny dungeon).
  7. Nov 10, 2021
    9
    Hours Played: 109 Hours
    Trophy Completion: 63/63 PLATINUM
    Worth My Time: Yes, main story + extras. Worth My Money: Yes, even at full price. What I Like: Story and characters are over-the-top fun. Gameplay follows suit. Turn-based combat is a welcome change and compliments the large cast. Tons of stuff to do. What I Dislike: I miss Kiryu. Some of the side content are hit-or-miss.
    Hours Played: 109 Hours
    Trophy Completion: 63/63 PLATINUM

    Worth My Time: Yes, main story + extras.
    Worth My Money: Yes, even at full price.

    What I Like: Story and characters are over-the-top fun. Gameplay follows suit. Turn-based combat is a welcome change and compliments the large cast. Tons of stuff to do.

    What I Dislike: I miss Kiryu. Some of the side content are hit-or-miss.

    How It Stacks Up: Worthy of the Yakuza name, even if it's a different genre of game with different characters. In terms of JRPGs, it's right up there with the likes of Final Fantasy and Persona in terms of quality, but sets itself apart with the setting and characters. PS5 port is serviceable.
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  8. May 5, 2021
    8
    a really good jrpg, gameplay is solid , could a wish for a little bit better story!
  9. May 10, 2021
    10
    Ichiban eres jesucristo reencarnado. El mejor yakuza en mi opinion y mira que eso es decir.
  10. May 17, 2021
    9
    My favorite yakuza yet. Turn base is amazing. Story is silly and fun & old characters return is nice. love it, im at about 230 hours and going for more.
  11. Jun 7, 2021
    9
    I could never have pictured the Yakuza series as a JRPG, but wow, they did a fantastic job (esp. given the culture constraints the West is dealing w/ today). The story, the humor (esp. enemy names), really everything is flipping amazing about this game. That said, I could never picture it below PS5 quality; the smallest details are visible on PS5. I also didn't think Bravely Default III could never have pictured the Yakuza series as a JRPG, but wow, they did a fantastic job (esp. given the culture constraints the West is dealing w/ today). The story, the humor (esp. enemy names), really everything is flipping amazing about this game. That said, I could never picture it below PS5 quality; the smallest details are visible on PS5. I also didn't think Bravely Default II could be matched; this game ranks up there with it as among the best JRPGs of recent years. Expand
  12. Apr 13, 2021
    10
    One of the best JRPG's I have played in a long time. It proves that they are not dead and it is possible to keep the formula fresh and interesting.
  13. Apr 27, 2021
    10
    finally italian subtitles, great game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  14. May 30, 2021
    9
    Una grandisima sorpresa, historia muy trabajada, personajes carismaticos, irreverencia, emocion, giros inesperados y muy recomendable para iniciarse en la saga Yakuza
  15. Jun 26, 2021
    9
    One of the most charming games ever. This has some personality to it! The perfect first Yakuza game too, if you're new. My only complaint is that anything UI-related just /feels/ not smooth and not polished enough.
  16. Jul 29, 2023
    9
    Great game! But the combat can get kinda boring after a little bit of playing, I honestly think that a more action rpg formula would suite this type of game more, and make it more fun, but overall a great game.
  17. Sep 17, 2022
    9
    It's definitely worth giving a try. I had never thought that Yakuza would suit the classic J-RPG format but it turns out it can and it does it perfectly! The story is enjoyable almost from the beginning, graphics may not be outstanding, especially compared to PS5 exclusives, but they're more than fine, and the battle system... Well, as a fan of jrpg, I can't complain. If you enjoy classicIt's definitely worth giving a try. I had never thought that Yakuza would suit the classic J-RPG format but it turns out it can and it does it perfectly! The story is enjoyable almost from the beginning, graphics may not be outstanding, especially compared to PS5 exclusives, but they're more than fine, and the battle system... Well, as a fan of jrpg, I can't complain. If you enjoy classic RPG but hate fairy tales full of magic, monsters, etc. then Yakuza is definitely for you! Expand
  18. Jan 1, 2023
    10
    The story is wild and the characters endearing, the combat is layered and turn based which fits this series like a GLOVE!!..Got the platinum and let me tell you the final true test (you'll know it when you see it) will test your skills to the max and then some, this game is a masterpiece in every respect, and we'll worth your time and money,!!..
  19. Sep 26, 2022
    9
    Amazing Game. I've been a fan of the Yakuza series for about as far back as I can remember. I've also been a fan of jrpg's since I had the original Final Fantasy of the NES, so I was very excited and intrigued to hear the Yakuza the series was going in this direction. I feel this is a wonderful and near perfect attempt at meshing the Yakuza series with a traditional role playing game. TheAmazing Game. I've been a fan of the Yakuza series for about as far back as I can remember. I've also been a fan of jrpg's since I had the original Final Fantasy of the NES, so I was very excited and intrigued to hear the Yakuza the series was going in this direction. I feel this is a wonderful and near perfect attempt at meshing the Yakuza series with a traditional role playing game. The story was captivating, great characters and so e very memorable battles. I enjoyed the real time button pressing events that allowed you to power up hits or block, dodge or lower the effectiveness of opponents as well, it was great for staying focused and a bit of a throwback to classics such as Super Mario RPG. The developers truly had 16 bit rpg blood in their veins as there was constant references to the genre.

    As for the few things I felt the game could do better, I felt the sewer dungeon design was rather bland and boring, I also felt the section in Chapter 12 in which most will encounter a difficulty spike really threw off the pacing of the game. I had done every sibstory and not shows away from any fights you to that point, and still gained twenty levels(started Chapter 12 at level 37and grinded to 57)to move forward in the game. I'd probably put some of the "metal slime" high experience enemies outside of the dungeon and or make the dungeon areas a bit more interesting and I feel that would be a great improvement moving forward. I didn't find the sewer areas interesting at all so it truly felt grindy to grind. That being said, great game, amazing heartfelt story, fun gameplay, wonderful direction and protagonist. The 50 hours I spent was well worth it as was the money I spent.
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  20. Mar 1, 2023
    9
    Awsome RPG.

    Turn based rpg with lots of classes (professions) to choose from for each caracter. There are 2 bar levels to increase during the game. One its for the base level (some skills are attached to the caracter). The other xp bar its for your class that you are current using (you can change anytime during the game). Many mini games for XP gain, stats, money, weapons and itens.
    Awsome RPG.

    Turn based rpg with lots of classes (professions) to choose from for each caracter. There are 2 bar levels to increase during the game. One its for the base level (some skills are attached to the caracter). The other xp bar its for your class that you are current using (you can change anytime during the game).

    Many mini games for XP gain, stats, money, weapons and itens.

    The story itself is great with many plot twists.
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  21. Jun 2, 2022
    9
    This game is the same category as persona 5 one of The few jrpg finish and enjoyed completely this is an amazing game and I would recommend it ,the charisma of the character and especially the main character is so good that you just want to continue paying it. Just to see the story. It's well acted it will compose I would recommend it 100 ÷
  22. Oct 25, 2022
    8
    A surprising gem, I am new to the franchise and wasn’t expecting much, but the narrative is pretty good and has decent turn based combat; my only criticism would be the limited environments. As my first yakuza experience, this game has pretty much makes sure that I will be checking for the series from here on out.
  23. Sep 10, 2022
    10
    Великолепный сюжет, держащий в напряжении вплоть до самой развязки. К основным действующим лицам привязываешься, как к родным, переживая их невзгоды и радости. Спасибо за русские субтитры
  24. Sep 6, 2021
    8
    This is my firts play on the Yakuza franchise and I was really surprise. The game is completely crazy, theres a lot to do in the city, minigames, grinding, etc. Very funny cinematics and conversations also, but the story also becomes serious. Nice JRPG.
  25. Dec 8, 2022
    9
    I really really enjoyed this game :) This was my first game from yakuza series. Great characters, great side stories, great mini games, enjoyable fighting mechanic, great town to explore.. all in all amazing and really enjoyable game!
  26. Mar 15, 2023
    10
    I love ,it gives this good old final fantasy 9 and 10 feeling,i love turnbased games ,with a lot of humour
  27. Dec 28, 2022
    10
    So underrated. Well deserved 10/10. The story is extremely detailed and well told. If you ever liked turn based RPGs like Final Fantasy, the combat is fun and grows on you especially as you develop more skills. My only disappointment is that I did not buy the game when it first cane out.
  28. Jan 20, 2022
    10
    One of the best JRPG's i've ever played, and that says a lot since i'm a diehard JRPG junkie.

    The game is almost flawless from begin to end. From the details in the game to the music choice to the incredibly well paced out story. A gem of a game.
  29. Jul 2, 2023
    9
    One of my favorite games of the year. The story, the side missions, and the dialogue are fantastic. The only thing that stops this game from getting a 10 is the combat can get repetitive near the end of the game, but that's not to take away from it's fantastic overall design. Great game.
  30. Nov 15, 2022
    9
    Me parece el juego que espera todo amante de los RPG, es buen en todos los aspectos salvo en el apartado de música donde solo cumple. Sin duda es un video juego que todos deberían jugar. Ichiban al inicio me desespero pero fespues se conbirtio en protagonista con más desarrollo que jamás he visto
  31. Aug 29, 2022
    9
    Мне очень зашло. Даже не столько геймплей сколько сюжет. Геймплей тоже весёлый, конечно, но сюжет вообще из серии Ноти Дога)) а так моя первая JRPG, раньше даже такого названия не слышал . Всем удачи! I really liked it. Not so much gameplay as plot. The gameplay is also fun, of course, but the plot is generally from the Noti Dog series)) and so my first JRPG, I haven't even heard such aМне очень зашло. Даже не столько геймплей сколько сюжет. Геймплей тоже весёлый, конечно, но сюжет вообще из серии Ноти Дога)) а так моя первая JRPG, раньше даже такого названия не слышал . Всем удачи! I really liked it. Not so much gameplay as plot. The gameplay is also fun, of course, but the plot is generally from the Noti Dog series)) and so my first JRPG, I haven't even heard such a name before. Good luck to everyone! Expand
  32. Sep 22, 2021
    9
    Like many I was worried about the change to turn based JRPG style combat but I'm happy to say it really works and combined with a fantastic set of new characters and engaging story I'm eagerly awaiting where it goes next!
  33. Aug 2, 2022
    10
    Toats gnar gnar, brah! It’s, like, totally awesome and junk. I’m super cereal. Play it, yo.
  34. Oct 31, 2022
    9
    +
    Personajes icónicos, con un protagonista increíble.
    Perfecto punto de acceso a la saga para el que se inicie, como yo. Traducción al castellano! Jugabilidad a prueba de balas. Gran duración. Mezcla de drama y comedia. Dificultad in crescendo. - No todas las secundarias están al mismo nivel de interés. No revoluciona el género. La historia desvaría un poco y complica un poco
    +
    Personajes icónicos, con un protagonista increíble.
    Perfecto punto de acceso a la saga para el que se inicie, como yo. Traducción al castellano!
    Jugabilidad a prueba de balas.
    Gran duración.
    Mezcla de drama y comedia.
    Dificultad in crescendo.

    -
    No todas las secundarias están al mismo nivel de interés.
    No revoluciona el género.
    La historia desvaría un poco y complica un poco seguirla debido a la multitud de tareas que hay que hacer.
    Aunque tienes una ciudad a tu merced, no puedes visitarla toda ella debido a las paredes invisibles.
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  35. Sep 8, 2022
    9
    Muy divertido, adictivo y con una historia muy buena. Sega hace juegazos, debería unirse con Sony
  36. Mar 1, 2022
    10
    할인할때 샀는데 너무 만족했다. 정가로 주고 사도 후회 안할만큼 컨텐츠도 많고 연출력도 뛰어나다. 그리고 한국 캐릭터랑 배경도 많이 나와서 너무 좋았다. 앞으로 용과같이 시리즈 차기작들은 무조건 예약구매 할 것임.
  37. Mar 27, 2022
    10
    The first two 2 hours might be the most tedious yet from all the Yakuza games, but everything that comes after that is great. The biggest surprise is the changed combat mechanics. I would never expect a game from this series to go in that direction, but the JRPG turn-based combat is executed very well with all the classic elements of it. It can get a bit repetitive, but challenging bossesThe first two 2 hours might be the most tedious yet from all the Yakuza games, but everything that comes after that is great. The biggest surprise is the changed combat mechanics. I would never expect a game from this series to go in that direction, but the JRPG turn-based combat is executed very well with all the classic elements of it. It can get a bit repetitive, but challenging bosses make it satisfactory enough to keep you going.
    Although the real thing that keeps you going is the story. It's the pinnacle of Yakuza games. Ichiban is a very likeable main hero, and the same goes for your companions. The side quests are as goofy as ever.
    If you are a fan of Yakuza series, this is a must-play for you.
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  38. Sep 1, 2022
    8
    Quick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now it’s more rare for me to get into a multiplayer game. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I findQuick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now it’s more rare for me to get into a multiplayer game. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find something new that I didn't think I'd like. I own a PC (built by me), Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, PS3, PS4, PS5, and a Switch. I prefer Playstation due to their focus on narrative games. For scoring, I’ll be using the Gameinformer review scale and of course influenced by my personal opinions.

    (8) Very Good. Innovated, but perhaps not in the right choice for everyone. This score indicates that there are many good things to be had, but arguable so.

    This was my first Yakuza game. What stands out to me is the amount of side content they have that makes this game feel full and lived in. Characters are fun and the exaggeration of the characters actions are what makes them fun. I didn’t care for the inconsistency of things being voiced or not but I get it. There is a lot of content here to afford voice acting in everything. I like that decision over leaving it out but still takes out from the experience. Graphics could use some updating. The main story was interesting but after 100hrs, felt like it at least, I gave up on playing the game and didn’t finish. Probably let myself get distracted by the side content too much and I got tired of the battle system. Don’t let that stop you from trying the game. I can see why people love the series and maybe its right for you. Go give it a try.
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  39. Yty
    Mar 24, 2022
    9
    Love the way this studio has a flare for storytelling, it’s impressive, got it because I enjoyed judgement so much and I actually bought all the yakuza series as well just because I was so impressed so yeah they hit the spot of relaxing gameplay for me with a challenge but nothing too complex that it could ever become annoying, the systems work well and keep your jaws dropping too may notLove the way this studio has a flare for storytelling, it’s impressive, got it because I enjoyed judgement so much and I actually bought all the yakuza series as well just because I was so impressed so yeah they hit the spot of relaxing gameplay for me with a challenge but nothing too complex that it could ever become annoying, the systems work well and keep your jaws dropping too may not be suitable for everyone though, I wouldn’t play another game with a similar combat style but that’s just me Expand
  40. Jul 9, 2022
    8
    May, 20, 2021 (Mar 2, 2021)

    Juegazo hallá donde los haya, historia interesante personaje HIPER ENTRAÑABLE, le bajo un punto por falta de doblaje al castellano, siempre penalizo por lo mismo, pero el juego es muy recomendable.
  41. Nov 30, 2022
    10
    Switching from brawling to jrpg wasnt sure if i was going to like it but it fits good, Ichiban is a cool character and can carry the torch for sure, only bad thing about the game was the bums story other than that fun game, funny side missions and story was very well written, those plot twists had to platinum it twice once on ps5 and then the ps4 version would recommend any day
  42. Jun 21, 2023
    10
    I love this game and lot action game and graphic amazing and story amazing and feed back control good day
  43. Mar 18, 2023
    10
    First Yakuza game what i finished to end and switching to jrpg was very good choice for me. Story was very funny and even side missions was fun and combat was enjoyable with all fun attacks.

    Story: 10/10
    Gameplay: 101/10
    Combat: 10/10
    Graphics: 9/10
    Animation: 9.5/10
  44. May 3, 2023
    10
    The first yakuza game I have ever played. And I loved it! Ichiban is such a charismatic character and all the party members has a significant role in the story. I was extremely excited to see what was goin' to happen in the end of it and felt very sad when the game ended, because I wanted more! Cant wait for the sequel!
  45. Aug 10, 2023
    9
    It seems to me to be the game that every RPG lover has been waiting for, it is good in all aspects, except in the music section, where it only complies. Without a doubt, it is a video game that everyone should play.
  46. Sep 1, 2023
    9
    I love the Yakuza series. YLaD is a great game. As for the gameplay, it's probably my favorite part. The plot is very good, but in my opinion not the best in this series.
  47. Sep 6, 2023
    10
    I love RPGs and I love silly/comedic games. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is both of those. This is a JRPG in the Yakuza franchise and it really hammers away on the comedy aspect of the game, to the point where the entire combat system the game is centered around takes place in a fictional battle inside the main character's head. You get to see some of the goofiest attack combos and ultimatesI love RPGs and I love silly/comedic games. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is both of those. This is a JRPG in the Yakuza franchise and it really hammers away on the comedy aspect of the game, to the point where the entire combat system the game is centered around takes place in a fictional battle inside the main character's head. You get to see some of the goofiest attack combos and ultimates occur ranging from Orbital bombardments to Man children in diapers beating you up. It's so goofy but it's so much fun and really funny to watch. I love media where comedic effects and elements are a big part of the plot and this game is just that. Not to mention, a lot of the minigames in the game are also pretty fun to engage in as well. I love doing the can collecting minigame, I love the karaoke minigames, board games, etc. It even has romance options as well and romance related quests which are fun.

    This game is honestly quite a joy to play if you love a mixture of serious, silliness, and a bit of JRPG elements sprinkled in. This game is a personal favorite of mine.
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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Dec 21, 2021
    94
    Someone once said that Shenmue crawled so that Yakuza could run. If that’s true, then Like A Dragon is the Usain Bolt of the series. There is so much to love and discover in the game’s 50 to 70-hour main story. Top this off with a new game plus mode, and you have an RPG that I can easily see being played for hundreds of hours.
  2. Sep 21, 2021
    86
    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.
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Apr 6, 2021
    80
    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]