Yakuza: Like a Dragon

 PlayStation 5
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 179 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 179
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 179
  3. Negative: 18 out of 179
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. xYourDeus
    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.    … Expand
  2. WalQ
    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.
  3. Killerpummkin
    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.
  4. DSouls_guy
    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.
  5. MyOwnOpinion230
    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.
  6. juniortiger
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    I love this game and lot action game and graphic amazing and story amazing and feed back control good day
  7. Keldrath
    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!
  8. TsukasaHiiragi
    Apr 13, 2023
    6
    Pro's

    Great one liners Great graphical representation of Japans seedier side Great soundtrack and voice acting Free classic Sega Games like Outrun Con's Extremely tropey and cliche story Massive difficulty spikes Ch13+ Annoying boss fights Nonsense grind Too many items clogging up your inventory YLAD isn't perfect at all, in fact its fairly rough in places and the story    Pro's

    Great one liners
    Great graphical representation of Japans seedier side
    Great soundtrack and voice acting
    Free classic Sega Games like Outrun

    Con's

    Extremely tropey and cliche story
    Massive difficulty spikes Ch13+
    Annoying boss fights
    Nonsense grind
    Too many items clogging up your inventory

    YLAD isn't perfect at all, in fact its fairly rough in places and the story meanders into cliche territory quite often, the biggest issues with the game comes after chapter 13 with a massive difficulty spike that honestly somewhat ruins the pacing and fun as it becomes more frustrating and tedious especially with certain boss fights which ramp up the difficulty to 11 for no real apparent reason on basically any difficulty setting you choose, it makes it difficult to progress as it ruins the entire pacing of the game.

    Another nice touch is adding so many bonus mini-games, the only gripe I have is that they added so many traditional Japanese games which most western players will have absolutely no clue how to play and is basically lost on the vast majority of the players.    … Expand
  9. HippiHemuli
    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
  10. Andersragnar
    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
  11. RodSal
    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.    … Expand
  12. Dmxdxl
    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,!!..
  13. RolandOG
    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.
  14. x3ch0x
    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!
  15. Low30
    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
  16. efano_mar05
    Nov 25, 2022
    4
    Tiene más animaciones que jugabilidad, parece más una película que un video juego, y su nivel de dificultad era muy bajo, durante 3 horas no tuve ningún reto y lo abandoné, literal fueron 2 horas de animaciones y 1 hora de jugabilidad.
  17. Megalovirus
    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
  18. FillupJayFrye99
    Nov 14, 2022
    0
    I am NOT a fan of the Genre Shift from Action Beat-em-up Combat game to Turn-based JRPG. . .

    That Defeats the entire reason I Like Yakuza Games; ever since I Saw a Playthrough of Yakuza 0. . .

    I Loved How Quick & Responsive the Gameplay the Series USED to be known for was;

    If I wanted to play Dragon Quest; I'd play ****ing Dragon Quest; NOT Yakuza!!
  19. hector_bcn98
    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.    … Expand
  20. Lyon_Heart
    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.
  21. whakkers
    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.    … Expand
  22. Watersson
    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
  23. RichiK
    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. rey_valhalla29
    Sep 8, 2022
    9
    Muy divertido, adictivo y con una historia muy buena. Sega hace juegazos, debería unirse con Sony
  25. BrianDavid94
    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.    … Expand
  26. moscowdynamics
    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
  27. HaeSoov
    Aug 17, 2022
    3
    Yakuza like a dragon is a game with great turn based combat and soundtrack. Sadly when it comes to characters and story it is poorly written. The main antagonist design was incredibly awful. The story twists are typical just like in any other Yakuza game.
  28. benprofessional
    Aug 4, 2022
    0
    Boring game at all, feels like game from 1995 year from sega, not recommend to play even for free
  29. EstleJ26
    Aug 2, 2022
    10
    Toats gnar gnar, brah! It’s, like, totally awesome and junk. I’m super cereal. Play it, yo.
  30. quittit1
    Jul 23, 2022
    7
    Okay buddy I don’t know what I would do the same thing as I am an atheist but I don’t believe it is true
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
39
#39 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. PSX Extreme
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Worth Playing
    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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »