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
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  1. Hubliterate
    Nov 23, 2021
    7
    As a rpg fan, I really liked how they changed the battle system but it got old pretty fast. Graphics (like every Yakuza title) look 10 years outdated. Good points were the story and the mini games. To be fair, I never really been into Yakuza games. I'd recommend waiting for a sale.
  2. nb619
    Jan 1, 2022
    7
    Graphics: colourful and interesting
    Sound: great voice work and fx; repetitive music
    Story: fantastic with great character development Gameplay: fun, but really awful difficulty balance. I restarted on hard after getting used to the play dynamics, but then hit a point where I could thrash any normal enemies, but then some bosses would be way too tough; so in the end felt more like an    Graphics: colourful and interesting
    Sound: great voice work and fx; repetitive music
    Story: fantastic with great character development
    Gameplay: fun, but really awful difficulty balance. I restarted on hard after getting used to the play dynamics, but then hit a point where I could thrash any normal enemies, but then some bosses would be way too tough; so in the end felt more like an interactive story with the odd boss slog.    … Expand
  3. Essie
    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
  4. poko1
    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
  5. Luahanseng
    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    … Expand
  6. bashimon
    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
  7. deplorable
    Jun 6, 2021
    6
    Dub quality - brilliant actually, surprisingly so. In fact they even dub the karaoke songs too, even in anime that's a rare thing in a dub. Heaven's Lost Property (fallen down) and Haruhi Suzumiya (god knows) are about the only two examples i can think of; normally they just keep in the japanese singers.

    PS5 version - This is a PS4 port. It's the nicest thing to say about this, i know    Dub quality - brilliant actually, surprisingly so. In fact they even dub the karaoke songs too, even in anime that's a rare thing in a dub. Heaven's Lost Property (fallen down) and Haruhi Suzumiya (god knows) are about the only two examples i can think of; normally they just keep in the japanese singers.

    PS5 version - This is a PS4 port. It's the nicest thing to say about this, i know sony's quality control is about non existent and this clearly shows how desperate sony are to have PS5 games. They also did a PS5 version of judgement, no free upgrade but it's just a PS4 port. There is nothing that justifies either being on the new generation of consoles. I'd be wary of this developer in future games.

    Story - Generic and terrible. It's overly played out, overly long and isn't that good. At times it makes "The Room" look like Shakespeare with its speeches and drama filled nonsense (lots of yelling that's how you know they're "serious" but comes across as pure cheese). The only good parts are the tales of "skits" between characters, the food conversations that appear and the sub stories (especially the one if you 'romance' all female characters). That's it.

    Gameplay - The main character suffers from a delusional hero complex and the gameplay matches this perfectly. Turn based RPG. It surprisingly works although the amount of items (healing) would make even the older JRPGS blush. No one needs a dozen drinks that heal 15MP. No one.

    MInigames - Oh where to begin. There's one good one, the management game. It's where you take a small sweet company and turn it into a 20 billion business empire. The entire thing has the worst tutorial ever, as it's all walls of text. Watch a youtube video on how shareholder meetings work and you'll fly through it.

    The others you'd expect - terrible Sega games (bar virtua fighter). Golf, baseball, darts etc usual fair nothing exciting or worthwhile. Oh and a really bad mario kart rip off. The problem of this is usually the tracks and the AI. At one point six drivers got stuck in the first turn, for 5 minutes as the physics engine struggled. Then some rubber banded and teleported half a track in front of you. It was an awful experience (dragon cup first track i think it was). The drifting feels off, the tracks are badly designed and oh... just do yourself a favour and not play it. Leaves a bitter taste.

    The worst part of the game - the honk honk people. As with the main characters increasing delusion he's a hero in dragon quest, they also have a variation of the "puff puff" characters. Except these are RNG based. And finding them, and making them turn up is a reason to burn this game and hope they never make another.

    Weird things - the game on chapter 15 explains that certain people turn up during the day/night when you're able to change it at your HQ. I've never came across any point in the game where that's actually true. Not sure if some of this is just badly translated or never made it into the game.

    As of writing only 22% of people finished the game. I mean we've come to the stage the developers need to take away the sales aspect, and realise that their game just isn't fun. At least half of all owners who buy a game even if they don't get every trophy etc should at least see the ending. This should always be a warning light to EVERY developer. Work on this. Your future games may sell better as a result.

    In conclusion - don't buy the PS5 version, no point. It's a decent RPG until chapter 12 then be prepared for grinding (a certain boss battle will wake you up). In final fantasy 10, did you enjoy the Tidus laughing scene, if you did. You'll LOVE this games story.    … Expand
  8. MadBert91
    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.
  9. NaturalLucker
    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).
  10. ihearthawthats
    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.    … Expand
  11. somegoodstuff
    Aug 22, 2021
    0
    Not sure what's with the hype for this game? I played it two hours and i was so bored that i had to uninstall it and refund it.
  12. thisisnotdalton
    Mar 9, 2021
    5
    I have really enjoyed playing this game on the PS4, but I cannot accept the inconsistency with the PS4 -> PS5 transition with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The Yakuza games are full of lots of excellent content and players can easily find 100+ hours of fun with each game (especially with new game+), but that still does not mean that every player wanting to experience a higher performance versionI have really enjoyed playing this game on the PS4, but I cannot accept the inconsistency with the PS4 -> PS5 transition with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The Yakuza games are full of lots of excellent content and players can easily find 100+ hours of fun with each game (especially with new game+), but that still does not mean that every player wanting to experience a higher performance version of this game will want to replay those 100+ hours when upgrading from the PS4 to the PS5 version of the game. With how the developers have previously handled save transfer, there is no excusing the developers' choice to not implement any form of save transfer for the PS4/PS5 versions of this game. If this is the result of Sony not supporting developers with this console generation transition, then Sony really needs to step up their game; however, as this game already features purchasable downloadable content to speed up character progression, I cannot help but fear that this might be a 'brilliant' business decision made to encourage more time saving DLC purchases or to cut development costs for save transfer features that really should not be so difficult to implement. I would like to rate this game higher, but I think most fans will have already played the game already and the PS5 features do not seem to provide much reason to replay the game.… Expand
  13. Jinxthegame
    Aug 22, 2021
    0
    Very generic game, idk maybe it just wasn't my style, but i was bored most of the time.
  14. Ohman
    May 5, 2021
    8
    a really good jrpg, gameplay is solid , could a wish for a little bit better story!
  15. Lushen1212
    May 10, 2021
    10
    Ichiban eres jesucristo reencarnado. El mejor yakuza en mi opinion y mira que eso es decir.
  16. Daniel0809
    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.
  17. bullshark
    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
  18. Fhskjd
    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.
  19. benprofessional
    Aug 4, 2022
    0
    Boring game at all, feels like game from 1995 year from sega, not recommend to play even for free
  20. kings1985
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    finally italian subtitles, great game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  21. JLirola
    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
  22. nahobino5_
    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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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,!!..
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. frederik1478
    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 ÷
  30. 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.
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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]
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