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. 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,!!..
  2. Lushen1212
    May 10, 2021
    10
    Ichiban eres jesucristo reencarnado. El mejor yakuza en mi opinion y mira que eso es decir.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Savarunl
    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.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. EstleJ26
    Aug 2, 2022
    10
    Toats gnar gnar, brah! It’s, like, totally awesome and junk. I’m super cereal. Play it, yo.
  12. kings1985
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    finally italian subtitles, great game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  13. Seungmin7142
    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.
  14. ZaveG
    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.    … Expand
  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. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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!
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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 ÷
  25. 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!
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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.
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  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.
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  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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