Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review

Overview

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the latest chapter in the beloved Yakuza franchise, now fully committed to its turn-based JRPG identity. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, this installment brings together two generations of protagonists — the legendary Kazuma Kiryu and the charismatic Ichiban Kasuga — for an adventure that spans from the neon-lit streets of Japan to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii. With over 60 hours of main story content and an absurd amount of side activities, Infinite Wealth is one of the most content-rich games of the generation.

The franchise has always excelled at balancing serious crime drama with outrageous comedy, and Infinite Wealth pushes both extremes further than ever before. It is a game that can make you cry one moment and laugh uncontrollably the next, and that tonal mastery is what makes it truly special.

Gameplay

The turn-based combat system introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon has been refined to near perfection here. Positioning matters more than ever, as characters can knock enemies into each other, use environmental objects as weapons, and trigger tag-team attacks with nearby allies. Each job class brings distinct abilities and playstyles, encouraging experimentation with party composition. The combat flows with a satisfying rhythm that keeps encounters engaging throughout the lengthy campaign.

Beyond combat, Infinite Wealth is overflowing with side content. The Dondoko Island mini-game alone could be its own standalone release, offering a full resort management simulation with surprising depth. Sujimon battles return with expanded mechanics, and the side stories range from heartwarming to absolutely absurd. The sheer volume of activities available in both the Japan and Hawaii maps is staggering, providing dozens of hours of entertainment beyond the critical path.

However, the pacing can falter during certain dungeon segments where repetitive combat encounters slow the momentum. Some late-game sections also require grinding to meet recommended level thresholds, which can feel at odds with the otherwise excellent narrative pacing.

Visuals

Hawaii provides a stunning backdrop that feels distinctly different from the series' traditional Japanese settings. The beaches, shopping districts, and residential neighborhoods of Honolulu are rendered with vibrant color and atmospheric detail. Character models during gameplay look excellent, with expressive animations that bring the cast to life during both combat and exploration. However, some cutscene close-ups reveal dated character modeling, with skin textures and hair rendering that fall slightly behind current-generation standards. The contrast between gorgeous environmental art and occasionally stiff character work creates minor but noticeable visual inconsistency.

Story

The story of Infinite Wealth is its crowning achievement. Running dual narratives between Ichiban and Kiryu could have been a recipe for disaster, but Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio handles both threads with remarkable grace. Ichiban's journey in Hawaii is a tale of resilience, found family, and unwavering optimism in the face of adversity. Kiryu's parallel storyline carries decades of emotional weight, offering long-time fans a deeply moving conclusion to his character arc.

The writing quality is extraordinary. Dialogue crackles with personality, emotional beats land with devastating impact, and the supporting cast is filled with memorable characters who each get their moment to shine. The game explores themes of legacy, redemption, and human connection with a sincerity that is rare in gaming. The final act delivers some of the most emotionally powerful moments the franchise has ever produced, cementing Infinite Wealth as a narrative triumph.

Verdict

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a landmark achievement for the JRPG genre. Its dual-protagonist narrative is masterfully executed, the turn-based combat system has reached its peak form, and the sheer volume of quality content is overwhelming in the best possible way. Slow opening hours and occasional grinding requirements are minor speed bumps on an otherwise incredible journey. Whether you are a longtime Yakuza fan or a newcomer drawn by the promise of a great RPG, Infinite Wealth delivers an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.