Embarking on the eighth game of the Like a Dragon franchise, Infinite Wealth, is not merely stepping into a game — it’s an uplifting story of the series’ main protagonists, Ichiban Kasuga and Kiryu Kazuma.
It is also a story about how SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s latest creation has grown and surpassed its predecessors by leaps and bounds.
As someone who has played the entire series, my Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth review felt like reuniting with old friends who recently went through life changes for the better.
Infinite Wealth stands out distinctly from its predecessors because of the change in scenery. Instead of strolling through the bustling streets of Japan, players will explore Hawaii — the first international setting in the Like a Dragon series.
Beyond providing a new playground, Infinite Wealth introduces a myriad of features, gameplay mechanics, mini-games, substories, and much more.
While we refrain from delving into the specifics of Infinite Wealth’s narrative beats, we strongly encourage players to experience it for themselves. The storytelling in the game is a noteworthy aspect that adds to the overall appeal.
Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth review
Merging traditional turn-based JRPG combat with Like a Dragon’s flying fists
Infinite Wealth enhances the JRPG turn-based combat introduced in Like a Dragon in 2020.
The addition of proximity-based combat injects a refreshing dynamic, preventing encounters from feeling repetitive.
Instead of merely strategizing my next attack, I’m constantly seeking opportunities for multi-hit combinations against grouped opponents. The combat zone’s varied objects serve as weapons, each with unique animations and the ability to deliver substantial damage.
If you appreciate the beat-em-up playstyle that Like a Dragon is renowned for, you’re in for a treat with Kiryu’s Dragon’s Resurgence. When the Dragon of Dojima’s heat gauge is fully charged, he transitions from turn-based gameplay to a dynamic brawler who will beat down his opponents with a flurry of blows.
Infinite Wealth’s combat experience took a fascinating turn with the introduction of Chitose Fujinomiya, the group’s brilliant schemer.
Her unique combat style combines traditional dance moves with grappling. Just imagine Chitose dancing gracefully like your favorite celebrities in Dancing with the Stars before she playfully drops her opponents – it’s a humorous change of pace to the combat dynamics.
Dress to confuse and impress in Infinite Wealth’s character customization
Infinite Wealth boasts a diverse roster of characters, each customizable with different fighting styles known as jobs. These jobs alter your character’s appearance and unlock a new set of attacks and special moves akin to classes in traditional RPGs.
Roles such as Hero and Heiress contribute as support, offering healing and buffing abilities, particularly crucial in intense boss battles. For example, the Cabbie job proves invaluable when facing a Giant Shark. You can use an attack where Eric Tomizawa employs a car battery lightning strike — the shark’s elemental weakness.
Like a Dragon offers extensive customization, allowing you to collect and equip a wide array of weapons and items for your party. Each party member has a preferred weapon type, and you can acquire them from various shops scattered across the map.
After exploring the streets of Hawaii in Infinite Wealth, I could not help but appreciate the game’s quirky sense of humor — let’s just say that the weapons you encounter add a dash of humor to an already absurd adventure across Hawaii.
Mini-Games extravaganza in the heart of Hawaii
Beyond the bustling encounters with thugs and mysterious figures, exploring the vast map of Honolulu in Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth reveals a vibrant world. The diverse shops and activities scattered throughout the map breathe life into the game. I even found myself regularly greeting locals to boost their moods.
If you’re in a rush and don’t want to rely on taxis to navigate the town, Ichiban and his party have the convenience of using Segways to swiftly traverse the streets of Hawaii.
In terms of in-game activities, Infinite Wealth has come a long way from the series’ arcade store games and late-night karaoke sessions.
A standout minigame for me was Crazy Delivery, where Food Panda meets Crazy Taxi. Your task involves collecting burgers, pizza, and sushi scattered throughout the map and delivering them to customers within a specified time limit.
To boost your score, you can perform tricks on your bike, a homage to another classic game, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, or more specifically, Dave Mirra’s Freestyle BMX game.
A notable feature to look forward to in Infinite Wealth is Dondoko Island, a substantial addition that can practically stand as its own game. Imagine the residents of Animal Crossing if they could resolve their differences with their fists — that’s Dondoko Island.
Showcase your creativity by shaping the island according to your preferences using collected materials. From constructing sizable buildings to decorating the landscape, you have the freedom to customize. Additionally, you can cultivate various crops and engage in a range of activities as residents present quests for you.
If I were to encapsulate Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth in one word, it would be “abundance.” The game offers a myriad of activities that you’ll genuinely want to experience for yourself. It’s no surprise why RGG Studio dubbed it the longest game in the series.
Throughout my playthrough, my interest remained unwavering. Even the sudden activation of substory missions at certain locations felt seamlessly integrated. These missions introduced additional features, such as the Miss Match dating simulator, where you attempt to match with someone online, hoping to avoid another catfishing incident.
Infinite Wealth stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the series, seamlessly blending familiarity with innovation.
Long-time fans of the Like a Dragon series will surely enjoy Infinite Wealth’s world brimming with deep storytelling, exceptional combat, and a diverse range of new features.
Without a doubt, Infinite Wealth elevates the Like a Dragon series to new heights and establishes itself as a game worthy of its AAA status.
You can go to Ryu Ga Gotoku’s official website for more information.
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