Yakuza: Like a Dragon stands out as a turn-based RPG that blends action, adventure, and deep storytelling within the criminal underworld of Japan.
Players follow Ichiban Kasuga, a former yakuza member fresh out of prison, as he uncovers betrayals and builds alliances in Yokohama. This game shifts the series from real-time brawling to strategic combat, drawing in fans of RPG mechanics while keeping the signature humor and drama.
Gameplay
The core of Yakuza: Like a Dragon revolves around turn-based RPG combat where you control a party of up to four characters. Each turn, you select actions like attacks, skills, or items, with the ability to interact with the environment by picking up objects such as bicycles or street signs to use against enemies.
Character progression ties into a job system featuring 19 unique classes, each offering distinct abilities and stats. For example, switching to a Musician job might let you buff allies with songs, while a Bodyguard focuses on defense. Combat emphasizes positioning and timing, as enemies and allies move in real-time within turns, adding a layer of strategy.
Beyond fights, exploration in Yokohama includes side activities like karaoke sessions where you perform songs to boost relationships, or managing a business called Ichiban Confections to earn money and recruit allies. Substories provide optional quests with rewards, and you can engage in arcade games or kart racing for breaks from the main narrative.
Game Modes
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is primarily a single-player experience, focusing on its story-driven campaign. You guide Ichiban and his party through a linear plot with open-world elements for exploration in Yokohama.
After completing the main story, a post-game mode unlocks, allowing continued exploration and tackling remaining side content. New Game Plus lets you replay the campaign with carried-over progress, including additional difficulty options to increase challenge.
Key Factions and Mechanics
Several factions shape the game's conflicts, such as the Ijin Three alliance in Yokohama, which includes the Yokohama Liumang gang, the Geomijul mafia, and the Seiryu Clan yakuza group. Other groups like the Arakawa Family, Omi Alliance, and the political movement Bleach Japan add layers to the intrigue.
Mechanics extend to party management, where building bonds through conversations and activities unlocks assists in combat. The business management minigame involves recruiting employees and making decisions to grow your company, potentially adding Eri Kamataki as a party member upon success.
Is It Worth Playing?
With sales reaching 2.8 million units worldwide by June 2025 and generally favorable reviews on Metacritic, Yakuza: Like a Dragon appeals to those who enjoy narrative-heavy RPGs with quirky humor. OpenCritic rates it as Mighty, with 91% of critics recommending it for its engaging story and character development.
Critics praise the fresh take on the series through turn-based battles and the likable protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, though some note repetitive combat in later stages and occasional grinding for experience. If you prefer strategic fights mixed with lighthearted side content over fast-paced action, this game offers strong value, especially for newcomers to the series.
Its current state remains solid, with no major updates reported beyond the 2021 releases, making it a complete package for PC players seeking a lengthy adventure.
