A New Beginning for the Dragon of Dojima: Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS4
When you hear the name "Yakuza," images of gritty brawls, intricate mob dramas, and the neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho likely come to mind. For years, the series captivated players with its unique blend of over-the-top action and surprisingly heartfelt storytelling, primarily as a beat-'em-up with RPG elements. Then came Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a bold departure that completely reimagined the core gameplay while retaining the series' signature charm. If you're looking for an engaging narrative experience with a fresh combat system, the PlayStation 4 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers a compelling entry point into this beloved franchise. This isn't just another Yakuza game; it's a revolutionary step forward, proving that even seasoned series can reinvent themselves and find new success.
What is Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
At its heart, Yakuza: Like a Dragon (known in Japan as Ryu ga Gotoku 7: Whereabouts of Light and Darkness) is a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG). This marks a significant shift from the traditional action-adventure, brawler-style combat that defined its predecessors. Instead of real-time street fights, players engage in turn-based battles, reminiscent of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy. The story follows Ichiban Kasuga, a loyal yakuza grunt who is betrayed and left for dead by his clan. Waking up years later in the grimy streets of Ijincho, Yokohama, Ichiban must navigate a new, unforgiving underworld to uncover the truth behind his downfall and build a new life for himself.
The Story: A Fresh Protagonist, Familiar Themes
The narrative is where Yakuza: Like a Dragon truly shines, even for those new to the series. Ichiban Kasuga is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the stoic and often brooding Kazuma Kiryu, Ichiban is an optimistic, somewhat naive, and incredibly passionate character. His unwavering belief in friendship, justice, and the power of dreams makes him instantly likable. He sees the world through the lens of his favorite RPG, Dragon Quest, often interpreting events and characters through that fantastical framework. This quirky perspective adds a unique layer of humor and heart to the often grim realities of the criminal underworld.
The plot itself is a sprawling epic of betrayal, loyalty, and redemption. Ichiban's journey takes him through the intricate politics of the yakuza, the struggles of the homeless, and the machinations of powerful corporations. The game masterfully weaves together personal stories of its diverse cast of party members with a grander conspiracy that threatens the fabric of society. You'll encounter eccentric allies, formidable foes, and moments that will make you laugh out loud and perhaps even shed a tear. The PS4 version delivers this compelling narrative without compromise, offering the full experience that fans have come to expect from the Yakuza series.
Gameplay: A Turn-Based Revolution
The biggest change in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is its combat system. The series has always been about street brawling, but this entry embraces turn-based combat. Don't let that deter you if you're not a JRPG veteran. The combat is surprisingly dynamic and engaging. Battles unfold in a 3D arena where characters move semi-autonomously, allowing players to position themselves strategically. Attacks can be charged, dodged, and interrupted. Environmental elements play a crucial role, with objects like bicycles, signs, and even stray cats usable as weapons or to inflict status effects.
Key to the combat is the "Job" system. Ichiban and his party members can change their "Jobs," which function similarly to classes in other RPGs. These Jobs grant access to different skills, abilities, and stat boosts. From the classic "Hero" class for Ichiban, which focuses on offense and defense, to "Host" for balanced damage and debuffs, or "Chef" for status ailments and healing, there's a wide variety of roles to fill. Experimenting with different Job combinations is essential for tackling the increasingly difficult challenges the game throws at you.
The "Summons" system adds another layer of absurdity and power. Instead of calling on magical spells, Ichiban can call on various characters from his life – from a gruff homeless man to a helpful bar owner – to provide devastating assistance in battle, often with hilarious animations and effects.
Exploration and Side Activities: More Than Just Fighting
While the turn-based combat is the centerpiece, Yakuza: Like a Dragon retains the series' dedication to providing a wealth of side content and minigames. Ijincho, Yokohama, is a vast and detailed city teeming with activities. Players can engage in karaoke, play classic Sega arcade games, go on dates, manage a business, and much more. These diversions aren't just filler; they often offer valuable rewards, build relationships with party members, and provide hilarious, often bizarre, diversions from the main quest.
The "Management" minigame, where Ichiban takes over a failing convenience store and works to turn it into a profitable enterprise, is particularly addictive. It's a surprisingly deep simulation that offers a satisfying progression loop.
The PS4 Experience: Performance and Presentation
As a PlayStation 4 title, Yakuza: Like a Dragon delivers a robust and enjoyable experience. The game runs smoothly, with largely consistent frame rates that don't detract from the turn-based combat. While it doesn't push the absolute limits of the PS4 hardware, the visuals are vibrant and detailed, bringing the bustling streets of Ijincho to life. Character models are expressive, and the environments are rich with detail, from the grimy back alleys to the neon-lit entertainment districts.
The voice acting is superb, with a full English dub available alongside the original Japanese. Both options offer stellar performances, with the English cast bringing a fresh take to the characters while respecting their origins. The soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring a mix of energetic battle themes, melancholic story cues, and catchy J-Pop.
For those playing on the base PS4, the loading times are present but generally not egregious enough to break immersion. If you have a PS4 Pro, you might see some minor graphical enhancements, but the core experience remains consistent across the platform.
Who is Yakuza: Like a Dragon for?
This game is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about the Yakuza series but intimidated by its extensive back catalog. The new protagonist and gameplay style make it a fresh experience, even for long-time fans. If you enjoy strong narratives, character-driven stories, and engaging turn-based combat, you'll find a lot to love here.
However, if you're strictly looking for the classic brawler combat of previous Yakuza titles, this might be a departure you're not expecting. While the spirit of Yakuza is present in its humor, heart, and world-building, the combat fundamentally changes the gameplay loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have played previous Yakuza games to enjoy Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS4?
No, absolutely not! Yakuza: Like a Dragon features a brand new protagonist and a self-contained story. While there are nods and references to past games, they are not essential to understanding or enjoying the narrative. It's designed as a perfect entry point.
Is the combat difficult on PS4?
The combat difficulty can be adjusted, and the game encourages strategic thinking rather than pure button-mashing. As you progress, you'll need to level up, upgrade your equipment, and choose the right Jobs and skills for each encounter. Some boss battles can be challenging, but they are generally fair and rewarding to overcome.
How long is Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS4?
The main story campaign typically takes around 40-50 hours to complete. However, with all the side quests, minigames, and optional content, you can easily sink well over 100 hours into the game.
Are there any performance issues on the standard PS4?
While it's not as visually stunning as its PS5 counterpart, the PS4 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon generally runs well. Players might notice occasional frame rate dips in very busy areas or during intense combat, and loading times are more noticeable than on newer hardware, but these issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Conclusion: A Stellar JRPG on PS4
Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS4 is a triumph. It successfully reinvents a beloved franchise by embracing a new genre and introducing one of the most memorable protagonists in recent gaming history. Ichiban Kasuga's journey is an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughter, tears, and genuine heart. The turn-based combat is surprisingly deep and satisfying, and the sheer amount of content packed into Ijincho ensures that players will have dozens of hours of engaging gameplay. If you're a PlayStation 4 owner looking for a rich, story-driven RPG experience with a unique flavor, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an absolute must-play.
