Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5)

Der neue Protagonist weiß zu gefallen, die Geschichte ist bis auf marginale Schwächen wieder gewohnt großartig und die neuen abgedrehten Minispiele, Kampfanimationen, Beschwörungen und generell Ichiban Kasuga machen einfach Spaß. Lediglich ein paar sehr öde Dungeons in der Mitte und Probleme mit dem Balancing gegen Ende des Spiels fallen dabei negativ ins Gewicht.

Change can be scary, but Yakuza: Like a Dragon proves it’s usually for the best. Though it has a few flaws, it’s still a standout title in the series and a strong indicator that the franchise has more than a few great stories to tell. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed, and that fans new and old will want to check out as soon as possible.

It’s a new direction for the series, but Like a Dragon captures the essence of what came before while setting out on its own journey.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes some bold steps in a new direction for the series but neglects to maintain its balance.

Like a Dragon isn't my favorite Yakuza, and its fresh turn-based combat eventually grows stale, but I have a lot of love for it. If it's your first game, it'll quickly initiate you into this wild, one-of-a-kind series.

It was an absolute thrill to watch him grow, and that's what's most important for a game so focused on its characters. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a passing of the torch, and a fantastic entry in a beloved franchise that proves that it's in good hands with Kasuga Ichiban.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a triumph, and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio should be commended for redefining such a seasoned franchise, despite the backlash it might have received. Leaving Kazuma Kiryu behind hasn't been easy, but Ichiban Kasuga and company have crafted a compelling path into the future that I cannot wait to see continue.