Yakuza: Like a Dragon [Video Game] – Info, Main Characters, Gameplay Mechanics
Japanese Title: 龍が如く(Ryū ga Gotoku), also known as “Yakuza 7”
Year of Release: 2020
Origin: Japan
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Amazon Luna, PC (Windows)
Modes: Single Player
Series: Yakuza
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: Sega
Overview
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a groundbreaking role-playing video game developed by the renowned Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. This installment marks a significant and refreshing departure from the franchise’s established roots, most notably by embracing a turn-based combat system that stands in stark contrast to the series’ traditionally real-time action gameplay.
Plot
The narrative intricately weaves the tale of Ichiban Kasuga, a loyal yakuza foot soldier who, after taking the fall for a crime he did not commit, endures an arduous 18-year prison sentence. Upon his release, Ichiban finds himself a pariah, betrayed by the very yakuza family he dedicated his life to. Driven by an unyielding quest to understand the profound betrayal and to reclaim his life, Ichiban embarks on a journey through the gritty underbelly of Isezaki Ijincho, Yokohama. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of outcast companions, each with their own burdens and motivations, who rally around his unwavering aspiration to become a hero. The story deeply explores themes of loyalty, unwavering friendship, the arduous path to redemption, and the complex, often brutal, realities of the yakuza lifestyle, all seen through the optimistic yet determined eyes of its protagonist.
Main Character
Protagonist
- Ichiban Kasuga: A low-ranking member of the Arakawa Family, Ichiban is released from prison after serving 18 years for a crime he did not commit. His journey is driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind his betrayal by his former boss.
Supporting Characters
Playable Companions
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Yu Nanba | A homeless ex-nurse who joins Ichiban on his quest. |
| Koichi Adachi | A former police officer who embodies a strong sense of justice. |
| Saeko Mukoda | A hostess bar manager who becomes an integral part of Ichiban’s team. |
| Joongi Han | A member of the Geomijul, acting as a body double for a mafia leader. |
| Tianyou Zhao | Leader of the Liumang, who also joins Ichiban’s party. |
Optional Character
- Eri Kamataki: A fictionalized character inspired by a Japanese actress, she is the CEO of Ichiban Confections. Eri can be recruited as an optional party member through a business management minigame.
These characters contribute significantly to the narrative and gameplay, each bringing unique skills and distinct backgrounds to the unfolding story.
Gameplay Mechanics
Yakuza: Like a Dragon reimagines the core gameplay experience with a strategic and character-driven approach:
- Combat System
- Turn-Based Combat: The most striking innovation is the introduction of a deeply strategic turn-based combat system. Players engage in battles where careful consideration of character positioning, turn order, and ability synergy is paramount to victory.
- Party Members: Ichiban is joined by a memorable ensemble of up to four party members, each possessing unique personalities, skills, and roles within the party, from formidable attackers to supportive healers.
- Environmental Interactions: Battles are brought to life by the ability to interact with the environment. Characters can utilize nearby objects, such as bicycles, traffic cones, or even shop signs, as impromptu and often comical weapons, adding a dynamic layer to combat.
- Character Customization
- Jobs: A core progression system involves assigning different “Jobs” to party members, analogous to classic RPG classes. Each Job offers a distinct set of skills, stat boosts, and abilities, allowing for extensive customization and the creation of specialized party compositions to suit various combat scenarios and player preferences.
- Side Activities
- Sub-Stories: Beyond the main narrative, players can immerse themselves in a multitude of engaging Sub-Stories. These optional side quests often present heartwarming, humorous, or poignant narratives that provide valuable rewards and further flesh out the game’s world and characters.
- New Activities: The game introduces a wealth of new mini-games and diversions. Among the most notable is Dragon Kart, a chaotic and exhilarating kart racing experience that offers a welcome change of pace from the main adventure.
This compelling fusion of an emotionally resonant narrative, innovative turn-based gameplay mechanics, and a wealth of engaging side activities and mini-games makes Yakuza: Like a Dragon a truly unique and unforgettable entry in the beloved Yakuza franchise.comers and the dedicated long-time fans of the series.
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