Summary
Action RPG seriesLike a Dragon’s Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku is in the middle of an extremely busy period right now. This was kicked off with the recent launch ofLike a Dragon Gaiden, a spin-off title that intricately weaves together the narratives ofYakuza 6,Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and the upcomingLike a Dragon Infinite Wealth. This next title in the saga releases on July 03, 2025, and by all accounts is set to be the biggest installment in the franchise to date. That contrasts pretty heavily withLike a Dragon Gaiden, which was at one point considered to be little more than DLC. DespiteGaiden’s story leading directly into the overarching narrative which is set to continue inLike a Dragon Infinite Wealth, the games are heavily contrasting.
Like a Dragon Gaidenhas been well received, despite its modest length. The game is jam-packed with other activities and a plethora of side quests that almost feel like the greatest hits of some of the series' best mini-games. Fan favorite Kazuma Kiryu returns as the protagonist, and a real-time combat system that hearkens back to the series' earlier days serves as a welcome hit of nostalgia. Development for the game was incredibly short, at just six months, but the polished final product is a testament to Ryu Ga Gotoku and its commitment to this vast franchise. Its next project,Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, arrives imminently, and in many ways is shaping up to be a very different game altogether.
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Like a Dragon Gaiden and Infinite Wealth Will Be Very Different, Despite Their Similarities
From the initial announcement thatLike a Dragon Infinite Wealthwould feature both Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryuas protagonists, it was clear that the next mainline installment in the series would be an ambitious one. As more details about the project have gradually been revealed, including a playable demo bundled withLike a Dragon Gaiden, the hype for the game has dramatically risen, resulting in it being shortlisted for the most anticipated game at the upcoming Game Awards. It finds itself in esteemed company, shoulder to shoulder with some of 2024’s potentially biggest hitters.
Shortlist for The Game Awards' Most Anticipated Game:
Such is the potentially huge scope ofInfinite Wealththat one of its many side activities is anexpansive life-sim akin toAnimal Crossing, which, if the recent trailer is anything to go by, could’ve been its own game. The game’s Hawaii setting will also be a welcome change of scenery for a series that has primarily taken place in a handful of key locations. The blue skies, beaches, and palm trees are a direct contrast to the neon lights of Japan’s busy cities, and this change should be felt in everything from the game’s side content to the enemy variety.
Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Could Take the Series to New Heights
Ryu Ga Gotoku has revealed in interviews thatInfinite Wealthwill undoubtedly be the longest game in the series so far. As a result of this, the narrative that looks to weave together the stories of Kiryu and Ichiban, the combat system (which is already looking deeper than its predecessor), and the plethora of side content available for fans to indulge in should all feel substantially larger in scope. It’s an exciting prospect, especially considering that, aside fromLike a Dragon Gaiden, the series is already known for providing lengthy games, jam-packed with content.January 2024 is stacked with big releases, andLike a Dragon Infinite Wealthis undoubtedly among the biggest. Fans will be pleased they don’t have much longer to wait before the exact scale of the game becomes apparent.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
WHERE TO PLAY
EPIC EMOTIONAL DRAMATwo larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down his last days.BEST-IN-CLASS RPG ACTIONExperience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes. Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.INFINITE ADVENTURELive it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
