Yakuza: Like a Dragon trades its usual city streets for a sprawling fantasy kingdom, and the change works better than anyone expected. This is the first entry in the series built around a new hero, a man who replaces the franchise’s longtime lead, and the shift carries the whole game forward. The result is a bold, confident step that earns an 8.3 out of 10.
Trailer, via SEGA.
The New Hero Takes Over
The game follows the rise of a man who joins a powerful group of fighters after a tragic loss. He becomes the central figure of the story, and the series finally has a fresh face to anchor its long-running saga. His bond with his companions drives the plot, giving the narrative a warmth that older entries sometimes lacked.
The Kingdom That Replaces Yokohama
The setting moves from modern-day Yokohama to a fantasy realm filled with dragons, magic and warring factions. The change alters the tone entirely, but the core systems remain familiar. Players still grind for experience, build bonds and take part in side quests that flesh out the world around them.
The shift in setting is the biggest risk the series has ever taken, and it lands. The fantasy world is rendered with care, and the mix of urban districts, hidden dungeons and open fields gives the game a distinct identity.
Combat That Rewards Patience
Fights in Yakuza: Like a Dragon favor strategy over button-mashing. Players build teams, assign skills and manage resources during battles. The system rewards planning, and the pace feels different from the series’ earlier entries.
Boss fights stand out as some of the best in the genre. Each one asks players to study enemy patterns and react in real time, turning what could be a simple encounter into a tense test of skill.
Side Content That Holds Up
The main story runs about 30 hours, but there is far more to see. Side quests, collectibles and extra content keep players busy long after the credits roll.
| Activity | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Main Story | ~30 hours |
| Side Quests | ~10–15 hours |
| Collectibles | ~5–10 hours |
| Full Completion | ~45–50 hours |
The game’s length is generous, and the pacing rarely drags.
What Works Best
- The fantasy setting, which gives the series room to breathe.
- The new hero, who carries genuine weight as a lead character.
- The combat system, which rewards careful play.
- The boss fights, which stand as some of the best in the genre.
- The sheer amount of content on offer.
What doesn’t quite reach the mark is the writing in some side stories, where jokes land flat and pacing slows. These moments are rare, but they stand out against the game’s highs.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon succeeds because it takes real risks and backs them up with strong execution. The fantasy setting, the new hero and the refined combat system all point toward a future where the series can keep growing. It isn’t perfect, but it is one of the boldest entries in a long line of exceptional games.
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