Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth represents a bold new chapter for the beloved Yakuza series, trading the neon-lit streets of Japan for the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii. Following Ichiban Kasuga's continued adventures alongside series veteran Kazuma Kiryu, this eighth numbered entry in the franchise successfully expands its horizons while maintaining the emotional depth and quirky charm that defines the series. From the moment you step onto Hawaiian soil, it's clear that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has crafted something special – a game that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. The transition to a tropical setting breathes new life into the formula, offering players vast beaches to explore, bustling tourist districts to navigate, and a completely different cultural backdrop that influences every aspect of the experience. The contrast between Ichiban's earnest optimism and the paradise-like setting creates an immediately engaging atmosphere, while the underlying criminal conspiracies and personal dramas maintain the series' signature blend of lighthearted moments and serious storytelling. What strikes you most about Infinite Wealth is its confidence in pushing boundaries while respecting its legacy. The game feels like a culmination of lessons learned from previous entries, incorporating the best elements of both the classic Yakuza action formula and the newer turn-based RPG mechanics introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The result is an experience that welcomes newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with deep character development and meaningful story connections. This is clearly a labor of love from a development team that understands what makes their series special, yet isn't afraid to take risks with new settings, expanded gameplay systems, and ambitious narrative scope that spans multiple generations of characters.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth refines and expands upon the turn-based combat system introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, creating one of the most engaging JRPG battle systems in recent memory. The job system returns with even more variety, allowing characters to switch between classes that range from traditional RPG archetypes to wonderfully absurd options like 'Surfer' and 'Hula Dancer.' Each job feels distinct and meaningful, with unique abilities that encourage experimentation and strategic thinking. The positioning-based combat adds layers of tactical depth, where character placement affects damage output and defensive capabilities. The exploration elements have been significantly enhanced, with Hawaii offering a much larger and more diverse playground than previous entries. Side activities range from beach volleyball tournaments to treasure hunting expeditions, each feeling purposeful rather than like mere padding. The new 'Sujimon' creature collection system – a delightful parody of Pokemon – provides hours of engaging content that seamlessly integrates with the main progression systems. Combat encounters feel more dynamic thanks to environmental interactions and combo opportunities that reward creative thinking. Progression systems strike an excellent balance between accessibility and depth. Character development through jobs, equipment crafting, and relationship building creates multiple paths for player investment without overwhelming newcomers. The pacing of new mechanic introductions is particularly well-handled, allowing players to master systems gradually while maintaining a steady stream of fresh content throughout the 60+ hour adventure.
The narrative scope of Infinite Wealth is perhaps the series' most ambitious yet, weaving together multiple character arcs across generations while introducing compelling new faces. Ichiban Kasuga continues to shine as a protagonist, his unwavering optimism and genuine kindness creating authentic emotional moments that never feel forced or saccharine. The dynamic between Ichiban and Kazuma Kiryu provides some of the game's strongest material, as two very different approaches to heroism clash and complement each other throughout their Hawaiian adventure. The story tackles themes of family, legacy, and redemption with surprising maturity, balancing serious dramatic moments with the series' trademark humor and eccentric side content. New characters like Saeko Mukoda and the various Hawaiian locals feel fully realized rather than simple plot devices, each bringing their own motivations and backstories that enrich the overall narrative. The writing demonstrates a deep understanding of Hawaiian culture and social issues, treating the setting with respect while avoiding tourist-trap stereotypes. Pacing remains one of the story's greatest strengths, knowing when to focus on intimate character moments and when to ramp up the action and conspiracy elements. The main plot maintains momentum across its lengthy runtime, while substories provide meaningful character development and world-building. Emotional beats land with genuine impact thanks to excellent character development and voice acting that brings nuanced performances to both Japanese and English versions. The conclusion feels earned and satisfying, providing closure for long-running character arcs while setting up intriguing possibilities for the future.
Visually, Infinite Wealth represents a significant step forward for the series, with the Dragon Engine showcasing Hawaii's natural beauty through improved lighting systems, detailed character animations, and stunning environmental design. The tropical setting allows for a more vibrant color palette than previous entries, with sunset beaches and lush jungle environments that feel alive and inviting. Character models show remarkable detail, particularly in facial expressions and body language during cutscenes, making emotional moments more impactful and comedy beats more effective. The audio design deserves particular praise, with a soundtrack that masterfully blends traditional Yakuza musical themes with Hawaiian-inspired compositions. The voice acting across both language options maintains the series' high standards, with veteran performers delivering nuanced performances alongside newcomers who bring fresh energy to their roles. Environmental audio creates an immersive sense of place, from crashing waves to bustling street markets, while combat sound effects provide satisfying feedback for every attack and special ability. Technical presentation varies slightly across platforms, with newer consoles delivering crisp 4K visuals and smooth frame rates, while last-generation systems maintain solid performance with minor compromises in texture quality and loading times. The art direction consistently impresses, creating memorable locations that feel distinct and purposeful. Weather effects and day-night cycles add visual variety, while the improved character creator allows for more personalization options than ever before.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches in a generally stable state across all platforms, though some minor technical issues occasionally surface. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the game maintains consistent frame rates during both exploration and combat, with loading times significantly improved over previous generation versions. PC performance varies depending on hardware configuration, but the game scales well across different specifications with comprehensive graphics options. Some players may experience occasional texture pop-in during fast travel or when entering new areas, and rare audio sync issues during cutscenes have been reported. Save system functionality works reliably, though the game's lengthy cutscenes mean checkpoint spacing can sometimes feel inconvenient for players with limited session time. Overall, these technical hiccups are minor and don't significantly impact the core experience, with most issues likely to be addressed through future patches.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth successfully expands the series' horizons while maintaining everything that makes Yakuza special. The Hawaiian setting provides a fresh backdrop that feels natural rather than gimmicky, while the refined turn-based combat and expanded progression systems create the most engaging gameplay the series has offered. Ichiban Kasuga continues to prove himself as a worthy protagonist, and his interactions with series veterans create some genuinely moving moments. While the game's length may intimidate some players and minor technical issues occasionally interrupt the experience, these concerns pale in comparison to the wealth of quality content on offer. The story strikes an excellent balance between accessibility for newcomers and meaningful payoffs for longtime fans. Side activities feel purposeful and entertaining rather than obligatory, creating a world that invites exploration and experimentation. For JRPG fans, Infinite Wealth represents one of the genre's strongest entries in recent years. For Yakuza veterans, it's a worthy continuation that honors the series' legacy while pointing toward an exciting future. This is essential gaming for anyone seeking a heartfelt adventure with substance, humor, and genuine emotional depth.