The Yakuza, or as it’s known now, the Like a Dragon series, is one that has stretched many years and multiple games, but the most interesting thing about it is how diverse these games are. The games have always been innovative open world-esque brawlers akin to a 3D take on the Kunio-Kun series, but the games always managed to do something new, from fighting zombies to becoming a JRPG series, Lika a Dragon has always been trying different things. Recently, one of the formerly Japan-only titles has been given a remake and made its way west as well, but does Like A Dragon: Ishin! hold up, or should it have stayed left where it was?
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is set in the time of the Meiji Restoration and features a cast based on historical figures with the case of the series in their roles, with Kazuma Kiryu standing in as Sakamoto Ryoma and Saito Hajime, Goro Majima as Okita Soji and more. The story of the game sees the samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, who is drawn into a world of intrigue and mystery after an encounter with the local police force. Ryoma takes on a new identity and sets out to discover the truth and bring about change. The story is actually based around real-life events but with some interesting RGG Studios woven in for good measure.
This is a large game that is set around two areas and each is full of things to do. Like with other RGG games, there are a large number of side quests and mini-games to enjoy and people to talk to. You can manage a farm for instance, and a number of small games can be played that are found all over. The quests and mini-games are all fun to play and enjoy, but be aware that you will lose a lot of time with them.
Like A Dragon: Ishin! manages to capture of the feel of the mainline games and the large cities, but done in a very different environment. One neat addition to the game in the form of a quality-of-life improvement is the glossary built into the conversations. This allows you to refresh your memory of what certain things mean during important scenes, especially if you have not played in a long time, which is extremely helpful for those playing multiple games at a time or only having a short time to play.
What is very well done in Like A Dragon: Ishin! is the combat, which has four styles to be used. These four styles are Swordsman, Gunman, Brawler, and Wild Dancer, which all provide a nice variety in the gameplay. Swordsman is very self-explanatory, while Brawler will feel like the mainline games, but Gunman feels very unique in this game, as it manages to incorporate the historical aspects of how guns were used and worked at the time, making for a less traditional experience. Wild Dancer combines both Gunman and Swordsman, which is good for what it is, but the other styles all manage to overshadow it.
There is more to the combat however as there is a neat side-game in the form of cards you can use as helpers in battle. Finding the various character cards can be a bit neat but it actually ends up feeling a bit grindy at times. Another thing that feels grind-heavy is the crafting system which just feels way too repetitive and can get in the way of the real fun.
What must be stated is that the game is absolutely visually stunning, with such attention to detail and effects that pop out on screen. Every character looks perfect, and the combat and minigames shine with the work put in, and Meiji era Japan has never appeared so good. This is not even getting into the music which is also amazing, and some of RGG Studio’s best, showing how serious they take their work.
The story of the game is well handled and gives a great Like A Dragon take on historical Japanese events. Seeing the Like A Dragon characters in these roles is a real treat and the world feels very much lived in. This is a fresh take on the series and it would be great to see the other Japan-only title set in the Samurai era get a similar treatment.
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is a refreshing take on the series with great use of characters, excellent combat and masterful storytelling. RGG Studio did some great work here, and the final result, even with some flaws, is something fans and newcomers alike can enjoy. This one is highly recommended.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
