**Yakuza: Like a Dragon – The Pearl of Japanese RPGs**
### Introduction: A New Chapter in the Yakuza Franchise
In the world of Japanese video games, few titles have garnered as much acclaim and attention as the *Yakuza* series. From its humble beginnings as a gritty, action-packed crime drama set in the neon-lit streets of Kamurocho, to its evolution into a full-fledged RPG with *Yakuza: Like a Dragon*, the series has continuously reinvented itself while staying true to its core themes of loyalty, friendship, and redemption. *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* (originally released in Japan in 2020 as *Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Hikari to Yami* or “Like a Dragon: Light and Darkness”) marked a significant departure from the series’ familiar beat-’em-up mechanics, introducing turn-based combat, new characters, and an all-new setting.
This article delves into why *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* stands out not just as a *Yakuza* game, but as a shining example of what modern role-playing games (RPGs) can achieve. We will explore the evolution of the series, the new direction taken in *Like a Dragon*, its characters and story, the gameplay innovations, and its cultural impact. As the “pearl” of the franchise, *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* has proven to be both a critical and commercial success, attracting new fans while delighting long-time followers of the series.
### A Shift in Gameplay: From Action to Turn-Based Combat
The most significant change in *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* compared to its predecessors is the shift from the series’ trademark action combat to a fully-fledged, turn-based RPG system. This decision was a bold one, as the *Yakuza* series had become renowned for its fast-paced, real-time combat, which had players battling hordes of enemies using a combination of martial arts, street weapons, and the environment.
However, *Like a Dragon* sought to reinvent the wheel by embracing a more traditional turn-based combat style. This was in part inspired by classic Japanese RPGs like *Dragon Quest*, a series that plays a significant role in shaping *Like a Dragon*’s aesthetic and mechanics. The protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, is a lifelong fan of *Dragon Quest*, and this influence is deeply ingrained in the gameplay. Combat in *Like a Dragon* feels like an homage to old-school RPGs, but with a modern twist—character abilities are diverse and often humorous, with Ichiban and his companions performing exaggerated “attacks” inspired by their personalities.
This shift was not just a gimmick but a deliberate choice by the developers to breathe new life into the franchise. By blending traditional RPG mechanics with the gritty, street-level storytelling that *Yakuza* is known for, *Like a Dragon* managed to create a gameplay experience that feels fresh and exciting, without abandoning the elements that made the series iconic.
### The Cast of Characters: Ichiban Kasuga and His Unlikely Allies
At the heart of *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* is Ichiban Kasuga, the game’s protagonist. Unlike Kazuma Kiryu, the long-time face of the series, Ichiban is a much more eccentric and optimistic character, marking a shift in tone for the series. Raised in a small, rundown town, Ichiban’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Upon his release, he discovers that his old yakuza family has abandoned him, and his once-beloved patron, Arakawa, has been murdered. Ichiban sets out on a quest for vengeance, but along the way, he also learns about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and finding his own way in a world that has left him behind.
Ichiban’s personality is one of his greatest strengths as a character. He’s energetic, somewhat naïve, and always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. His love for *Dragon Quest* serves as a narrative device, both influencing his worldview and providing a source of lighthearted humor throughout the game. His unwavering optimism and sense of justice make him an endearing protagonist, and his journey from a lone, betrayed yakuza to a leader of his own ragtag group is one of the game’s most compelling arcs.
Alongside Ichiban, players meet a host of colourful characters who each bring their own unique qualities to the story. There’s Adachi, a disgraced former cop; Nanba, a homeless man with a mysterious past; and Saeko, a bar hostess with hidden talents. Together, they form a dysfunctional but lovable group, each member contributing to the party dynamics and the narrative in meaningful ways. This diverse cast of characters is one of the standout aspects of *Like a Dragon* and is a key factor in why the game resonates with so many players.
### Story and Themes: Loyalty, Redemption, and the Search for Purpose
*Yakuza: Like a Dragon* features a story that is as much about personal growth as it is about crime, betrayal, and vengeance. At its core, the game explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the shifting nature of identity. Ichiban’s journey is one of self-discovery as he transitions from a hot-headed young man following in the footsteps of a father-figure to a leader who must make difficult decisions in order to protect those he cares about.
The narrative touches on the darker aspects of Japanese society, such as corruption within both the police force and the yakuza, as well as the precariousness of loyalty in a world where power and money are often more important than honour. The game’s portrayal of the yakuza, often depicted as noble but tragic anti-heroes in earlier *Yakuza* titles, takes on a more complex and morally ambiguous tone in *Like a Dragon*. The story paints the yakuza as a group caught between tradition and modernity, with many members questioning whether their old ways still have a place in the rapidly changing world around them.
As Ichiban uncovers the truth about Arakawa’s death and the web of corruption surrounding it, the game’s exploration of family dynamics, both biological and chosen, becomes more apparent. Throughout the game, Ichiban’s relationship with his allies mirrors the dynamics of a traditional yakuza family—though this time, the loyalty is not dictated by honour, but by friendship and mutual respect. This emotional depth is a major reason why the game is so effective in pulling players into its world and making them care about the fates of its characters.
### Setting: Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijincho
Unlike the previous *Yakuza* games, which were set primarily in the fictional district of Kamurocho (a recreation of Tokyo’s Kabukicho), *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* introduces players to a new, expansive city: Yokohama. More specifically, the game’s setting is Isezaki Ijincho, a district that, while also fictional, is based on a real area of Yokohama. The setting serves as a vibrant backdrop to Ichiban’s journey, filled with bustling streets, shady alleys, and quirky side activities.
Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijincho is a world unto itself, brimming with character and life. Unlike Kamurocho, which is primarily defined by its seedy underbelly, Ijincho presents a more diverse array of environments, from its neon-lit entertainment districts to its industrial zones and residential areas. The world is dense with content, offering everything from street battles with bizarre enemies to mini-games like karaoke, batting cages, and even a management simulation where players can run a business.
The attention to detail in recreating Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijincho is impressive, with a strong focus on creating an authentic atmosphere. The city feels alive, with NPCs going about their daily routines, weather systems changing, and a day-night cycle that affects the game’s events and encounters. This sense of immersion is a hallmark of the *Yakuza* series, and *Like a Dragon* takes it to new heights by presenting a sprawling urban environment that is rich in both narrative and gameplay potential.
### Combat and Job System: Customisation and Strategy
One of the standout features of *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* is its innovative job system. As a traditional RPG, the game allows players to change the roles of each character by assigning them different “jobs,” such as the Hero, Hostess, Dealer, or Chef. Each job has its own unique set of abilities, equipment, and combat style. This system adds a layer of depth and strategy to the game, as players can experiment with different combinations of jobs to create a party that suits their playstyle.
The turn-based combat in *Like a Dragon* is more than just a typical RPG battle system. It incorporates elements of environmental interaction, with characters able to use nearby objects (such as bikes, signs, or traffic cones) as weapons, making each encounter dynamic and visually striking. Furthermore, the job system encourages players to adapt their strategies on the fly, using their characters’ unique abilities to exploit enemy weaknesses and overcome challenging boss fights.
The game’s battle system is engaging and rewarding, with each new job or ability providing an opportunity for players to rethink their approach to combat. This sense of progression—both in terms of character growth and tactical depth—keeps the gameplay fresh and enjoyable throughout the lengthy campaign.
### Side Content: A World Full of Distractions
In typical *Yakuza* fashion, *Like a Dragon* offers an abundance of side content, ensuring that players have plenty to do beyond the main story. From helping random NPCs with their problems to embarking on bizarre mini-games, there is no shortage of distractions in Isezaki Ijincho.
One of the most notable side activities is the management simulation, where players can take on the