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CRITIK

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Item: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJan 26, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5

DeveloperRyu ga Gotoku Studios

Overview

Two larger-than-life heroes, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu are brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an RPG adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Like a Dragon 8 is the next installment in the Yakuza series that will feature Ichiban and Kiryu as dual protagonists.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has garnered widespread praise from the majority of critics, who found it to be a standout aspect of the game. Dexerto commends the game for providing a heartfelt farewell to Kazuma Kiryu while seamlessly introducing Ichiban Kasuga as the new protagonist, maintaining familiar themes of loyalty and chosen families. PCGamesN and Cultured Vultures also highlight the captivating storytelling with a new protagonist and diverse characters, adding depth to the narrative. The emotional depth, character development, and engaging narrative arcs are consistently lauded throughout the reviews, with critics like CGMagazine and Digital Chumps praising the heartwarming and immersive storytelling experience. On the flip side, some critics, such as Game Revolution and Guardian, point out certain shortcomings in the story of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Game Revolution mentions issues with character regression and pacing, while Guardian notes a slow start and a lack of tension and memorable antagonists. Additionally, Eurogamer highlights that the focus on native issues in Hawaii fizzles out in favor of recurring faces and usual criminal plots. These criticisms suggest that while the story excels in many aspects, there are areas where it falls short in terms of maintaining a consistent pace and delivering impactful antagonists to drive the narrative forward. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The majority of reviewers appreciate the emotional depth, complex character development, and engaging narrative that the game offers. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Twinfinite commend the gripping and enthralling storytelling that expertly balances drama and humor, providing ample exploration of characters and settings. Despite some minor flaws in pacing and character development, the overall sentiment is that the story delivers a rich and immersive experience that resonates with players, making it a standout feature of the game. The diverse themes, well-crafted plot twists, and heartfelt moments contribute to a compelling narrative that keeps players invested from start to finish.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's story receives widespread acclaim for its emotional depth, character development, and engaging narrative, seamlessly transitioning to a new protagonist while maintaining familiar themes. Critics praise the heartwarming storytelling but note some shortcomings like character regression and pacing issues. Overall, the game offers a rich and immersive experience with gripping storytelling that resonates with players, despite minor flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, highlighting various positive aspects. VideoGamer commended the turn-based combat system, new job system, and the clever usage of combat mechanics in boss fights. WellPlayed appreciated the evolution from traditional action-brawler to turn-based RPG, with multiple fighting styles and well-designed combat, offering a variety of moves to explore. COGconnected found the combat system addictive and deep, introducing new mechanics like positioning and using the environment, while also emphasizing the world's meticulous design and unique gameplay experiences. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Guardian mentioned that the combat felt too easy on the default difficulty and criticized the late introduction and lack of attractiveness of the job system. Siliconera noted that while the game offers a lot of mini-games and activities, some of the systems felt half-baked, lacking depth in certain aspects. Slant Magazine criticized the unbalanced nature of the turn-based RPG combat, despite acknowledging the game's variety of mini-games and deep sense of play. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Critics such as Eurogamer, Twinfinite, and Worth Playing highlighted the improved turn-based combat system with strategic elements, diverse job options, and engaging battles. The addition of new features like strategic positioning, combo attacks, and cooperative moves received praise for adding depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Despite some criticisms regarding difficulty balance and system depth, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be highly enjoyable, with a good balance of tactical depth and engaging mechanics, making Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth a standout title in the turn-based RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's gameplay, praising its turn-based combat, new job system, and innovative boss fights. Despite some minor flaws like easy combat and shallow systems, the game impresses with addictive mechanics, meticulous world design, and engaging experiences. Overall, critics laud its strategic combat elements, diverse job options, and engaging battles, making it a standout title in the turn-based RPG genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

66%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics such as Digital Chumps and Digital Trends commended the game for its stunning graphics, excellent art direction, and technical fidelity. They appreciated the wide color palette and detailed character models, creating a visually appealing experience. Eurogamer and Game Informer also lauded the engaging visuals, with Eurogamer mentioning that the visuals reach new, outlandish heights and Game Informer praising the fantastic open-world environments in Kamurocho, Ijincho, and Honolulu. The detailed settings, immersive tropical atmosphere, and vibrant city design were highlighted by critics like PCWorld and Power Unlimited, contributing to a positive atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. VG247 mentioned that while the enemy types, weapons, and jobs looked interesting, the fighting often took place in visually boring underground haunts. Worth Playing noted that while the major scenes and combat graphics were fantastic, some in-between areas may look basic, indicating a potential inconsistency in the visual quality throughout the game. WellPlayed highlighted minor issues with NPCs and a framerate problem on Dondoko Island, suggesting that there were some technical shortcomings that affected the overall visual experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The majority of reviewers appreciated the game's detailed character models, visually stunning environments, and immersive world design. The game was praised for its intricate open-world settings, engaging visuals, and attention to detail in recreating locations like Kamurocho, Ijincho, and Honolulu. While there were some minor criticisms regarding specific aspects such as repetitive environments or technical issues in certain areas, the overall sentiment is that the game delivers a visually impressive experience that enhances the gameplay and immerses players in its vibrant and detailed world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning graphics and visual design in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, praising the detailed character models, vibrant environments, and immersive world design. While some note minor issues like repetitive environments and technical glitches, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers highlighting the game's visually appealing experience that enhances gameplay.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth have received high praise from multiple critics. Dexerto commends the mix of heartfelt and surreal moments in the game's substories, with melancholic substory theme songs effectively enhancing the emotional and quirky elements. PCGamesN highlights the standout soundtrack with high-tempo beats and exceptional voice acting performances, contributing to a memorable experience. Digital Chumps appreciates the option to customize the soundtrack by acquiring in-game tunes, while utilizing the Japanese audio track with English subtitles for an authentic experience. WellPlayed also notes the banger beats during fights and playful tones, showcasing the diverse and engaging sound design that complements the gameplay. On the flip side, some critics point out certain negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Game Informer mentions inconsistencies in English voice acting that can be distracting, while Push Square criticizes the inconsistent voice acting with different actors for different languages, which can detract from the immersion. XboxEra criticizes the excessive auto-tune in the English dub for karaoke, highlighting a specific issue within the game's sound design that may affect the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side when it comes to the Sound Design and Music of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. RPG Fan describes the audio design as near-flawless with exceptional voice acting, while Pure Xbox simply states that the game sounds fantastic. The majority of critics appreciate the diverse range of activities, exceptional voice acting performances, and the immersive sound design that adds depth and variety to the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding inconsistencies in voice acting and specific audio choices, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the music and sound design contributing significantly to the game's appeal and immersive qualities.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's top-notch sound design and music, praising its heartfelt and quirky elements, high-tempo beats, and exceptional voice acting. While some mention minor flaws like inconsistent voice acting and excessive auto-tune, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The diverse and engaging sound design enhances the gameplay, making the audio experience a standout feature of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The Voice Acting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. PCGamesN and VideoGamer both praised the exceptional performances by voice actors, highlighting the addition of a Chinese dub track for increased accessibility as a positive aspect. RPG Fan also commended the exceptional voice acting, particularly from the returning cast, indicating a strong positive sentiment towards the performances in the game. WellPlayed appreciated how both the English and Japanese voiceovers did justice to every character, showcasing a well-rounded approach to voice acting. On the other hand, there were criticisms regarding the Voice Acting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Game Informer pointed out that while the Japanese voice acting was impressive and enhanced character arcs, the English voice acting was lacking in quality and immersion, suggesting a discrepancy in the delivery across different language tracks. Gamers Heroes noted that some characters in the English dub were subpar, impacting the overall experience negatively. Push Square highlighted the inconsistency in voice acting, mentioning that different voice actors for different languages could be distracting, indicating a lack of cohesion in the overall performance. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Voice Acting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth leans towards the positive side, with praise for exceptional performances, especially in the Japanese track, and the addition of language options for players. However, there are concerns about inconsistencies, particularly in the English dub, which may affect the overall immersion and experience for some players. Siliconera's mention of the game managing better than most in terms of voice acting suggests that while there are some shortcomings, the overall execution of voice acting in the game is commendable.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Some praise the exceptional performances, especially in the Japanese dub, while others criticize inconsistencies and subpar English voiceovers. Despite the positive aspects like added accessibility with a Chinese dub track, concerns remain about the varying quality across different language tracks. Overall, the voice acting in the game is commendable but with room for improvement, particularly in achieving consistency and immersion for all players.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positive feedback for the Technical Performance across different gaming platforms, reviewers highlighted several strengths. PCWorld praised the smooth fast travel system on PC, which helped alleviate frustrations with the open-ended game world. Gamers Heroes and Push Square commended the PS5 version for running smoothly without frame drops, bugs, or crashes, showcasing good technical performance. Pure Xbox also lauded the flawless performance of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth on Xbox Series X, emphasizing the game's excellent optimization for the platform. On the flip side, there were some notable technical issues mentioned by reviewers for specific gaming platforms. Hey Poor Player encountered occasional difficulty spikes and pacing issues on the PS5, including a soft-lock situation that required loading a previous save. TRG pointed out performance dips in busier areas as a downside for the PS5 version. XboxEra highlighted significant technical issues with the PC version, such as broken frame generation, graphical issues, input lag, stuttering, and long loading times, contrasting with the more stable performance of the console version on Xbox Series X. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Technical Performance across various gaming platforms. While there were some minor issues reported by reviewers like WellPlayed regarding NPCs phasing in and out on the PS5, the general sentiment indicates a well-optimized and stable experience on most platforms. Positive feedback from critics like Hooked Gamers, who mentioned infrequent combat bugs on PC, and Gaming Nexus, who praised the fantastic performance on Xbox Series X and Series S, contributes to the overall positive consensus. However, the technical shortcomings highlighted by Hey Poor Player on the PS5 and XboxEra's detailed critique of the PC version serve as reminders that there are still areas for improvement in ensuring a consistently smooth and bug-free gameplay experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally give Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth a thumbs up for its technical performance on various platforms, praising smooth gameplay on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. However, some issues like difficulty spikes on PS5 and technical problems on PC were noted. Overall, the game is well-optimized but has room for improvement in eliminating bugs and glitches across all platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, highlighting the abundance of engaging side content and activities that enhance the overall gameplay experience. Dexerto commended the engaging substories and additional gameplay elements like Dodonko Island and Sujimon battles, which add depth and variety to the Yakuza experience. Game Revolution, PCWorld, and Eurogamer also noted the extensive side activities such as the Sujimon League and Dondoko Island, providing players with ample opportunities to explore and engage beyond the main story. This sentiment was echoed by Cultured Vultures, who appreciated the presence of minigames and additional content to keep players immersed in the game. While the majority of critics found the replay value of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to be exceptional, there were a few mentions of potential drawbacks. Cultured Vultures pointed out that some modes may become repetitive or limited after a certain point, suggesting that certain activities might not offer sustained engagement throughout extended playtime. Player 2 highlighted that the new Hawaii map, while expansive, could feel somewhat empty at times, and there were some cultural shock issues with certain activities and side quests. Digital Chumps also mentioned that while there is a lot of optional side content, a significant portion of it may not be essential to the overall experience, indicating that some content could be skipped without impacting the gameplay significantly. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The game's wealth of side activities, substories, minigames, and additional content provide players with a vast array of options to explore and enjoy, extending the playtime significantly. Critics like Press Start Australia and RPG Fan highlighted the diverse optional content and side stories that contribute to a triple-digit playtime, while Siliconera praised the substantial amount of activities, including the Animal Crossing-inspired Dondoko Island. The majority of reviewers appreciated the variety and depth of content, making Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth a highly replayable and immersive experience for players seeking an extensive and engaging gameplay journey.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about the replay value of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, praising its engaging side content and activities that enhance the gameplay experience. While some mention potential drawbacks like repetitive modes and empty areas, overall, the game offers a wealth of options for players to explore and enjoy, making it highly replayable and immersive.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth for its exceptional storytelling, engaging gameplay, and varied content. Game Informer commended the game for offering a unique and memorable experience, while XboxEra highlighted its great evolution of RPG combat, incredible soundtrack, and abundance of content. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Worth Playing also lauded the game for its well-written story, vibrant setting, and lovable characters, making it a highly recommended title. The game's colorful cast of characters and emotional depth, as mentioned by VG247, added to its appeal, creating a rich and immersive gaming experience that celebrated teamwork and companionship, as noted by PlayStation Universe. On the downside, some critics pointed out flaws in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. XboxEra mentioned that the story could have resolved loose plot threads better, and the PC version was disappointing. Slant Magazine noted that the tonal balance of serious themes and humor faltered in the second half of the game. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the game remained positive, with most reviewers acknowledging its strengths and unique qualities. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Critics like But Why Tho?? and CGMagazine described the game as a masterpiece and one of their favorite games of all time, respectively. TheXboxHub suggested it could be a strong contender for Game of the Year, highlighting its incredible content and high standard. The game's ability to deliver a satisfying and engaging experience, as mentioned by Hooked Gamers, Twinfinite, and Player 2, resonated with many reviewers, making it a must-play for fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts alike. The game's rich stories, engaging activities, emotional depth, and fun gameplay, as praised by PC Invasion, contributed to its status as an epic achievement not to be missed. In conclusion, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth stands out as a top-tier RPG that successfully evolves the series, offering a compelling narrative, immersive world design, and a memorable gaming experience that resonated positively with the majority of critics.

TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth for its exceptional storytelling, engaging gameplay, and varied content, with Game Informer calling it a unique and memorable experience. Despite some flaws noted by critics, the game is described as a masterpiece by many, with high praise for its rich stories, emotional depth, and fun gameplay. Overall, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is considered a top-tier RPG that delivers a compelling narrative and immersive experience, making it a must-play for fans and RPG enthusiasts alike.

CRITIK

Reviews

218 reviews found

100

GamesHub

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly recommended and receives a five-star rating.

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100

But Why Tho?

Xbox Series X

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes the game as a masterpiece and a worthy sendoff for the legendary character. It also mentions that it feels like a victory lap while paving the way for the future of the franchise.

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100

Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is considered the best Yakuza game to date, with a big fat 10 out of 10 rating.

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100

VGC

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best RPGs with excellent combat, a wonderful cast of characters, and a willingness to be incredibly weird. It offers a lot of content and is highly recommended.

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100

CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an amazing game and easily one of the reviewer's favorite games of all time.

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100

TRG

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is praised as an early game of the year contender, with a heartfelt story, engaging gameplay, and a dizzying amount of quality side content, making the reviewer confident in the series' future.

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100

NME

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A refreshing and heartfelt RPG that successfully evolves the Like a Dragon format

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as having incredible content and being of high standard. It is praised for its story, gameplay, and abundance of side content. The review suggests that it could be a strong contender for Game of the Year.

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100

VG247

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game's greatest strength is its colorful cast of characters and the emotional ups and downs of the human experience. It is a game about finding out who your mates are.

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PC Invasion

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is praised as an ambitious next chapter in a beloved saga, exceeding expectations with engaging activities, emotional depth, and fun, making it an epic achievement not to be missed.

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