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Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Item: Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Drama, Single Player

AvailableFeb 18, 2023

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

DeveloperRyu ga Gotoku Studios

Overview

Being remade from the ground up in UE4, this Yakuza spin-off returns us to feudal Japan in this remake for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Steam! Like a Dragon: Ishin! will be a remake of Ryuu ga Gotoku Ishin! from 22 February 2014. The original game only released domestically in Japan, but the remake will release globally in February 2023.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Like a Dragon: Ishin! are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its historical setting and complex narratives. Critics such as Gaming Age, Game Informer, and Pure Xbox appreciate the gripping drama and intriguing twists that the story offers. The story is often described as emotionally engaging, with Easy Allies noting its heightened melodrama. The narrative explores themes of revenge, identity, and political struggles, providing a meaningful and emotional experience for players. The inclusion of familiar characters from the Yakuza series, as mentioned by COGconnected and Game Revolution, adds a sense of familiarity and depth to the story. The story also incorporates elements of Japanese history, with IGN Adria and Dexerto highlighting the references to real-life historical figures. However, there are some criticisms regarding the story of Like a Dragon: Ishin!. Some critics, such as GameSpew and Siliconera, find the story to be dull or confusing at certain points. Game Informer mentions that keeping track of the story can be challenging, and the ending is considered uncharacteristically meta. PC Games and ZTGD criticize the excessive number of twists in the last third of the game, which affects the credibility of the story. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story remains positive. In conclusion, the story of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is generally well-received by critics. It is praised for its gripping drama, emotionally engaging narrative, and inclusion of historical elements. The story explores themes of revenge, identity, and political struggles, providing a meaningful and emotional experience for players. While there are some criticisms regarding dull or confusing moments, as well as excessive twists in the story, the overall consensus is that the story of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a compelling and enjoyable experience. Critics such as Gaming Age, Game Informer, and Pure Xbox particularly appreciate the depth and drama of the narrative, making it one of the standout aspects of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally praise the gripping drama and historical setting of Like a Dragon: Ishin! The story is emotionally engaging, exploring themes of revenge and identity with familiar characters from the Yakuza series. Some find the story confusing or dull at points, with criticism of excessive twists in the latter part of the game. Overall, critics agree that the narrative offers a compelling and enjoyable experience, with its depth and drama standing out as a highlight.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Ishin! are generally positive. Many critics praise the combat system, which offers a variety of fighting styles and abilities. Critics such as COGconnected and Game Informer highlight the fun and diverse combat encounters, with options to personalize the character's fighting style. The addition of Trooper Cards, as mentioned by GameSpew and Dexerto, adds depth and variety to the combat. The skill trees and upgradeable abilities, as mentioned by Easy Allies and Push Square, provide opportunities for customization and growth. The combat is described as engaging, satisfying, and punchy by critics like DualShockers and VG247. However, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. Some critics, like Player 2 and TheSixthAxis, mention that the gameplay feels outdated and reminiscent of earlier Yakuza games. The archaic UI and menus, frequent loading screens, and repetitive side quest design are mentioned by Player 2 as elements that may be difficult to overlook in a modern game. The camera and enemy placement in cramped areas are mentioned as problematic by Game Informer. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Gaming Age express disappointment in the combat, with Cultured Vultures noting that it relies too heavily on gimmicky aspects. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is enjoyable, with a variety of combat options and activities to engage in. The combat system is praised for its depth and variety, with the inclusion of different fighting styles and Trooper Cards. The skill trees and upgradeable abilities add customization and growth to the gameplay experience. However, there are some negative aspects, such as outdated mechanics and repetitive side quest design, that some critics find difficult to overlook. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics finding the combat engaging and satisfying.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly praise the gameplay of Like a Dragon: Ishin! for its diverse combat system and customization options, but some point out outdated mechanics and repetitive elements. Overall, the game offers engaging and satisfying combat experiences with room for improvement.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Like a Dragon: Ishin! are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praised the game's visuals, noting impressive lighting effects, detailed character models, and authentic environments. Critics such as Game Informer and NME commended the meticulous attention to detail in the historical setting of 1860s Kyoto, which brought the open world to life. The city of Kyo was described as well-designed, with distinct districts that added character to the overall setting. The remastered graphics and fully rendered cutscenes were also appreciated by critics like COGconnected and Hey Poor Player. However, there were also negative opinions regarding the game's visuals. Some critics, such as God is a Geek and Screen Rant, pointed out issues with textures, plastic-looking character models, and awkward body movements. The visuals were described as inconsistent, with a mix of impressive visuals and lackluster ones. The game suffered from technical issues, including visual glitches and frame drops, as mentioned by PCMag and The Mako Reactor. Critics like Digital Chumps and Cultured Vultures noted minor glitches, performance issues, and a lack of polish in certain areas. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Like a Dragon: Ishin! has visually improved remastered graphics, with impressive lighting, detailed character models, and authentic environments. The historical setting of Kyoto was praised for its meticulous detail and immersive visuals. However, there were some negative aspects, such as inconsistent visuals, technical issues, and a lack of polish in certain areas. While some critics were impressed by the visual overhaul and fully rendered cutscenes, others felt that the game's visuals were not as impressive as other entries in the series. Despite the mixed opinions, it is evident that the game's graphics and visual design received both praise and criticism from reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics and visual design of Like a Dragon: Ishin! Some praise its impressive lighting and detailed character models, while others criticize issues with textures and awkward animations. The historical setting of Kyoto is lauded for its attention to detail, but technical problems like visual glitches and frame drops are noted. Overall, the game's visuals have improved, but there are inconsistencies and performance issues that divide critics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Like a Dragon: Ishin!, considering it to be very good. DualShockers noted the distinct sounds of traditional musical instruments, which added to the overall experience. Game Informer highlighted the impressive direction of cutscenes and excellent voice acting performances, with the sound design and music enhancing the game. GamesHub appreciated the sharp and entertaining English localization, while Hey Poor Player mentioned the excellent variety of mini-games and activities, including a singing and dancing mini-game. PCMag commended the excellent voice performances and period-accurate Japanese dialogue, emphasizing the cast's exceptional delivery. Twinfinite also praised the stellar voice acting, sound effects, and music throughout the game. While the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Like a Dragon: Ishin! was positive, there were a few critics who mentioned some limitations. Impulsegamer noted that the game lacked English voice acting, but still commended the amazing job done by the Japanese cast. The Mako Reactor also mentioned the absence of English voice acting, but still found the Japanese voice acting to be superlative. Worth Playing mentioned that the voice acting was exclusively in Japanese, which may limit accessibility for non-Japanese speakers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Like a Dragon: Ishin! are very good. The distinct sounds of traditional musical instruments, impressive voice acting performances, and enjoyable music were highlighted by multiple critics. The audio was well done, with NPCs talking and impressive voice acting during cutscenes, as mentioned by Movies Games and Tech. The soundtrack was also praised for evoking memories of previous battles and enhancing the immersive experience, as noted by Cultured Vultures. Pure Xbox mentioned that the game looked and sounded fantastic, with glorious cutscenes and a compelling soundtrack. The positive opinions of the majority of the critics indicate that the sound design and music of Like a Dragon: Ishin! greatly contributed to the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about the sound design and music in Like a Dragon: Ishin!, praising the distinct sounds of traditional instruments, impressive voice acting, and immersive soundtrack. While some noted limitations like the absence of English voice acting, the majority agreed that the audio greatly enhanced the game's experience, making it a must-play for fans of stellar sound design.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Like a Dragon: Ishin! has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised the performances in the cutscenes, noting that they were strong and helped build engagement with the narrative. COGconnected and Movies Games and Tech both highlighted the impressive voice acting during the game's cutscenes, emphasizing how it added to the overall quality of the game. Game Rant also commended the emotional weight carried by the voice acting in pre-rendered sequences, further enhancing the characters' personalities and voices. The return of familiar faces and voices from the Yakuza series was also seen as a positive aspect by Game Revolution, with each new encounter acting as an Easter egg for fans of the franchise. There were no significant negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Like a Dragon: Ishin! mentioned by the critics. This suggests that the voice acting was consistently well-done throughout the game. The absence of any negative comments indicates that the voice acting did not detract from the overall experience and was not a point of criticism for the reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Like a Dragon: Ishin! was excellent. Game Informer, PCMag, and Push Square all described the voice acting as superb, with notable performances from Takaya Kuroda and other returning actors from the Yakuza series. Impulsegamer praised the Japanese cast for doing an amazing job in depicting the characters. The Mako Reactor mentioned that while the voice acting is only available in Japanese, it is still superlative. Twinfinite also commended the voice acting, describing it as stellar with strong performances throughout the game. The positive opinions from multiple critics highlight the high quality and consistency of the voice acting in Like a Dragon: Ishin!, ultimately contributing to the overall positive reception of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the stellar voice acting in Like a Dragon: Ishin!, highlighting strong performances that enhance the narrative and characters. No negative feedback was mentioned, indicating consistent excellence throughout. Returning Yakuza series actors, emotional depth, and top-notch Japanese cast performances all contribute to the game's overall positive reception.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

90%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance on the PS5, several critics had mixed opinions. Some reviewers, such as Gamers Heroes and Impulsegamer, reported no frame drops or crashes during gameplay, indicating a smooth experience on the platform. Additionally, The Mako Reactor mentioned that the day one patch significantly improved the game, addressing various issues like camera problems and animations. These positive aspects suggest that the PS5 version of Like a Dragon: Ishin! can provide a stable and enjoyable gaming experience for players. However, other critics highlighted technical issues on the PS5. Game Rant and PCMag mentioned freezing, crashes, and menu problems that disrupted the pacing and immersion of the game. Screen Rant and Siliconera also noted issues like invisible dialogue options and slowdown when loading scripted sequences or talking to vendors. These negative aspects indicate that the PS5 version of the game may suffer from bugs, glitches, and occasional technical hiccups that can hinder the overall experience. Moving on to the PC version, Dexerto and Movies Games and Tech reported technical issues such as framerate drops, stuttering, and crashes. However, Movies Games and Tech mentioned that the stuttering improved with a patch. ZTGD stated that most of the issues on PC at launch have been fixed, suggesting that the developers have been actively addressing and resolving technical problems. Despite these issues, it is worth noting that Dexerto mentioned the likelihood of not experiencing the same issues on a console, implying that the PC version may have more technical challenges compared to console versions. For the Xbox Series X, Cultured Vultures reported minor glitches and performance issues, such as textures loading during cutscenes and characters getting stuck on geometry. Tech-Gaming mentioned problems with the camera in confined areas and unexpected difficulty spikes in side quests. These issues, however, were considered understandable given the vast amount of content in the game, indicating that the Xbox Series X version still offers a satisfactory gaming experience. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of Like a Dragon: Ishin! were varied across different gaming platforms. While some platforms, like the PS5, had a mix of positive and negative feedback, others, such as the Xbox Series X, had a more positive reception with only minor glitches and understandable technical challenges. Despite the reported technical issues, it is important to consider that some critics mentioned improvements through patches and the potential for future updates to address these problems. Players should take into account the specific platform they intend to play on and weigh the overall consensus of the critics when considering their gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Like a Dragon: Ishin! across different platforms. PS5 had smooth gameplay with some issues, while PC faced framerate and crashing problems. Xbox Series X had minor glitches but still offered a satisfactory experience. Consider platform-specific feedback and potential updates before diving into the game.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is largely positive. Many critics praised the game for offering a variety of meaningful activities and side missions that contribute to its replayability. Gaming Age, Easy Allies, and Game Rant all highlighted the game's diverse range of activities, including side quests, mini-games, and a farming simulator called Another Life. These activities provide players with ample content beyond the main story and contribute to the game's replay value. Dexerto also commended the game for its engaging world and dense setting, which breathes life into the gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of Like a Dragon: Ishin!. DualShockers mentioned occasional difficulty spikes and outdated activities that may require grinding, which could potentially hinder the overall replayability for some players. Worth Playing also noted that while the game offers a fun experience with optional challenge dungeons and a variety of mini-games, some reviewers preferred the modern setting of previous games in the franchise. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Like a Dragon: Ishin! offers a significant amount of content and activities to keep players engaged and entertained, contributing to its replay value. Critics such as Easy Allies, PCMag, and TheXboxHub highlighted the game's various side activities, substories, and systems that provide good value for money. The game's wealth of substories, minigames, and slice-of-life gameplay were also praised by TheGamer. While there were some criticisms regarding difficulty spikes and preferences for previous game settings, the overall sentiment suggests that Like a Dragon: Ishin! offers enough replay value to keep players entertained for hours on end.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Like a Dragon: Ishin! for its diverse activities and meaningful side missions that enhance replay value. While some mention difficulty spikes and outdated elements, the game's engaging world and abundance of content keep players entertained for hours. Overall, it offers a wealth of substories, minigames, and slice-of-life gameplay that provide good value for money and contribute to its replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Like a Dragon: Ishin!, it is evident that the game has received predominantly positive feedback. Many critics praised the game for its compelling story, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. Gaming Age commends the game for being a wondrous experience with a strong story, gameplay, and replayability. DualShockers describes it as a near-perfect experience on all fronts, with a memorable and thought-provoking story. Easy Allies highlights the emotionally engaging story, memorable cast of characters, and fresh take on combat, making it a less-intimidating starting point for newcomers. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by certain critics. IGN Adria points out that the game feels mechanically outdated compared to recent entries, and Pure Xbox mentions that it follows the established Like a Dragon framework, which may make it feel safe and familiar. Some critics also mentioned technical issues and outdated visuals, such as Gamereactor UK and The Mako Reactor. These criticisms indicate that there are areas in which the game could have been improved. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a highly enjoyable game that is Worth Playing, particularly for fans of the Yakuza series. Critics like COGconnected and Dexerto mention that it will appeal to fans of the franchise, with COGconnected describing it as a lost classic that fans will be ecstatic about. The game is praised for its unique story, satisfying gameplay, immersive world, and the successful transformation of the Yakuza franchise into a 19th-century setting, as stated by WellPlayed and Movies Games and Tech. The positive feedback from multiple critics suggests that Like a Dragon: Ishin! delivers on its promise of providing a refreshing and engaging adventure, making it a must-play game for fans of the series.

TL;DR

Like a Dragon: Ishin! receives glowing reviews for its compelling story, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters, making it a must-play for Yakuza series fans. While some critics note mechanical issues and outdated visuals, the game is lauded for its unique setting, satisfying gameplay, and immersive world. Overall, critics agree that it's a highly enjoyable experience with strong replay value, appealing to both newcomers and franchise enthusiasts.

CRITIK

Reviews

182 reviews found

100

VG247

PlayStation 5

Feb 17, 2023

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

The reviewer highly recommends Like a Dragon: Ishin, stating that it is the most fun they've had with a single player game in years.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Feb 24, 2023

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

A wondrous experience with a strong story, gameplay, and replayability, despite minor complaints about quality of life issues

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DualShockers

PlayStation 5

Feb 21, 2023

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

A near-perfect experience on all fronts, with a memorable and thought-provoking story.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 5

Mar 17, 2023

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

The reviewer had the most fun playing this game compared to other Yakuza games and recommends it to fans of the series or samurai games in general.

GAMINGbible

Xbox Series X

Feb 17, 2023

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

The game is described as a fantastic title worth checking out, especially for fans of the series, with a 9/10 rating.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Feb 17, 2023

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

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is an exemplary Ryu Ga Gotoku title that will appeal to fans of the older Yakuza games and Judgement. The game offers familiar gameplay mechanics and story beats, and the polish applied to these facets is rewarding. It's a welcome return to the series' past and a good sign for the future.

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Movies Games and Tech

May 9, 2023

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

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a must-play game with a unique story, satisfying gameplay, and immersive world. Despite some minor technical issues and outdated NPC interactions, the care and enhancements set it above every other game in the Yakuza franchise.

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Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

Feb 17, 2023

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

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a well-timed remake that delivers on the promise of a refreshing adventure. It offers compelling content, fun story beats, emotional moments, and satisfying combat. Despite some technical issues, it is a quality game in the Yakuza universe.

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The Mako Reactor

PlayStation 5

Feb 17, 2023

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

Like a Dragon: Ishin is special and worth the long wait. The story is impressive, and the game is enjoyable despite some technical issues and inconsistencies in the visuals. The reviewer hopes for more updates to address these issues.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Feb 17, 2023

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

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a must-play for fans of the Yakuza series, with a balanced mix of serious story beats and over-the-top action sequences.

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