Aloha, Ichiban
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the most ambitious game RGG Studio has ever made, and given their track record of consistently evolving the Yakuza franchise over nearly two decades, that's saying something extraordinary. This massive RPG takes series protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu to Honolulu, Hawaii, in a story about mortality, legacy, and the bonds that define us.
Ichiban Kasuga remains one of gaming's most endearing protagonists. His unwavering optimism, his willingness to see the best in everyone, and his Dragon Quest-inspired worldview make him impossible not to love. Pairing him with the legendary Kazuma Kiryu — who is dealing with his own mortality in a deeply moving subplot — creates a character dynamic that is both joyful and heartbreaking.
The Hawaii setting is a masterstroke. The sun-drenched streets of Honolulu provide a stark visual and tonal contrast to the rain-slicked alleys of Kamurocho. The game captures the vibe of a tropical paradise with infectious enthusiasm — from surfing minigames to riding segways through Waikiki to building a resort in the surprisingly deep Dondoko Island mode. It's a celebration of joy and life that feels especially poignant given the game's themes of mortality.
Combat and Content
The turn-based combat system introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon returns with significant improvements. Positioning now matters more, with characters able to pick up environmental objects mid-attack or launch enemies into each other. The Job system has been expanded with new classes that offer creative abilities — the Aquanaut (yes, a scuba diver) and the Geodancer are particular highlights. Team attacks are more cinematic and satisfying than ever.
The sheer volume of content is staggering. Beyond the 60+ hour main story, there's Dondoko Island (a full Animal Crossing-style resort management game), Sujimon (a Pokémon-inspired creature collection mode), an expanded drink link system, dozens of substories with memorable characters, and countless minigames. You could spend 200+ hours in Infinite Wealth and still discover new content. The quality-to-quantity ratio is remarkably high — very little feels like filler.
A Love Letter to Fans
For longtime Yakuza fans, Infinite Wealth is an emotional journey. Kiryu's storyline, in particular, serves as a retrospective on the entire franchise, revisiting characters, locations, and themes from games spanning two decades. New players can absolutely enjoy Infinite Wealth on its own merits, but series veterans will find an additional layer of emotional resonance that transforms already-powerful moments into genuinely tearful experiences.
Technically, the game runs beautifully on PS5 and modern PCs. The Dragon Engine has been refined to produce stunning character models and environmental detail, particularly in the Hawaii sections where sunlight and ocean reflections create a photorealistic tropical atmosphere. The soundtrack blends traditional Yakuza rock with Hawaiian influences, creating a unique musical identity that perfectly captures the game's dual cultural setting.
✅ Pros
- Ichiban and Kiryu together are magic
- Hawaii setting is vibrant and joyful
- Improved turn-based combat with positioning
- Staggering amount of quality content
- Dondoko Island is a game within a game
- Emotionally resonant story about legacy
❌ Cons
- Extremely long — may overwhelm some players
- Turn-based combat not for everyone
- Slow opening hours
- Some substories are weaker than others
The Verdict
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the series at its absolute peak. It's heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with so much quality content that it borders on absurd. Whether you're a longtime Yakuza fan or a newcomer, this is an unmissable RPG experience.
"Infinite Wealth is proof that video games are capable of making you laugh, cry, and feel genuinely grateful — all within the same hour."