myreviews2024

The Like a Dragon series has always pushed the standards of the gaming industry to the limit. Its games, renowned for their compelling narratives and vibrant characters, strike a balance between drama and sheer enjoyment—a trait that persists in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the franchise's eighth installment and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's most ambitious release to date. Infinite Wealth is the sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon and by bringing Kasuga, succeeds in revitalizing RPG mechanics. Years after the Great Dissolution, Yokohama remains a battleground for ex-yakuza striving to reintegrate into society amidst political barriers. Ichiban Kasuga, driven by his late patriarch's wishes, toils at a Hello Works agency, tirelessly seeking employment for the marginalized. Although he makes incredible efforts, for both he and his associates, online misinformation makes them lose their jobs. Amidst the chaos, an enigmatic V-Tuber, renowned for her investigative prowess, emerges as a mysterious adversary.

Exploring Global Themes: Like a Dragon's Journey from Japan to Hawaii

In this setting, Ichiban Kasuga crosses paths with Kiryu Kazuma, both stationed in Hawaii under orders from the Daidouji faction. The themes addressed in the game go beyond the borders of Japan, practically becoming themes of the whole world, all with the idea of educational depth. Issues tackled include not just xenophobia, but also structural machismo, rehabilitation from crime, toxic workplace dynamics, online hate and misinformation, and the fleeting nature of life itself. During my playtesting, I delved deeply into Kiryu's side missions and maximized character bonds, extending my playtime to around 70 hours to complete the main storyline, all while keeping an eye out for opportunities to buy cheap PS5 FPS games. While the localization draws from the English version and takes liberties that may not always align with the original Japanese audio, the overall result is satisfying. The inclusion of Brazilian Portuguese from the launch marks a significant triumph, especially considering that Yakuza: Like a Dragon initially received Brazilian Portuguese support only through a later update.

Mastering Combat Dynamics: Like a Dragon's Strategic Gameplay

Whether it's manipulating foes into collision, coordinating attacks with allies for increased damage, or utilizing objects in the environment as weapons, this seemingly simple adjustment profoundly impacts gameplay dynamics, much like strategically planning where to buy cheap PS5 games for the best deals. As far as professions are concerned, some characters have unique characteristics. Among them shines the Dragon of Dojima, Kiryu's signature style. With three distinct fighting styles drawn from classic beat'em up games, alongside a special unlockable style that defies genre conventions, Kiryu offers relentless, non-stop combat reminiscent of his storied past. While the campaign features numerous battles, occasionally necessitating group-leveling pauses, the combat mechanics are so finely crafted that these interludes hardly disrupt the flow. Moreover, the inclusion of meals granting experience bonuses expedites progression, alongside the ability to swiftly dispatch lower-level foes en masse.

Exploring Infinite Worlds: Like a Dragon's Expansive Gameplay Experience

In Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, players are treated to the franchise's most expansive map yet, teeming with an array of side stories and minigames waiting to be uncovered. Among the standout diversions are Dondoko Island, a clever nod to Animal Crossing where players rejuvenate a resort on a secluded island, and Sujimon Battles, drawing inspiration from Pokémon. One particularly memorable minigame is Crazy Delivery, a modern take on the classic Crazy Taxi formula, challenging players to navigate intricate bicycle deliveries within a time limit for maximum pay. The exceptional performance in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth merits acknowledgment from families worldwide. Initially, the game left a poor impression with its demo in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, lacking 60 FPS on the PlayStation 5. This has been corrected so that the final version is well-optimized. a significant optimization. While occasional minor frame rate drops may occur, they're hardly disruptive. You cannot remain indifferent to all the improvements with which the new game was endowed. However, during combat, there are instances of poorly positioned cameras, hindering the visibility of enemy actions—they move before we can react. Infinite Wealth successfully copes with all the expectations of such a game, and the tribute offered to Kiryu Kazuma is appropriate. Also, the gameplay is of the first quality, with old and new elements that give the game vigor. As far as the control over the characters is concerned, it has undergone more changes that will please the fans. Infinite Wealth is a game that succeeded in all respects.