The tale of incredibly endearing protagonist Ichiban Kasuga shines brighter than ever on PlayStation 5, where Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers enhanced visuals. This next-gen upgrade lets you choose between 60 frames-per-second at a slightly higher resolution, or 30 frames-per-second with 4K support. And, well... That's about it. Aside from what we think are some improved lighting techniques, Like a Dragon looks pretty much the same as it did on PS4. The draw distance is still a bit wonky and city streets are filled with low quality textures. It's not a bad looking game overall, but it's a shame that it doesn't do more.
Thankfully, if you haven't yet played Like a Dragon, you're in for a real treat. And even if you did already play through this often insane RPG on PS4, there's still so much to enjoy on a second run (although it should be noted that save data does not carry over from the PS4 version, for some mad reason).
Like a Dragon remains a fascinatingly unique and ultimately very refreshing take on both traditional role-playing titles and the Yakuza series. It successfully blends old school RPG qualities like turn based battles and an addictive job system with a modern day setting, and all of the things that we've come to love about Yakuza. That includes an enthralling storyline (that's admittedly super slow to start), a cast of absolutely brilliant characters, and a whole smorgasbord of optional activities and minigames. In short, it's a delight.
But if you're looking for a much more in-depth analysis of the game, you should check out our full Yakuza: Like a Dragon PS4 review. In the meantime, all you really need to know about the PS5 version is that it's the same experience — it just looks a bit better.
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Comments 24
If anyone's got any questions about the game I'm happy to try and answer them. Probably worth checking out the full PS4 review as well if you want more information:
https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/yakuza_like_a_dragon
Thanks!
Still playing this on PS4. Although as much I like this game I probably won’t bother with this on PS5. Especially with no save transfer.
@shonenjump86. Same ps4 version still looks really good.word up son
@shonenjump86 Yeah, that's fair enough. It's already quite a long game if you want to do everything, so starting over isn't ideal.
Can I ask what you mean by 'In-game cutscenes are rough'? Is this something unique to the PS5 version because I didn't personally notice any issues with what I played of the PS4 version.
@ShogunRok my copy finally arrived today. I do slightly regret not picking up the pa4 steelbook edition, but never mind. Hopefully picking up the ps5 version sends the message to SEGA that the home for this series remains on Playstation.
Is there any dualsense integration in this version?
I'm about 8 hours in, and it truly is a fantastic game. I always liked Yakuza, but the formula was tired. This was a bold step in the right direction. It should be noted too that the English voice track is on point as well.
@Rob_230 No specific DualSense functionality, unfortunately.
@Gatatog It's just referring to the overall quality of in-game cutscenes. The fully motion captured ones aren't 'in-game' — they're pre-rendered, and they look amazing. But the downside is that by comparison, I think the other scenes (with static character models and clunky dialogue boxes) can look quite bad.
Basically, I just think a lot of the in-game cutscenes look really janky, which is a bit of a shame when the actual story is so good.
@ShogunRok Ah yeah, I get what you mean now. Thanks for clearing that up.
This hasn’t been specifically stated anywhere but wanted to confirm. On the PS5 version in settings, I’m assuming “high resolution” being on is the 4K / 30 FPS and having it off is 60fps at the lower res?
It doesn’t have any description. Thanks.
Cons:
I finished this on the Series X last year and it was one of the best games I played of the year. It’s story is amazing, it’s consistently funny and Ichiban is a great lead character. It was 80 odd hours of pure fun.
Definitely worth playing on PS4 or 5 if you haven’t already.
@Tecton217 that’ll be the case, it was same on the Xbox, not very helpful. I played through at 60fps, very smooth.
@Fenbops thanks for a response. I figured as much because the game felt a little choppy in high res mode, might’ve looked better couldn’t really tell, but if it’s not 60 FPS the resolution doesn’t matter too much imo. Ran into the same issue on demon souls, thinking I was having a blast on high res mode until I turned it off and the game ran smooth as butter hahah
I’ll probably stick with the high resolution off. Thanks !
I had a blast playing the PS4 version. Even through BC the PS5 reduced the load times by quite a margin.
@Tecton217 oh 30fps mode is definitely choppy with Like A Dragon! I tried it and switched it right back over to 60. Enjoy mate! Great great game.
Youve all talked me in to it. Just ordered the ps4 version.
The best RPG of last (and now this) year.
Superb!
chefs kiss
A bit late but my copy arrived today, can't wait to give it a try. Vast majority of the time I don't care for turn-based gameplay but a few have clicked with me before, hopefully this one will too.
Thanks for the honest re-review! I'll def pick this game up in a few years, when it's $20 New or cheaper.
and already down to about £30 in some places
MY FIRST PS5 GAME PURCHASE JUST NOW AND I DON'T OWN A PS5!
Just ordered it for ps5 for £29.85, not a fan of turn based, but thought I'd still give it a try, loved judgement so hopefully I'll like this
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