
The PlayStation 4 release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon is just around the corner, which means it's time for reviews to hit and share their verdict on this new, turn-based direction for the franchise. These verdicts cover the current-gen release rather than the PlayStation 5 version, which is scheduled to hit next March. And, from what we can tell, it looks like the eighth mainline entry has been worth the wait. Reviews are very positive with a Metacritic rating already above 80.
We do have PS4 review code ourselves but have chosen to wait a little longer before delivering the Push Square verdict. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a seriously long and meaty game, so we want to make sure that every aspect of the experience is touched upon. Nevertheless, let's see what other outlets thought of the title.
The Gamer - 5/5
It's because of this, then, that I would make the case for Yakuza: Like A Dragon being a high point for this genre - and perhaps the highest point it will reach on the PS4 or Xbox One. And if this is where JRPGs are starting, going into the next generation of consoles, there's reason to believe that we're in for a decade of riches.
Screen Rant - 9/10
Yakuza: Like a Dragon might be a massive change for the series, but it certainly doesn't suffer for it. It's the most exciting and fresh the franchise has felt since Yakuza 0, and players will quickly fall in love with its quirky cast of characters. Like a Dragon is compelling because of how it plays double-duty as both a love letter and parody of the JRPG genre. Its story and combat system take some time to really come together, but once they do, it's a wild fever dream that's not easily forgotten, and one that can be enjoyed even by those who aren't traditionally interested in JRPG stylings and turn-based gameplay.
GameSpot - 9/10
For RGG Studio's first crack at an RPG, it's a damn fine result. It delivers what I love most about Yakuza and introduces new ideas that largely pay off. Ichiban isn't doing it alone, either. He has friends and mentors, ones who've helped him fight and overcome personal tragedies. It was an absolute thrill to watch him grow, and that's what's most important for a game so focused on its characters. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a passing of the torch, and a fantastic entry in a beloved franchise that proves that it's in good hands with Kasuga Ichiban.
Stevivor - 8/10
After the culture shock of such a total change to the Yakuza recipe, I’m extremely glad the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio team took such a big leap when Kiryu’s tale came to an end. Like A Dragon is a revitalised game full of fresh ideas and proves that the series won’t be re-treading the same ground with Ichiban in the driver’s seat. If this is the first step into the new age of Yakuza, I can’t wait to see how bonkers the next game will be.
IGN - 7/10
Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s colourful turn-based combat, engaging lead characters, and detail-rich setting make for a refreshingly different and mostly thrilling instalment in the long-running Japanese crime series. However, pathfinding annoyances and a number of escalating difficulty spikes in its closing chapters made completing its story feel like much more of a repetitive slog than any of the previous games. While I applaud the developers for daring to transform its established brawling into more tactically complex team-based battles, the grueling progression system it brings along with it means that Yakuza: Like a Dragon ultimately takes some bold steps in a new direction for the series but neglects to completely maintain its balance.
Have these glowing and positive reviews convinced you to pick up a PS4 copy of Yakuza: Like a Dragon when it launches? Await your turn in the comments below.
[source metacritic.com]
Comments 58
There's all these 9s and 10s, but then there's always good old IGN giving a low(er) than everyone else because of something stupid.
Like IGN, difficultly spikes at later chapters, yeah how dare they make a game more challenging.
@HotGoomba___Rebrand To be fair to IGN, I've played the game and a lot of their criticisms are fair.
On that note, our review should be up soon. Just didn't want to rush it since the game isn't out until next week. It's a huge game!
@ShogunRok @HotGoomba___Rebrand Difficulty spikes are also different from a gradual increase in challenge.
Interesting, Eurogamer mentions "Length and the low difficulty are the main problems"
@LiamCroft @ShogunRok Yeah, touché, but 7/10 is still a bit strange, but hey I'm not a reviewer and I enjoyed Rabbids Land so either way I don't deserve an opinion 😜
I really want to like this, but I am so nervous about the gameplay and new characters. I am unsure whether I should buy it straight away or not. I still need to finish Judgment. I got Judgment before the Yakuza Remastered Collection, and only got about 6 chapters in, but I binged the Remastered Collection, so I don't know. Just worried that the new cast won't grab me as easily.
I hate the combat in the current Yakuza games, awful skill-less button mashing. So the negative points in the IGN review actually sound good.
@MS7000 For what it's worth, I think the new cast is genuinely outstanding. The fact this game has a full party gives the storytelling a whole new dimension.
Don't want to spoil the Push Square review, but that's definitely a point that'll be in the Pros!
This game already had my attention when the protagonist was revealed to be a massive Dragon Quest fan and that's the in universe explanation for it being a turn based JRPG
If Cyberpunk2077 does not drop on the 10th Dec..........then its a toss up between this and Dirt 5.
I still don't really get the appeal of running around in a suit and fighting everyone on the street gameplay.
@HotGoomba___Rebrand IGN are usually generous with reviews compared to most and I tend to agree with them a lot of the time. Enough of the big bad company narrative. If anything it's Eurogamer that's always looking to be odd.
I'm glad this has gotten some good reviews. I was very anxious about a whole new cast of people.
@TheArt "running around in a suit and fighting everyone on the street" makes up like 5% of Yakuza's appeal if you've actually played the games
Looking forward to this. ACG gave it a wait for a sale and seemed fair with his criticisms. I’m excited for it to be turn based and can’t wait to play it.
@TheArt There is way more to the series than that
@TheFrenchiestFry @Rob_230 I played Kiwami and tried to like it but it just wasn't working. I realized there was some good story in there kinda like some soap opera but I dunno the gameplay wasn't working for me. With all that suit, I would've preferred something like TLOUII or RDRII's realistic brawling and overall animations to fit. Like how the heck does a gangster take taxis everywhere!
For those interested, the PS5 version is currently up for preorder at Base.com for £41.85
Which is cheaper than my - now cancelled - PS4 preorder was. Obviously there is a wait until March.
Its still absolutely outrageous that the PS5 version has been delayed due to Micro$oft money hatting though. This franchise is completely synonymous with the Playstation brand.
I used to enjoy the Yakuzza series but turn based combat will mean I will not be getting this game.
Interested in this but I'll wait for the ps5 version since ps4 version save isn't compatible with ps5.
Really tempted to get this for the turn-based combat gameplay alone. The combat is often the worst aspect of them.
I was buying this the second they revealed that crayfish/lobster summon. Can't wait.
N.i c.e. that game looks fun.definetly trying it.word up son
@Rob_230 The PS4 version is now £39.85. How much was it when you pre-ordered it?
I see where this is headed. No thank you, it ended with 6 for me.
@Rob_230 are you ok with final fantasy being money hatted by Sony then also? Both companies do it and to me any franchise is up for grabs if the money is there.
It’s outrageous either way.
@TheArt Don't get me started on Gamespot.
The game looks great, but I do have some reservations about the sudden requirement for heavy grinding in the 'drab dungeon' towards the end as a few reviewers have pointed out. Usually don't have an issue with a bit of grinding; the term is usally synonymous with even the best titles in many of the JRPGs I've played. I guess there's only one way to find out if the battle system holds out well long term ^_^
@WanderingBullet i preordered the PS4 version for 44 pounds, although that was from Shopto.net rather than Base. I decided to cancel though when i decided to take the plunge and get a PS5, as i might as well just wait to buy it and play the updated version when it launches, given save data doesn't transfer between PS4 and PS5
I might use the money now to pick up Sackboy instead 😊
@Fenbops Not really, but at least Final Fantasy has always had that history with Playstation...well from Final Fantasy 7 onwards at least.
The bigger issue of course is the acquisition spree (on both sides) right now. I'm very concerned about the number of studios Microsoft are buying up. And they apparently have at least 1 more to announce. Its terrible for players who can only afford to buy one system in the long run.
@Rob_230 Cool... Thinking of maybe getting this one but most likely only when I get a PS5.
@ShogunRok Thanks for the input. I think I might bite. I've enjoyed the previous ones up until now, might as well see it through. =)
@HotGoomba___Rebrand Well yes GameSpot are hardly consistent, I mostly don't agree with their reviews.
@Rob_230 thanks for the heads up, though I will keep my PS4 pre-order, since it's going to be in a nice steelbook with some extra content and the eventual free ps5 upgrade. I think the ps5 version will be in a standard jewel case.
Yeah I'm just going to wait for Judgement 2. I'm not going to play a Yakuza game with turn based combat. That just isn't right to me.
I can't wait for this. I'm just torn whether to buy it for PS4 or PS5.
@TheArt Having something like TLOU2's combat system in a game like Yakuza would be a huge downgrade.
@Nepp67 I get it it has all kinds of fight styles but it'd never be as satisfying and realistic as TLOUII's. Look all I'm saying is, this game would've been better fit if it was cartoony with all that idiotic run through the streets in a suit taking taxis. If you're going for real at least do it well and believable.
@TheArt Sorry but that type of criticism is laughable. Just because a game is going for realistic graphics doesn't mean it can't be ridiculous and over the top. Also it isn't even trying to be as realistic as TLOU2 or RDR2. I don't understand how you didn't see that.
@Nepp67 Maybe if it was in some fantasy land or went with the caricature look like Def Jam Fight for NY or NBA Street, it'd work for me. 😊 Instead it wants to be taken seriously. 😆
@TheArt Except it doesn't want to be taken seriously. I'm really confused how you're failing to see that.
@HotGoomba___Rebrand ACG who I really feel like gives fair and detailed reviews gave it a wait for sale. It seems it’s a good just not great game.
@TheArt I know R* are your gods, but please understand that different games have different priorities.
RDRII is all about being grounded ("realism" is such a bad, misleading word), so the slow pace and aimations fit the meditative gameplay. Yakuza is the opposite.
I personally don't like the style trappings of RDRII as I don't like "realism" superseding satisfying gameplay, but at least I'm self-aware enough to understand that it's my personal taste, so I don't go around saying that (game I like) is superior to RDRII.
TL;DR: a game must be reviewed based on what it wants to be and do, not according to your personal preferences, otherwise that's a misguided and useless opinion.
On topic: I've never really been interested in Yakuza until this game was announced: to be honest the turn based combat makes it way more appealing to me.
So recently I bought 0 for a few quids, and it seems right up my alley! Unfortunately though I'll have to clear up a bit of backlog before plunging in lol
@clvr You wrote that like you were boiling reading my comments. Don't get worked up over my preferences also. You could've easily ignored. It's not like the essay you wrote is going to change my preferences all of a sudden so 😉
@TheArt Im sorry you always praise GTA these games are mostly the same?
If it isn't my good ol' friend @Flaming_Kaiser showing up to remind me why R* is boring.
Dang, I still haven’t gotten to Yakuza Kiwami 2 yet.
@ShogunRok it looks awesome.
@Rob_230 "Still outrageous that the PS5 version was delayed due to Microsoft moneyhatting it"
Final Fantasy XVI, Deathloop, FFVII Remake, Street Fighter V and GhostWire Tokyo: coughs
@TheArt I'm afraid you didn't get the point of my comment, though.
Maybe I didn't explain it well enough, but the point was never about preferences; the point I wanted to get across is that not every game (or media in general) has to be put up against the same "golden standard", as different games have different goals in their design.
It's ok for you to not like Yakuza or anything else, of course, but expecting it to be like GTA is misunderstanding what it aims for.
You wouldn't judge, say, Tetris and Uncharted on the same grounds, now, would you?
I have my eye on this. Waiting for a price drop
@clvr Well okay just realized your last paragraph was directed at reviewers and not me. But even they are still somewhat biased in their reviews trust. Jimquisition said he just didn't like a masterpiece like Dishonored 2 for no valid reasons, that's personal preferences getting in the way.
Plus I'm not saying all games should be realistic or the same, I'm just saying the gameplay just doesn't fit in Yakuza. It makes sense when you have Aloy or your Fallout 4 guy running around trying to survive and escape dangers in a mostly abandoned post-apocalyptic world plagued by monsters. Or cartoony fantasy characters of Genshin Impact or Zelda hopping around adventuring the lands, it just FITS. Yakuza looks like it has some serious story going on in a realistic world where you can go shopping, clubbing etc then all of a sudden your intimidating-looking gangster guy is running around in tightly packed suburban streets in a suit picking fights here and there, like what the... Gameplay doesn't match with the setting. No wonder Cyberpunk, Deus Ex, Dishonored etc are all first person cause they know it'd look weird running around in third in those small packed suburbs.
@TheArt well, now I get what you were trying to say.
I don't necessarily agree (though I've only just started playing 0 as my first Yakuza game, so I need to play a lot more to judge it fairly), but that's way more articulated and understandable than how I understood it at first 👍🏻
I've had it pre-ordered for months. Can't wait!!
@HotGoomba___Rebrand Almost like people have different tastes, and therefore form different opinions.
@JOH01 I already said my opinion doesn't matter because I enjoyed Rabbids Land so...
Looking forward to playing this after Sakuna. Jumping ship to xbox though. Playing zero on gamepass convinced me.
I have to say while I did not mind the combat in Yakuza games its never been the reason to play them. So taking a chance on changing the combat while maintaining the story telling and, I hope, the 1000 and 1 other wacky things to find and do sounds great to me.
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