Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a turn-based JRPG that follows Ichiban Kasuga, a former low-ranking yakuza member who spends 18 years in prison after taking the blame for a crime he did not commit. Upon release, he finds his clan dismantled and sets out to uncover the truth while aiding the overlooked residents of Yokohama.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration across the detailed districts of Ijincho in Yokohama, where players control Ichiban and his growing group through a mix of story progression and optional activities. Combat shifts to a turn-based system that incorporates environmental objects such as bicycles, signs, and umbrellas as improvised weapons during fights. Party members can be recruited from the city's fringes, and time spent together unlocks stronger combination attacks. Equipment can be located, crafted, and improved to handle tougher encounters.
A job system lets players assign any of 19 classes to characters, each providing distinct abilities and visual changes. Over 100 combat skills expand tactical options, while the open city encourages detours into everyday locations for resources or encounters. The experience remains strictly single-player, with no online components.
Game Modes
The primary experience unfolds through the main narrative campaign, which advances chapter by chapter as Ichiban rebuilds his life. Side content includes 50 substories that present self-contained tales involving local characters and often reward items or new features. Mini-games range from classic arcade titles to competitive go-kart races around the city streets and other light diversions scattered throughout Yokohama.
These elements integrate directly into the single-player structure without separate competitive or cooperative modes. Players can revisit completed areas freely after key story points to finish remaining substories or refine party builds through repeated battles and job experimentation.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows Ichiban's journey from isolation to leadership among Yokohama's underdogs. Betrayal by a respected figure drives the central conflict, while interactions with party members reveal personal backstories that tie into the larger mystery. The modern Japanese city setting blends realistic streets with exaggerated character moments typical of the series.
Exploration reveals both serious underworld dealings and humorous everyday situations, keeping the tone varied across dozens of hours of content.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback remains strongly positive years after release, with consistent praise for the shift to turn-based combat, memorable characters, and the volume of side activities. The game suits those who enjoy story-focused RPGs that balance dramatic plot beats with light-hearted distractions and character customization through jobs and skills.
Its complete single-player package, available on PS4 and PS5, delivers a self-contained experience without ongoing updates or seasonal content. Those drawn to detailed urban settings, party-based battles, and extensive optional stories will find substantial value in the full campaign and substories.
