Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

The story of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is widely praised for its emotional depth, character-driven narratives, and thematic richness, with many critics highlighting its strengths as a standout entry in the franchise. IGN commends the writing as “some of the strongest in the series,” blending serious drama with comic relief while intertwining the journeys of Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu. GameGrin applauds the emotional depth of substories, while CGMagazine describes the narrative as “heartwarming” and “worth experiencing,” noting its mix of humor and heartfelt moments. The exploration of themes like legacy, redemption, and friendship resonates strongly, with critics like GameMAG emphasizing the blend of humor and drama as Ichiban navigates Hawaii’s new setting. Additionally, the passing of the torch from Kiryu to Kasuga is celebrated as a meaningful narrative pivot, with XGN praising its “rich and coherent” storytelling and Player 2 highlighting the “confidence” in its writing and voice work. The game’s ability to balance absurdity with emotional stakes, such as in the case of xenophobia and misinformation addressed by Voxel, further underscores its narrative ambition. Despite these positives, several critics point to pacing issues and structural weaknesses that detract from the experience. Gamersky criticizes the story’s “lack of depth and coherence, especially in the second half,” while Guardian and GameOver.gr note a slow start marked by lengthy exposition and uneven tonal shifts. Multiplayer.it argues that the narrative takes a backseat to gameplay for much of the game, and Gamer.no acknowledges its “slow unfolding” but ultimately rewards players with emotional character development. Some critics, like TheXboxHub and GamesRadar+, mention forgettable story beats or antagonists, while INVEN and Ragequit.gr highlight the potential for newcomers to feel lost due to the series’ dense lore. Additionally, the pacing of character transitions and subplots—such as the “problematic” flow mentioned by GameOver.gr—occasionally disrupts immersion, though many acknowledge these flaws as minor compared to the overall narrative strengths. Overall, the majority of critics view Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth as a strong, if imperfect, entry in the series, with its story earning praise for its emotional resonance and character development. While issues like pacing and tonal inconsistencies are noted, they are often framed as secondary to the game’s broader narrative achievements. Critics like IGN, GameGrin, and Player 2 emphasize the heartfelt storytelling and thematic depth, while even those pointing out flaws—such as Gamersky or Guardian—acknowledge the story’s ambition and emotional payoff. The consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for the game’s exploration of legacy, friendship, and personal growth, with many reviewers concluding that it successfully balances humor, drama, and the series’ signature absurdity. As VG247 notes, the lengthy and “drama-filled” main story is an “outstanding follow-up,” reinforcing the idea that Infinite Wealth remains a compelling and worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The gameplay of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has been widely praised for its evolution into a more dynamic and strategic turn-based RPG experience. Critics consistently highlighted improvements to the combat system, which now features character movement, environmental interactions, and tactical positioning. IGN Brasil noted the “dynamic combos and environmental interactions,” while Eurogamer and GameSpot lauded the refined turn-based mechanics that allow for “strategic combos” and “tactical joy.” The job system emerged as a standout feature, with reviewers like TheXboxHub praising its “deep RPG elements” and Cultured Vultures highlighting the “tag team moves” that add variety. Side activities and mini-games also received acclaim, with Siliconera acknowledging the “dozens of minigames” and COGconnected noting the “alive world” filled with relationship-building opportunities. The game’s blend of JRPG mechanics with action elements, such as directional attacks and Hype Meter systems, was seen as a successful fusion that enhances engagement. Despite these positives, several critics pointed to areas needing refinement. IGN Brasil and GRYOnline.pl criticized the combat for feeling “repetitive” due to grinding and lacking the depth of other RPGs, while Siliconera described some systems as “half-baked.” Balance issues were also mentioned, with Wccftech noting that excessive grinding could disrupt gameplay fairness, and Gaming Age expressing frustration over “limited variety” in class exclusivity. Additionally, Gamer.no found the controls and systems “overwhelming” at first, and GRYOnline.pl noted parts of the game felt “too easy.” While these critiques highlight some shortcomings, they often framed them as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers, with many reviewers emphasizing that the game’s strengths outweigh its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay praised as a significant step forward for the series. The turn-based combat, job system, and side activities were frequently cited as highlights, with IGN, GameSpot, and VGC all celebrating the “lively” and “engaging” mechanics. While some reviewers acknowledged room for improvement—such as Siliconera’s comments on minigame depth or Gaming Age’s concerns about class variety—the majority viewed Infinite Wealth as a strong entry in the franchise. The game’s ability to blend strategic RPG elements with the series’ signature charm and variety earned it widespread acclaim, cementing its status as a standout title for both newcomers and longtime fans.

The graphics and visual design of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth receive widespread praise for their vibrant aesthetics, detailed environments, and immersive world-building. Critics consistently highlight the game’s ability to bring Hawaii to life with stunning attention to detail, such as Digital Trends’ admiration for the “largest open-world location to date,” while GameSpot lauds the “detailed recreation of locations like Honolulu.” The Dragon Engine, though not groundbreaking, is commended for its consistency and effectiveness in delivering the Yakuza series’ signature style. VG247 notes the “interesting enemy types, weapons, and jobs,” while WellPlayed praises the “richly detailed character models” and “next-gen tech” that make Hawaii and Japan visually striking. The game’s artistic direction is further celebrated for its cultural authenticity, with Press Start Australia noting “authentic design” and RPG Fan calling it a “masterpiece of environmental design.” Even critics like MGG acknowledge improvements in the Dragon Engine, despite its cross-gen limitations. However, several reviewers point to technical shortcomings that detract from the visual experience. SpazioGames criticizes the “cross-gen limitations,” citing issues like pop-in and low-resolution textures, while GamePro Germany notes “outdated graphics” and “flat lighting” in daylight scenes. VG247 finds the underground combat areas visually unimpressive, and Finger Guns highlights “dated graphical elements” due to cross-generation constraints. Other critiques include stiff character animations (IGN France) and inconsistent environmental quality, such as Eurogamer Germany’s observation of “graphical inconsistencies” and TheXboxHub’s criticism of “wooden swimming animations.” Additionally, some reviewers, like Games.cz, point to less polished water effects, while GamePro Germany and SpazioGames note minor technical flaws in NPC details and framerate stability. These issues, though not universally severe, underscore the game’s reliance on older engine technology. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth delivers a visually compelling experience that balances artistic charm with functional design. While some technical limitations and dated elements are acknowledged—particularly by SpazioGames, GamePro Germany, and IGN France—the majority of reviewers emphasize the game’s strengths in environmental storytelling and visual variety. The Hawaiian setting is widely praised for its freshness and cultural richness, with critics like GamingTrend and Push Square highlighting its “eye-popping visuals” and “stunning graphics.” Meanwhile, the franchise’s established style remains intact, as noted by Dexerto and GameOver.gr, who appreciate the Dragon Engine’s continued effectiveness. Ultimately, while not without flaws, the game’s visual design is seen as a significant step forward for the series, offering an engaging and immersive world that aligns with its narrative ambition.

The Sound Design and Music of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth, variety, and immersive quality. Critics highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to enhance gameplay and narrative, with GameSpot praising its "catchy soundtrack" and "spiritual successor to a classic song," while PCGamesN and PlaySense noted standout high-tempo beats and impactful sound effects that complemented both dramatic and humorous moments. The inclusion of karaoke minigames and nostalgic SEGA tunes was celebrated as a unique charm, with SomosXbox emphasizing the "memorable tracks" and RPG Site appreciating the mix of Japanese and English voice lines for immersion. Additionally, IGN Spain and MondoXbox praised the well-executed voice acting in both languages, while Digital Chumps highlighted the flexibility of mixing in-game music tracks. The soundtrack’s ability to evoke nostalgia and emotional weight—such as the melancholic substory themes mentioned by Dexerto—was a recurring highlight. However, some criticisms emerged regarding inconsistencies in voice acting and musical repetition. Vgames and XboxEra criticized the English dub for being "overly dramatic" or relying on excessive auto-tune, while Xbox Tavern noted that Kiryu’s English voice actor "did not resonate well with long-time fans." GamingBolt and GGRecon pointed to mismatches in voice casting, particularly with Kiryu’s portrayal, and Games.cz and Gaming Age raised concerns about language consistency in bilingual dialogue. Additionally, Some critics, like Everyeye.it, felt the soundtrack lacked standout tracks despite its variety, while LaPS4 mentioned that "some beloved tracks are locked behind DLC." Repetition of certain melodies was also noted by Hobby Consolas, though this was balanced by the game’s overall energetic and diverse musical palette. Overall, the consensus among critics leaned heavily positive, with most praising the soundtrack’s emotional resonance, variety, and immersive qualities. While issues with English voice acting and minor repetitive elements were acknowledged, these did not overshadow the general enthusiasm for the audio design. The blend of nostalgic and original compositions, coupled with strong voice work in both Japanese and English, created a cohesive and engaging experience. Critics like RPG Fan called it "near-flawless," while Shacknews described the soundtrack as "killer" for its emotional impact. Though some flaws existed, the majority viewed the Sound Design and Music as a significant strength of Infinite Wealth, contributing meaningfully to its charm and player engagement.

The voice acting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is widely praised for its quality, emotional depth, and contributions to character immersion. Multiple critics highlight standout performances, particularly from main characters like Ichiban (voiced by Kazuhiro Nakaya, lauded by TouchArcade as one of the best in RPGs) and Kiryu (with GameMAG noting Takaya Kuroda’s impactful portrayal). The Japanese voice acting receives consistent acclaim for its authenticity and emotional resonance, with IGN Spain calling it "one of the best aspects of the series" and RPG Site praising its "quality and immersion." English dubs also earn praise, especially for their accessibility—PCGamesN highlights the inclusion of a Chinese dub—and performances from notable actors like Danny Trejo (ComicBook, Comicbook.com). The dual-language options (Japanese and English) are seen as a strength, with RPGamer noting that players can switch languages freely to enhance accessibility. However, some critics point to inconsistencies and flaws in the English dub. Gamer.nl criticizes language consistency issues, particularly with Ichiban’s English dialogue, while Xbox Tavern and GamingBolt note that Kiryu’s English voice acting feels mismatched or less immersive compared to his Japanese counterpart. GGRecon and Game Informer describe the English dub as "flat" or lacking emotional nuance, with GamingTrend pointing out Yong Yea’s performance as Kiryu being "mismatched." Additionally, GamersRD mentions synchronization issues between subtitles and voice lines, while Games.cz critiques accents and language barriers in the Japanese version. Some reviewers also note that certain side characters in English dubs lack depth (Gamersky) or feel overly dramatic (Vgames), creating a mixed experience for fans of the franchise. Overall, the consensus leans heavily positive, with most critics agreeing that the voice acting significantly enhances the game’s narrative and character dynamics. While the Japanese dub is universally celebrated for its authenticity and emotional weight (IGN Spain, MondoXbox, RPGamer), the English version receives more mixed feedback, with some praising its accessibility and performances (e.g., PCGamesN, Voxel) but others critiquing its tonal inconsistencies. The dual-language approach is seen as a major plus, allowing players to choose between immersive Japanese voices or accessible English lines. Despite minor flaws in the English dub, the majority of reviewers—such as GameOver.gr and The Games Machine—highlight the voice acting as a standout element that elevates the game’s storytelling and emotional impact.

The technical performance of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths in stability and optimization. On PC, reviewers like PlaySense and RPG Site highlight smooth performance at high settings, while PCWorld praises the fast travel system for mitigating open-world frustrations. For Xbox Series X/S, critics such as IGN Spain, MondoXbox, and Pure Xbox emphasize stable frame rates, high-resolution visuals, and seamless Quick Resume functionality, with Gaming Nexus noting minimal differences between Series X and S. On PS5, the game shines with consistent 60fps performance (Push Square, Games.cz) and quick load times (Everyeye.it, GamingBolt), while Checkpoint Gaming and GamersRD commend its polished quality of life improvements despite minor graphical glitches. Overall, all platforms benefit from the game’s technical foundation, with Xbox Series X/S and PS5 particularly praised for their next-gen optimizations. However, platform-specific challenges emerge in the critiques. On PC, XboxEra delivers a scathing assessment, citing broken frame generation, input lag, stuttering, and long loading times—issues that contrast sharply with the console versions’ stability. While Hooked Gamers and MGG note infrequent combat bugs and traditional Dragon Engine flaws (e.g., disappearing NPCs), these are seen as minor compared to the PC’s broader technical shortcomings. On PS5, critics like TechRadar Gaming and TRG mention performance dips in crowded areas, while Voxel highlights camera issues during combat. For Xbox Series X/S, Eurogamer Poland and MondoXbox note minor frame rate drops or visual inconsistencies, though these are largely overshadowed by the platforms’ overall reliability. The PC version’s struggles underscore a disconnect between its potential and execution, while consoles face more nuanced but less severe technical hurdles. The consensus among critics is that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth delivers solid technical performance across all platforms, with each system excelling in its own right. Xbox Series X/S and PS5 receive the most praise for their stability, resolution, and frame consistency, with IGN Spain and Push Square highlighting near-flawless execution. While PC faces criticism for bugs and optimization issues (XboxEra, MGG), its performance is still deemed acceptable for most players. Despite minor hiccups—such as graphical glitches on PS5 (Everyeye.it, Vandal) or occasional frame drops (TechRadar Gaming)—the game’s technical foundation is robust, with GamingBolt and GamersRD noting its ability to leverage next-gen hardware effectively. Ultimately, the title’s technical performance reflects a balanced approach, prioritizing polish over perfection while delivering an enjoyable experience across platforms.

The majority of critics praise Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth for its exceptional replay value, driven by an abundance of side activities, mini-games, and narrative depth. Reviewers highlight the game’s sprawling content, such as Dondoko Island management, Sujimon battles, and the Job system, which allow players to experiment with different playstyles and character development (Worth Playing, TheXboxHub). Games like Dondoko Island and Suijimon League are frequently cited as engaging distractions that extend gameplay beyond the main story (GamesRadar+, Metro GameCentral). Additionally, the game’s variety of side quests, substories, and character interactions—such as Persona-like bond mechanics—create a rich, immersive experience (VideoGamer, Guardian). Critics like Game Informer note that dedicated players can easily exceed 100 hours of gameplay, emphasizing the game’s longevity. The inclusion of familiar callbacks to previous entries in the series also appeals to longtime fans, further enhancing its appeal for repeat playthroughs (Worth Playing). However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that could limit replayability for some players. The most frequently mentioned issue is the New Game+ mode being locked behind DLC, which many view as an unfair paywall that restricts accessibility (RPG Site, MGG, Tech-Gaming). This exclusion frustrates reviewers like Wccftech and Voxel, who argue it diminishes the game’s appeal for those unwilling to purchase additional content. Other criticisms include the main story’s shortcomings, such as pacing issues or repetitive mini-games (BaziCenter, Cultured Vultures), and the lack of difficulty options for all players (MGG). While most praise the side content, a few note that some optional activities may feel inconsistent in quality or become monotonous over time (GameSpot, Cultured Vultures). Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the game’s replay value. Most acknowledge that the extensive side content—ranging from mini-games to social simulator elements—creates a compelling reason to revisit the world multiple times (IGN, Eurogamer Portugal). While the New Game+ DLC issue is a notable downside, many reviewers argue that the sheer volume of activities and exploration opportunities outweighs this limitation. Game Informer and Eurogamer Poland emphasize that the game’s depth and variety make it an engaging experience even after completing the main story. Ultimately, the majority of critics agree that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers one of the strongest replay values in recent RPGs, with its richly detailed world and diverse gameplay mechanics ensuring long-term engagement for players.