Like a Dragon: Ishin!

The majority of critics praised Like a Dragon: Ishin! for its rich historical context, engaging narrative, and strong ties to the Yakuza series. Many highlighted the game’s compelling storytelling, which blends real events from Japan’s Bakumatsu era with fictionalized elements. Game Rant emphasized the “gripping” plot centered on Sakamoto Ryoma’s quest for revenge, while Cultured Vultures called it one of the stronger storylines in the franchise, noting its 20-hour runtime and effective use of a central murder mystery to maintain engagement. IGN praised the elevated stakes due to historical context, and MeuPlayStation highlighted themes of class segregation and family, calling the narrative “captivating.” Critics like XboxEra and GameGrin appreciated the inclusion of familiar Yakuza characters reimagined as historical figures, adding depth and nostalgia for fans. The game’s mix of serious themes—such as loyalty, revolution, and social injustice—with moments of humor and absurdity (as noted by GamesHub) further enriched its appeal. However, several critics pointed out flaws in the storytelling. GameSpew and Impulsegamer criticized the slow, uneventful start, with the former noting the story “lacks depth” early on, while the latter called it “impeccable but slow.” Others, like Gamer.nl and Metro GameCentral, found the historical context confusing for newcomers, as the game assumes prior knowledge of Japanese history. GamingTrend and Everyeye.it mentioned pacing issues, with the latter noting underutilized characters and a “disappointing ending.” Additionally, some reviewers, such as RPG Fan and Noisy Pixel, felt the narrative became convoluted due to complex political subplots or struggled with balancing historical accuracy and fictional elements. While many praised the game’s twists and betrayals (Jeuxvideo.com), others, like GamingTrend, found the mystery of the “masked man” compelling but the final act lacking in resolution. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Like a Dragon: Ishin! delivers a strong, immersive story. While some noted its uneven pacing and historical complexity, the majority celebrated its engaging characters, richly detailed world-building, and successful fusion of Yakuza’s signature storytelling with Japan’s turbulent past. Critics like Game Rant, IGN, and Cultured Vultures emphasized the game’s emotional depth and narrative cohesion, while even those who pointed out flaws acknowledged its strengths. The mix of drama, action, and historical intrigue, alongside familiar Yakuza elements, created a compelling experience that resonated with both series fans and newcomers. As GameStar and Xbox Tavern noted, the story’s blend of personal revenge and societal upheaval, paired with a glossary for context, made it accessible yet meaningful, reinforcing its status as a standout entry in the franchise.

The gameplay of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is widely praised for its variety and nostalgic appeal, with many critics highlighting its robust combat systems and engaging side content. The game features four distinct fighting styles—fists, swords, guns, and a unique "Wild Dancer" stance—that allow players to switch dynamically during battles, offering flexibility and strategic depth (IGN Adria, GameStar, Jeuxvideo.com). Reviewers like XGN and PC Gamer commend the inclusion of systems such as Trooper Cards and skill trees, which add layers of customization and progression. Side quests, mini-games, and activities like karaoke, farming, and swordplay training are frequently noted for their ability to enrich the experience, with MeuPlayStation and Games.cz emphasizing how they prevent monotony. The combat itself is described as "fluid" (NME) and "satisfying" (Movies Games and Tech), with some critics praising its blend of beat-'em-up mechanics and RPG elements that cater to fans of the Yakuza series. However, several critics point out that the gameplay feels dated compared to modern titles. IGN Adria and Digital Trends note that the combat is "mechanically outdated," with slower pacing and stiffer controls reminiscent of older entries in the franchise. GameOver.gr criticizes the unbalanced stance system, where some styles are underpowered or frustratingly ineffective, while Gamer.no highlights inconsistent difficulty that can make certain sections feel either too easy or unnecessarily punishing. Issues like lack of target lock (Games.cz), repetitive combat actions (Destructoid), and a "floaty camera" (Game Revolution) further detract from the experience. Additionally, some side activities are deemed tedious (Siliconera), and the game’s reliance on older mechanics—such as random encounters disrupting flow (Gamepressure)—is seen as a missed opportunity for innovation. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Like a Dragon: Ishin! remains a solid entry in the Yakuza series, balancing familiar elements with enough variety to keep players engaged. While it retains the franchise’s signature exploration, character interactions, and side quests (MeuPlayStation, PlayStation Universe), its dated mechanics and lack of modernization are acknowledged as drawbacks. Critics like GameSpot and IGN Italia note that it feels "like an early Yakuza game" rather than a contemporary brawler, yet many appreciate its charm and depth. The combat’s diversity and the inclusion of new systems like Trooper Cards (Digital Trends, Gamereactor UK) are seen as positives, even if they don’t fully elevate the experience beyond its roots. Ultimately, while not without flaws, the game is viewed as a worthwhile addition for fans seeking a nostalgic yet varied gameplay loop.

The graphics and visual design of Like a Dragon: Ishin! receive mixed but generally positive feedback, with many critics praising its historical authenticity and technical upgrades. Several reviewers highlight the game’s use of Unreal Engine 4, which enhances lighting, textures, and environmental details, particularly in cutscenes and key locations. For instance, IGN Japan notes the beautifully detailed version of Kyoto, while The Loadout commends the meticulously crafted environments that reflect real-world Japan. Game Informer applauds the meticulous attention to 1860s Kyoto’s open world, and Destructoid praises the impressive cutscenes with details like rain effects and character expressions. The game’s art direction is also celebrated for its period-perfect aesthetic, with Press Start Australia noting the well-realized historical setting and Gamer Escape appreciating the smooth performance on modern hardware. These positives underscore a strong effort to reimagine the Edo Period with cinematic flair. However, several critics point out significant shortcomings that detract from the visual experience. Many describe the game as feeling dated compared to recent titles, citing inconsistent character models, stiff animations, and technical issues. Gamereactor UK criticizes the “dated and stiff” visuals, while PC Gamer highlights shader stutter problems that disrupt gameplay. Digital Trends and Siliconera note that outdoor environments often outshine indoor ones, with poor lighting and awkward facial animations undermining immersion. RPGamer and XGN point to inconsistencies between cutscenes and gameplay, where character models lack expression, and Games.cz mentions noticeable loading times and stiff animations. Additionally, IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it argue that the graphics feel like a remaster rather than a full remake, with technical limitations such as slow load times and less polished animations. These issues collectively suggest that while the game’s visuals are improved, they fall short of modern standards. Overall, critics agree that Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a visually ambitious but uneven effort, balancing notable improvements with persistent technical flaws. While Game Informer and Destructoid commend its historical detail and cinematic quality, many others, including Vandal and RPG Fan, argue that the game’s reliance on older engine limitations makes it feel outdated. The consensus leans toward acknowledging the effort to modernize the 2014 PS3 title, as noted by SECTOR.sk and Movies Games and Tech, but also recognizing that it fails to match the visual fidelity of newer entries in the series. Despite these criticisms, Gamer Escape and XboxEra highlight its charm and period-perfect design, suggesting that while not a graphical powerhouse, it successfully captures the essence of its historical setting. The mixed reception reflects a game that is visually improved but constrained by its origins.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Like a Dragon: Ishin! for their immersive and culturally resonant qualities. RPGamer highlighted the use of traditional Japanese instruments and charming pop ballads that "fit the setting well," while Destructoid noted how the music "complements the gameplay, enhancing dramatic and comedic moments." Everyeye.it emphasized that the soundtrack "effectively evokes the historical setting" and enhances combat, and Game Rant appreciated the mix of "traditional Japanese songs and remixed ones from other Like a Dragon games." GamersRD praised the "period-appropriate ambient music," while Cultured Vultures lauded the "excellent job with various boss fights" that evoked nostalgia. The blend of historical authenticity and modern flair, such as in karaoke minigames or rhythm-based activities (as noted by GameSpot and NME), was widely celebrated for enriching the game’s atmosphere and emotional depth. However, some critics pointed out minor flaws or inconsistencies. Gamereactor Finland mentioned that "the music sometimes feels out of place" despite the Yakuza series’ chaotic nature, while PC Gamer noted that "the music may feel anachronistic in the historical setting." MeuPlayStation criticized the lack of sound in character dialogues and the absence of Portuguese subtitles, which impacted accessibility for non-English speakers. Additionally, GameOver.gr and Gamepressure acknowledged that sound design details were not explicitly analyzed, though they highlighted strong voice acting instead. A few reviewers, like GameSkinny, noted that exclusive Japanese voiceovers might disappoint fans expecting English dubs, though this was framed more as a niche concern than a major flaw. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that the sound design and music significantly elevated the game’s experience. The use of traditional Japanese elements, dynamic combat tracks, and nostalgic melodies (as highlighted by RPG Fan, SECTOR.sk, and XboxEra) created a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. While some critiques about anachronisms or localization limitations existed, these were minor compared to the widespread praise for the soundtrack’s creativity and emotional impact. Critics like Game Informer, Twinfinite, and The Mako Reactor emphasized that the audio elements "complement the game perfectly," reinforcing Ishin!’s reputation as a standout entry in the Yakuza series.

The voice acting in Like a Dragon: Ishin! is predominantly praised for its strong performances, emotional depth, and consistency with the Yakuza series' established character portrayals. Critics like IGN, GameSpot, and RPG Fan highlight the return of veteran actors such as Takaya Kuroda (Kazuma Kiryu) and their ability to deliver nuanced, melodramatic scenes that enhance storytelling. The Japanese voice cast is frequently lauded for its authenticity, with PCMag noting that performances are "appreciated even without understanding the language," while Game Informer emphasizes the nostalgic familiarity of returning actors. Many reviews, including those from Gamer Escape and GamesRadar+, commend the immersive quality of the voice acting, which strengthens character engagement despite the absence of an English dub. The use of familiar voices from the series also adds to the game’s emotional resonance, as noted by Worth Playing and Push Square, who describe the localization as "superb" and "masterful." However, some criticisms point to notable drawbacks. Several reviewers, such as Wccftech and CD-Action, note that not all dialogue is voiced, particularly in side stories or substories, which can feel like a missed opportunity for immersion. The lack of an English dub is another recurring issue, with Noisy Pixel and Gamer Escape criticizing it as a "cost-cutting measure" that may alienate non-Japanese speakers. Additionally, Eurogamer Germany mentions recycled voice recordings from previous titles, which, while familiar, could feel repetitive to some. Metro GameCentral also points out that the reliance on established voices might dilute character individuality, though this is framed as a trade-off for nostalgic appeal. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting excels in core narratives, its limitations in side content and localization options may detract from the overall experience for certain players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward admiration for Like a Dragon: Ishin!’s voice acting, with most highlighting its quality, emotional impact, and alignment with the Yakuza series’ legacy. IGN, Game Informer, and RPG Fan all describe the performances as "excellent" or "impeccable," reinforcing the game’s narrative strength. While some critics like Wccftech and Eurogamer Germany note technical shortcomings, these are often framed as minor issues in an otherwise strong package. The absence of an English dub and unvoiced dialogue are acknowledged but not universally seen as deal-breakers, particularly for fans who prioritize authenticity or familiarity with the series. Ultimately, the voice acting is viewed as a key strength that enhances the game’s storytelling, even if it occasionally falls short in accessibility or completeness.

The technical performance of Like a Dragon: Ishin! across platforms shows mixed but generally manageable results, with some notable positives. On PC, critics like PCMag noted "solid framerates" despite minor hitches during combat, while Movies Games and Tech acknowledged improvements after patches. For PS5, several reviewers praised its smooth performance, with VG247 highlighting stable 60 FPS and Games.cz noting "no major technical issues." Xbox Series X also received positive feedback, as Generación Xbox commended the "well-executed remastering" and XboxEra noted "minor glitches" that didn’t disrupt gameplay. Additionally, some critics like Hobby Consolas and PLAY! Zine praised the PS5 version’s optimization, citing "good lighting and environmental detail" despite its 2014 origins. However, technical issues plagued multiple platforms, with PC facing challenges such as frame drops, stuttering, and a "dated Unreal Engine 4 implementation" (Dexerto), while PS5 saw frequent glitches like camera problems, NPC clipping, and loading delays. Critics like GameOver.gr and Noisy Pixel described the PS5 version as "riddled with technical glitches," and RPGamer highlighted "significant performance issues" on PS4, including long load times. On Xbox Series X, texture pop-in during cutscenes (GAMINGbible) and minor UI glitches (Cultured Vultures) were noted, though less severe than on other platforms. The game’s age was a recurring concern, with Eurogamer Germany and Jeuxvideo.com criticizing outdated mechanics and "frustrating glitches" that detracted from the experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward moderate technical performance with platform-specific quirks. While PS5 and Xbox Series X versions generally ran smoothly despite some bugs, PC faced more pronounced issues, particularly in early reviews. Critics like GGRecon and Softpedia praised the game’s "beautiful" performance on modern systems, but many emphasized that its technical shortcomings—such as stuttering, glitches, and outdated design—were evident across all platforms. The game’s remastering efforts were acknowledged, yet most agreed it required patches to address lingering issues. Despite these flaws, the core experience remained playable, with some reviewers (e.g., GGRecon) noting that "no significant technical issues" detracted from enjoyment, while others (like Jeuxvideo.com) called for improvements to meet modern standards.

The majority of critics highlight Like a Dragon: Ishin! as offering substantial replay value through its expansive side content, minigames, and substories. Many praise the game’s ability to keep players engaged beyond the main narrative, with PC Gamer noting the mix of main story and side quests that “can lead to hours of gameplay,” while GamesRadar+ and IGN Japan emphasize the wealth of side quests, minigames, and exploration elements. The inclusion of unique activities like the farming simulator Another Life (mentioned by Gamers Heroes and GameSpew) and diverse substories adds layers to the experience. Critics such as XboxEra and Wccftech highlight the game’s potential to double or triple playtime, particularly for completionists, with Wccftech noting over seventy substories and extensive side content. The variety of activities—ranging from karaoke and fishing to combat challenges—creates a sense of depth that appeals to fans of the series. However, several critics point to limitations that may reduce replayability. Everyeye.it argues the game “may not have significant replay value beyond the initial playthrough,” while GamingTrend and ZTGD criticize repetitive or uninspired side content, such as outdated activities or imbalanced combat systems. DualShockers mentions “occasional difficulty spikes and outdated activities” requiring grinding, and Gfinity notes that dungeons can become repetitive. Additionally, Gamer.nl and GGRecon suggest the game’s appeal is narrower, with some mechanics feeling dated for newcomers or veterans alike. Noisy Pixel points to technical issues deterring replayability, while Gamereactor Finland highlights that “repetitive battles on easier difficulties” may limit long-term engagement. These critiques underscore concerns about pacing, design consistency, and accessibility. Overall, the consensus leans positive but acknowledges trade-offs. Most critics agree that Like a Dragon: Ishin! delivers strong replay value through its sheer volume of side content, with PCMag calling it “a massive time sink” and Xbox Tavern praising its “girth and length.” However, the game’s replayability is often tied to fan loyalty, as noted by IGN Japan (which mentions it feels “less engaging compared to previous titles”) and Worth Playing (which prefers the series’ modern setting). While some critics like Gamer Escape and Gamepressure celebrate its addictive systems and exploration, others caution that its repetitive elements or combat issues may deter broader audiences. Ultimately, the game is seen as a rewarding experience for dedicated players, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy all expectations for long-term engagement.