Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a thrilling action RPG that follows two heroes across Japan and Hawaii in a gripping story of family, crime, and redemption, my full review.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the culmination of a series that has spanned almost 20 years and delivered some incredible moments. Infinite Wealth takes all best parts of the series and delivers the best entry yet, thanks to its brilliant combination of two protagonists, new settings, and fast paced gameplay.
"Infinite Wealth takes all best parts of the series and delivers the best entry yet, thanks to its brilliant combination of two protagonists, new settings, and fast paced gameplay."
I’ve dropped in and out of the series playing aspects of it here and there, but Infinite Wealth is so good, it has me rethinking going back and playing the entire series again. It’s an emotional, fun, and zany journey that spans the Pacific, but is totally worth your time and jet lag, let’s dive into the world of Infinite Wealth and explore all it has to offer.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: SEGA
Genre: Role-playing
Modes: Single player
ESRB Rating: M for Mature 17+
A story of Double Dragons
In this latest yakuza saga, you follow the adventures of Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, in a story that spans the Pacific. Infinite Wealth starts off slow but gives you a lot of background information about the crew and their motivations. The campaign has 14 chapters, each with its own twists and turns told from two perspectives. The story picks up with Kiryu working with former yakuza find new gainful employment at Hello Work in Yokohama, Japan. On the flip side Ichiban travels to Honolulu City, Hawaii, to look for his biological mother. In his travels he uncovers a sinister plot involving a religious cult, and powerful crime syndicates.
Along the way you’ll encounter a cast of colorful characters, including friends old and new. The expansive main quest and side stories offer some incredible storytelling from heartfelt to hilarious moments. The story explores themes of family, loyalty, redemption, and identity, as the two heroes face their pasts and their futures.
"I was taken aback by the level of complexity even in the smallest stories often branched into larger more enjoyable narratives."
I was taken aback by the level of complexity even in the smallest stories often branched into larger more enjoyable narratives. I found the main story extremely engaging and emotional, paying homage to the previous games in the series, while also introducing new elements and surprises. If you are looking for excellent storytelling Infinite Wealth, has it in spades.
Fun gameplay and reworked combat system
Infinite Wealth is a turn-based action RPG, but it’s not your typical one. The combat system is dynamic and fluid, allowing you to move around, using the environment as a weapon, and perform team attacks with your allies. The “Job System” lets you develop different fighting styles like Assassin, Desperado, Cabbie, and Samurai giving you the chance to gain new abilities and unique moves. You can also switch between different jobs, each with its own skills and abilities. One of the things I enjoyed most was using the environment as a weapon pick up objects like bicycles and fending off enemies added to the chaos. Along with random pick-ups you can craft over 140 different options before jumping into battle.The gameplay is fast-paced and fun, and it keeps you on your toes with different enemy types and scenarios.
Switching between characters
Unlike games like Spider-Man 2, you can’t instantly switch between characters in real-time during the main story. Instead, you must wait until you beat a specific chapter to return to the other protagonist. The game alternates between Ichiban’s story in Hawaii and Kiryu’s story in Yokohama every other chapter.
"The game alternates between Ichiban’s story in Hawaii and Kiryu’s story in Yokohama every other chapter."
However, after you finish the main story, you can access the Premium Adventure mode, which allows you to switch between the two protagonists and their locations at any time. Despite minor character switching qualms, the gameplay is an excellent blend of strategy and action.
Graphics and performance
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a visually stunning game that showcases the power of the Dragon Engine. The game features plenty of detail, beauty and colour in both its settings: the lively Yokohama, Japan, and the tropical and exotic Honolulu, Hawaii. The game also boasts impressive effects, such as realistic lighting, shadows, reflections, and weather.
"The game also boasts impressive effects, such as realistic lighting, shadows, reflections, and weather."
The character models are also well-designed and expressive, capturing the emotions and personalities of the cast. I found some of the characters to feel a little “stiff” when moving around environments, but it wasn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things. The game also has a unique art style that blends realism and anime, creating a distinctive look that suits the tone of the game.
An “Infinite Wealth” of Side Content
Infinite Wealth not only has a fully fleshed out main storyline, but also a treasure trove of activities and side content that will keep you entertained for dozens and dozens of hours. I was taken aback by how much there is to do and how deep some of these mini-modes and side quests can go. The game offers over 50 sub-stories, which are optional quests that flesh out the characters and the world, and often involve hilarious and wacky situations.
"The game offers over 50 sub-stories, which are optional quests that flesh out the characters and the world, and often involve hilarious and wacky situations."
There are also plenty of mini-games I really enjoyed like Super Crazy Delivery, a Crazy Taxi parody with food delivery, Sujimon Battles, a Pokemon-style battle game where you catch and train people in costumes, a dating sim called “Miss Match,” karaoke, and more. I found all these activities not only plenty of fun, but they offered rewards. You gain xp for all activities in Infinite Wealth, not just combat, so feel free to grab a beer with buddies or explore the unbeaten path it helps your bond with party members and unlocks new skills and abilities.
Build your own private island
Along with all the side activities I must need to spotlight the biggest one of them all: “Dondoko Island.” On this island you can build your own resort from scratch converting it from a landfill. You start by cleaning up the island and getting rid of unwanted visitors, then you can use the materials you find to make all kinds of things for your resort from furniture to buildings. You can also open your island to guests, create souvenirs and make some extra cash. If you like Animal Crossing, it’s a very similar experience letting you relax and create.
Final thoughts on Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a masterpiece JRPG that delivers with story, gameplay, and added content. It’s a game that celebrates the legacy of the series, while also innovating and expanding on it. Following the journeys of two heroes across Japan and Hawaii truly felt like a grand adventure, one I won’t soon forget. Infinite Wealth will keep you hooked for hours, with its addictive combat system, engaging side activities, and its rich and immersive world. It’s a game that deserves a place in your library, whether you’re a fan of the series or not. It’s one of the best RPGs I’ve played in years, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth PROS
+ Great gameplay and fast-paced combat
+ Dozens of hours’ worth of excellent side content
+ Hawaii is a fantastic setting
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth CONS
-Repetitive dungeon sequences
-Mainline story can become confusing if you aren’t fully invested
-A little too much backtracking
Overall Assessment of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 9.5/10
Overall Rating: 36/40 (90%)
A copy of the game was provided by SEGA for the purpose of this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via "X", Instagram, Threads, TikTok and join in on the fun!
Please note: dappertux.com uses affiliate links to provide a means for this website to earn advertising income. The blog may earn a referral commission on purchases made via these links.