Yakuza is a long-standing series that spans multiple console generations, but it was 2020s Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which became a breakthrough hit and garnered a whole new audience.
As well as implementing turn-based combat for the first time, it also introduced a new protagonist in Ichiban Kasuga.
What really set the entry apart from its predecessors was just how whacky it got with its story, as well as the various jobs and mini-games you could do.
Continuing that trend, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a bizarre yet gripping journey through a stunning recreation of Hawaii.
This time both of the series' central figures are present, with Ichiban teaming up with Kazuma Kiryu from the original Yakuza series.
They meet in the tropical paradise of Hawaii as Ichiban is tasked with finding a long-lost family member. Conveniently, Kiryu is also tasked with finding the same person.
They act as the perfect foil for each other as the stoic and stern Kiryu is contrasted with the naive and always optimistic Ichiban.
Their approach to combat is also different, as Ichiban has his trusty bat (or any other weapon) and various powers, while Kiryu has three different stances which allow him to either get in more hits or pack more of a punch.
Pop of colour
The overall gameplay loop is similar to Like a Dragon, as you and your team take on various adversaries on the streets of Honolulu.
The change of environment does a lot to freshen things up and, consequently, you will be facing plenty of surfer dudes and people playing ukuleles in battle.
Combat is a visual treat as every move and ability is complimented by a pop of colour. While in Like a Dragon you can move around the battlefield, you are restricted to an area around you in this instalment.
This leads to proximity to your enemies being more important. Depending on how you line up your attacks, you can also double-team enemies.
Overall, it is a blast to play and combining your teammates' abilities is a satisfying experience.
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Overall, it is a blast to play and combining your teammates' abilities is a satisfying experience. You can also add special double team moves to your arsenal as you develop bonds with your teammates.
In terms of what you actually do in the game, there are tons of different activities to try your hand at. Thankfully, the way developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio introduces you to them means it is not overwhelming.
Instead of side missions being markers on the map, when you go through main missions you encounter substories on your way, which feel much more natural.
One minute you could be doing a fast food delivery to earn some extra money and the next you are taking part in an escape room at a shopping mall for a TV show.
It feels like nothing is out of bounds or too wild for Ichiban to try his hand at, and you genuinely do not know what is coming around the corner.
New faces
It also helps that there are new characters added to the mix that bring the best out of Ichiban and Kiryu. Eric Tomizawa is the first character you meet after landing in Hawaii, and he promptly tries to rob you.
You find out he was working for the local Yakuza group, The Barracudas, after getting into debt. As Ichiban is such a forgiving person, he helps him get out of the situation.
Meanwhile, Chitose Fujinomiya comes from a rich Japanese family and becomes a housekeeper for the person Ichiban is looking for. After he has a bit too much to drink, she robs Ichiban and leaves him naked on the beach.
After she tells the group what happened, they realise her predicament and she joins the team. The new characters really get their moment to shine and some of the big story beats centre around them as well.
While Yakuza: Like a Dragon had a serviceable story, Infinite Wealth skilfully blends eccentric moments with some truly dramatic ones.
Ryu Ga Gotoku is also one of the few studios that nail comedy in their games. It can be a difficult balancing act trying to mix serious with silly, but they do it masterfully.
Whether it is the outrageous situations characters get into or the hilarious enemies you face, comedy is abundant in Infinite Wealth.
Whether it is the outrageous situations characters get into or the hilarious enemies you face, comedy is abundant in Infinite Wealth.
A good example of this is an enemy you face in an underground tunnel as you attempt to break into a mob's HQ. They are branded as 'lowlifes' and one of them is fully tucked into a green sleeping bag and attacks like a snake.
You cannot help but laugh at the character designs and seeing what unique abilities they have that match their persona. This means every battle (even the smaller ones) are something to look forward to.
More than anything, Infinite Wealth is a journey full of twists and turns that truly take you by surprise. You get to see Ichiban and his crew go through outlandish situations as well as bond over heartfelt moments.
It is an early contender for Game of the Year and easily Ryu Ga Gotoku's most outlandish release to date.
Our score: 9/10
