The Yakuza goes to Hawaii in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The tenth title in the Like a Dragon installment comes as a direct sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020), and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023). Another 3D action adventure, this volume retains the franchise’s signature dynamic and fast-paced battles.

But that’s not the only thing it keeps — some familiar faces make a comeback. While the 2020 and 2023 protagonist Ichiban Kasuga naturally returns, so does Kazuma Kiryu, the original series leading character. The cast make their way to Hawaii (eventually — if you remember, the series has a habit of giving players episode-long exposition) to look for Ichiban’s biological mother, once presumed dead.

You switch protagonists halfway through — taking control of Kiryu, now battling cancer as well as Japan’s yakuza system. Ichiban and Kiryu’s dynamic — that of opposites, Ichiban the happy-go-lucky labrador and Kiryu the dramatic and brooding black cat — delivers heartfelt humor and plenty of emotional payoff.

The familiar gameplay receives a welcome injection of variety, with new job classes and the sprawling Hawaiian setting, offering a playground for customization and exploration, and swapping the neon-drenched alleys of Kamurocho for the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii is a refreshing change.

The vastness of the game can occasionally lead to a sense of repetition. While side quests are still as good as ever, you may find their objectives and rewards formulaic. Thankfully, the main story’s twists and turns, coupled with the captivating personalities, often pull you back in before monotony sets in.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 60-100+ hours.

? Price: USD 69.99 for the Standard Edition, USD 84.99 for the Deluxe Edition, and USD 109.99 for the Ultimate Edition.

? Platforms: Playstation, Xbox, and Steam for PC.

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