Play This First! Yakuza: Like a Dragon Full Review

🐉 Embark on the Journey Before 'Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth'! -- Today we're diving into "Yakuza: Like a Dragon" - the game that reshaped an iconic series with its bold turn-based RPG mechanics. With "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" just around the corner, let's explore why this game is a must-play!
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#likeadragon

[@dylangirard4670]

In 2023 I played yakuza 0 through yakuza 3. My goal this year is to play 4 through like a dragon. Like a dragon is the game that causes this series to pique my interest.

[@Kranitoko]

I'm currently doing something similar, except I intend to beat all Yakuza games this year. This month alone I've completed Yakuza 0, 1, 2, 3, Judgment and I'm about 2 chapters from finishing 4... I have too much free time on my hands 😅 YLAK is the one I'm looking forward to playing the most as I love the traditional turn based RPG style

[@bobseesall]

My old boss picked up the series not long ago. The way he talked about each game was something special compared to any other game we talked about.

[@sadmarinersfan8935]

They really it’s a one of kind series that I love to death

[@V-SZN]

Absolutely loved this game, Kasuga is such a badass

[@AKABoondock19]

my favorite game protagonist of all time!

[@RPC87]

I beat this game when it came out and the ending really stuck with me! The english voice actors kill it! All I wanted was to talk to friends about this game but my fiends only play modern warefare type games. Good video Super D

[@mechaotakugamer]

I'm so happy to finally see your full review of this awesome game. I love Yakuza Like a dragon. I hope you completed the business management side quest in order to get Ichiban's most ridiculous op special attack

[@SuperDerek]

Thanks dude, I'm happy to have a brand new series I can be a fan of. Always knew I wanted to try this one out, so glad it didn't disappoint! :)

[@mechaotakugamer]

@SuperDerek it truly surprised with how good it was when I played it in 2022. The Story, the characters, the gameplay, combat, everything just hooked me in

[@michealbounds550]

Just beat it in preparation for Infinite Wealth

[@mechaotakugamer]

@@michealbounds550 it's such an awesome game

[@Antidepressiva1980]

That's exactly what i am doing right now. Chapter 9 and over 35 hours clocked in so far. Not efficient i know but so damn immersive and fun to go through it all one by one not rushing it. The side activities are the hit and miss but overall super fun to do . The turn based action gets really good after it clicks. I found a new series to love. @@michealbounds550

[@sarkastikwizard2204]

Thank you for your great review, i've just currently started the series with Yakuza 0 and so many elements you've mentioned are already there, except for the turn based combat. But i feel like the Yakuza games all are RPG's. They are dancing on a border between being brawlers and being RPG's. What i love in Yakuza 0 especially are the many, often humorous sidequests that leave Kiryu either smiling with satisfaction of helping someone or utterly confused of what he just witnessed. For me as a player thats so engaging to move on with the game and the whole series. In 2023 i fell in love with the series, 2024 will be me leaning into it fully. With some light palette cleansers in between so i don't get fatigued.

[@DuoBeard]

I’m happy to see some live for Ichiban, he’s been the most relatable character I’ve ever had the luxury to play as. Truly looking forward to the next game. Amazing review as always Derek

[@kilgoretrout8896]

Loved this game. Had me in tears by the end.

[@DuoBeard]

You’re not alone, it was certainly an experience I didn’t know I needed

[@dariushines1251]

​@@DuoBeard legend 🫡

[@sadmarinersfan8935]

The 4th game in the series to do that for me 🥹

[@brettwireman5774]

Love the review man!

[@TheFoolTohru]

SuperDerek with the clutch well-detailed reveiew of my favorite video game series! Appreciate ya my man!

[@DemonClaus]

Great review, Derek! Ichiban has easily become one of my favorite JRPG protagonists in a long while! The game was such a love letter to everything I love about RPGs and I'm so pumped for the sequel!

[@SuperDerek]

Exactly. SEGA created a new protagonist who I can so completely identify with! At least from an "RPG-Obsession" perspective. 😛

[@femtrooper]

Great review for a great game! I can't wait for Infinite Wealth!!!

[@SuperDerek]

Ayy! Thanks so much Paige! :D I can't wait either!

[@1DangerMouse1]

Wow, I own this game, but I wasn't sure about it, so I didn't end up playing it. This review was VERY helpful! I'm excited to play this! Thank you!

[@SuperDerek]

Glad I could help encourage you to give it a go! :)

[@LordKaiser003]

A very complete review. Very hyped for the next game in this sub series.

[@chaopan4062]

Man, u grow younger and younger, how is that possible?😂😂😂. Looking good and good work 👏 🙌 👍

[@SuperDerek]

Aw thanks dude! Let's hope I can Benjamin Button myself back to my 20s eventually! xD

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

I remember talking to you about how great the Yakuza games were, stoked to see you review and love Like a Dragon!

[@GentlemanGamer94]

Great job on the review! ^_^ Before I played this game for the first time last year, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it compared to the more action-oriented Yakuza/Judgement titles. Then I played it, and it quickly became my new favorite in the series. Shoutout to the phenomenal soundtrack as well! I'm not usually one for EDM/Dubstep, but the music here is a bop. The first battle theme Ascension Point and the mini-boss encounter theme Asphodelos both became ear worms for me really quickly. 🙂

[@reyntime1950]

Just reinstalled this a few hours ago after I picked up the extra job classes for a couple of bux. Really looking forward to infinite wealth.

[@Butterfly617]

Awesome review Derek, glad you enjoyed the game. I can’t believe it’s less then 3 weeks until Like A Dragon 8 now

[@seasonalocean]

Played 0 thru like a dragon and both judgement game in 2021. Best gaming year of my life.

[@ChimpRiot]

A JRPG geared towards adults. This is a must play.

[@Player2_gaming]

I wish they would remake FF5 and have it play like this games does. Seriously this game blew me away.

[@sergesolid3747]

Awesome!

[@kennethbaker5573]

The set is looking so good dude

[@SuperDerek]

Thanks Kenneth! :)

[@DeliciousMorsels]

Great review Derek! I'm so looking forward to getting to this and Infinite Wealth this year. My main gaming goal for 2024 is to be caught up with the franchise by the end of the year (just got into it last year and I've played 0-4 already). 2024: Year of the (Like a) Dragon 🐉

[@Studiofaeltube]

SUPERDEREK i am not being notified of your new videos!

[@daytonablue2041]

OMG I can’t believe you finally did it, even if it did take a few years. I knew you would love this game which is why myself and a few others kept pestering you to play it. Anywho nice review and will be waiting patiently for that Infinite Wealth review, even if it takes you another few years to get to it. ✌️

[@truepatriot3768]

Wow derek change in style & games 🤟🤟

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

Fantastic review of an incredible game. The story was kind of over the top melodramatic at times, but I still enjoyed it (and shed a few tears, too). The voice acting was phenomenal! Looking forward to infinite wealth in a few weeks.

[@SuperDerek]

Man I can NOT wait for IW!

[@James-gj8rn]

Wooo SuperDerek got around to playing Yakuza 7, it might just be one of my favourite games of all time honestly, the yakuza series is already my favourite game series of all time and this is getting up there as my favourite game in the franchise now, i can't wait to see what they do with Like A Dragon 8

[@erikrick]

The shirt and hair feel ALMOST over the top, but fun and fitting, especially for a game series that lives and thrives in that zone. Good review of a good game. 😊

[@XyNoST]

I didn't started the video and I already like the video because Like a Dragon is surely one the biggest Love Letter for oldschool JRPG (Especially Enix and Dragon Quest)

[@Eagleknight815]

Still on the backlog to play. I enjoyed watching you play this on Twitch. It's going to be played this year once I have PS5 however.

[@Darule514]

Derek you look like Final Fantasy character with the new hairstyle

[@altercell_]

I just played this for the first time! It’s incredible

[@DarknessIsTheTruth]

I love this game so much it's an absolute gem!

[@JustTheGems]

I was thinking that I wanted to finish getting through the other Yakuza games before I played this one, but after this review... I may need to just take the plunge now.

[@HondoJarrus]

Playing this on Xbox Series X and it looks and runs great. I'm almost finished (I think) and it's a fantastic RPG with awesome characters and world; I loved the business sidequest.😁 Awesome review!👏

[@atomicimota7512]

Like A Dragon was the first time this series pulled me in. ❤ I loved it so much. I am beyond HYPED for Infinite Wealth!

[@RavenousSpectre]

I love this series but this entry made me stop when they phoned in the business mini game into the main story. I've still yet to get through that. Even got dlc of yakuza characters to help me do it faster. Still grinding at it.

[@LordCommandGrab]

Now you better be ready to play the rest because Gaiden and especially Infinite Wealth are gonna be very reliant on past games. Enjoy the journey! It's simply amazing.

[@SoulGameStudio]

I gave this review a Perfect Yakuza Hairstyle out of ten.

[@ohamatchhams]

2020's Yakuza Like A Dragon is what many expected Shenmue 3 to try to be half as great as All while these expecting old fans forget to realises that Yakuza has always been the true spiritual successors to Shenmue (and also being even waaay more the more you learn into certain details, especially with Yakuza 6's turns, back in 2016) Nevertheless, Shenmue 1 & 2 will always be one of the most unique relics from the late 90s/early 2000s era of Japan which should have its own degrees of respects, both digital products had the same gravita as early Tekken, Virtua Fighter and old eras of Koei & Tecmo games back in Original Xbox days

[@Grind24hours]

Finishing the game is what it's all about! Now let's hit 70Ks! Is Yakuza on the switch? Great show, Super Derek! Let's hope by the gods that Dragon Quest 12 will be turn-based!

[@SuperDerek]

No switch release for this series as far as I've heard.

[@Mclearmountain]

Game looks phenomenal.

[@S_Hyde]

Finished 5 last year, wanna get to 6 around mid-year at the latest so I can get to this one near the end but it's looking hard with so many games coming out. Persona Reload and Final Fantasy Rebirth alone will likely burn a couple hundred hours on their own.

[@vagabundorkchaosmagick-use2898]

You also need to play Yakuza 0 at least. Yakuza 0, then 7, then Gaiden, then Infinite Wealth, ir there will be many holes in your comprehension.

[@carlosmelendez8317]

I can't wait to play LAD: Infinite Wealth. What should I buy? like a Dragon Infinite wealth, dragons dogma, or rise of the ronin?

[@arada6655]

Have you noticed the menu during fights? Skill, Etc, Guard, Attack = S.E.G.A

[@SuperDerek]

🤯

[@SuperTeeter64]

I love this game so much! My only gripe with it is it can be really dang hard in certain spots. This game is hilarious and super fun all the same. 💪😎👍

[@HybridAngelZero]

I still can't believe, in a good way, that they actually went through with changing the mainline series to turn-based combat, and even more so that *broadened* the series appeal. Maybe a few other series (cough Final Fantasy cough) should take note

[@SuperSupersoda]

Yakuza Like a Dragon is a game about the corruption, violence and horrors of the seedy underbelly of the Japanese Mafia, with a world whose engine runs on Dragon Quest logic. I love how this game asks the questions out loud that fans of JRPGs have asked privately for years about the tropes of the genre. The first time the crew encounters the famous "monster-in-a-treasure-chest" trope, the characters actually ask "how long has he been in there?" and "how did he even get in there?" and "how does he eat when he's in there?". I finished the game early last month, and it was an amazing game to play. Looking forward to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth!

[@bigumamitaste]

Nice review Super D. I dislike this game, not for anything other than technical reasons really, but it was nice hearing your thoughts on it. I really hope IW ameliorates some of my personal issues with it.

[@ssjdennis6058]

Been playing it for the past two days, but I am a bit surprised about the pop-ins. I mean, this is on xbox, but feels like a Switch game. Very fun to play though, trying to do all side quest and such.

[@leolightfellow]

I hope they bring this to the Switch eventually. :)

[@yozzu5101]

i am so sad most people didn't give this game a chance ...1.some yakuza fans avoid this game because of turn based 2. rpg fans fans avoid this game because it's 7 th game of yakuza series

[@MC_Hammerpants]

Nice review. IMO Like A Dragon is the best jrpg released since Lost Odyssey. I hate that Sega is releasing the sequel to Like A Dragon just a few days before the GOAT Persona 3 Reload. It will definitely hurt the sales of a game that will definitely deserve major clout and online buzz.

[@xSnappsx]

Great review! Makes me want to skip ahead in the series, still need to beat 0.

[@praetorxyn]

Good stuff. I have this, but man I just can't play everything I want to play. Still haven't even gotten around to Witcher 3 because I haven't finished Witcher 1 to go onto Witcher 2, as I want to carry my save all the way through the trilogy. That's how behind I am.

[@Shinky]

I keep hearing that it would be in my best interest to play the preceding 7 games in the series before playing this game. Supposedly theres a lot of plot points that will be missed if you don't understand the base of the Yakuza story? Not sure how true this is though

[@SuperDerek]

I didn't have any trouble understanding this title. Pretty sure there are certain characters from previous games you would understand better, having played the others first, but I was still fully able to enjoy this title on its own. :)

[@reyntime1950]

I dropped off after yakuza 2 like 50 years ago, when it came out. There were probably a bunch of references that went over my head but I never got that impression. This really is a great starting point. I'm glad it jumped the que in my backlog.

[@Shinky]

@@reyntime1950 I’m currently playing Kiwami 2 and I’m enjoying it. Though I hear 3-5 are rough

[@AKABoondock19]

Still no RPG since this game has made me as happy as it did. Im DYING for the sequel in a cpl weeks.

[@usaliengames9810]

Elvis!

[@markboon2024]

Ichiban is easily one of games most likable protagonists.

[@johndemler838]

This was my first Yakuza game and it spoiled the series for me. I'm a traditional turn based JRPG lover, and this game didn't disappoint. When I tried others I couldn't get past the action fighting vs turn based Plus there is SO MUCH to do.

[@Chelaxim]

Sega will make a character who is obsessed with JRPGs and still wont acknowledge Skies of Arcadia.

[@kclink1579]

But no one likes turnbased anymore despite one winning GOTY and one being on most looking forward to list.

[@kainhighwind2]

This was my introduction to the series and I absolutely loved it. Ichiban's the best kind of guy to have as a protagonist. I'm sad I don't care for Kiryu or how the older games play, but I'm glad I can still play from LAD onwards.

[@frankiecardona1656]

is the game too easy?

[@SuperDerek]

Others have complained it's too hard at times. I thought it was pretty well balanced for the most part.

[@ssjdennis6058]

The game is on gamepass right now, might give it a try! Though that time frames scare me 😂 goodbye life

[@Enchurito]

Why would say play the 8th game in the series FIRST?

[@mlgxxx808]

Japan is done with Xbox

[@Chelaxim]

So itchy

[@taliefer16]

much ban

[@SuperDerek]

lol, man that line got me _every time!_ xD

[@Jeueienhjwie]

Play yakuza 0

[@MrAweeze]

Shit Derek do a gta video! We RPG fans would appreciate your view on a different genre you enjoy!

[@markwalch6065]

Ace game but man! It gives mgs2 a ŕun for its money with loooooooong cutscenes. Thankfully you can pause them to go take a piss.

[@macabidz]

The business mini game is boooooooring... That's why I spent hours upon hours in that mini game, lol. But seriously, that was my first thought, then I realized it was my favorite out of all the mini games in the game.

[@rickysutanto9720]

for a channel with rpg on its name, playing this 4 yrs too late is just weird, what exactly are you playing the last 4 yrs?

[@SuperDerek]

Games I've _completed and reviewed_ in that time are Super Mario RPG, Secret of Evermore, Trials of Mana and its remake, Trails in the Sky FC, Trails in the Sky SC and Trails in the Sky the Third, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Arc Rise Fantasia, Crusader of Centy, Trails from Zero, Fantasian, Tales of Phantasia, Pillars of Dust, Mother, EarthBound, Mother 3, Shin Megami Tensei V, Trails to Azure, Chrono Trigger, Radical Dreamers and Chrono Cross, Golden Sun, A Space for the Unbound, Golden Sun The Lost Age, Trails of Cold Steel, Loop 8, Trails of Cold Steel II, Sea of Stars, Trails of Cold Steel 3, and now Like a Dragon. In that time I've also dabbled in Tales of Arise, Shrine's Legacy, Ara Fell, Bug Fables, Maglam Lord, Trinity Trigger, Eiyuden Chronicle Rising, Blossom Tales 2, Soul Hackers 2, For A Vast Future, Tactic Ogre Reborn, Dragon Quest Treasures, Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core Remake, Chained Echoes, Persona 3 Portable Remaster, Forespoken, Wandering Sword, Octopath Traveler 2, Alterium Shift, Arcadian Atlas, 8-Bit Adventures 2, Nayuta Boundless Trails, and the Pillars of Dust Remaster.

[@PhotonSieve]

@@SuperDerek Sorry, that's not enough. Need to list 754 more jRPGs.

[@Ronsilk-pu5hr]

If you think this game looks good on the ps5 version it's way better on the Xbox Series X

[@mr.c9382]

I hated the turn-based combat, so repetitive and boring, it’s clear they had no experience with this type of style.