Summary
Recent years have been huge forLike a Dragonfans, and 2024 is shaping up to be no different with the release of the highly-anticipatedLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The game is set to feature both Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga as dual protagonists in a story set outside of Japan for the first time in the series, bringing players to the new location of Hawaii. With how much hype has been built up for this game over the past year, there are a lot of expectations riding onLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthto deliver one of the most comprehensive experiences in the series to date.
The stage forLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthhas been set over the past year with developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio releasing bothLike a Dragon: Ishin!andLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Nameto prime players for what will be the eighth numbered entry in the series. WhileLike a Dragon: Ishin!is a non-canon spin-off game,Like a Dragon Gaidenis a canon story set concurrently toYakuza: Like a Dragonand introduces some new plot threads thatInfinite Wealthwill likely follow up on. WithLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthreleasing early in 2024, fans won’t have to wait long to see how these threads resolve.
More Trailers Leading Up to Release
Sega and RGG Studio have done a great job so far at releasing consistent trailers that detail what players can expect to find inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. From showcasing the game’s setting and story, the improved combat system, and its new side content, these trailers have helped build the hype around the game, so players can expect to see more trailers like these over the next month leading up to the game’s release. Additionally, the specialdemo for the game that was included withLike a Dragon Gaidenalso showcased a slice of whatLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthhas to offer, and while unlikely, that demo could see a stand-alone release before launch.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Releases at the End of January
The biggest thing fans can expect fromLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthin 2024is the game’s full release on January 26. With this release, players will finally get to experience all the game’s new improvements and additions that have been teased over the past year.
New Modes
Part of the appeal of theLike a Dragonseries is the optional side modes and mini-gamesplayers can participate in to distract themselves from the main story.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthgoes above and beyond previous entries in this regard by introducing a handful of new modes like Crazy Delivery, Sujimon Battle, and Miss Match in addition to many classic mini-games from the series' past. Not only is aPokemon-inspired mode a part of this game, butLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthalso includes a robust life sim side mode in the form of Dondoko Island, which has drawn comparisons toAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.
Improved Gameplay
Although there was some controversy surrounding the change from an action brawler to aturn-based JRPG with the release ofYakuza: Like a Dragon, it appears thatLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthwill be overhauling its combat system while still maintaining the core turn-based combat of its predecessor. Party members will now be able to move during their turn, allowing players to place them strategically to deal more damage to enemies or set up combos with other allies. Battling weaker enemies has also been streamlined with the addition of the Smackdown mechanic, which allows players to quickly defeat weak enemies for decreased experience.
Thejob system fromYakuza: Like a Dragonalso returns inInfinite Wealth, and with it comes some all-new jobs for players to try out. Some of these new jobs include Samurai, Geodancer, Aquanaut, and Housekeeper, but certain jobs will be exclusive to specific characters, like Eric Tomizawa’s Cabbie job or Chitose Fujinomiya’s Heiress job. Additionally, Kiryu’s Dragon of Dojima job allows him to unleash his Dragon Resurgence ability, wherein he can freely attack enemies in the series' classic brawler combat style.
A Wide Cast of Characters
There are plenty of faces both new and old for players to get to know inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, including the return of many fan-favorites. Players can expect to see some big names starring in this title, such as Ebina Masataka who is voiced by Daniel Dae Kim in the English dub, as well as Danny Trejo, who provides the model and English voice for the character Dwight. Longtime fans of the series will also be happy to see familiar faces likeGoro Majima, Makoto Date, and even Kaoru Sayama make an appearance in this title.
Players Could Potentially See the End of Kiryu’s Story
The big question that is hanging overLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthis whether it will truly be the end of Kiryu’s story. The trailers forLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthreveal that Kiryu is battling cancer, which could prove to be one opponent even the Dragon of Dojima can’t beat. The recentBucket List trailer showcased one of the Sub Storiesplayers can embark on inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which sees Kiryu revisiting many of his old friends and comrades from games past in a bittersweet reunion that makes it seem like this game could be the final outing for the beloved protagonist.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Could See DLC Later in the Year
RGG Studio hasn’t been known for releasing DLC for its titles in the past, but this changed with the release ofYakuza: Like a Dragon, which included several cosmetic packs players could download for an additional cost. Since then, other releases in the franchise have received similar DLC offerings, but nothing too substantial. However,Like a Dragon Gaidenwas originally planned to be DLC forLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthbefore growing large enough to warrant a standalone release, so RGG studio may have something else in the works in terms ofInfinite WealthDLCthat could release later in the year.
