Like A Dragon: Ishin is the latest entry in the Yakuza series and is a remake of Ryu Ga Gotoku's (RGG) 2014 title. Now renamed "Like A Dragon," the series returns to feudal Japan with a host of familiar faces in an unusual setting. Gone are the hustle and bustle of modern-day Japan, instead replaced with a traditional class system and several unhappy samurai aiming to unravel it.
While the time period and locales are markedly different from the series' usual backdrop, there are plenty of eerily similar substories, minigames, and more that will strike a chord if you've played other entries. Along with the tonal similarities are some added innovations – like crafting – that will give you plenty to do as you wander the lonely, dusty roads of Japan on this wild ride for revenge.
Review
Our Lead Guides Editor and resident Majima stan, Meg Pelliccio took a look at Ishin, heralding it as another quintessential Like A Dragon experience, packed with meaningful story beats and plenty of offbeat humor. She goes on to mention the character callbacks as a fun nod by RGG to longtime fans: "Okita Soji might be wearing a bloodied haori instead of a snakeskin jacket, but he’s still very much the Mad Dog (quite literally, he’s still called that)..."
Four essential ingredients make the Yakuza games great: a stellar cast, an incredible setting, enough content to lose yourself in for hours, and a plot you can’t wait to discuss with others. Ishin checks all of those boxes.
For newcomers looking for a taste of the series, you'll be happy to know the four main ingredients of Like A Dragon: Ishin are struck in perfect harmony, earning it a four out of five score. The upgrades over the original version, including new features and character models from Like A Dragon 7 give this entry a potent breath of fresh air.
While there are several recurring characters, tropes, and gags that may trigger a sense of deja vu, there are plenty of nuances that set Ishin apart from its counterparts. A deep dive into Japan's history and an exploration of its traditions is both informative and essential to the plot. You will find yourself equal parts educated and entertained as you delve into the life of Sakamoto Ryoma, who was actually a real person, in case you're wondering.
Like A Dragon: Ishin is an exceptional game with a wonderful story. It isn't perfect and could do with some optimization, but you will be more than satisfied with your time in 1867 Japan.
Time Expenditure
For those looking to experience the bare minimum of this sprawling world, the main story will run you about 21 hours, according to James Kennedy's best estimates. This will be a straight run through the story without stopping to enjoy any of the wacky, off-the-wall substories that Ishin has to offer.
If you stop to enjoy the sights as you progress naturally through the game, your playtime should creep closer to the 41-hour mark as you chat with talkative ladies and maybe pause for a little fishing on your journey.
If you're not going to settle for any less than a 100 percent completion score then you'll be happy (or stressed) to know that Like A Dragon: Ishin boasts at least 94 hours worth of content, from casual boardgames and other mini-games to life-or-death encounters with dangerous criminals.
Even if you are not planning on completing every quest in the game, Like A Dragon: Ishin offers a mountain of fun content that you can jump into after completing the game, like collecting weapons, finishing quests, and more.
Cost
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC for $59.99 USD for the base version of the game.
If you're looking for some bonus content, then you can pay $69.99 USD for the Digital Deluxe Edition which will get you some upgrade materials, a skin, and some armament sets to ensure you're kitted out to take on all comers in style.
Given the amount of content to enjoy, you're sure to get your money's worth regardless of which version you buy.
What Players Are Saying
One Yakuza Game To Rule Them All – James Kennedy
The Yakuza series has always been a strange one. It is as absurd as it is sincere. For every refined gameplay mechanic, there is something that feels a little janky and archaic. But the series is quite simply unlike anything else on the market. Part beat 'em up, part JRPG, and part soap opera, the Yakuza franchise is singular in the experience it provides. And I'm not going to mince words here. Like A Dragon: Ishin is among the very finest games in the Yakuza franchise. From its refined combat engine to its delightfully melodramatic plot, to its impressive offering of off-beat side quests, this is a game packed with Yakuza goodness. On top of all that, it also happens to be the perfect opportunity for newcomers to dip their toes. If you have always been curious about this franchise, but aren't sure if you want to jump into a series that is about to release its ninth canonical entry, Like A Dragon: Ishin's self-contained nature is the perfect opportunity for you to see what all the hype is about.
A Remarkable Spin-Off – Axel Bosso
Like a Dragon: Ishin! was a game I never expected to see in the west a few years ago. As the series grew in popularity, this became a more clear possibility. When I finally played it, it has everything I expected (the good and the bad), and a little more. If you can look over archaic designs and time-wasting mechanics that have been here for over a decade now, you'll find an intriguing and outstanding story, with a fantastic cast of amazing characters — with the best one being the city of Kyo itself. It's also worth mentioning that if you generally don't like Yakuza's beat 'em-up gameplay, here it's sharper than ever.
Yes, You'll Love Every Minute Of It – Andrew Scariati
Series developer Ryu Ga Gotoku strikes gold with another superb entry to follow up on the success of Yakuza: Like A Dragon. All the key elements for success are here and offer an entertaining experience that rewards patience and exploration handsomely. Ishin is worth every bit of its cost. The story offers a stirring culmination that feels fitting for the themes at play, namely a look at Japanese traditional values through a modern lens. At its core, Ishin is an incredible JRPG littered with dozens of hours of content to immerse yourself in, plenty of weapons and armor to hunt, and more than your fair share of absurd moments to enjoy.