Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon marked a major turning point for Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's long-running series, as it swapped the traditional action combat for a turn-based RPG system inspired by classics like Dragon Quest for the first time. The player takes on the new lead character Ichiban Kasuga, a former yakuza who, after sixteen years in prison, discovers his clan betrayed him and sets out through the city of Yokohama in search of the truth and his own place in the world. Battles play out as party-based turn-based fights, where characters use vocations resembling everyday jobs, from cook to homeless person, with bizarre yet functional abilities.

The game retains the series' signature mix of a serious crime story and utterly absurd humor, side activities, and minigames that the series is famous for, from karaoke to a business simulator to bizarre side quests. On Xbox One the game ran smoothly and offered an extensive, richly detailed urban setting full of life, complemented by striking music alternating emotional melodies with energetic battle themes. Contemporary reception was very positive, with critics and fans alike praising the boldness of changing the established combat system while still keeping the series' characteristic spirit. Yakuza: Like a Dragon became one of the best-received entries in the series and successfully opened the brand up to new players beyond traditional action fans.

Unlike earlier protagonists in the series, Ichiban isn't a cold-blooded brawler but rather a naive dreamer inspired by Dragon Quest heroes, which is reflected in how, in his own imagination, he perceives fights with street gangs as epic RPG battles against monsters. The vocation system, which can be changed almost anytime between battles, allows players to experiment with different playstyles, from dancer to detective to a classic brawler, and each vocation has its own set of abilities and weapons. Yokohama's extensive substories and side activities, from a management simulator to absurd side quests, add dozens of extra hours of content beyond the main story.

Why play it: For anyone who wants to experience Yakuza as a naive RPG adventure inspired by Dragon Quest, the flexible vocation system, from dancer to detective, and dozens of hours of Yokohama's absurd side activities are a real draw.