Yakuza: Like a Dragon PlayStation 5

Overview

Yakuza: Like a Dragon, known in Japan as Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Whereabouts of Light and Darkness, is a role-playing game (RPG) from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA, and marks a major shift in the Yakuza franchise. Rather than sticking with its previous real-time action beat-’em-up combat, this entry switches to turn-based combat and introduces a brand new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, moving away from longtime mainstay Kazuma Kiryu.

The game was released on multiple platforms, and the PS5 version includes visual improvements, faster loading, performance tweaks, and other platform-specific upgrades.

Story & Setting

The narrative centers on Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking member of the Arakawa family (part of the Tojo Clan). In the year 2000, he takes the fall for a crime committed by his boss, Sawashiro, believing it a way to repay loyalty to Masumi Arakawa (the boss). Ein effect, Ichiban ends up imprisoned for eighteen years. When he is finally released in 2019, he finds that his “family” has dissolved, alliances have shifted, and no one seems to be waiting for him outside.

Kasuga embarks on a journey of self-discovery and betrayal, trying to understand what has happened to his clan, why he was betrayed, and how to fix what’s broken. Along the way, he gathers an unlikely party from among society’s outsiders: people with troubled pasts, unique personalities, and strong motivations.

Most of the game takes place in Yokohama (Isezaki Ijincho), with portions in classic series locations like Kamurocho (Tokyo) and Sotenbori (Osaka). The setting is modern Japan, with all the contrasts of neon cityscapes, crimelord underworlds, ordinary citizens, and lots of quirky side stories.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Here’s what makes Like a Dragon stand out, especially compared to earlier Yakuza games.

Turn-Based RPG Combat

• This game shifts from the real-time brawling style of past Yakuza titles to a turn-based combat system. That means instead of fighting enemies in real time (button mashing and combos), battles proceed in turns, where you select actions from menus.

• However, the game doesn’t lose all Yakuza flavor: you can still pick up environmental objects (street signs, bikes, bats, umbrellas, etc.) and use them as weapons. Timing, positioning, and using the surroundings smartly still matter.

• There is also a job system (class system) with many “Jobs” to choose from (for example Bodyguard, Musician, etc.). Your party members can change jobs, which affects abilities, stats, appearances, and what tactics you use in combat.

Party & Characters

• In addition to Ichiban, the game gives you a roster of allies that you recruit over the story, often from the fringes of society: a disgraced nurse, a homeless man, a hostess, a former cop, etc. Their backgrounds, relationships, and growth are part of the appeal.

• Party synergy matters: some jobs or abilities work well together, and you’ll often have to think about which Jobs to equip to your party to deal with different kinds of enemies.

Side Content & Exploration

• Beyond the main story, Like a Dragon is rich with side activities, mini-games, substories, and fun diversions. Karaoke, arcade games, go-kart racing, and many small stories among NPCs are part of the mix.

• The game world is big, with multiple districts to explore, each with distinct ambience, culture, shops, NPCs, and side missions. This gives plenty of opportunities for immersion and going off the beaten path.

Presentation & PS5 Enhancements

• On PS5, Like a Dragon benefits from better hardware: faster load times, potentially smoother frame rates, and higher visual fidelity compared to older gen hardware.

• There are also different display modes, which might allow you to prioritize visuals (resolution, detail) or performance (frame rate).

Features

Here’s a summary of the key features:

• New Protagonist, New Story-Arc: Ichiban Kasuga offers a fresh perspective and resets some of the franchise conventions.

• Turn-Based Combat: A major shift, bringing in tactical choices, Job system, environmental weapon use.

• Deep Job / Class System: Many Jobs, ability to swap, different styles for different members.

• Substantial Side Content: Mini-games, substories (side stories), exploring vibrant city districts, arcade minigames.

• High Production Value: Strong narrative writing, voice acting (including in English for the localization), cinematic story presentation, character development.

• International Version & Localization: Includes English voiceovers, localized content, etc.

• Replayability: After finishing the main story, many players enjoy revisiting side content, exploring all Jobs, going for completions like substories and collectibles.

Strengths

What Yakuza: Like a Dragon does especially well:

• Freshness & Innovation: The switch in combat system and introduction of Ichiban really revitalizes the series. For many fans, this is one of the most accessible entries, especially for newcomers.

• Strong Narrative & Characterization: The story, while dramatic, balances serious moments with humor, absurdity, heart. Ichiban is charismatic, his allies are memorable. The emotional weight behind Kasuga’s betrayal, loyalty, and redemption is well done.

• Rich World & Culture: The games always shine in how they depict Japanese urban culture — nightlife, food, arcades, side communities, etc. This one is no different; exploring Yokohama and its mix of modern life and underworld gives texture and atmosphere.

• Variety & Side Activities: There’s always something to do: side missions, mini-games, exploring, Jobs to try, and small stories among NPCs. This helps prevent the game from feeling linear or repetitive.

• Presentation & Polish: Voice acting, cinematics, art design, environmental detail, and overall production values are high. PS5 enhancements make it smoother and more visually appealing.

Weaknesses / Limitations

No game is perfect. These are some of the criticisms or trade-offs players have noted:

• Save Transfer Issues: If you played on PS4, your save file cannot be transferred to the PS5 version. This is a big pain for players who want to continue.

• PS5 Feature Under-Utilization: Some reviews say that while the PS5 version is visually improved, it doesn’t always take full advantage of PS5-specific features (for example, DualSense tactile feedback, haptics, or exploit all next-gen potential).

• Length & Pacing: Because of so much side content and many chapters, some players feel pacing is uneven: early parts are slower, more exposition; later in the game things accelerate. Also, completionists will find the grind to unlock every Job, side mission, and item to be significant.

• Combat Learning Curve: For players used to the older Yakuza action style, adjusting to turn-based combat and learning how to use Jobs, item usage, synergies can take time. Some find early battles tedious until you unlock better Jobs or abilities.

• Re-play Incentive: While there is side content and optional stuff, beyond the main story and completing everything, there may be fewer incentives for multiple full playthroughs unless you aim for 100%.

Why the PS5 Version Matters

Because of the more powerful hardware, the PS5 version gives improvements that enhance the experience, especially for new players:

• Faster loading times reduce waits (important when moving between districts or entering/exiting activities).

• Visual upgrades: higher resolution, better texture detail; smoother framerates in certain modes.

• DualSense features (though some criticisms say they are under-used).

If you haven’t played this game yet, the PS5 version is probably the best way to experience it.

Who It’s For

Here are the kinds of players who will likely love Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and who might find it less to their taste:

Will Enjoy If You:

• Like strong stories with character development, emotional arcs, betrayal, loyalty, and redemption.

• Enjoy RPGs with depth: turn-based combat, class/job systems, strategy, building up your party.

• Like open‐ended games with tons of side content, mini-games, and exploring urban environments.

• Are interested in Japanese culture, city life, urban storytelling, and the blend of drama and humor.

• Are a fan of the Yakuza series, or want a good entry point into the franchise.

Might Not Enjoy If You:

• Prefer fast, real-time brawling combat, or arcade beat-’em-ups over turn-based systems.

• Don’t like long games, or grinding and side missions; the game is lengthy, with many distractions and extra content.

• Dislike tonal shifts: this game has serious moments, comedic absurdity, and sometimes over-the-top scenarios. The mix isn’t for everyone.

• Are expecting next-gen exclusive features fully exploited; while PS5 upgrades help, some feel it’s more a polish than a reimagination.

Impact & Significance

• Series Evolution: This game represents a turning point for Yakuza / Like a Dragon franchise. By introducing a new protagonist and revamping combat, it opened up the series to new players and refreshed longtime fans.

• Critical & Commercial Success: The game was well received by critics, especially for its story, character writing, and world building. Many consider it one of the best entries in the series largely because of the risks it took.

• Localization & International Appeal: With strong localization (English voice acting and subtitles, culture references adapted) the game made the series more accessible globally.

Final Thoughts

Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS5 is a compelling RPG that successfully revitalizes a long-running series. It takes bold steps: a new hero, new combat system, embracing both emotional storytelling and eccentric, humorous side content. For many, it strikes a great balance between depth and fun, offering dozens of hours of content, engaging combat, and a vibrant world to explore.

While it has its imperfections — like the inability to carry over PS4 saves, some underused next-gen features, and pacing issues — these tend to be outweighed by what it delivers. If you’re a fan of story-driven games, enjoy turn-based RPG mechanics, or just want an immersive, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious urban adventure, Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5) is well worth playing.