Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth GameSpot Review

Infinite Wealth takes one step forward and two steps back and undermines the series' storytelling strengths, but its incredible character moments and standout RPG systems shine.

On paper, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth has everything I could possibly ask for in a game from RGG Studio: Kasuga Ichiban from the 2020 RPG Yakuza: Like A Dragon co-leading with series legend Kazuma Kiryu-- two characters I love dearly fighting alongside one of the most memorable supporting casts in recent years. It's the best of both Yakuza worlds coming together for a story about life, legacy, and the daunting realities of the world we live in--but, more than anything, atonement and the various forms it can take. It also comes with greatly improved RPG systems that nail the tactical joy of turn-based combat while upholding Yakuza's identity in remarkable ways. And in splitting its time in Hawaii with Yokohama, you get two robust and detailed locations to explore new and old ideas through the biggest suite of side activities the series has had thus far.

For all its comedic absurdity and optional diversions, Infinite Wealth brings its heavier themes into focus--at times--with the kind of dramatic storytelling the franchise has mastered over the years. It's unfortunate to say, however, that the main story loses the thread along the way. By putting unearned emphasis on its least interesting aspects and meandering for much of its runtime, the compelling narrative ambitions it sets up are largely left unfulfilled. That's tough to grapple with for what's supposed to be a monumental passing of the torch between the two beloved leads and one last hurrah for one whose life we've seen unfold across nearly two decades' worth of games. And so, instead, Infinite Wealth becomes a game about individual moments--moments of bittersweet reflection, moments of heartfelt camaraderie, and moments of hype that uplift legendary characters even higher. These are moments that remind you the Yakuza franchise is much bigger than any one game. Even when Infinite Wealth's overarching plotline comes up short in crucial ways, those moments still make it worth playing.

#gaming #infinitewealth #likeadragon #gamespot

[slugshotgun]

Back to back 90 games on metacritic in Tekken 8 and Yakuza 8. What a great way to end the first month of the year.

[gamingcasually]

I'm so glad i invested time in the series and played all of the main games + gaiden, i am so ready for this game.

[Wladislav]

Very good in-depth review from someone who is clearly a discerning fan of the series!

[Koko-nlyb]

it sounds like the Game says a final goodbye to Kiryu, wich is good, this dude deserves the retirement more than any

[calvinmatthews]

This month was surprisingly full of great games.

[TurtleChad]

THE BEAT FRANCHISE EVER. No other game has made me so sad about the stories.

[senshai]

Finally a game that feels like it is a bang for every penny

[cloudvoid]

Thank you for critiquing the narrative in depth. Keep up the good work.

[ombra]

That man Kiryu could not wait to do Karaoke 😂

[BLEACHnofanKH]

Not sure if i want to pre-order this for the added jobs or just wait for a sale cause i have a massive backlog 🤔 😂

[vovindequasahi]

Wow you're the only reviewer who has said that the story is weak... Everyone else calls it a masterpiece.

[kiddsupreme]

They gave it an 8. Saved you a few minutes. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[txgoldrush]

The story criticisms from other reviewers are more minimal.

[evanlanger]

Disappointed to hear about the overall narrative, but I always love seeing a Michael Higham & Jean-Luc Seipke Yakuza video. Excited to pick this game up on Friday!

[hvacnr]

im now 100 hours gameplay, chapter 6, and 35% on story mode, 😆😆, it a great game

[reyhandanielaldjufrie]

IGN gave it a 9 n gamespot gave it 8 this is crazzy ussualy is a other way around

[hakangokhan]

I can’t wait to play this game! It’s shaping up to be a real masterpiece. RGG is one of my favorite studios in the world it’s just a shame they failed miserably when casting the insufferable and nauseating YongYea to play Kiryu in English. I loved Ichiban’s English voice in Yakuza 7 but this time I will be playing in Japanese for sure.

[alpiston]

The game feels more like Final Fantasy in modern era Square never delivered

[jamesbroome]

Has Kiryu been shrunk at 3:50. Look at the size of that camping stove!

[GamingNewsSummary]

I am looking forward to play this game, I have so far played 0, 6 and Like A Dragon. I liked 0 the most so far. How about you guys?