A definitive farewell to Kazuma Kiryu and masterful torch-passing to Ichiban Kasuga that honors Yakuza’s legacy while embracing refreshing change.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – The Torch is Passed
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth represents a monumental achievement for Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, accomplishing the delicate dual mission of providing Kazuma Kiryu with a worthy, emotional finale while seamlessly transitioning leadership to the exuberant Ichiban Kasuga.
This installment transcends a simple sequel, acting as a heartfelt eulogy for one gaming icon and a vibrant inauguration for another. It packs every ounce of the thrilling drama, quirky humor, and raw emotional punch that defines the Yakuza experience, delivering a masterclass in franchise evolution.
The 2020 release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon initially appeared as a risky reboot following Kiryu’s poignant send-off in Yakuza 6. While the Judgement spin-offs captured the aesthetic, they lacked the irreplaceable soul embodied by Kiryu. Many wondered if the series could survive without its legendary anchor.
Enter Ichiban Kasuga, whose arrival revolutionized the franchise with a shift to turn-based combat and a protagonist bursting with unbridled emotion and color. He shattered the mold of the stoic hero, injecting the series with a new, infectious energy while meticulously preserving its core identity. Kasuga didn’t just fill a void; he carved a new, exciting path forward for a formula that risked stagnation.
However, Kiryu’s cameo in that game and his starring role in the subsequent Gaiden title hinted at developer reluctance. It seemed RGG Studio was caught between ushering in a new era and letting go of its beloved past. This created a narrative tension, a sense that Kiryu’s story wasn’t truly finished.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth resolves this tension with finality and grace. It is not merely Kiryu’s last chapter; it is a deliberate, ceremonial passing of the baton. The game weaves both characters’ journeys into a cohesive whole, allowing players to experience the poignant end of one saga and the confident beginning of another within a single, epic narrative.
Essential Game Details
Pro Tip: For the best experience, play on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC to leverage faster load times when traversing the expansive new Hawaiian locale, which significantly enhances exploration flow.
Navigating the Familiar Yakuza Formula
The Yakuza series has often been critiqued for its formulaic narrative skeleton, yet this consistency is also its greatest comfort. Starting a new entry feels like reuniting with old friends in a familiar, bustling district. The core beats—warmth, loyalty, explosive conflict, and deep familial bonds—remain reassuringly constant.
The downside of this reliability is predictability. Veteran players will recognize the story arc: a peaceful life shattered by a sprawling conspiracy, a quest for a missing person that unveils a sinister underworld plot, and a desperate struggle to protect loved ones. Infinite Wealth faithfully follows this template.
Themes of redemption, unwavering loyalty, and the families we choose continue to resonate powerfully. For series veterans, there’s a unique duality: a comfortable familiarity paired with a craving for novelty. The game acknowledges this by layering its classic structure with a metric ton of interconnected lore, creating a narrative tapestry as rich and complex as a classic epic.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t let the predictable overarching structure cause you to rush through dialogue or cutscenes. Infinite Wealth’s magic is in the character moments and subtext within that framework. Skipping scenes risks missing the emotional nuances that make this farewell so effective.
The brilliance of Ichiban’s introduction was how he injected vitality into this established mold. Infinite Wealth continues this by transplanting much of the action to Honolulu, Hawaii—the series’ first major non-Japanese setting. This change of scenery provides a fresh visual palette and cultural backdrop, even as the core narrative mechanics hum along in their reliable, satisfying rhythm.
Ichiban’s emotive, goofy personality remains the perfect foil to Yakuza’s world of deadly serious yakuza conflicts and absurdist side adventures. His journey intertwines with Kiryu’s final days, creating a joint adventure that, while perhaps lacking the shock-of-the-new from his debut, compensates with profound emotional weight. The heartfelt goodbye to a protagonist we’ve guided for nearly twenty years is designed to land with devastating impact.
Kazuma Kiryu’s Final, Unforgettable Stand
Long-time fans had every right to be skeptical. We’d witnessed multiple “final” chapters for the Dragon of Dojima, only to see him return. This time, however, the conclusion feels absolute, and Infinite Wealth earns that finality through one of its most brilliant mechanics: Kiryu’s bucket list.
Facing his mortality, Kiryu resolves to tie up loose ends and revisit the places and people that defined his life. This isn’t just a side quest; it’s the game’s emotional core for fans. Players journey back to iconic locations like the serene Serena bar and the transformed Kamurocho Hills, each visit a punch of nostalgia.
Reunions with stalwarts like Date-san and the grown-up children of the Morning Glory Orphanage aren’t mere fan service; they’re narrative affirmations of Kiryu’s legacy. This reflective tour through the franchise’s history serves a dual purpose: it provides cathartic closure for the character and allows the player to say their own goodbye. Completing this list transforms the ending from a plot point into a personal, participatory farewell.
It’s a painful, beautiful process that solidifies the feeling that the torch isn’t just being handed off—it’s being willingly passed to a worthy successor in Ichiban. While part of you might wish RGG had broken structural conventions for this finale, the decision to frame his exit within the series’ own history ultimately proves more resonant than any narrative subversion could be.
Optimization Tip for Advanced Players: Prioritize progressing Kiryu’s bucket list alongside the main story, not after. The character boosts and unique items unlocked through these memories are invaluable for late-game challenges, and completing them enriches the emotional payoff of the final chapters.
A Winning Formula: Why Evolution Trumps Revolution
From its PS2 origins, Yakuza’s beat-’em-up combat felt impeccably tuned. When Ichiban’s debut swapped brawling for turn-based commands—inspired by his in-game love for Dragon Quest—it was a monumental gamble that paid off spectacularly. RGG didn’t just adapt; they perfected the new system on the first try.
Infinite Wealth wisely avoids a drastic overhaul. The combat retains the visceral, weighty impact of every strike. Flashy Heat Actions and character-specific skills feel as powerful and delightfully absurd as ever, seamlessly integrating the series’ signature flair into a strategic framework.
Returning after three years, the system feels like a well-worn glove. Refinements to mechanics like Essence attacks are subtle but welcome. Core systems—jobs, stats, skills, and gear—remain satisfyingly deep and familiar. A part of you might crave more innovation, but the overwhelming sensation is one of reunion with a brilliantly crafted system you didn’t realize you missed so acutely.
This philosophy of “if it ain’t broke” extends to the visuals. The dependable Dragon Engine, a workhorse since Yakuza 6, continues to deliver detailed, expressive character models and vibrant, lived-in environments. In an era obsessed with graphical leaps, Infinite Wealth proves that artistic direction and technical polish often outweigh raw horsepower.
The Heart of Yakuza: Substories and Silly Distractions
The dichotomy between Yakuza’s grim main plots and its utterly ridiculous side content is its secret sauce. Infinite Wealth proudly carries this torch, offering substories that are as bizarre, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt as ever.
The headline new addition is Dondoko Island, a full-blown resort management sim channeling the spirit of Animal Crossing. As Ichiban, you’ll scavenge resources, craft furniture, and revitalize the island, customizing it to your heart’s content. It’s a massive, charming timesink that operates as a game-within-a-game.
The Sujimon side game also returns, evolving from a simple collection quest into a full-fledged creature-battler with its own narrative arc. Capturing “Sujimon” (eccentric NPCs) and battling other trainers provides a deep, Pokemon-inspired diversion. Yes, these activities can devour hours and distract from the central drama, but that’s authentically Yakuza.
Beyond the wackiness, it’s in these substories that the series’ humanistic soul shines brightest. Helping a beleaguered salaryman or guiding Ichiban through personal regrets often yields the most touching moments, frequently underscored by that perfect, melancholic substory theme. These stories remind you that beneath the bombast, Yakuza is about people.
Practical Strategy: Don’t neglect substories early on. Many provide unique, powerful gear, unlock helpful permanent buffs, or introduce characters who become valuable party members or business partners later. Treating them as mere distractions can leave you underpowered for mid-game challenges.
Verdict: A Triumphant Legacy Play
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth stands at a historic franchise crossroads, celebrating the past while boldly stepping into the future. It is a game that honors Kiryu’s legacy not with stagnation, but with a celebration so complete it allows everyone—character and player—to move on.
The transition is not without familiar stumbles: the pacing can be uneven, detours are plentiful, and the plot remains convoluted. Yet these are the very idiosyncrasies fans cherish. The combat, whether reflecting on Kiryu’s classic style or Ichiban’s strategic approach, delivers immense satisfaction. The aging Dragon Engine continues to impress with its detail and atmosphere.
For years, it seemed the Yakuza magic was inextricably linked to Kiryu. Infinite Wealth definitively proves otherwise. It demonstrates that the soul of the series—its heart, its humor, its capacity for both sublime silliness and deep drama—can thrive in a new generation. Ichiban Kasuga is not a replacement; he is the rightful heir, and this game is his coronation.
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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review – A sensational passing of the torch A definitive farewell to Kazuma Kiryu and masterful torch-passing to Ichiban Kasuga that honors Yakuza's legacy while embracing refreshing change.