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Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Critics Consensus (Play It)
An impressive JRPG makeover that is fun, charming, and occasionally brilliant.
Game Info
Become Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza grunt left on the brink of death by the man he trusted most. Take up your legendary bat and get ready to crack some underworld skulls in dynamic RPG combat set against the backdrop of modern-day Japan.
0%
Recommended
0%
Average Score
Total Reviews: 110
Editors' Choice, Nom: Best RPG (2020)
Gold TIER
41% of scored reviews fell within the range of 86 to 92 / 100
RELEASE DATES:
GENRES:
- RPG
DEVELOPER(S):
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
PUBLISHER(S):
- Sega
SERIES/FRANCHISE:
- Yakuza
GAME MODES:
- Single player
Where to Play
WHERE TO PLAY
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RATING & REVIEWS
Ratings & Reviews
110
Critic Reviews
86
Average Critic Score
Where to Play
CRITIC REVIEWS
All reviews are from professional critics. Learn more about the critics VSG aggregates.
High Score
100%
Median Score
90%
Low Score
45%
What did you think of Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Player Reviews0 Votes
0
Tristan Ogilvie (IGN)
[Date Unavailable]
7/10
“Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes some bold steps in a new direction for the series but neglects to maintain its balance.”
Malindy Hetfeld (Eurogamer)
[Date Unavailable]
Recommended
“Like A Dragon pulls off an impressive JRPG makeover while simultaneously taking on all the flaws of the genre.”
Jeff Cork (Game Informer)
[Date Unavailable]
9.3/10
“It’s a new direction for the series, but Like a Dragon captures the essence of what came before while setting out on its own journey.”
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Score Ranges
Read the Reviews (110 total)
| Outlet | Author | Score | Date | Quote | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33bits | Euyen Esquefa Pons | 90 / 100 | 11-12-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a great chapter in the Yakuza saga, and Ichiban is a good heir to Kiryu. Perhaps the change of gameplay to JRPG will put back some veterans of the saga, but Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has tried to develop dynamic combats not leave a break for the player. Being a reboot of the series, it’s a good entry point for new players, too. | Read review |
| 3DNews | Алексей Лихачев | 8 / 10 | 11-14-2020 | For the new players who don’t want to spend tons of hours playing the first seven games, Like a Dragon is a perfect opportunity to introduce themselves to Yakuza. Despite the slow start and some shortcomings, it’s still a great game you don’t want to miss. | Read review |
| ACG | Jeremy Penter | Not Recommended | 11-04-2020 | The turn-based combat is a welcome change however combined with some weird decisions and a somewhat bland story its not all sunshine and rainbows for this new kid on the street. | Read review |
| Atomix | Sebastian Quiroz | 90 / 100 | 12-09-2020 | Yakuza Like a Dragon is one of the best RPGs of the year. RGG Studio has managed to create a great introduction of the series for the new generation. | Read review |
| Attack of the Fanboy | Joshua Garibay | 4 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a bold shift in direction, one that succeeds more than it stumbles in the pursuit of its new design. | Read review |
| AusGamers | KostaAndreadis | 9 / 10 | 11-10-2020 | Taking even the most passing of glances at any of the pre-release trailers and seeing real-world jobs like chef or bouncer or pop idol or musician re-imagined as RPG character classes, or witnessing crustaceans swarming enemies in what looked like mage abilities (aka spells), you could very easily chalk it up to the Yakuza team indulging in their absurdist tendencies. | Read review |
| BaziCenter | Hamed Mohamad pour | 8 / 10 | 11-22-2020 | If you are a fan of Yakuza series, you should definitely try Like a Dragon. The new entry in the Yakuza series not only introduces a brand new character, but also tells a great and dramatic story that will carry you until the very end, and stays true to the classic gameplay elements of the series even though there are lots of new added features. | Read review |
| Bazimag | Sina Golabzade | 8.6 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | The transition from a top notch brawler to a JRPG feels totally seamless. The gameplay have all the good parts we expect from a JRPG translated to the language of the Yakuza series but it also has some of the bad parts like the need for grinding and some unfair boss fights. The story and new characters are presented in a way that make this new journey for the franchise very well worth taking. | Read review |
| But Why Tho? | Jason Dale | 10 / 10 | 11-11-2020 | Ichiban Kasuga is a worthy successor to the legacy Kiryu created, and his journey makes the story just as enthralling as any entry in the series. I entered this experience with an anxiousness never experienced before. What ensued was one of the best JRPGs from this console generation and one of the best Yakuza games of all-time. I implore fans, or anyone curious about the series, to play this game as soon as possible. Yakuza: Like A Dragon is truly is number one. | Read review |
| Cerealkillerz | Nick Erlenhof | 8.5 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Lika A Dragon goes a different way but follows what made the series so great. The new protagonist, the story (besides some weak points), the crazy mini games, battle animations, summons and Ichiban Kasuga offer so much fun and action. Some boring dungeons in the middle of the game and balancing issues are the only downsides you should expect. Even if you are not a fan of turn based combat or haven’t touched the series yet, you should give this a shot. | Read review |
| Checkpoint Gaming | Pedro Cooray | 9 / 10 | 11-05-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon, in my humble opinion, is one of the best AAA RPG experiences of 2020, and I am shocked I just wrote that sentence. | Read review |
| Chicas Gamers | Jesús Astorga | Recommended | 11-09-2020 | Yakuza Like a Dragon is the perfect start for what we hope will be a long journey in the genre and with a new protagonist who knows how to win our love with his own charisma. In short, it is a great opportunity for anyone to begin with the saga or continue it. | Read review |
| COGconnected | Jaz Sagoo | 86 / 100 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the perfect update for a flagging series. Its clever storytelling, bizarre substories, and engrossing gameplay makes this one of the strongest entries in the franchise. Mixing deep societal messages with references to popular culture, the game is both hilarious and thought-provoking. It is very clear to see that with Ichiban Kasuga, the series is in safe hands | Read review |
| Critical Hit | Darryn Bonthuys | 7.5 / 10 | 11-17-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s switch to turn-based RPG combat and team-based tactics may bite off more than it can chew thanks to terrible difficulty spikes and ill-defined character progression, but it’s still a breath of fresh air for the series. Ichiban Kasuga and his pals are an entertaining lot, the game has plenty of style, and even though the combat devolves into an ungodly grind, it’s a flashy new start to one of Sega’s best franchises. | Read review |
| Cubed3 | Justin Prinsloo | 9 / 10 | 11-30-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the most invigorating, wholesome and downright fun entry in the series since Yakuza 0. The turn-based combat, while slightly rough around the edges, manages to impress. The new protagonist Ichiban is a delightful addition to the lore. The only reason Yakuza fans won’t adore Like a Dragon is if they despise turn-based combat. Even then, it’s well worth giving a shot for the beautifully written story and fresh take on the Yakuza formula. Ichiban Kasuga is the hero this world needs right now. | Read review |
| Cultured Vultures | Nick Meekham | 9 / 10 | 11-17-2020 | Daring to get out of their comfort zone, Ichiban Kasuga came to claim Kazuma Kiryu’s throne and he took it, with a thrilling white knuckle ride of a JRPG. Do not miss out on Ryo Ga Gotoku Studio’s best adventure to date. | Read review |
| Daily Mirror | Eugene Sowah | 4 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon has definitely made some drastic changes to the series but without losing its original charm. The fast pace turn base system has so much added depth while still feeling like a Yakuza game. | Read review |
| DASHGAMER.com | Dan Rizzo | 9.5 / 10 | 11-11-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an incredibly ambitious approach to an already established series. Deviating from the beat ’em up genre was a bold risk SEGA were willing to take, especially heading into the next generation. | Read review |
| Destructoid | Jordan Devore | 7.5 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Like a Dragon isn’t my favorite Yakuza, and its fresh turn-based combat eventually grows stale, but I have a lot of love for it. If it’s your first game, it’ll quickly initiate you into this wild, one-of-a-kind series. | Read review |
| Digital Chumps | Steven McGehee | 9.3 / 10 | 11-26-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a rousing success. The timing is excellent, too. It’s the dawn of a new console generation and it’s an exciting time for this storied franchise to turn a new page. As far as launch games go, this is one of the best, for several reasons. It offers some presentation ‘wows,’ but even more importantly it offers a deep, long, compelling story with memorable moments and characters, with strong gameplay and lots to do. It’s built off of the success of the previous fifteen years of Yakuza, but Like A Dragon blazes its own path, too — you need not have played any of the previous games to fully enjoy this one, yet I appreciate that this game honors the past while forging its own future. PS5 owners have something great to look forward to in March, but if you’re lucky enough to have the new Xbox, this is a great game that is also very well priced right now at just $50. | Read review |
| Digitally Downloaded | Matt Sainsbury | 5 / 5 stars | 11-05-2020 | Who knows if this wild experiment will bear fruit and become its own series. Yakuza: Like a Dragon has everything it needs; an excellent crop of new characters, and even a new playground to base a series in, as we hadn’t been to Yokohama previously. The future of the series would depend on how turn-based combat sells in comparison to action brawler combat, I would assume. Either way, though, Like a Dragon is a delight. It’s a parody-homage to every turn-based JRPG trope you’ve ever known, set against brilliant character writing and the traditional urban playgrounds that have built this series into something beloved. I hope the development team is rewarded for the inherent risk that they took with this undertaking. | Read review |
| DualShockers | Kris Cornelisse | 9.5 / 10 | 11-09-2020 | Kiryu who? I’m all about that Kasuga life now. Yakuza: Like a Dragon took no time at all to become one of my favourite Yakuza games to date. | Read review |
| Easy Allies | Ben Moore | 4.25 / 5 stars | 11-12-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is bursting at the seams with things to do and goes out of its way to make so much of it worth doing. | Read review |
| Eurogamer | Malindy Hetfeld | Recommended | 11-04-2020 | Like A Dragon pulls off an impressive JRPG makeover while simultaneously taking on all the flaws of the genre. | Read review |
| Everyeye.it | Giuseppe Carrabba | 8.5 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Like a Dragon is the story of a carp that turns into a dragon, of a gang of scapegoats who decide to defy the established order and come to the head of a desperate situation. Ichiban Kasuga is an individual far from dojima’s stoic and serious Dragon but has an equally kind soul and crackling personality, which makes him | Read review |
| Expansive | Sally Willington | Recommended | 12-06-2020 | By the end, I was fully onboard with our new protagonist and I truly hope Like A Dragon is just the beginning for its unique cast. I want to see more from them, I want the series to continue to evolve this new RPG style combat and progression, and I love looking at this world through a more current and modern day lens. Between this and Judgement, we’re seeing the series evolve to some exciting and interesting places and I feel like somehow, the best is still yet to come. | Read review |
| Game Informer | Jeff Cork | 9.3 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | It’s a new direction for the series, but Like a Dragon captures the essence of what came before while setting out on its own journey. | Read review |
| Game Rant | Robert Dolen | 3.5 / 5 stars | 11-10-2020 | From a studio that’s never really ventured into the genre of traditional JRPGs, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an impressive inaugural effort. It’s not perfect by any means, as the turn-based combat still has some growing pains in its current iteration. Coupled with repetitive dungeon design and an unfair endgame grinding requirement, these downsides cast an unfortunate sting on an otherwise very solid JRPG. | Read review |
| Game Revolution | Jason Faulkner | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza fans were anxious about whether the series would survive without the glue of Kiryu Kazama to hold it together. However, Ichiban Kasuga is a worthy successor to the Dragon of Dojima, and Like a Dragon is a great new start for this fantastic series that will please long-time Yakuza fans and newcomers alike. | Read review |
| Gameblog | Romain Mahut | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | As the Yakuza franchise is still trying to become a household franchise in the West, the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio decided to flip the switch and create a turn-based RPG. The result of that experiment, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, is a resounding success. The “dynamic RPG” gameplay fits the Yakuza universe and tropes like a glove and its mechanics are surprisingly deep. And the fact that the game’s new characters are lovable doesn’t hurt. The turn-based gameplay will probably put off some gamers but Yakuza: Like a Dragon truly deserves a shot. The Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio made the JRPG genre proud. | Read review |
| GameCrate | Angelo D’Argenio | 9.3 / 10 | 11-12-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is worth your time. While you might not like it if you were a fan of the older Yakuza titles, or if you are looking for something dark and serious, anyone who just wants to explore Japan while having some fun and beating some gangster’s faces in old school JRPG style will love this title. | Read review |
| GameMAG | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | You should look at Yakuza: Like a Dragon through the lens of it’s protaginist. This game is unapologetically brash, unmistakable bold, life-affirming and insanely charismatic. The legend of Ichiban Kasuga journey, like a bright flame, tells us one familliar, but sweet and romantic idea | Read review |
| GamePro | Michael Cherdchupan | 85 / 100 | 11-11-2020 | Crazy RPG with a loving game world and trashy charm, in which the graphics no longer look fresh. | Read review |
| Gamers Heroes | Johnny Hurricane | 8.5 / 10 | 11-24-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon has a couple of weak spots, but it overall proves to be a fantastic reinvention of the series. Yakuza fans and RPG fans alike shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out. | Read review |
| GameSkinny | RobotsFightingDinosaurs | 10 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon isn’t just a great Yakuza title | Read review |
| GameSpew | Richard Seagrave | 8 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Ultimately, despite all the changes that have been made, Yakuza: Like a Dragon feels very much like a Yakuza game. The combat may now be turn-based, and the scenery might be different, but this is still a game full of drama, thrilling battles, and a huge amount of side content, all smothered with an ample amount of humour. And I never thought I’d say this, but I didn’t miss Kazuma Kiryu one jot while playing it; Ichiban Kasuga is simply a more likeable fellow with more depth. So, if you like the Yakuza series, consider Yakuza: Like a Dragon a must-have. | Read review |
| GameSpot | Michael Higham | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s cast of misfits makes the wild RPG combat, absurd humor, and dramatic storytelling soar. | Read review |
| GamesRadar+ | Hirun Cryer | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon impressively pulls off the switch to an RPG in style, providing an excellent combat system supported by loveable characters, and a tantalising main storyline with meaningful side quests. | Read review |
| GameWatcher | Gavin Herman | 9.5 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon reminded me why I loved video games to begin with. I cannot think of a game this year that has gripped me this tightly and didn’t let go. Here comes a game brimming with joy and excitement that is earnest with its drama and comedy. It’s the sort of game you can gush about for hours, and I will long after this review is published. Anyone who loves RPGs, open world games, comedies, crime dramas, and games PERIOD should have a lot of fun with the newest Yakuza. | Read review |
| GamingBolt | Pramath | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza is reborn in this brilliant and compelling new addition to series canon that recontextualizes series tropes and mechanics for an entirely new genre, delivering one of the best outings the series has ever seen. | Read review |
| GamingTrend | David Flynn | 95 / 100 | 11-04-2020 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has topped themselves once again with Yakuza: Like a Dragon! This new take on Yakuza brings a lot of fun, new ideas to the table while remaining its heartfelt self. Turn based combat is somehow a perfect fit for this new direction, the characters are all instantly loveable, and the story is endearingly melodramatic. | Read review |
| GBAtemp | Prans Dunn | 8.5 / 10 | 11-28-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon signifies a significant departure from the traditional Yakuza game format but the new gameplay approach opens up the franchise to a bright new beginning that incorporates defining elements of the Yakuza series in new ways. | Read review |
| Geeks Under Grace | Malachi Key | 9.5 / 10 | 12-14-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon lives up to the monumental legacy of its predecessors but isn’t afraid to strike out and carve a bold new identity of its own. | Read review |
| Generación Xbox | Adrian | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a great turn-based RPG that will keep you hooked on the screen for many hours. One of the best games of the genre on Xbox. | Read review |
| God is a Geek | Chris White | 9.5 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a phenomenal entry into the Yakuza franchise, with an interesting new protagonist, a compelling story, and a combat system that constantly mixes things up. | Read review |
| GotGame | David Poole | 8.5 / 10 | 11-19-2020 | If you’re a die-hard fan of the Yakuza series, then there’s plenty to love here. Even if you’re not, this is a great place to become one, especially given the standalone nature of this title. With that in mind, joining Ichiban’s heroic journey is an easy choice here. | Read review |
| Guardian | Steve Boxer | 4 / 5 stars | 11-10-2020 | Offering a unique brand of tongue-in-cheek escapism that should induce a laugh roughly every five minutes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a perfect lockdown game. The one unintentionally amusing element is the voice acting, which you can thankfully eliminate by opting to keep the original Japanese dialogue with subtitles. Sega’s Yakuza games have always seemed like a well-kept secret, but they’ve recently been enjoying much more appreciation abroad. If you like the idea of a very Japanese, gangster-themed, interactive comedy soap opera, you’ll absolutely adore it. | Read review |
| Hardcore Gamer | HG Staff | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-10-2020 | Even with these minor annoyances | Read review |
| Heavy | Elton Jones | 8.8 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon largely succeeds at moving the series forward in a bold new direction. Kasuga and his band of unlikely heroes are incredibly interesting and make it so easy to care about their crazy antics. The new main locale is massive and plays host to so many compelling things to do. Getting wrapped up in everything Like a Dragon has to offer is worth it and you’ll easily pour 30+ hours into its captivating tale. The turn-based battle system works in parts, but its annoying character placement issues and faulty summons system keep it from being a total victory. Like a Dragon is still worth hopping into if you’re looking for an amazing parody of RPG tropes, however. It’s a Yakuza sequel that signals a bright future ahead for the beloved franchise. | Read review |
| Hey Poor Player | Francis DiPersio | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | No doubt about it, SEGA took some considerable risks when they decided to change their established formula so radically for Yakuza: Like A Dragon. But in the end, I think the gamble paid off. Ryū ga Gotoku Studio’s latest offering may not pack the punchy, moment to moment gameplay of its predecessors. Still, it makes up for that with its more in-depth brawls, an engaging job system, and a story that focuses not just on a single protagonist, but on several compelling heroes with their own complex motivations. While beat-’em-up fanatics may find this change in direction blasphemous, I couldn’t be happier. If you’re a Yakuza fan who loves JRPGs, adding this underworld epic to your PS4 library is a no-brainer. | Read review |
| Hobby Consolas | Rafael Aznar | 90 / 100 | 11-04-2020 | It keeps the great narrative and setting from the Yakuza series, using a new protagonist, a city that has more life than even Kamurocho and turn-based combats. It suffers from some of the classical troubles of the J-RPG, but it is a breath of fresh air and a great example of how to reinvent a franchise. | Read review |
| Hynerd.it | Loris Lo Masto | 9.4 / 10 | 11-27-2020 | Yakuza Like A Dragon once again demonstrates the incredible quality of Ryū Ga Gotoku Studio’s productions. A huge game, animated by a wonderful story and surrounded by a huge amount of fun side activities. Don’t miss it. | Read review |
| IGN | Tristan Ogilvie | 7 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes some bold steps in a new direction for the series but neglects to maintain its balance. | Read review |
| IGN Italy | Biagio Etna | 9.1 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | An extraordinary and courageous restart for the new Sega title, an extraordinary JRPG that lays the foundations for even more prosperous growth. | Read review |
| IGN Spain | Álex Pareja | 8.5 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza Like a Dragon is a real and huge JRPG who knows how to maintain the essence of the saga. Fun fighting system and deep script with too many ups and downs to justify the new playable elements. I hope this new formula that works and gives new wings to the franchise will be repeated. | Read review |
| Impulsegamer | Abdul Saad | 4 / 5 stars | 11-05-2020 | Overall, I can confidently say Yakuza: Like A Dragon is an impressive new addition to the series with stunning visuals, interesting characters, and an incredibly engaging story. However, the newly introduced gameplay mechanics hold the game back with several balancing issues, and coupled with its vastly different elements, it might be a tough sell for longtime fans of the series. | Read review |
| INDIANTVCZ | Václav Šourek | 8 / 10 | 11-29-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a rich RPG full of interesting content. It may not be the top in its genre, however, it certainly does things well enough to fully deserve your attention. Great story and diverse playability make it a title which will keep your eyes on the screen for an impressive amount of time. | Read review |
| Just Push Start | Mark Fajardo | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-28-2020 | For those who have a PC, the Xbox version that you purchase digitally will give you access to the Windows 10 version of it as well. It also has the Play Anywhere feature meaning you can continue your progress whether you are playing on an Xbox console or PC. Sadly, I’ve experienced several crashes when playing on PC but it certainly looks the best on PC running at max settings on an RTX 3080. | Read review |
| KeenGamer | Joshua Robertson | 8 / 10 | 11-18-2020 | With all the new changes to the standard Yakuza formula, has the latest installment still managed to capture the hearts of diehard fans? Like A Dragon is Ryu Ga Gotoku’s most ambitious game yet, but how does it stack up with the rest of the series? | Read review |
| Kotaku | Luke Plunkett | Recommended | 12-08-2020 | I absolutely loved my time with Like a Dragon. Ichiban was just too charming, Isezaki Ijincho too interesting and its story too irresistible (in its own pulpy way), proving once again that the strength of Yakuza’s heart can easily overcome any of its gameplay shortcomings. Every time I got mad at its RPG failings, I couldn’t stay mad, because every time I got frustrated at the grind Ichiban would do something beautiful, or I’d fight a man holding a giant smoked turkey leg. | Read review |
| Metro GameCentral | Nick Gillett | 7 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | The turn-based battles don’t fully convince but the new protagonist and bizarre mini-games still feel distinctively and entertainingly Yakuza. | Read review |
| MonsterVine | Spencer Legacy | 5 / 5 stars | 11-11-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a brave and brilliant next step for the Yakuza franchise. | Read review |
| New Game Network | Josh Hinke | 69 / 100 | 11-13-2020 | There’s fertile ground in this new direction for Yakuza; Kasuga and Co are worthwhile characters and the new RPG mechanics have potential. Still, this entry feels stuffed with forced mediocre side content, and like a rough draft of what’s possible in the future. | Read review |
| Niche Gamer | Fingal Belmont | 10 / 10 | 12-05-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon proves you can make a masterpiece by experimenting with the formula. It is more than just being the best Yakuza game yet, but also one of the best RPGs ever made. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio did their homework, understand what makes a great JRPG, and combined it with their honed craftsmanship of decades of making some of the best crime dramas in video games. | Read review |
| Noisy Pixel | Azario Lopez | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon makes for an excellent new entry in this long-running series. The developers took a chance on a new protagonist and battle system, which forces fans out of their comfort zone for a very different yet, familiar Yakuza experience. Although the opening exposition can be a bit overwhelming, this is a standout video game on its own with plenty of emotional story beats, insane sub-stories, and plenty of ways to spend your time around Ijincho. | Read review |
| Paste Magazine | Dia Lacina | 4.5 / 10 | 11-11-2020 | If Yakuza is to truly grow, we need to be the one to call it in. | Read review |
| PC Gamer | Andy Kelly | 72 / 100 | 11-04-2020 | A fun, charming, and occasionally brilliant Yakuza game, let down by an overabundance of repetitive turn-based battles. | Read review |
| PC Invasion | Tim McDonald | 9 / 10 | 11-28-2020 | The first JRPG Yakuza game has some issues in execution, but nothing that amounts to more than a minor annoyance. This is a truly excellent revamp of the long-running series, and a superb starting place for newcomers. | Read review |
| PCGamesN | Ian Boudreau | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | An utterly charming yarn about friendship and kindness that breathes gritty modern life into the quaint JRPG format of classic Dragon Quest. | Read review |
| Player2.net.au | Stephen del Prado | Recommended | 11-05-2020 | It was a gamble on Sega’s part to make such major changes to a tried and true formula, even more bewildering given its recent meteoric rise in Western markets. If Yakuza: Like A Dragon proves anything, it’s that fortune does indeed favour the bold. | Read review |
| PlayStation LifeStyle | Paulmichael Contreras | 8.5 / 10 | 11-12-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the Yakuza many have come to know and love. An engrossing story, even if it does veer into the quirky and downright bizarre all the time, keeps players invested in Ichiban’s quest to become a hero. The turn-based battles make the game even more accessible than earlier entries, with a few real-time aspects such as dodging and damage multipliers thrown in for good measure. Some odd monetization makes getting the complete version of the game pricier than usual, but it seems some next-gen games are priced higher these days as the norm. Still, you’re not missing anything essential if you opt to buy the base version of this game. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a seriously fun time and a great soft reboot of a beloved franchise. | Read review |
| PlayStation Universe | Joe Apsey | 8.5 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon is an impressive and quality JRPG that successfully acts as a jumping in-point for new fans and also ties itself to the series’ past in exciting and engaging ways. The turn-based combat has been infused with some mechanics that help retain the action and over-the-top hilarity the series is known for. Mini-games once again shine and there is a lot packed into Ijincho. Like A Dragon paves the way for a bright future for the franchise. | Read review |
| Polygon | Kazuma Hashimoto | Recommended | 11-04-2020 | Like a Dragon’s story attempts to touch on certain social issues that are relevant in present-day Japan, such as classism, social status, sex work, and government corruption on a prefectural level. However, the writing often lacks the nuance or range to address the topics at hand, and doesn’t give any of them adequate room to breathe. The second half of the game gains some measure of focus as plot threads tie together and result in genuinely surprising twists, but when Like a Dragon drops the ball, it drops it hard. Despite this, the Japanese cast’s performances sell the story with evocative deliveries that breathe life into the characters. The finale is an emotional one that brought me to tears and moved me, just as most previous Yakuza games have. | Read review |
| PowerUp! | Greg Newbegin | 9 / 10 | 11-05-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon, when all of its pieces are taken together, is not only a fantastic new direction for the series, it’s also one of its best titles. | Read review |
| Press Start | Kieron Verbrugge | 9 / 10 | 11-05-2020 | Yakuza Like a Dragon is both a fresh start and a shot in the arm that caters to series veterans and newcomers like. It bears all the hallmarks of a great Yakuza game, while making a damned good case for its revamped battle system. After Yakuza 6 topped the rest of the franchise with a matured and succinct focus it feels even more exciting to see the whole thing blown wide open again and have Ryu ga Gotoku just run wild. Kudos is deserved at Sega of America for their commitment to the game’s localization as well, which is incredibly considered and comprehensive. I think I’ve found a new favourite Yakuza game. | Read review |
| PSX Brasil | Thiago de Alencar Moura | 95 / 100 | 12-11-2020 | Thanks to the immense talent and dedication of the team led by Toshihiro Nagoshi, not only Yakuza: Like a Dragon manages to keep the franchise’s legacy intact, but it evolves and somehow delivers the best game and the best story it has ever had. If Like a Dragon is an example of what lies ahead, the future is even brighter. | Read review |
| Push Square | Robert Ramsey | 8 / 10 | 11-10-2020 | It takes a while to really get going, but once things finally kick into gear, Yakuza: Like a Dragon blossoms into one of the most unique and engrossing RPGs on PS4. At its core, this is still the Yakuza that we know and love, with shocking story beats and fantastic characters, but in embracing the structure of an old school RPG, it successfully branches the series off in a whole new direction. Equal parts refreshing and familiar, it’s a crazy and creative game that knows how to have fun, as Ichiban Kasuga proves himself a worthy successor to the one and only uncle Kaz. | Read review |
| Rice Digital | Isaac Todd | 3.5 / 5 stars | 11-07-2020 | While I may have criticized Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a decent chunk of this review, there’s still a lot to love about it. Ichiban is the perfect character to usher in this new era of Yakuza, and the amount of things to do outside of the main story is almost overwhelming. However, Yakuza 8 will need a lot of work put into it to make the RPG elements more balanced and engaging. | Read review |
| Rock, Paper, Shotgun | Ed Thorn | Recommended | 11-06-2020 | This really isn’t a game you should miss out on. | Read review |
| Rocket Chainsaw | Adam Ghiggino | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-05-2020 | So, the takeaway is this – Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a successful experiment. So successful that I think it should be the template for much of the series going forward. | Read review |
| RPGamer | Sam Wachter | 3.5 / 5 stars | 11-29-2020 | Overall, I loved my time with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and while there are imperfections in the game, they are equally a part of its charm. | Read review |
| Saudi Gamer | عصام الشهوان | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | A brilliant reinvention of the series that still manages to faithfully capture its essence, with an eclectic cast of characters, the star being Ichiban himself. A great entry that goes toe-to-toe with Yakuza 0. | Read review |
| Saving Content | Evan Rowe | 4 / 5 stars | 03-18-2021 | The good news is that Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the same incredible game on PS5, as well as an excellent RPG. This particular release amounts to a light coat of polish that makes some subtle improvements but nothing truly revolutionary as we’ve seen with some other PS5 upgrades. This may largely be owing to the fact that the original release already looked excellent, but it still would have been nice to see the PS5 release support a full 4K60. Also unfortunate is the lack of using much of the DualSense controller’s features, but again, this is the sort of addition that’s hard to shoehorn in after the fact. While the PC is still the best place to play Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the PlayStation 5 can keep pace well enough and it’s a solid way to experience Ichiban’s incredible, can’t-miss story. | Read review |
| Screen Rant | Hayes Madsen | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon might be a massive change for the series, but it certainly doesn’t suffer for it. It’s the most exciting and fresh the franchise has felt since Yakuza 0, and players will quickly fall in love with its quirky cast of characters. Like a Dragon is compelling because of how it plays double-duty as both a love letter and parody of the JRPG genre. Its story and combat system take some time to really come together, but once they do, it’s a wild fever dream that’s not easily forgotten, and one that can be enjoyed even by those who aren’t traditionally interested in JRPG stylings and turn-based gameplay. | Read review |
| SECTOR.sk | Michal Korec | 9 / 10 | 11-24-2020 | Dangerous party from Yokohama offers new turn-based combat and so much fun! | Read review |
| Shacknews | Donovan Erskine | 8 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a successful pivot from traditional Yakuza mainstays. The game goes heavy on style, while still packing in enough substance to keep players satisfied. The party system and new RPG elements give players more ways to play than ever before. The turn-based combat is solid, and never feels too foreign. Longtime fans of the franchise will appreciate what Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA have to offer in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. | Read review |
| Sirus Gaming | Jett Vincent Sia | 8.5 / 10 | 11-17-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a great entry to the series that dares to reinvent itself and make itself very welcoming for those who are still on the fence on the Yakuza series as a whole. The JRPG mechanics are solid, the side content is plentiful, silly, and full of life, the characters are deep, and the story is full of mystery, intrigue, and drama which all make up an incredibly enjoyable ride with all the unique sauce that Yakuza is known for and is definitely something worth checking out for fans of the old Yakuza and new ones who want to get into the series. | Read review |
| SomHráč.sk | Karel Šír | 80 / 100 | 12-20-2020 | Veteran fans of the Yakuza series have nothing to worry about – despite the drastic changes in gameplay, Yakuza: Like a Dragon remains the Yakuza we know and love. | Read review |
| SpazioGames | Unknown | 8.6 / 10 | 11-07-2020 | Yakuza Like a Dragon is the best we could hope for the franchise, after the end of Kazuma Kiryu’s storyline. It’s a full fledged RPG now, and this change works extremely well with many of the pre-existent mechanics of the franchise. Don’t miss it. | Read review |
| Stevivor | Matt Gosper | 8 / 10 | 11-05-2020 | After the culture shock of such a total change to the Yakuza recipe, I’m extremely glad the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio team took such a big leap when Kiryu’s tale came to an end. Like A Dragon is a revitalised game full of fresh ideas and proves that the series won’t be re-treading the same ground with Ichiban in the driver’s seat. If this is the first step into the new age of Yakuza, I can’t wait to see how bonkers the next game will be. | Read review |
| TechRaptor | Robert Scarpinito | 8 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon refreshes the action with a turn-based JRPG that retains its charming identity, but it falls into some pitfalls that are emblematic of the genre. | Read review |
| The Games Machine | Danilo Dellafrana | 8.2 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an interesting new entry into the criminal universe created by SEGA, and undoubtedly represents the most courageous and anarchic chapter so far. It’s not entirely convincing, but what works bodes well for the future of the series. | Read review |
| The Outerhaven Productions | Henry Buehler | 4 / 5 stars | 11-05-2020 | The latest entry in the over the top crime drama saga breaks new ground for new fans and series veterans. | Read review |
| TheSixthAxis | Thomas Hughes | Recommended | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza Like a Dragon is an enjoyable new twist on the series, although it’s not hard to imagine that many long-time fans of the series will be put off by its slow pace. In a day and age where video game companies rarely take risks, Like a Dragon is a refreshing change of pace for a series that risked starting to feel stale. | Read review |
| TrueAchievements | Luke Albigés | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Not in spite of but because of its bold change in direction, Like a Dragon comes in as one of the best entries in the Yakuza series. The new setting, characters, and gameplay make it a great entry point to the franchise for newcomers, too, and veterans will likely appreciate the change of pace for this latest mainline game after so many sequels cut from the same cloth. Unless you’re allergic to turn-based combat systems — and let’s be real, this one is hardly the most daunting out there — then Like a Dragon should definitely be on your radar. Slick, compelling, varied, and entertaining, Like a Dragon is easily one of the launch day highlights for Xbox Series X|S, and it’s great to see this fan favourite franchise use this golden opportunity to finally get its turn to shine. | Read review |
| TrueGaming | خالد رزق | 8 / 10 | 11-11-2020 | There is room for improvements, but Like a Dragon is a worthy addition for this fantastic series and a great start for our new hero Ichiban. | Read review |
| TrustedReviews | Jade King | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a triumph, and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio should be commended for redefining such a seasoned franchise, despite the backlash it might have received. Leaving Kazuma Kiryu behind hasn’t been easy, but Ichiban Kasuga and company have crafted a compelling path into the future that I cannot wait to see continue. | Read review |
| Twinfinite | Keenan McCall | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-10-2020 | Change can be scary, but Yakuza: Like a Dragon proves it’s usually for the best. Though it has a few flaws, it’s still a standout title in the series and a strong indicator that the franchise has more than a few great stories to tell. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed, and that fans new and old will want to check out as soon as possible. | Read review |
| USgamer | Eric Van Allen | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-09-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a new frontier for the Yakuza series, and the life and crimes of the series feels right at home in this new setting. Ichiban is an instant addition to the pantheon of Yakuza legends, his party an endearing band of ruffians, with the combat doing just enough to make everything familiar feel new again. Where Yakuza goes from here is anyone’s guess, but mechanical friction aside, this is a step in a fun and compelling new direction. | Read review |
| VGChartz | Issa Maki | 8.5 / 10 | 12-10-2020 | If it’s not the best game in the series, it’s not too far behind, which is saying quite a bit for one that has spent the entire eighth generation improving itself. | Read review |
| Video Chums | A.J. Maciejewski | 7.3 / 10 | 12-18-2020 | As a fan of the Yakuza series, I had a good time with Like a Dragon but it could definitely use a lot of fine-tuning if there’s ever another RPG-style sequel. Overall, I’m happy that it exists but I was hoping its combat would have been much better executed. | Read review |
| Video Games Chronicle | Matthew Castle | 4 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza’s new direction maintains the series signature drama and deckings, while finding rich new comedy in its weirdest beatdowns yet. Hugely entertaining stuff. | Read review |
| VideoGamer | Josh Wise | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | This is the crux of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. It is fascinated by the way that games lurk at the soft verges of life, vesting our days with dreams. | Read review |
| WayTooManyGames | Leonardo Faria | 9 / 10 | 11-16-2020 | Give it up to Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio for actually making the impossible work like a charm. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is more than just a great transition to a brand new JRPG environment. It might as well be one of the best Yakuza games ever made, and one of the best JRPGs I’ve played in years. Once you get rid of an admittedly slow start, you’ll be greeted a fantastic story, great combat system, relatable characters, and a ludicrous, borderline insane amount of content. | Read review |
| Wccftech | Kai Powell | 9.1 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | The mean streets of Yokohama offer the opportunity for a new cast, a new suit, and a new hero. Ichiban Kasuga might not be the role model in the same way that Kiryu-chan was, but this dragon’s quest might be the most fun Yakuza title to date! | Read review |
| We Got This Covered | Todd Rigney | 4.5 / 5 stars | 11-10-2020 | The latest installment in the Yakuza franchise takes the series in a brave new direction. And while it takes a moment to get used to the new characters, setting, and battle mechanics, you’ll soon find yourself sinking into a fully-realized world that’s charming, heartfelt, and an outright blast to play | Read review |
| Windows Central | Zackery Cuevas | 5 / 5 stars | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon feels like everything I ever wanted in a game. Once the game stomps on the gas, it very rarely slows down. Its unique cast of characters and gameplay had me hooked and wanting more, and it almost feels like it never stops giving. Even after the story ends at the 45+ hour mark, I was ready to fight more, complete more side missions, and squeeze out every drop of gameplay that this game has to offer. | Read review |
| Worth Playing | Chris “Atom” DeAngelus | 9 / 10 | 11-16-2020 | Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a wonderful addition to the franchise. It hits the mark with a likeable new protagonist and an engaging new combat system without losing what makes Yakuza great. It suffers from issues like a low difficulty (another Yakuza staple), but it features top-notch humor and charm. If you like Yakuza, then you’ll like Like A Dragon. It is everything that makes the series great and is one of the freshest entries since Yakuza 0. | Read review |
| Xbox Achievements | Richard Walker | 92 / 100 | 11-04-2020 | Yakuza: Like a Dragon is about the importance of friendship and striving to become a better person, which is a message we could all do with right now. It also happens to be a sensational new dawn for a series that’s brave enough to shake up the formula and accomplished enough to pull it off with aplomb. To quote Ichi, “let’s do some hero shit!” | Read review |
| ZTGD | Ken McKown | 9 / 10 | 11-04-2020 | The Yakuza series continues to grow and expand in the gaming world. I love its quirky humor and deep narratives. This new entry begins a new saga and I cannot wait to see how the story of Ichi evolves over time. If it is even half as good as Kiryu’s the studio will have another series of great games on its hands. Everything about this title feels good and for those worried about having previous knowledge, don’t be concerned. Like a Dragon is a wonderful jumping in point for the series and also one of the best titles in it to date. Don’t sleep on this game, it is worth digging into. | Read review |
Awards & Recognition
RECOGNITION
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