How to Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon: A Beginner’s Guide to the RPG Revolution
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Introduction
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How to Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon: A Beginner’s Guide to the RPG Revolution
Yakuza: Like a Dragon, or simply Like a Dragon as it’s known in the West, marked a dramatic shift for the beloved Japanese franchise. Gone are the days of brawling through the streets of Kamurocho with a flurry of punches and kicks. Instead, we’re treated to a vibrant and engaging turn-based RPG experience that takes us on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through the underbelly of Yokohama.
If you’re a newcomer to the Yakuza series or simply curious about this unique entry, this comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know to dive into the world of Ichiban Kasuga and his ragtag band of misfits. We’ll cover everything from the basics of combat to navigating the sprawling world of Ijincho, offering tips and tricks to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
A New Beginning: The Story of Ichiban Kasuga
Yakuza: Like a Dragon tells the story of Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza who, after serving 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, returns to a world that has completely changed. His former family, the Tojo Clan, has betrayed him, leaving him with nothing but a burning desire for revenge and a newfound sense of purpose.
The game’s narrative is a masterclass in character development, weaving a complex tapestry of loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and ultimately, hope. You’ll encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and backstories, all interwoven into a compelling narrative that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Mastering the Art of Job Switching
One of the most innovative aspects of Yakuza: Like a Dragon is its Job System. Unlike traditional RPGs where you choose a single class and progress linearly, Like a Dragon allows you to switch between various jobs, each with its own unique skills, abilities, and combat style.
You can start with the basic "Hero" job, which offers a balanced approach to combat, and then branch out into more specialized roles like:
- Fighter: A classic melee powerhouse, perfect for those who enjoy close-quarters combat.
- Breaker: A tanky class with strong defensive abilities and crowd control skills.
- Thug: A relentless brawler with high attack power and devastating combos.
- Healer: A support class that focuses on healing and buffing allies.
- Chef: A surprising addition, the Chef class uses culinary skills to heal and empower the party.
The beauty of the Job System lies in its flexibility. You can experiment with different combinations, tailoring your party’s strengths and weaknesses to overcome any challenge.
Battle Tactics: Turn-Based Combat with a Twist
Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s combat system is a refreshing take on turn-based RPGs. Instead of the traditional grid-based movement, battles play out in real-time, with each character taking their turn in a predetermined order.
Here’s how it works:
- Party Formation: You can control up to four characters in battle, each with their own set of skills and abilities.
- Action Points (AP): Each character has a limited number of AP points, which are used to perform actions like attacking, using skills, or defending.
- Turn Order: The turn order is determined by each character’s Speed stat. Characters with higher Speed will act first.
- Skill Selection: During your turn, you can choose from a variety of actions, including basic attacks, special skills, and items.
- Elemental Reactions: Certain skills and items have elemental properties (fire, ice, electric, and more), which can trigger unique reactions when used against enemies with corresponding weaknesses.
Mastering the Combat System:
- Utilize Elemental Weaknesses: Pay attention to enemies’ elemental weaknesses and exploit them to your advantage.
- Don’t Neglect Skills: Skills are your most valuable assets. Invest in points to learn new skills and upgrade existing ones.
- Master the Combo System: String together attacks to trigger powerful combos that deal significant damage.
- Use Items Wisely: Items can be used to heal, revive, and even buff your party members.
- Experiment with Different Jobs: Try out different Jobs to find the combination that best suits your playstyle.
Beyond the Battles: Exploring Ijincho
While combat is a key aspect of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the game’s real charm lies in its vibrant and immersive world. Ijincho, the game’s main setting, is a sprawling district filled with shops, restaurants, side quests, and hidden secrets.
Exploring Ijincho:
- Side Quests: Take on a variety of side quests, ranging from helping out local residents to uncovering hidden secrets. These quests often offer humorous dialogue and unique rewards.
- Mini-Games: Yakuza: Like a Dragon is packed with mini-games, from karaoke and batting cages to rhythm games and even a full-fledged Dragon Quest-style RPG.
- Shops and Restaurants: Stock up on equipment and consumables, or indulge in delicious meals that provide temporary buffs.
- Hidden Treasures: Ijincho is full of hidden treasures and collectibles, from rare items to secret locations.
- Social Interactions: Engage in conversations with other characters, build relationships, and learn more about the world around you.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Yakuza: Like a Dragon experience:
- Save Often: The game doesn’t have a traditional save system. Instead, you’ll need to use "save points" scattered throughout the world.
- Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Ijincho is full of hidden secrets. Don’t be afraid to explore every alleyway and building.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Yakuza: Like a Dragon is all about experimentation. Try out different Jobs, skills, and strategies to find what works best for you.
- Take Advantage of the Job System: The Job System is one of the game’s greatest strengths. Switch between different Jobs to adapt to different situations.
- Enjoy the Story and Characters: The story and characters are what make Yakuza: Like a Dragon truly special. Take your time, savor the dialogue, and get to know the cast.
FAQ
Q: What platforms is Yakuza: Like a Dragon available on?
A: Yakuza: Like a Dragon is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon a good starting point for the series?
A: Absolutely! While previous games focused on action combat, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a standalone experience that introduces new players to the franchise’s unique blend of humor, drama, and heart.
Q: How long does it take to complete the game?
A: The main story can be completed in around 40-50 hours. However, with side quests, mini-games, and collectibles, you can easily spend 80+ hours exploring the world of Ijincho.
Q: Is there any prior knowledge of the Yakuza series required?
A: While previous games featured recurring characters and storylines, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a fresh start. You can jump right in without any prior knowledge.
Q: What is the game’s difficulty like?
A: Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers multiple difficulty levels, ranging from easy to very hard. You can adjust the difficulty at any time to suit your playstyle.
Q: Is there any DLC available?
A: Yes, there are several DLC packs available for Yakuza: Like a Dragon, including new jobs, costumes, and items.
Conclusion
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is more than just a change of pace for the series; it’s a bold and successful reimagining that embraces the RPG genre with open arms. Its engaging combat, vibrant world, and captivating story will keep you entertained for hours on end. Whether you’re a seasoned Yakuza fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this is a game you don’t want to miss. So, step into the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, embrace the chaos of Ijincho, and get ready for a journey that will leave you wanting more.
Source URL: https://www.ign.com/articles/yakuza-like-a-dragon-review
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