Turn-based combat was likely somethingYakuzafans never expected to come to the series, yetYakuza: Like a Dragonbrings with it a traditional JRPG combat and progression system. Showing off its blatantly overt inspiration fromDragon Quest, the battle system has health points, magic points, spells, jobs, all sorts of loot, and a surprising amount of depth between the mechanics. Even if the system isn’t perfect,Like a Dragonseismically shifts the combat system away from the beat ‘em up mechanics thatYakuzahas employed for over a decade. That point right there is exactly why some longtime fans may be hesitant to tryLike a Dragon.
It’s no secret that turn-based JRPG combat systems are comparatively antiquated, with long-running franchises likeFinal Fantasyeither employing hybrid action-strategy combat mechanics or moving away from turn-based entirely. For the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, jumping to a completely different genre in such a long-running franchise is a bold move, but a great one at that.Yakuza: Like a Dragonis still very much aYakuzagame, but shakes up the usual formula in a way that makes a lot of sense. However, it’s understandable whyLike a Dragonmay be a deal-breaker for some, but it’s still definitely worth the try even if turn-based/JRPG combat isn’t someone’s cup of tea.
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Like a Dragon is Still a Very Familiar Yakuza Experience
What should be encouraging forYakuzafans is that, even thoughthe game features a new cast of characters in a different timeline,Like a Dragonis still very much like aYakuzagame. Narratively and thematically,Yakuza: Like a Dragonstill emphasizes the melodramatic storytelling motifs that previous games in the series have employed. Even at the outset, the game makes that very clear, with the opening hours discussing the origins of the game’s antagonist and protagonist joining the Yakuza. From there, even though the Tojo Clan is long gone inLike a Dragon, the story of dueling criminal syndicates in Japan is still just as compelling and enjoyable.
Even withYakuza: Like a Dragon’s boisterous new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, the game still balances the spectacle of the main story with theabsurdity of the game’s many side quests and activities. In fact, it’s arguable thatLike a Dragon’s format as a JRPG lends itself toYakuza’s usual obsession with minigames much better than any previous game before. More importantly, the lessened focus on a protagonist like Kazuma Kiryu and party-oriented character development inLike a Dragonallowed the narrative to expand to a variety of new character arcs never possible in the previous games.Like a Dragon’s story is still very reminiscent ofYakuza, but the JRPG format allows the game to expand character moments far beyond previous games.
Turn-Based Combat Truly is An Unfortunate Deal Breaker for Some
However, the big caveat withYakuza: Like a Dragonis easily its combat system. Even if the game’s turn-based combat mechanics were flawless, it’s still a hard sell for existingYakuzafans who don’t enjoy traditional JRPG combat. It’s a very far cry from previousYakuzagames, which have much more reactionary action-heavy combat mechanics. It’s important to note that, for a development studio like Ryu Ga Gotoku to take the ambitious jump from that to turn-based combat,Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s turn-based combat is very impressive. There’s plenty of depth in the different kinds of skills and fighting styles each party member has, and there are even some reaction elements in battle as well.
Regardless, if players don’t have the patience for turn-based combat, then it makes sense that the battle and progression systems are a deal-breaker. For every effortYakuza: Like a Dragonmakes to retain the spirit of previousYakuzagames, combat is still vastly different. For as much as the game likes tojoke about the protagonist’s obsession withDragon Quest, that truly is proof that the game wears its inspiration on its sleeve. The differences in combat betweenYakuza:Like a Dragonand previousYakuzagames are simply too wide for any similarities to exist between them, mostly because that was the point with the seventh entry.
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Like a Dragon Shines, So Long as JRPG Mechanics Aren’t an Obstacle
Yakuza: Like a Dragonwas meant to be a new start for the series, not just a spin-off. Turn-based combat was just one of many ways thatYakuzawas taking a new direction withLike a Dragon. That doesn’t necessarily mean turn-based combat will stick around forever, but every aspect ofLike a Dragoncontextualizes and celebrates the change to an RPG system. The addition of various party members, a much longer JRPG style of storytelling, and an all-new cast, is all in service to seeing whereYakuzacan go next. It’s also worth noting that, even as a turn-based combat system, battles inLike a Dragonare very challenging and satisfying. What’s most important for long-time fans to know is, if they are able to accept the new combat system,Yakuza: Like a Dragonis still a wonderfulYakuzaexperience.
Compared to previousYakuzagames, the narrative and characters are just as enjoyable inLike a Dragon. The seventh game takes its time rightfully introducing and getting players acquainted with each new character. The new region of Ijincho is ripe for exploration,discovering all sorts of new minigames, side quests, and new enemies along the way as well. It’s a more fantastical approach toYakuzathat fits the themes of the series quite well. Melodrama storytelling framed in a JRPG setting is perfect forYakuza: Like a Dragon, and while turn-based combat is a big obstacle for those who don’t enjoy that gameplay style,Yakuzafans are rewarded if they can accept it.
Yakuza: Like a Dragonis available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The PS5 version releases on July 24, 2025.
