Summary
It’s clear thatLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s parody ofPokemon, Sujimon, goes a long way to incorporate references from Game Freak’s iconic franchise into this side mode.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthplayers will be able to dig into this fairly substantial side mode, which features elements like trainer battles, raids, and even Sujimon evolution, demonstrating developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s commitment to delivering a full-fledged monster collecting game within a game. However, there is one feature ofLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Sujimon that turns an old-schoolPokemonrumor into a reality.
LongtimePokemonfans might recall the early days of the series when rumors about what was possible in the games were abundant. A popular rumor in the originalPokemon Red and Bluegames was that players could find aMew if they interacted with a truck in Vermillion City, but other myths were also shared betweenPokemonfans in the days before information about the games was widely available on the internet. One rumor that many players still hope is true today is the idea that mashing the A or B button when catching a critter will increase the chances of a successful capture, butLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthmakes this mechanic a core part of Sujimon capturing.
Pokemon’s Classic Button-Mashing Myth Makes its Way into Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Although manyPokemonplayers still swear by it today, mashing a button during the catching animation does not affect the chances ofcatching a critter in thePokemongames. Despite the falsity of this rumor, its mythology has become somewhat infamous within the community, to the point where some players still button-mash during a capture out of superstition. It seems that the infamy of this rumor has now transcended thePokemoncommunity asLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthturns button-mashing into a necessary part of Sujimon capturing.
While the mechanics involved in the Sujimon mini-game aren’t as complex as those of thePokemonseries, they do share a handful of similarities that create a surprisingly robust experience. As playersexploreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s mapin search of new Sujimon to collect, there are a variety of methods they can employ to increase their chance of successfully recruiting a new team member. Since Sujimon are just other humans in the world ofLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, they can’t be captured in a ball likePokemoncan, but there is still a similar method of recruitment players can employ.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Sujimon Legitimizes Pokemon Fan Theories
In order tocapture a Sujimon and add them to Kasuga’s team, players will need to utilize Sujimon Gifts, offering their target a bribe in exchange for joining the team. Like Poke Balls, these gifts come in different varieties that increase the chance of a successful recruitment based on their quality. When players are prompted to offer a gift after defeating a Sujimon Raid or overworld battle, they will need to time their button press so that the sincerity meter is as high as possible, and then button mash while the Sujimon considers the offering for the best chance at success.
This button-mashing mechanic is a clear allusion to the classicPokemonrumor, onlyLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthincorporates it as a fundamental part of capturing Sujimon. Players who successfully button-mash as hard as they can still aren’t guaranteed to catch the Sujimon, so there is still a degree of randomness to this mechanic. Despite being a parody of the series, there are several thingsPokemoncould learn fromLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Sujimonmini-game, and adding a button-mashing prompt to increase the chance of a successful capture would vindicate fans who have long believed this classic myth.
