Review

Yakuza Infinite Wealth

The Yakuza series returns with a brand-new mainline installment, following the success of Yakuza: Like a Dragon in 2020. This new entry abandons the numbered titles and continues the series under the **Like a Dragon** name. With its turn-based RPG mechanics and dual protagonists, will Yakuza Infinite Wealth deliver another hit or was the previous success just luck? Let’s dive into the review to find out.

Story

The game picks up directly after the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, following **Ichiban Kasuga** and former series protagonist **Kazuma Kiryu**. Ichiban now works at an employment office in Yokohama, helping former yakuza members find honest jobs. However, he is framed for illegal activities and loses his position, prompting him to travel to Hawaii after receiving a letter claiming his biological mother is alive.

In Hawaii, Ichiban discovers that not only is his mother missing, but both yakuza and mafia gangs are searching for her too. The story unfolds across 13 chapters, lasting around 45-50 hours if you focus solely on the main narrative. Completing all the side content can extend gameplay to over 100 hours.

Side Content

Side content plays a vital role in Yakuza Infinite Wealth. Skipping it means missing out on half the game’s enjoyment. Side quests, marked as **Sub Quests**, reward players with useful tools like a scooter for faster travel across Hawaii’s large map. These quests are fun, quick, and don’t feel like filler.

The game also includes unique mini-games inspired by popular franchises. For instance, there’s a Pokémon-style game where you recruit fighters and compete in tournaments, and an Animal Crossing-inspired mode called **Dondoko Island**, where you rebuild an island to attract tourists. These mini-games are well-designed and can keep you entertained for hours.

Gameplay

Like its predecessor, Yakuza Infinite Wealth features turn-based combat with new additions that make battles faster and more dynamic. Players can move their characters during combat, adding a layer of strategy by positioning them near interactive objects to use against enemies.

The **Job System** returns with more options, allowing players to unlock and transfer skills between jobs. Building bonds with party members is another key feature, unlocking new combo attacks and finishers as your relationships grow.

Despite its depth, the gameplay remains intuitive and addictively fun once mastered.

Graphics and Performance

The game utilizes the **Dragon Engine**, delivering realistic visuals with excellent performance. It runs smoothly on PCs without requiring high-end hardware. However, some English voiceovers for minor characters feel mismatched, which can be immersion-breaking at times.

Final Rating

9.5/10

Yakuza Infinite Wealth is the perfect sequel to Like a Dragon, improving on every aspect. Its rich story, engaging gameplay, and expansive side content make it a must-play for fans and a promising step for the series’ future.