Articles, Reviews

Review of the game Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Review of the game Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Review

Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a remake of the 2014 Japanese game, part of the Yakuza series. It features familiar faces from the series in a parallel universe with new names based on historical Japanese figures during the samurai era.

Like a Dragon: Ishin Gameplay

Set in the 1860s, the game explores a turbulent period in Japanese history when the military Shogunate clashed with the Imperial system during a revolutionary era.

Samurai in Like a Dragon: Ishin

You play as Sakamoto Ryōma, a historical figure who faces a personal tragedy when his father is assassinated. Seeking answers, he infiltrates a dangerous group tasked with covert missions for the government.

Game visuals from Like a Dragon: Ishin

The fictional city is inspired by historical Tokyo, with a rich and interactive world. Ryōma navigates political intrigues and dangerous alliances in his quest for justice.

Action scene in Like a Dragon: Ishin

Main and side characters are well-crafted. Voice acting is in Japanese with English subtitles. While immersive, some players may find the lack of English voiceovers a drawback.

Character interactions in Like a Dragon: Ishin

The game blends drama with quirky humor, a hallmark of the Yakuza series. While veterans will enjoy it, newcomers might find the tone unusual at first.

Dramatic cutscene in Like a Dragon: Ishin

The gameplay starts slow but evolves into a masterpiece with deep combat mechanics and exploration opportunities. You’ll unlock the full world after a few hours, rewarding patience with engaging content.

Combat styles in Like a Dragon: Ishin

Combat offers four styles: bare-handed, sword-only, gun-only, and a mix of sword and gun. Each style has a unique skill tree, adding strategic depth to battles.

Skill system in Like a Dragon: Ishin

Exploration is rewarding, with hidden trainers and upgrades for your fighting styles. Listening to NPCs can reveal secrets, encouraging immersion in the game world.

Trainer interactions in Like a Dragon: Ishin

Mini-games like karaoke and chicken racing provide light-hearted fun. These side activities balance the intensity of the main story, offering casual entertainment.

Karaoke mini-game in Like a Dragon: Ishin

The graphics show significant improvement over the original, especially in character models. The music complements the historical and dramatic setting perfectly.

Detailed environments in Like a Dragon: Ishin

Side missions focus on historical context, offering 79 short but impactful stories. While not all are equally exciting, they enrich the setting and its characters.

Side missions in Like a Dragon: Ishin

Final Score

9/10

Final review Like a Dragon: Ishin
Sword combat in Like a Dragon: Ishin
Stylish gameplay in Like a Dragon: Ishin