The year 2024 proved to be an exceptional period for role-playing game enthusiasts, delivering an embarrassment of riches that left many players struggling to keep up with the sheer volume of quality releases. From the philosophical depths of Metaphor: ReFantazio to the punishing brilliance of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the genre experienced what many consider one of its strongest years in recent memory. Persona 3 Reload brought a beloved classic back to life with stunning visuals, while Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth each carved out their own dedicated followings. Amidst this avalanche of critically acclaimed titles, one game that may have slipped through the cracks for many players deserves a second look: Sega’s ambitious Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
This sprawling adventure, which can easily consume upwards of 84 hours for completionists, transports players to the sun-drenched streets of Honolulu, Hawaii, offering a refreshing departure from the series’ traditional Japanese urban settings. The ninth mainline installment in the legendary Yakuza franchise, now rebranded as the Like a Dragon series in Western markets, represents one of the most ambitious undertakings in Sega’s storied history. While the game’s massive ensemble cast draws characters from numerous previous entries, newcomers shouldn’t feel intimidated by the series’ rich mythology.
A Bold New Direction for a Beloved Franchise
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues the turn-based combat system introduced in 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a dramatic departure from the beat-em-up action that defined the series for over a decade. This shift in gameplay philosophy initially divided longtime fans, but has since won over skeptics with its deep job system, strategic party mechanics, and the signature over-the-top special attacks that have become a hallmark of the franchise. The game features dual protagonists, bringing together series newcomer Ichiban Kasuga with legendary former yakuza Kazuma Kiryu, whose story has spanned the entire franchise since its 2005 debut on PlayStation 2.
The Hawaiian setting represents more than just a cosmetic change for the series. Developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio painstakingly recreated Honolulu’s iconic locations, from the bustling streets of Waikiki to the serene beaches of the North Shore. This attention to detail has been a defining characteristic of the studio’s work, with previous entries faithfully recreating Tokyo’s Kabukicho district, Osaka’s Dotonbori, and Yokohama’s Isezakijima. The shift to an American location allowed the team to explore new cultural themes while maintaining the series’ trademark blend of serious crime drama and absurdist humor.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Jump In
For players who missed Infinite Wealth during its initial February 2024 release, the months since launch have only strengthened the game’s reputation. Post-release patches have addressed various technical issues, and the gaming community has developed comprehensive guides for navigating the game’s numerous side activities. The title features an impressive array of mini-games, including a fully-featured business management simulator, a Pokémon-inspired creature collection game called Sujimon, and the return of fan-favorite activities like karaoke and arcade games. These diversions alone can add dozens of hours to the experience.
The Yakuza series has cultivated a passionate fanbase over nearly two decades, growing from a niche Japanese import to a global phenomenon. The franchise’s success lies in its unique ability to balance emotionally resonant storytelling with moments of pure comedic absurdity. One moment players might be witnessing a tearful confrontation between former criminal associates, and the next they’re helping a grown man overcome his fear of crawfish or participating in an elaborate dance battle. This tonal whiplash, rather than feeling jarring, has become one of the series’ most beloved qualities.
A Testament to Sega’s Creative Vision
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth stands as a testament to Sega’s willingness to take creative risks with established properties. The company’s support of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has allowed the team to pursue ambitious projects without compromising their artistic vision. The result is a game that feels both familiar to longtime fans and welcoming to newcomers, with optional recap features and character introductions that help bridge knowledge gaps. For those seeking a meaty RPG experience that offers genuine heart alongside its hundred-hour runtime, Infinite Wealth has indeed aged like fine wine, becoming only more appealing as the initial release rush subsides.
Expert Opinion: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth represents a pivotal moment for Japanese RPGs in Western markets, demonstrating that narrative-heavy, culturally specific games can achieve mainstream success without sacrificing their identity. The title’s strong legs in sales throughout 2024 suggest that the franchise’s best days may still lie ahead, with Sega likely to continue investing heavily in this proven formula for years to come.