Overview

Like a Dragon (originally released in Japan as Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Hikari to Yami) is a critically acclaimed role-playing game developed and published by SEGA. It serves as the eighth mainline entry in the long-running Like a Dragon franchise—previously known in the West as Yakuza—and represents a monumental genre shift for the series. Moving away from the beat-'em-up action brawler roots of previous titles, Like a Dragon fully embraces a turn-based RPG framework, heavily inspired by classic dungeon crawlers and JRPGs.

The game was initially released for the PlayStation 4 in Japan in January 2020, before launching globally on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC later that same year. It subsequently received an optimized next-generation upgrade for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in March 2021. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and directed by Toshihiro Nagoshi, the game was created to lower the barrier to entry for new players while delivering a deeply satisfying, narrative-driven experience. Following its massive success, Like a Dragon effectively established the new baseline for the franchise, paving the way for future mainline entries to adopt this RPG format.

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Gameplay Mechanics

The transition from real-time brawling to a structured RPG system is the defining characteristic of Like a Dragon. However, the game retains the visceral, over-the-top combat flair the series is known for, translating it into a turn-based environment that feels dynamic and distinctly modern.

Turn-Based Combat

Battles in Like a Dragon are triggered by engaging enemies in the overworld. Once a fight begins, the camera pulls back, and the party takes turns based on their speed stats. Unlike traditional grid-based RPGs, positioning matters. Characters can move freely around the battlefield before executing an attack, meaning a character's attack range (such as Ichiban's baseball bat or Saeko's handbag) directly influences tactical decisions.

Instead of relying solely on traditional magic points (MP), the game utilizes a Poundmates system and environmental interactions. Players are encouraged to kick motorcycles, swing street signs, or hurl bicycles at enemies. If an attack misses because an enemy stepped out of range, the game playfully penalizes the player's pride but doesn't consume a turn, keeping the pacing brisk.

Job System

Character progression is handled through a robust Job System. As Ichiban builds his party, each character can change their class at any time at the local Ounabara Vocational School or specific job centers. Each Job comes with its own unique weapon type, stat proficiencies, and a dedicated skill tree unlocked using Job Points (JP) earned in battle.

For example, Ichiban starts as a Freelancer but can later become a Foreman (wielding a heavy drill), a Host (using a champagne bottle and charm-based attacks), or a Hero (a balanced class wielding a baseball bat). Part-time jobs available around the city also grant access to base classes like Barmaid, Musician, and Breaker. Leveling up a Job permanently boosts a character's base stats, incentivizing players to experiment with multiple classes rather than sticking to just one.

Character Stats

Stat progression uses a distinct naming convention tied to Ichiban’s childish yet charming worldview. Instead of traditional RPG stats like Strength and Intelligence, players level up attributes like Passion (Magic/Healing), Confidence (Magic Defense), Charisma (Agility/Evasion), Kindness (HP), Intellect (MP), and Style (Physical Defense). This unique terminology reinforces the game's lighthearted, underdog narrative tone.

Business Management

A major pillar of the mid-to-late game is the Ichiban Confections management sim. Ichiban takes over a struggling management company and must revitalize it by acting as the president of a cabaret club. Players must scout employees, assign them to roles based on their stats, manage their stress levels, and negotiate with rival businesses. Success in this minigame yields massive financial rewards, exclusive items, and high-tier jobs, making it an essential grind for players looking to max out their characters.

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Story & Setting

The City of Ijincho

Breaking away from the familiar neon-lit streets of Kamurocho, Tokyo, Like a Dragon introduces players to Yokohama’s Ijincho district. Ijincho is the largest open-world map in the franchise's history at the time of its release, dwarfing previous locations. It is divided into three distinct areas: the bustling commercial hub of Chinatown, the traditional Japanese atmospheres of Hamakita Park, and the stark, concrete nightlife district of Bar District. Ijincho feels incredibly lived-in, serving not just as a backdrop, but as a central character in its own right, defined by its diverse immigrant populations and localized gang conflicts.

The Narrative

The story follows Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking foot soldier in the Tojo Clan who has spent the last eighteen years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. Ichiban is a die-hard fan of classic Dragon Quest games, viewing the world through the lens of a heroic JRPG protagonist. Upon his release, Ichiban expects a hero's welcome from his patriarch, Masumi Arakawa. Instead, he is shot and left for dead in the Yokohama district of Ijincho.

Stripped of his yakuza identity and desperate for answers, Ichiban awakens and slowly assembles a ragtag group of outcasts to help him uncover the truth behind Arakawa's betrayal. The narrative explores heavy themes of familial trauma, systemic corruption, poverty, and the human cost of the yakuza lifestyle. However, unlike the brooding, dramatic tone of previous protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, Ichiban’s story is buoyed by a profound sense of optimism, friendship, and an earnest desire to protect the people around him, making it one of the most emotionally resonant stories in modern gaming.

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Key Features

Like a Dragon is packed with an overwhelming amount of content. Beyond the main campaign, the game distinguishes itself through a variety of unique selling points:

A Fresh Protagonist: Ichiban Kasuga brings an entirely new energy to the franchise. His nerdy enthusiasm, emotional vulnerability, and unyielding loyalty make him an instantly lovable lead who contrasts sharply with the stoic archetypes of the past.
Deep Turn-Based Combat: The new RPG battle system is surprisingly deep, blending traditional JRPG elemental weaknesses with brutal, physics-based environmental attacks that make every encounter feel like a cinematic spectacle.
Expansive Job System: With over a dozen distinct Jobs to unlock and master for the party of seven, the game offers immense replayability and allows players to tailor their team to their preferred playstyle.
The Vast City of Ijincho: Yokohama is meticulously crafted, featuring hundreds of shops, restaurants, substories, and hidden secrets crammed into its winding alleys, rooftops, and busy streets.
Ichiban Confections Management: A fully-fledged business simulation minigame where players act as a corporate president, complete with hiring, training, and aggressive hostile takeovers of rival businesses.
Unmatched Substory Variety: The game features dozens of side quests (Substories) that range from helping a dominatrix find true love to aiding a struggling street musician. These quests are fully voiced, hilariously absurd, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Co-op Dragon Kart: A chaotic go-kart racing minigame set on the streets of Yokohama, complete with power-ups, a storyline, and both solo and local multiplayer options.
Can Quest: A fully playable, retro-style crane game embedded within the arcade centers, featuring its own storyline, unique collectibles, and deep mechanics.
Comprehensive Accessibility: The turn-based nature of the combat, combined with the ability to freely adjust the difficulty at any time, makes this the most accessible entry point for newcomers to the franchise.

Close-up of traditional Mahjong tiles with Baoding balls, showcasing intricate Chinese symbols and patterns. — Photo by Mahmoud Yahyaoui / Pexels

Tips for Beginners

Diving into a Like a Dragon game for the first time can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of mechanics and side content. To help you get started on the right foot, here are some essential tips for beginners:

Swap Jobs Frequently: Don't stick to one Job per character. Leveling up a Job increases a character's base stats permanently. Experimenting with different classes early on will make your party much stronger in the long run and give you a better understanding of the combat system.
Watch Your Attack Ranges: Unlike static JRPGs, enemies move around the battlefield. If you queue up an attack with a short-range weapon (like a bat) and the enemy walks away before the animation finishes, your attack will miss. Always check the colored circle on the ground indicating your weapon's reach.
Don't Ignore the Business Management: Ichiban Confections might seem like an optional distraction, but it is the primary way to make massive amounts of yen in the mid-to-late game. The money you earn here is necessary to purchase high-end gear and fully upgrade your weapons at the weapon shop.
Use the Poundmates System: Summoning local Yokohama residents to assist you in battle costs yen, not MP. Do not hoard your money; spend it on Poundmates during tough boss fights. These summons often deal massive area-of-effect damage or provide vital party-wide buffs and heals.
Eat at Every Restaurant: Visiting restaurants and ordering meals permanently increases your base stats and grants unique passive buffs (like increased XP gain or fire resistance). Make it a habit to eat at every new restaurant you discover.
Turn on Auto-Battle for Trash Mobs: While boss fights require strategic thinking, random encounters against weak street thugs can become tedious. Utilize the Auto-Battle feature to speed up the grinding process, allowing you to focus on the story and exploration.
Explore the Map for Toxins: Keep an eye out for sparkling spots on the ground and interact with stray cats around Ijincho. Collecting Toxins and bringing them to the local pharmacy allows you to craft powerful healing items and stat-boosting supplements that are incredibly useful in higher difficulties.

FAQ

Do I need to play the previous Yakuza games to understand Like a Dragon?

No. Like a Dragon is designed as a soft reboot for the franchise. It features a brand-new protagonist, a new primary setting in Yokohama, and a standalone storyline. While there are cameos and references to past games that long-time fans will appreciate, the game provides all the necessary context for new players to fully understand and enjoy the plot without any prior knowledge of the series.

Why did they change the combat from brawler to turn-based?

Director Toshihiro Nagoshi and the development team wanted to attract a broader, global audience. The real-time brawler combat of previous games had a high skill ceiling that alienated some players. By shifting to a turn-based RPG system—a genre with massive worldwide appeal—the team lowered the barrier to entry while still retaining the dramatic, cinematic flair that the franchise is known for.

How long does it take to beat Like a Dragon?

If you focus strictly on the main story and skip most side content, you can expect to finish the game in around 40 to 50 hours. However, if you engage with the substories, minigames, the business management sim, and optional dungeons, a typical playthrough will easily take between 80 to 100 hours. Completionists looking to conquer every aspect of the game can expect to spend well over 120 hours in Ijincho.

Can I change the difficulty level mid-game?

Yes. Like a Dragon allows you to change the difficulty setting at almost any time from the pause menu. You can select from Easy, Normal, Hard, and Legend (which unlocks after finishing the game). If you find a particular boss too challenging, you can drop the difficulty to Easy, defeat the boss, and immediately switch back to Normal or Hard without any penalties.

Is the game appropriate for younger audiences?

No. Despite Ichiban's childish worldview and the game's Dragon Quest inspirations, Like a Dragon is rated Mature (M) by the ESRB. The game contains intense violence, explicit language, sexual themes, and frequent visits to cabaret clubs and hostess bars where alcohol consumption is heavily featured. The narrative also deals with very dark, mature themes including human trafficking, murder, and organized crime. It is strictly intended for adult audiences.

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