Turn-based combat was likely something Yakuza fans never expected to come to the series, yet Yakuza: Like a Dragon brings with it a traditional JRPG combat and progression system. Showing off its blatantly overt inspiration from Dragon Quest, the battle system has health points, magic points, spells, jobs, all sorts of loot, and a surprising amount of depth between the mechanics. Even if the system isn't perfect, Like a Dragon seismically shifts the combat system away from the beat 'em up mechanics that Yakuza has employed for over a decade. That point right there is exactly why some longtime fans may be hesitant to try Like a Dragon.
It's no secret that turn-based JRPG combat systems are comparatively antiquated, with long-running franchises like Final Fantasy either employing hybrid action-strategy combat mechanics or moving away from turn-based entirely. For the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, jumping to a completely different genre in such a long-running franchise is a bold move, but a great one at that. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is still very much a Yakuza game, but shakes up the usual formula in a way that makes a lot of sense. However, it's understandable why Like a Dragon may be a deal-breaker for some, but it's still definitely worth the try even if turn-based/JRPG combat isn't someone's cup of tea.
Like a Dragon is Still a Very Familiar Yakuza Experience
What should be encouraging for Yakuza fans is that, even though the game features a new cast of characters in a different timeline, Like a Dragon is still very much like a Yakuza game. Narratively and thematically, Yakuza: Like a Dragon still emphasizes the melodramatic storytelling motifs that previous games in the series have employed. Even at the outset, the game makes that very clear, with the opening hours discussing the origins of the game's antagonist and protagonist joining the Yakuza. From there, even though the Tojo Clan is long gone in Like a Dragon, the story of dueling criminal syndicates in Japan is still just as compelling and enjoyable.
Even with Yakuza: Like a Dragon's boisterous new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, the game still balances the spectacle of the main story with the absurdity of the game's many side quests and activities. In fact, it's arguable that Like a Dragon's format as a JRPG lends itself to Yakuza's usual obsession with minigames much better than any previous game before. More importantly, the lessened focus on a protagonist like Kazuma Kiryu and party-oriented character development in Like a Dragon allowed the narrative to expand to a variety of new character arcs never possible in the previous games. Like a Dragon's story is still very reminiscent of Yakuza, but the JRPG format allows the game to expand character moments far beyond previous games.
Turn-Based Combat Truly is An Unfortunate Deal Breaker for Some
However, the big caveat with Yakuza: Like a Dragon is easily its combat system. Even if the game's turn-based combat mechanics were flawless, it's still a hard sell for existing Yakuza fans who don't enjoy traditional JRPG combat. It's a very far cry from previous Yakuza games, which have much more reactionary action-heavy combat mechanics. It's important to note that, for a development studio like Ryu Ga Gotoku to take the ambitious jump from that to turn-based combat, Yakuza: Like a Dragon's turn-based combat is very impressive. There's plenty of depth in the different kinds of skills and fighting styles each party member has, and there are even some reaction elements in battle as well.
Regardless, if players don't have the patience for turn-based combat, then it makes sense that the battle and progression systems are a deal-breaker. For every effort Yakuza: Like a Dragon makes to retain the spirit of previous Yakuza games, combat is still vastly different. For as much as the game likes to joke about the protagonist's obsession with Dragon Quest, that truly is proof that the game wears its inspiration on its sleeve. The differences in combat between Yakuza: Like a Dragon and previous Yakuza games are simply too wide for any similarities to exist between them, mostly because that was the point with the seventh entry.
Like a Dragon Shines, So Long as JRPG Mechanics Aren't an Obstacle
Yakuza: Like a Dragon was meant to be a new start for the series, not just a spin-off. Turn-based combat was just one of many ways that Yakuza was taking a new direction with Like a Dragon. That doesn't necessarily mean turn-based combat will stick around forever, but every aspect of Like a Dragon contextualizes and celebrates the change to an RPG system. The addition of various party members, a much longer JRPG style of storytelling, and an all-new cast, is all in service to seeing where Yakuza can go next. It's also worth noting that, even as a turn-based combat system, battles in Like a Dragon are very challenging and satisfying. What's most important for long-time fans to know is, if they are able to accept the new combat system, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is still a wonderful Yakuza experience.
Compared to previous Yakuza games, the narrative and characters are just as enjoyable in Like a Dragon. The seventh game takes its time rightfully introducing and getting players acquainted with each new character. The new region of Ijincho is ripe for exploration, discovering all sorts of new minigames, side quests, and new enemies along the way as well. It's a more fantastical approach to Yakuza that fits the themes of the series quite well. Melodrama storytelling framed in a JRPG setting is perfect for Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and while turn-based combat is a big obstacle for those who don't enjoy that gameplay style, Yakuza fans are rewarded if they can accept it.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The PS5 version releases on March 2, 2021.