Highlights
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's trailer showcases exciting new features, including returning characters, mini-games, and wacky enemies, promising to elevate both the humor and drama of the game.
- Concerns have been raised over the game's approach to DLC, as it appears that New Game+ could be locked behind paid add-on content, which has disappointed some fans.
- The Deluxe and Ultimate Editions of Infinite Wealth will include a Masters Vacation Pack, which not only offers exclusive outfits and items but also seemingly unlocks NG+ in three difficulty levels. The cost disparity between digital versions suggests that NG+ may require an additional fifteen-dollar fee.
RGG's Like a Dragon Direct has given fans a compelling glimpse into Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, slated to release early next year. Trailer footage of the title shows much to be excited for; from the many returning characters across the series' history to its new mini-games and wacky enemies, the game looks to up the ante on both its humor and drama. While this in-depth look has left a positive reception among fans, some concern has been brought forth over the title's approach to DLC. Following in the precedent set by Like a Dragon 7's initial release, it appears that a key feature will be locked behind its add-on content: NG+.
Fans over on Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Steam Community Page have been discussing the title's DLC, with many confused over the phrasing of its paid content. According to the game's official website, the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions of the title will include a 'Masters Vacation Pack' with the following description: "Use your Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth clear data to play New Game+ in one of three difficulties (Normal, Hard, and Legend). Experience the all-new story of the Big Swell and enjoy special outfits and items available only in this bundle."
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Seems to Be Locking NG+ Behind Add-On Content
While there is a bit of unclarity in the description's phrasing, it seems to suggest that not only will exclusive items and outfits be locked behind this DLC, but NG+ as a feature as well. This has left many concerned over SEGA's continued approach to paid DLC, with some of its add-ons going beyond cosmetic features. Fans have brought up that Like a Dragon 7's Japanese release had NG+ locked behind a similar 'Premium Masters Pack', though this was changed in its Western release to be a part of the base game. Still, there were a number of DLC packs for the title that came at quite a cost, including a fifteen-dollar 'Ultimate Costume Pack' and a ten-dollar 'Management Mode Set', among others.
The official Infinite Wealth website states that its add-on content will be available to purchase separately, which would accommodate Like a Dragon fans who are hoping to pick up a physical version of the title. The cost disparity between its digital versions, however, points towards a decent chunk of change for access to this content. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Standard Edition will cost 69.99 USD, though its Deluxe and Ultimate Editions are set at 84.99 and 109.99 USD, respectively. The Deluxe Edition of Infinite Wealth includes only the base game and the Masters Vacation Pack, insinuating that NG+ will be locked behind a fifteen-dollar fee.
For fans that decide to pre-order the title, complimentary bonuses will be given in the form of a 'Hero's Booster Pack' and 'Special Job Set', with the former being a set of items to raise character levels and job ranks in Like a Dragon by 1, and the latter being access to the Tennis Ace and Linebacker jobs to be used across the game's characters. The official website does note that the Special Job Set will be available to purchase after the game's release, so the content doesn't seem to be locked behind pre-orders, though it's unclear how much it will end up costing.
The insinuation of NG+ being locked behind DLC would put a bit of a damper on an otherwise highly positive look at Infinite Wealth's trailer. It could be that the description for the content has just been worded confusingly and that the Masters Vacation Pack will be focused on its cosmetic add-ons, though the precedent set by LAD 7's Japanese release may suggest otherwise. Clarification on what exactly the DLC entails is likely to be shared before the game's debut in January.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is set to release on January 26, 2024, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
