For players captivated by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and eager for another engaging RPG experience, there exists a delightful alternative that might not be immediately apparent. While many anticipate the arrival of FF7 Remake Part 3 as the natural sequel, fans won’t have to wait idly. The 2020s have introduced a remarkable array of RPGs, including gems like Baldur’s Gate 3, Tales of Arise, and Persona 3 Reload. Yet, one title that has surprisingly evaded attention is Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Yokohama, Japan, Like a Dragon narrates the compelling journey of Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza member in search of redemption after facing betrayal. At first glance, this narrative may seem worlds apart from that of FF7 Rebirth; however, upon closer inspection, many thematic similarities emerge between these seemingly disparate titles. Both games share a deep-rooted connection that resonates with fans of immersive storytelling and character development.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon Contains Key Features That Appeal to FF7 Fans
Engaging Story, Gameplay, and Side Activities
Critics have lauded FF7 Rebirth for its exceptional elements: a polished action-RPG combat system, an expansive world that invites exploration, and a richly woven narrative filled with dynamic characters. Collectively, these features elevate FF7 Rebirth into a quintessential AAA JRPG experience, surpassing the expectations of merely being the mid-part of a remake trilogy. Interestingly, Like a Dragon shares many of these commendable traits, albeit with a unique twist.
Whereas FF7 Rebirth’s side content drew mixed reactions, it served to deepen the game’s narrative and surroundings. In a similar vein, Like a Dragon presents a banquet of minigames and side quests, as well as classic Sega arcade games, that enrich the world and provide a sense of authenticity. Each locale is teeming with activities and richly characterized NPCs, echoing the beloved traits of the Yakuza series regarding engaging side content.
Notably, while the series was marketed internationally under the title Yakuza, it has always been referred to as Like a Dragon in Japan. Following the launch of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, this title has been adopted for subsequent releases globally. For clarity’s sake, this discussion will refer to the series as Yakuza.
FF7 Rebirth was praised for allowing its characters to express their quirky sides, and this same sincere lightheartedness is central to Like A Dragon. For instance, despite Ichiban’s gritty past, he views battles through the lens of Dragon Quest, effectively perceiving every conflict as a turn-based RPG encounter. This clever approach adds a layer of depth to the gameplay while supporting the overarching narrative.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a Love Letter to RPGs
Embracing Classic RPG Tropes in a Contemporary Context
The launch of Like a Dragon marked a paradigm shift for the Yakuza franchise, transitioning from its traditional beat ’em up style to a more RPG-focused approach. Utilizing Ichiban’s fascination with Dragon Quest as a narrative device, Like a Dragon successfully reinterprets the action into a turn-based RPG format, featuring character classes and special skills that transform combat dynamics. This is particularly noteworthy as it represents a significant evolution for the series, which has been primarily action-oriented since its debut in 2005.
Despite this transformation, Like a Dragon maintains the series’ signature flair. Characters dynamically navigate during battles, special moves must be executed with precise timing, and strategic positioning can yield opportunistic attacks using environmental props. This fusion of action and RPG mechanics sets Like a Dragon apart as a truly unique gaming experience.
While FF7 Rebirth opts for a real-time combat system, it remains firmly rooted in the RPG genre, making Like a Dragon particularly appealing to fans of the FF7 Remake trilogy. The game lovingly nods to the nostalgia of classic RPGs—familiar to anyone who cherishes the original Final Fantasy 7—while innovating with modern gaming sensibilities. Although it is the eighth main entry in the Yakuza saga, it serves as an ideal gateway for FF7 enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a brand-new series.
Yakuza’s Diverse Offerings Make It a Perfect Match for FF7 Rebirth Players
Explore a World of Endless Opportunities in Yakuza
One of the standout features of the Yakuza series is its incredible diversity in gameplay. Players can engage in a plethora of activities, such as battling street thugs, visiting vibrant nightlife locales, trying their luck at gambling, belting out tunes in karaoke bars, or relishing nostalgic arcade games. For those who appreciated the rich exploration of Midgar in FF7 Rebirth, wandering the neighborhoods available in the Yakuza series provides a similarly immersive experience.
The Yakuza franchise spans vibrant settings and genres, offering something for everyone. While many titles showcase the bustling urban environment of Tokyo, spinoffs like Like a Dragon: Ishin! transport players to a samurai-era story set in the Edo period. The recently launched Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes Ichiban to the sun-soaked shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, mirroring the captivating atmosphere beloved by fans of Costa del Sol. Additionally, the upcoming spinoff, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, promises an adventurous twist with naval combat for those seeking a swashbuckling experience.
The breadth of RPGs is vast, and when fused with action, as seen in FF7 Rebirth and Yakuza, the possibilities expand even further. Whether players savor stat customization, fast-paced combat, an extensive array of minigames, or simply the thrill of exploration and uncovering secrets, those who loved Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth owe it to themselves to explore the world of Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Leave a Reply