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Jesse Lennox reviews #likeadragoninfinitewealth on #ps5.
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0:00
Within the opening hours of Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth
0:02
I experienced a wider range of emotions than most games evoke in their entire runtime
0:07
Reuniting with Ichiban after his memorable debut in Like a Dragon immediately inspired and motivated me to approach life from a different perspective
0:15
and that only cemented itself more as his adventure took turn after turn
0:19
This is a JRPG at its core, but a character piece at its heart. While the game is by no means lacking in content or depth for those who enjoy
0:26
the more mechanical side of things, your enjoyment will ultimately come down to how much you resonate with the characters
0:32
their personalities, and their stories. Forgoing the often convoluted power struggles and betrayals
0:37
centered around criminal organizations and conflict, this Like a Dragon title chooses a much more personal tale
0:43
Though certainly not lacking in plenty of twists and melodrama, Infinite Wealth has positioned itself as the most approachable and relatable entry to date
0:51
One moment you will be playing the role of a stuntman running against traffic
0:54
as explosions go off all around you. The next, the game will be ripping your heart out with an earnest and touching scene of loss
1:01
Somehow, Infinite Wealth manages to do this time and time again without any tonal whiplash
1:06
The only stumbling block lies in its pacing. Picking up after the events of Like a Dragon
1:11
Ichiban enjoys a few precious years of getting his life together after all the major Yakuza clans have been dissolved
1:16
This short-lived era of peace crumbles around him, alongside the revelation that his mother is not only alive, but wants to meet him
1:23
Like some of the best-told stories, what begins as a simple and empathetic premise
1:27
slowly spirals and unwinds into deeper mysteries and conspiracies. Marketing for Infinite Wealth featured Ichiban and Kiryu in equally prominent roles
1:36
but make no mistake, this is Ichiban's game. Kiryu does have his own arc that pays a lot of respect to this character
1:41
the studio and fans have spent almost two decades with. However, it feels it lacks as much impact being a smaller part of someone else's story
1:49
rather than the main focus. Legacy aside, Kiryu's stoic personality is a perfect counterbalance to Ichiban's almost childlike flamboyance
1:57
Each of the ten party members adds their own flavor that keeps the team dynamic fresh and evolving
2:01
As much plot as there is here, it's the character and their stories that will enthrall you to go out and find every conversation
2:07
and learn more about their backstories at the bar over some drinks. The main flaw with Infinite Wealth's story comes down to pacing
2:14
Even as someone who loves story-heavy titles, Infinite Wealth tested my patience with massive blocks of exposition and cutscenes
2:21
In some instances, these scenes can go on for close to an hour at a time
2:24
If you're not comfortable with sitting down for a session and end up barely touching the controller
2:28
you might want to avoid this one. Those bonds you develop with Infinite Wealth's cast aren't just satisfying in isolation
2:34
but are key in the combat system. The stronger your bonds, the more tag team moves and chances for follow-up attacks
2:40
Like its predecessor, Infinite Wealth continues the genre shift into a traditional JRPG
2:46
However, where the first game felt like almost a prototype of cramming the old systems into a turn-based mold, Infinite Wealth perfects the formula
2:54
Many issues previously stemmed from positioning. Despite there being contextual opportunities, you had no control over your character's positions during a fight
3:02
This made it feel more luck-based as to whether or not you could take advantage of these interactions
3:06
Infinite Wealth elegantly solves this problem by giving your current character a movement ring dictating where you can position yourself before launching an attack
3:14
Further, you also get notifications that indicate when you can use a contextual advantage
3:19
These notifications let you be more strategic with your choices. For example, paying attention to a knockback arrow showing where you will push an enemy
3:26
you can cleverly choose to knock them into other foes or teammates to deal additional damage
3:31
Ryu Ga Gotoku are masters of representing hyper-specific places in excruciating detail
3:36
While Kamurocho isn't technically a real place, it is about as accurate a representation of Kabukicho as you could find
3:43
Applying that level of craftsmanship, plus cultural commentary, to an American city allows for sights and stories not possible in Japan
3:51
The only minor downside is Honolulu City's scale. This is by far the largest single environment in the series' history
3:57
and although every street, building, and parking lot is unique, I relied on fast traveling to objectives when the distance felt a bit too lengthy to walk or segue to
4:06
Two major pieces of side content are as large as the new map
4:09
which isn't necessarily a positive. The Sujimon system, which is more of a joke in the last entry
4:14
returns as a full-on Pokemon clone. While there is entire story, progression, and battle mechanics to sink dozens of hours into
4:22
it isn't nearly fleshed out enough to feel worth the investment. Once you know how the battles work
4:26
all you need to do is grind your mons to be strong enough to progress. It's a fun enough diversion
4:31
and thankfully not required beyond its introduction if it doesn't click for you. Dandoko Island starts simple
4:36
but gets complex and diverse enough to hardly be considered a minigame
4:40
If you're into management sims, like Animal Crossing and The Sims, you're basically getting a two-for-one here
4:45
I just wish it wasn't introduced with the grace of a two-legged table. Unlike other optional content that only interrupts the main story for a couple of minutes at most
4:53
you're ripped from the main narrative without warning for potentially an hour while you're stranded on this island getting tutorialized, like it or not
5:00
Of course, all your favorite Like a Dragon minigames returns. Arcades, karaoke, mahjong, and the like are here to engage with or ignore as you please
5:09
Like any vacation, Infinite Wealth has some sore spots. The story itself is gripping and feels far more personal than the crime dramas of the past
5:16
and the characters will stick with you long after you've said Bon Voyage
5:20
Ichiban and Kiryu in particular shine, despite the latter feeling a little sidelined for what he's going through here
5:25
The pacing may turn you off at points, but if you let yourself get invested in the people and world presented
5:31
you will come away with a powerful message about overcoming life's challenges
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