Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” Showcases the Largest Yakuza Map Yet, Nine Times the Size of Kamurocho
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” Breaks New Ground in Honolulu City, Hawaii, Marking the Franchise’s Debut Outside of Japan.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth features the biggest map in the Yakuza franchise. Marking the series’ first venture outside of Japan, the upcoming title will transport players to the tourist hotspot of Hawaii — Honolulu City, to be exact. Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio claims that the vast new stage is more than three times the size of Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s Isezaki Ijincho, the suburb where the afro-haired Kasuga Ichiban was introduced. That means, the Hawaii map is nearly nine times the size of the Kamurocho district, the series’ primary Japanese setting punctuated by shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, where we dabbled in action-packed illicit acts through the eyes of Kazuma Kiryu, the series’ main protagonist who keeps getting pulled back into the life of crime.
As part of the announcement, RGG Studio revealed some key locations worth visiting in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, starting with Aloha Beach, the lively sun-baked shoreline where players can even head out swimming. Then there’s the Anaconda Shopping Center for Yakuza fans to fulfil their arcade gaming needs and grab a quick snack, followed by the bustling Chinatown area that’s lush with steaming food stalls, markets, and the Nirvana Bank Hotel, where only the wealthiest folk dwell. As a revered tourist location, the Waiki Town area is the place to go to buy souvenirs, District 5 to engage with the local mafia, and Little Japan is the spot for delectable sushi for when our heroes feel homesick. Yep, we’ve got two protagonists this time, as Ichiban Kasuga is sent to Hawaii under the promise of reuniting with his mother, only to meet with Kazuma Kiryu, who challenges him to a ‘final battle.’
本日公開！
『龍が如く８』の新舞台「ハワイ・ホノルルシティ」。
伊勢佐木異人町の3倍以上とも言われる、広大な新舞台。
はたして、そこにはどんなエリアがあり、どんな冒険が待っているのか！？詳細はこちら👇https://t.co/FZjhLm1cPJ#龍が如く pic.twitter.com/10TruA9ek9
— 龍が如くスタジオ 公式 (@ryugagotoku) November 24, 2023
“Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” Takes Kiryu on a New Journey, Dealing with Cancer and the Challenges of Old Age
In a departure from the franchise’s usual setting, the game is situated in Honolulu City, Hawaii, marking the first time the Yakuza series ventures outside Japan. The story trailer from September hinted at Kiryu battling cancer and navigating the complexities of aging. This shift also aligns with the rebranding of the Yakuza games in the West as “Like a Dragon.”
Gameplay undergoes a significant transformation, moving from real-time action combat to a turn-based system similar to the Persona series. Battles allow for creative use of environmental objects, such as electrocuting foes with a car battery or summoning muscled allies. Cinematic tag-team moves, hoverbikes for street traversal, pizza delivery minigames, and Karaoke sessions add to the diverse experience. RGG Studio describes the game as a ‘monster class’ creation, encouraging players to immerse themselves in a festival-like atmosphere for a compelling gaming experience.
Despite the potential for a lengthy playtime, the studio aims to create enthusiasm, pushing players to complete the game within a week to a month, even if it means sacrificing their health. “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” is set for release on January 25, available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
