Summary
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthmanaged to take the most overlooked aspect of the previous game’s combat system - environmental weapons - and turn them into an important strategic asset. There are a lot of ways thatLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthimproved on its predecessor overall, with the combat system getting the most prominent overhaul. While many of the game’s improvements are essentially just polishing up old features, one particular mechanic got what might be the greatest glow-up of all.Infinite Wealthstepped up its game when it came to presentation, and that includes adding a new dimension to its fights.
Originally, it was a surprise whenYakuza: Like a Dragonbecame a turn-based RPGafter the first seven installments had all been beat-‘em-up adventures. However, the transition ended up working out well. In addition to the system working well in its first appearance, the game did an equally good job of establishing Ichiban Kasuga as the face of the series’ new era.Infinite Wealtheven took the liberty of bringing back original protagonist Kazuma Kiryu as a playable character and one of Ichiban’s most important allies. A successful leap in genres like that is impressive, andLike a Dragonhas reaped the benefits of that success.
Infinite Wealth Turned Environmental Weapons Into a Serious Strategic Option
Environmental Weapons Are an Interesting Mechanic of Infinite Wealth’s Battles
The existence of environmental weapons may surprise players whogo back toYakuza: Like a Dragon, because while they appear in both games, they are much more prominent inInfinite Wealth. The idea behind environmental weapon attacks is simple. If a party member attacks while a weapon is nearby, then they will pick it up and use it in lieu of their typical basic attack. These weapons will usually deal extra damage, and can occasionally leave the enemy stunned, opening up an advantage for the player. Weapon attacks were a cool idea, but one that could be easily forgotten inYakuza: Like a Dragon.
Yazkua: Like a Dragon Placed Too Many Restrictions on Environmental Attacks
InYakuza: Like a Dragon, environmental weapons were only usable by the Ichiban-exclusive Freelancer job. Unfortunately, amongYakuza: Like a Dragon’s jobs, Freelancer was not particularly useful since Ichiban had another exclusive job, Hero, that could hit harder and had more utility, outshining Freelancer in basically every way. Since only Ichiban could be a Freelancer, that meant that nobody else in the party had access to these weapon attacks at all. Unless the player was grinding Freelancer to unlock the Reverse German Suplex, it’s likely that once Hero was unlocked early in the game, players would never use Freelancer or improvised weapon attacks again.
Infinite Wealth Reworked Weapon Attacks in the Best Way
Infinite Wealthremoved all of these restrictions in regard to weapon attacks. Now any party member, regardless of which ofInfinite Wealth’s job classesthey’re using, can use any weapon in the environment. Not only that, but the weapons will occasionally have special properties, like explosive barrels dealing fire damage, or liquor bottles dealing ice damage. Players can even use one of Kiryu’s old tricks by swinging bicycles at enemies during street fights. BecauseInfinite Wealthexpanded the use of environmental weapons, players have the luxury of using the battlefield to their advantage in almost any scenario, adding a new dimension to combat strategy.
An excellent example of environmental weapons comes in Chapter 4, where some explosive barrels can deal heavy damage to burly Barracudas with a vulnerability to fire without expending MP.
Environmental weapon attacks felt like an afterthought inYakuza: Like a Dragon, butInfinite Wealthreversed that completely. Almost any playerplaying throughLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthwill become deeply familiar with this mechanic. These weapons are excellent offensive options in addition to being just plain fun to use, especially when used to batter bosses with furniture.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s revival of this mechanic makes fights with Ichiban and company better than before.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
WHERE TO PLAY
EPIC EMOTIONAL DRAMATwo larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down his last days.BEST-IN-CLASS RPG ACTIONExperience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes. Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.INFINITE ADVENTURELive it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
