Sakamoto Ryōma, protagonist of Like a Dragon: Ishin!, and actual historical samurai. Sega hide caption
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Sakamoto Ryōma, protagonist of Like a Dragon: Ishin!, and actual historical samurai.
Sega
It's easy to forget nowadays, but the Yakuza franchise actual struggled outside of Japan for many years. With its mainline games floundering in the West, spinoffs didn't have a chance at localization for an international audience.
One of these titles, 2014's Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin!, never made it out of Japan. But the franchise's fate improved with Yakuza 0's Western release in 2017. That game's popularity paved the way for future games such as Yakuza: Like a Dragon to make their way overseas. It also sparked a remastering renaissance, as older games got released on new hardware, such as Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza 3 Remastered.
Now, after nearly a decade, samurai epic Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! comes to international audiences and modern consoles with the English title Like a Dragon: Ishin!. It's a heart-wrenching story about brotherhood and found family, complete with the charismatic characters we've come to expect from the franchise. However, its combat can't always escape its dated PlayStation 3 roots.
This 1866 picture, taken in Nagasaki, depicts samurai Sakamoto Ryōma, on whose life Like a Dragon: Ishin! is based. JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
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JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images
New city, familiar faces
Like a Dragon: Ishin! follows a young samurai named Sakamoto Ryōma, based on the real-life person who lived during Japan's Bakumatsu era — a pivotal time in the mid-1800s when the ruling shogunate crumbled ahead of the Meiji Restoration. As loose historical fiction, the game masterfully blends fictional flourishes with actual people like Ryōma.
Bristling against the deeply-entrenched hierarchies of the day, Ryōma begins the game by joining the Tosa Loyalist Party to fight for a more egalitarian Japan. However, out of nowhere, his father figure, Yoshida Toyo, gets murdered in cold blood. Afterward, Ryōma vows to track his killer down and his investigation leads him to the capital city of Kyo.
There, Ryōma changes his name to Saitō Hajime (another nod to a historical figure) and joins a new clan of samurai called the Shinsengumi, which acts as the city's police force and reinforces its rigid social order. By day, Ryōma's forced to uphold the status quo. By night, he tries to undermine it. He balances this double life while on the trail of Yoshida's killer, which leads to incredibly tense moments throughout the story where his cover is almost blown.
Unit officer Okita Soji, left, modelled after Yakuza series icon Goro Majima. Sega hide caption
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Unit officer Okita Soji, left, modelled after Yakuza series icon Goro Majima.
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The cast of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is all modeled on familiar characters from the main Yakuza franchise. Ryōma looks like the legacy main protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu. The elite officers that make up the Shinsengumi take on the likenesses of Kiryu's old enemies and comrades, with fan favorites like Goro Majima appearing as unit officer Okita Soji. It's almost like watching a historical TV show populated by actors who got famous in a different genre. But since the characters differ from their mainline counterparts, newcomers can fully enjoy Ishin! without playing previous games.
While the main plot has plenty of drama, wacky side quests make Like a Dragon: Ishin! stand out. A particularly memorable episode involves a British trader who demands Japan open its borders for commerce. But as soon as he steps foot in the country, a bad case of seasickness strips him of his imposing manner, which Ryōma cures with a tasty Japanese snack. It's a lighthearted moment that nonetheless gets to the dark history of colonialism, a theme that the main story treats more seriously.
Enjoy delightfully anachronistic karaoke, alongside other ridiculous mini-games. Sega hide caption
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Enjoy delightfully anachronistic karaoke, alongside other ridiculous mini-games.
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Other side stories include Ryōma dozing off to a chatterbox who talks his ears off about their life story and then indignantly quizzes him on. You can also sample ridiculous mini-games that include karaoke, fan dancing, chicken racing, and even cutting cannon balls in half. Kyo bursts with bizarre and relatable diversions that'll keep you entertained for hours and make the city feel like a real, lived-in place.
The Way of the Samurai
Like a Dragon: Ishin! features various fighting styles based on Ryōma's weapons — the classic samurai sword, a revolver, and his fists. In brawler style, Ryōma can pick up items to either smash or throw at opponents. But what if you need to dispatch a particularly troublesome enemy? Use the Swordsman style. Need to handle multiple opponents at once? The Wild Dancer style has you covered. Want to pick off enemies from afar? That's what the Gunslinger style is for. The variety keeps fights from growing stale.
However, the biggest issue with Like a Dragon: Ishin!'s combat is how stiff it feels. In other Yakuza games, I could switch between styles seamlessly mid-combo. In Ishin!, Ryōma has to stop attacking, pause, and then proceed to change styles. It completely ruins the flow and leaves Ryōma wide open to enemy attacks. Since so much of the game's presentation has been upgraded for the remake, it's a shame that the combat fluidity of recent titles didn't make it in.
Ishin! presents numerous combat styles, but switching between them lacks the fluidity of recent franchise titles. Sega hide caption
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Ishin! presents numerous combat styles, but switching between them lacks the fluidity of recent franchise titles.
Sega
The inconsistent camera doesn't do the game any favors either. Many of Ishin!'s encounters take place in small and enclosed spaces where the camera can swing too close to Ryōma's backside, hampering visibility. Furthermore, there's no dedicated lock-on button, so it's sometimes hard to keep track of your desired opponent. All of these little issues add up to an occasionally frustrating experience.
It's not all historical fiction — you can also summon the likeness of real-life 21st-century actor Rahul Kohli to battle alongside you. Sega hide caption
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Sega
Ishin! does succeed at shaking up the combat formula with Trooper Cards, however, which imbue Ryōma with health regeneration, support abilities and special attacks. He can use a card to fire off an electric strike that chains nearby opponents and knocks them down. He can even use them to summon cameos from our era as well, from actor Rahul Kohli to professional wrestler Kenny Omega. It's a lot of fun to mix cards to fit your playstyle and get an extra edge in battle.
A remake worth discovering
Like a Dragon: Ishin! joins a long line of recent remakes in the video game industry — from The Last of Us Part I to Dead Space to the upcoming Resident Evil 4.
But Ishin! is unique in that it'll be a fresh adventure for most players. It's a sign that the game's publisher isn't afraid to localize an overlooked gem with such a distinctly Japanese story and setting. Despite some clunky combat, Like a Dragon: Ishin! offers a top-notch narrative, memorable characters, and an overall experience worthy of the Yakuza franchise.
Andy Bickerton and James Perkins Mastromarino contributed to this review.
FAQs
Is Yakuza Ishin a good game? ›
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is a great game, but doesn't do much to stand out against other games in the series. The story and setting are novel and interesting, however, the combat lacks any sort of balance. Even so, the excellent melodrama is worth seeing through to the end.
Is Yakuza Ishin based on a true story? ›All of the major characters in Ishin are based on real historical figures. The Bakumatsu Period was one of the biggest eras of change in Japan's history, as it marked a shift away from the Tokugawa Shogunate's rule and restored power back to the Emperor.
Is Ishin a sequel to Kenzan? ›Importantly, Kenzan is set over two centuries before the events of Ishin, and thus features a narrative and a cast of characters completely unrelated from the latter game.
Is Ishin Like a Dragon related to Yakuza? ›Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! is an action-adventure video game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It is a spin-off of the Like a Dragon series, formerly and commonly known in English localization as Yakuza.
Which Yakuza game should I try first? ›Not only is Yakuza 0 the best Yakuza game, it's the one you should start with. Why? Because it's two origin stories wrapped up in a 1980s Kamurocho that overflows with the mightiest minigames, and easily the series' most iconic characters: Mr.
What's the best Yakuza to start with? ›First off, if you want to explore the mainline games — that is, Yakuza 0 through 6 for Kiryu's story — then Yakuza 0 is a great place to start. Not only is it one of the best, most beloved titles in the franchise, it's also the first mainline game chronologically.
What crime does the Yakuza commit? ›They engage in extortion, blackmail, smuggling, prostitution, drug trafficking, gambling, loan sharking, day-labour contracting, and other rackets and control many restaurants, bars, trucking companies, talent agencies, taxi fleets, factories, and other businesses in major Japanese cities.
Did Yakuza still exist? ›The Yakuza are still active in Japan. Although Yakuza membership has declined since the implementation of the Anti-Boryokudan Act in 1992, the Japanese National Police Agency estimated in 2022 that approximately 11,400 Yakuza members were engaged in illegal activity in Japan.
Is Yakuza Ishin in English? ›Like most expected, Like a Dragon: Ishin is not getting an English dub. Players are locked into the traditional Japanese voices with English subtitles, just like in most of the series.
Will Yakuza Ishin come to USA? ›Here's Exactly When You Can Play Yakuza Ishin — And How to Get Early Access. Samurai style. After nearly a decade, Like a Dragon: Ishin! will finally arrive overseas. The Yakuza spinoff first launched in Japan in 2014 but never appeared in the United States (or anywhere else) until its remake was announced in 2022.
Will Yakuza Ishin come to Xbox? ›
Like a Dragon: Ishin!, the latest game from the creators of Yakuza, is now available worldwide on Xbox Series X|S.
Who is the final boss of Yakuza Ishin? ›Takechi Hanpeita (武市 半平太, Takechi Hanpeita) is the main antagonist and final boss of Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin!/Like a Dragon: Ishin!. He is based on the real-life historical figure Takechi Hanpeita WP . He is the adoptive brother of the game's protagonist, Sakamoto Ryoma, and the founder of the Tosa Loyalist Party.
Can you romance in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? ›While it may seem surprising, Yakuza: Like a Dragon has six different romance options that you can pursue. Most of these romance options have a reward, but there's also a big bonus that you'll get from dating them all.
What Yakuza games should I play before Ishin? ›I'd still recommend that newcomers start with Yakuza 0, a game that is both on Game Pass and frequently on sale for like US$5. Not only is it a fantastic game, it also sets you up for the rest of the mainline series, something Ishin does not do.
Are Kenzan and Ishin connected? ›Ishin! is set two centuries later than Kenzan!, hence the plots are not related to each other since both games focus on different characters, the historical figures of Sakamoto Ryōma (1836–1867) and Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645) respectively.
Can I play Yakuza 1 before 0? ›Why You Should Play Yakuza 0 First. For the most part, mainline Yakuza games are released in chronological order. Yakuza takes place before Yakuza 2, and so on. Remakes aside, Yakuza 0 is the only game that breaks from that tradition, much to the benefit of newcomers.
How hard is Yakuza 0? ›The combat of Yakuza 0 is fast-paced and brutal. Given its intensity, players can't really be faulted for forgetting to take a breath and block some of the more damaging attacks in the game. However, a big part of mastering the combat of Yakuza 0 is blocking at the right times.
Which Yakuza is the strongest? ›1. Kazuma Kiryu. Kazuma Kiryu, nicknamed the Dragon of Dojima, is the single most legendary and accomplished character in the Yakuza universe.
Is Yakuza 0 worth getting? ›“Yakuza 0 is one of the most eccentric, idiosyncratic and downright charming games around… There's simply nothing else quite like it, and it's well worth your time.”
Do I need to play Yakuza before like a dragon? ›You Don't Need to Have Played Any of the Previous Yakuza Games to Understand Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Do yakuza have mistresses? ›
The wives, daughters, and mistresses of the yakuza are not considered true members of the organisation, even though they play an important role within it. To function in this world, they must develop a unique strength and character.
Is it OK to get a yakuza tattoo? ›🐉 Is it OK to have a Yakuza tattoo? Yes, you can get a traditional yakuza tattoo. Yakuza doesn't use tattoos to identify their members, so you won't run into trouble. These tattoos are personal and based on Japanese legends, symbolism, and art.
Who is the biggest yakuza now? ›Four largest syndicates
The Yamaguchi-gumi is the largest yakuza family, with about 8,200 members. The Sumiyoshi-kai is the second-largest yakuza family, with 4,200 members. Sumiyoshi-kai is a confederation of smaller yakuza groups.
A gaijin in the organisation? Straight away, the strangest thing is that a foreigner – a gaijin – gets to become a member of a Yakuza family. Not only that, but Lowell quickly rises to become a member with key responsibilities – at one point he becomes the main boss's bodyguard.
Are tattoos illegal in Japan? ›Actually, tattoos are fine in Japan. They're not illegal in any way. You may even see some people walking around with fashion tattoos, especially in Tokyo. Although some people in Japan have tattoos, they are usually hidden underneath clothing.
Who is replacing the yakuza? ›Sega has formally dropped the Yakuza brand name and replaced it with Like a Dragon. To "more closely align with the Japanese name." Following news that Like a Dragon: Ishin is coming to the West, Sega has confirmed that it is officially dropping the Yakuza name from its fan-favourite RPG series.
Why was Yakuza name changed? ›Also, due to recent titles in the series starting to move away from just telling stories about conflict between yakuza, they decided to give Ryu Ga Gotoku 7 the English title Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Furthermore, with these three newly announced games, the series is officially shifting to the Like a Dragon title.
Will Ichiban be in Ishin? ›It was previously confirmed that Ichiban would appear as a Trooper Card in a recent game overview trailer for Ishin, but we now know that he won't be appearing as a central character to the game's plot like some of the other stars of Like A Dragon.
What is Ishin fruit? ›THE human race is blessed by God with fruits that could be eaten fresh or cooked, such is the Ackee fruit popularly called Ishin in Yoruba. While growing up, I enjoyed various vegetables cooked with Ishin from my mother's pot of soup.
Is Yakuza legal status? ›Contrarily, the yakuza are a confederation of criminal syndicates active throughout Japan. According to Japanese law, their status is not illegal: they have offices and a yakuza presence is still noticeable in many cities.
Is Yakuza considered open world? ›
Yakuza is a third-person open world action-adventure game where the player controls Kazuma Kiryu in the city of Kamurocho. The game also incorporates role-playing elements.
Do you need to play other Yakuza games before Ishin? ›If you're into samurai stuff at all, Ishin should be on your radar. However, if you've never played another Yakuza, prepare to miss out on some of the juice.
Can you play Yakuza on Nintendo? ›Switch is as good a home for Yakuza as PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.
Is Yakuza 7 on switch? ›Beyond the console's reputation, Yokoyama mentioned that there's also a question of whether the Yakuza games could even run on the Switch. It seems, then, that at least for now all the upcoming Yakuza games and the entries of the series' past will not be making their way to the Nintendo Switch.
Is Yakuza a Nintendo game? ›Like a Dragon, formerly known outside of Japan as Yakuza, is a Japanese video game franchise created, owned, and published by Sega. The franchise incorporates elements of the action-adventure, beat 'em up, and role-playing genres.
Who is Kiryu secret boss? ›So Amon is the secret boss for Kazuma Kiryu and is unlocked once you complete all side missions and are in the final chapter of the main campaign. Jo Amon is the boss for Goro Majima and is also unlocked once you complete all side missions for this character.
Who kills Sohei Dojima? ›Yakuza/Yakuza Kiwami: 1995
In October 1995, Dojima spitefully kidnaps Yumi Sawamura, the foster daughter of Kazama, and attempts to rape her. In rage, Nishikiyama shoots and kills Dojima. Kiryu takes the blame for Nishikiyama and becomes known as a patriarch-killer in his stead.
Shin Amon (亜門 新, Amon Shin) [b] is a character and secret boss in Judgment and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, as well as a minor character in Lost Judgment. He is a member of the Amon Clan.
Can you date Saeko in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? ›Once you have a maxed out Bond with Saeko and a maxed out Style stat, you will be able to begin a romantic relationship with Saeko. This counts as an intimate relationship for Kasuga towards Playing With Fire.
Can you meet Kiryu in Yakuza: Like a Dragon? ›As fortunate as you are to see Kiryu in Chapter 12, you won't be able to officially recruit him until the very end of Chapter 14. That means that unfortunately yes, there's only one whole chapter where you'll be able to use Kiryu as a Poundmate.
Does Kiryu show up in Like a Dragon? ›
He is featured as a protagonist and playable character in Yakuza 0, Yakuza/Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza 2/Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 6, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and Like a Dragon 8. He also appears as a supporting character in Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Does Yakuza have English dub? ›However, it will not be getting a full English dub as Yakuza: Like A Dragon did. “For the Ishin remake we're using subtitles. We're not dubbing voiceovers,” Yokoyama explained. As for why RGG has made that decision, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Should I play Judgement before or after Yakuza? ›The plot in Judgment is standalone and does not require you to have played the Yakuza games.
Do I need to play all Yakuza games? ›If you want to experience the full Kiryu saga, you'll have to play through all seven games (although we don't think that's strictly necessary). And yes, all the mainline Yakuza games have a chronological order.
Is Ishin connected to Yakuza? ›Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! is an action-adventure video game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It is a spin-off of the Like a Dragon series, formerly and commonly known in English localization as Yakuza.
Is the Yakuza Ishin based on a true story? ›The Real History
All of the major characters in Ishin are based on real historical figures, and Sakamoto Ryoma is generally regarded as one of the most influential of the time. Ryoma strongly advocated for democracy and an end to feudalism, and historically he did operate under the alias Saitani Umetaro.
He is based on the real-life historical figure Okada Izo WP and portrayed by the Yakuza 0 and Yakuza/Yakuza Kiwami character Akira Nishikiyama. A man of few words, he conceals a fierce bloodlust and a borderline obsessive devotion toward Takechi Hanpeita, wishing to take Ryoma's place as his brother in his heart.
Do I need to play other Yakuza games to play Ishin? ›Whether you start with this one or another game in the series doesn't really matter. Just get started. You won't regret it.
How long is Yakuza Ishin? ›Like a Dragon: Ishin takes approximately 25 hours to beat, according to many reviewers. However, this estimate can vary depending on how much side content you decide to engage with. If you're a fan of Yakuza's charming and quirky side quests, you'll likely spend closer to 80 hours completing most of the content.
Is Yakuza Ishin a remaster? ›Sega's Like a Dragon: Ishin is a remake of 2014's Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin, and its changes go beyond improved visuals. It's finally here. After 9 years of being one of the Yakuza series' hidden gems, Like a Dragon: Ishin! has made it to the rest of the world via its flashy new remaster.
Can you play as a female in Yakuza? ›
How Haruka Brings a Feminine Touch to a Macho World. A Princess League of her own. This article contains spoilers for the Yakuza series. For a series known for its larger-than-life displays of machismo, Yakuza 5 changed things up by introducing the series' first playable female protagonist.
Can you romance in Yakuza 7? ›In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, there are six female NPCs that Ichiban can romance by chatting outside of their normal occupation. You can improve your relationship with these NPCs by giving them gifts.
Do I need to play Like a Dragon before Isshin? ›You Don't Need to Have Played Any of the Previous Yakuza Games to Understand Like a Dragon: Ishin!
What is the biggest Yakuza game? ›- 8 Judgment.
- 7 Yakuza Kiwami.
- 6 Lost Judgment.
- 5 Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life.
- 4 Yakuza Kiwami 2.
- 3 Like A Dragon: Ishin.
- 2 Yakuza: Like A Dragon.
- 1 Yakuza 0.
Why You Should Play Yakuza 0 First. For the most part, mainline Yakuza games are released in chronological order. Yakuza takes place before Yakuza 2, and so on. Remakes aside, Yakuza 0 is the only game that breaks from that tradition, much to the benefit of newcomers.
How many years between Yakuza 6 and 7? ›The game is set in 2019, three years after the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.
How long does it take to 100% all Yakuza games? ›When focusing on the main objectives, Yakuza is about 14 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 30½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.
How many chapters does Ishin have? ›Like a Dragon: Ishin features 14 chapters, all of which are listed below: Chapter 1 – Escaping Home. Chapter 2 – The Man Named Saito Hajime.
Is Ishin coming to Xbox? ›Like a Dragon: Ishin! is now out on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC! Follow us on Twitter @RGGStudio for Like a Dragon series updates or visit ishin.sega.com to learn more.
What does Ishin mean in Japanese? ›English Translation. prestige. More meanings for 威信 (Ishin) dignity noun.