With the global popularity of Yakuza, now known as Like A Dragon, steadily rising in recent years, the perfect opportunity arose to introduce Like A Dragon Ishin!, a period spin-off in the franchise that had previously been overlooked in the Western market. Ishin is set during the 19th century, a time when Japan was experiencing significant social, cultural, and political transformations.
Despite fervent requests from devoted series fans, Ishin had never been brought over until now. This decision is understandable considering that Yakuza was already a niche franchise in the West, struggling to gain traction. Introducing a spin-off set in a uniquely and specifically Japanese context was deemed too much of a risk.
With the growing recognition of the popularity and demand for Japanese media globally, developers and publishers are now capitalizing on this opportunity. This is evident in the release of games like Like A Dragon Ishin, a faithful remake of the original game, now built in Unreal Engine. This marks a significant shift, as the franchise has traditionally used proprietary engines. By modernizing the game while preserving its unique qualities, Like A Dragon Ishin ensures that players around the world can finally experience what they might have missed out on before.
The setting of a story plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative, and this is particularly evident in the case of “Ishin”. The story takes place during the tail end of the Samurai age in Japan, specifically in 1867, during the Bakumatsu era. This period was marked by tremendous upheaval and transformation in Japanese society. The country was grappling with the challenges of impending globalization, encroaching imperial powers, rapid industrialization, and significant social changes.
The traditional class and caste systems that had long been ingrained in Japanese society were being questioned by the common people. Moreover, there was an imminent change in the government and systems of governance, further adding to the sense of uncertainty and tension. The setting of “Like A Dragon Ishin!” thus serves as a backdrop against which the characters navigate these complex and turbulent times, highlighting the profound impact that historical events can have on the trajectory of individual lives.
The current era in Japanese history provides a unique opportunity for the game, Like A Dragon Ishin!, to immerse players in a rich and vibrant setting. The Yakuza/Like A Dragon series has always excelled at creating a sense of time and place, with many fans finding the virtual tourism aspect of the franchise particularly appealing. Being transported to a meticulously recreated mid-nineteenth-century Japan is especially exciting, considering the franchise's expertise in capturing the essence of its settings and establishing an immersive atmosphere. The opportunity to experience a rich and authentic depiction of this era holds a special kind of novelty for players.
The Uniqueness Factor
Like A Dragon Ishin!, a game known for its unique architecture and captivating city layouts, has a way of immersing players into its world. The attention to detail in the way people are dressed and the contextual backdrop for the various stories and quests within the game is truly impressive. This level of thoroughness and attention to detail is what sets Ishin apart, making it a convincing and compelling experience. Even the music and combat mechanics contribute to the overall immersion, drawing players in through sheer novelty. Ishin successfully beckons players into its setting, creating an unforgettable gaming experience.
The distinguishing factor that sets Like A Dragon Ishin! apart from its fellow games in the Yakuza series is its novelty. While its content and quality may be considered standard for a Yakuza/Like A Dragon game, it still delivers exactly what fans expect, in the ways they expect it, and at the expected level of quality.
However, this is not meant as a criticism, as a standard Yakuza game is already excellent. Additionally, Like A Dragon Ishin! benefits from the novelty of its unique setting, which elevates it beyond the average status it would have within the franchise. This is not to say that it falls in the middle of the pack, as even the average Yakuza game is more captivating than a majority of games in the market.
As you delve deeper into the game, it becomes increasingly clear that this is just another installment in the Yakuza series. Initially, the game feels refreshingly different, with its novel and unique elements. However, the more you play, the more you realize that it embodies the essence of Yakuza. The side stories, known for their excellence, humor, and occasional emotional impact, remain an integral part of the game, capturing the heart and soul of the franchise.
The epic narratives, spanning all levels of society, continue to unfold, creating a larger story that continually escalates the stakes in a hilariously absurd manner. Despite the familiarity, the game still manages to captivate players with its engaging gameplay and compelling storytelling.
The story in this game is delivered with incredible voice acting, bringing the characters to life with their melodramatic performances. The scenes are choreographed and written with such flair, filled with over-the-top drama, emotion, enunciation, and action. It's like watching a thrilling movie unfold.
Captivating Characters
What's even more exciting is that the characters in the game, although given different names, are essentially our beloved favorites from the series. Kiryu, Majima, Saejima, Nishikiyama, Akiyama, they're all here, still embodying the same personalities and temperaments that we remember and love. It's a nostalgic experience to see them in a new light, yet still feel that connection to the characters we've grown attached to over the years.
In addition to the captivating main storyline, this game offers a plethora of mini-games that can easily consume your time. Among these mini-games are the two signature modes, a thrilling dungeon crawling experience and a charming life simulation side mode. However, the entertainment doesn't stop there.
The game also boasts some classic favorites, like a karaoke mode that is sure to keep players entertained for hours. What makes this karaoke mode truly unique is the song selection, which includes the amusingly anachronistic fan-favorite, Baka Mitai. With such a diverse range of activities, this game ensures that players will never get bored and always find something enjoyable to engage in.
Historical Charms
The mid-nineteenth-century veneer may seem unnecessary, but it adds a certain charm and depth to the overall experience. Without it, the game would still be enjoyable, but it wouldn't be as captivating or memorable. The setting helps recontextualize the story and characters, making their struggles and triumphs more significant. Even when there are moments that seem comically out of place, like the unexpected karaoke mini-game, the contrast only serves to highlight the unique blend of seriousness and lightheartedness that defines the game. In the end, it is this juxtaposition that truly enhances all of the elements and makes the overall experience not just good, but great.
The combat in Like A Dragon Ishin! is a shining example of how the game seamlessly integrates its period setting. Whether wielding a sword or a revolver, Kiryu (or rather, Ryoma in this game) showcases a beautiful dance of skill and style. The various play-styles available, from swordplay to firearm-focused combat, offer a diverse range of options for players. However, the true highlight is the Wild Dancer style, which flawlessly blends swords, guns, and brawling into a mesmerizing display of movement and violence. The combat in Like A Dragon Ishin! not only captures the essence of the historical time period but also adds a touch of elegance and flair to the gameplay experience.
In this game, the developers have done an exceptional job of creating well-rounded and intricately developed characters. Each of the four playable characters has a skill tree that allows players to level up and enhance their abilities. What makes this game even more impressive is that each character is viable in specific scenarios, showcasing the thought and effort put into their design.
However, for those who are exceptionally skilled or have mastered a specific character, it is possible to overcome any challenge in the game using their preferred style. The game offers a satisfying balance between strategic thinking and the option to overpower obstacles, allowing players to choose their preferred approach.
I must admit that I have never been a huge fan of Yakuza brawler combat, but the combat in Ishin completely changed my perspective. Not only does it feel incredibly satisfying, but it also looks visually stunning. I found myself actively seeking out fights and engaging with the combat side of things more than I ever have in any other brawler game. There is something about the way the combat flows and the impact of each hit that just draws me in. It may sound strange, but I can't help but love how the combat in Like A Dragon Ishin! looks and feels.
As mentioned earlier, Like A Dragon Ishin! is undeniably a Yakuza game through and through, staying true to its roots and faithfully updating a game that is nearly a decade old. However, with this fidelity comes inherited issues. One noticeable drawback is that the animations can sometimes feel stiff, and lacking in fluidity. Additionally, the textures can appear low-resolution, detracting from the overall visual experience.
There are occasional awkward transitions and cuts, making the gameplay feel disjointed at times. The geometry in certain areas can seem simplistic, lacking intricate detail. Furthermore, background characters may abruptly appear or disappear when transitioning between gameplay and cutscenes, affecting the immersion. Despite these flaws, the loading times between different zones are generally quick, lasting only a second or so, which minimizes any disruption to the gameplay.
Despite its origins on the PS3, the graphical limitations of Yakuza: Like a Dragon do not hinder its gameplay experience. However, for those who are technologically inclined and pay close attention to details like pixel quality and frame rates, these shortcomings may be noticeable. Additionally, the game retains the elements that may have deterred some players from previous Yakuza titles, such as the absence of an English dub and the substantial time commitment required. If these factors prevented full immersion in previous games, it is likely that they will have a similar effect here, as Yakuza: Like a Dragon remains true to the series' core identity.
Like A Dragon Ishin's Place in the Yakuza Legacy
Like A Dragon Ishin! is a fantastic game that will satisfy fans of the Yakuza series until the highly anticipated Like A Dragon 8 is released. It successfully maintains the elements that made the original game a favorite among players, while also incorporating smart updates to modernize the experience. It is unlikely that any fan of the saga will be disappointed with this release. Whether you were craving more Yakuza content or starting to feel fatigued with the series, Ishin is the perfect balance of freshness and familiarity to re-ignite your interest and scratch that itch for more Yakuza excitement.
