Summary
The transition from an action-brawler to a turn-based RPG has created some hurdles for theLike a Dragonseries to overcome, but it seems as thoughLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthhas finally nailed this new combat style. Although its predecessor,Yakuza: Like a Dragon, was the first in the series to use this new turn-based combat system, it’s clear that the series had a tough time adapting to the change, as the game’s difficulty curve felt all over the place. Luckily,Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthsolves one of the main issues associated with this gameplay transition, making the experience far more enjoyable for players.
Players who were accustomed to theaction combat of the series prior toYakuza: Like a Dragonmay have had a hard time adapting to this new style of gameplay, which wasn’t helped by the fact that the game’s difficulty would vary greatly depending on the combat encounter.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthintroduces a handful of new mechanics that help streamline combat, such as the ability to position party members for extra damage or follow-up attacks. However, the most helpful improvement made to the combat system might fly under some players' radars but solvesYakuza: Like a Dragon’s difficulty spike problem.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Helps Ease Players into its Difficulty Curve
Yakuza: Like a Dragonplayers will likely remember the moment when the game suffers a massive jump in difficulty during Chapter 12 when Kasuga and the party are set to infiltrate the Omi Alliance HQ ahead of the dissolution announcement. During this infiltration, players will have to face off against two series icons,Goro Majimaand Taiga Saejima, in a tag team showdown. This fight is largely considered to be the hardest in the game, as not only do players have to fight two powerful opponents at the same time, but they are likely 10–20 levels above the player’s party, making them nearly impossible to beat without grinding beforehand.
Unfortunately, players have no way of knowing how difficult this fight will be before starting the dungeon, meaning they will likely have to reload an older save and grind before tackling it again.Yakuza: Like a Dragongives players access to an easy way to grind for levels in the Sotenbori Battle Arena just before they start the Omi Alliance HQ dungeon. However, without knowing what’s waiting for them at the end of this dungeon,Yakuza: Like a Dragonplayersare unlikely to spend time leveling in the Battle Arena until it’s too late.
Players Should Pay Attention to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Suggested Levels
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthfixes this problem with the addition of an incredibly useful quality-of-life change that warns players they are about to enter a long sequence where they won’t be able to leave or save, offering them a recommended level before they enter. The first instance of this occurring inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthis just before players head intoDistrict Five in Chapter 4, which is the game’s first true test of the player’s skill. The addition of this feature means players can grind in the overworld before entering the dungeon and finding out they are too low of a level to complete it, forcing them to backtrack through a lengthy segment of the game.
Not only does the game give players a warning about which level their party should be at before attempting this dungeon, but it also gives them the recommended quality of gear they should have equipped as well. This recommendation allowsLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthplayers to obtain the necessary itemsand spend time upgrading their weapons at the newly accessible Julie’s Gearworks before entering the dungeon. The implementation of this warning serves to help make the game more accessible and less frustrating for new players, without removing the challenge for seasoned veterans.
