Summary
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthis a huge step for the franchise to take after the success ofYakuza: Like a Dragon. Not only is it one of the most content-heavy games in the series to date, butLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthalso marks the second game in the franchise to feature Ichiban Kasuga as its main protagonist. In many ways, this entry represents the new era of theLike a Dragonseries, putting it in a similar position asYakuza 3when it was originally released, and these similarities are clear inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
As theLike a Dragonserieshas evolved over the years, it has undergone various changes, including the introduction of multiple protagonists, the shift from action-brawler gameplay to turn-based RPG combat, and even a name change fromYakuzatoLike a Dragon. However, the series retains many of its same themes at the core of each entry, creating a throughline for characters to grow in meaningful ways as the series continues. As such, it’s not surprising to see many of the new characters introduced in this era of the series go through similar arcs as past ones, setting up Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthto be a modern version ofYakuza 3.
Every Way Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Mirrors Yakuza 3
While many entries in theLike a Dragonseries feature similar mechanics and themes, there are some clear ways in whichLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthparallelsYakuza 3specifically. Between these games' themes, settings, and plot, it’s apparent that developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Stuido hadYakuza 3in mind while developingLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. As rumors of aYakuza Kiwami 3circulated online afterRGG Studio teased a big announcement coming in 2024, the link between these two games could become even more important in the coming months.
Kasuga is in a Similar Position in Infinite Wealth as Kiryu in Yakuza 3
There are some clear parallels between theLike a Dragonfranchise’s two main protagonists,Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, butLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthmakes the similarities in their stories even more apparent. At the start ofYakuza 3, Kiryu left his life in the Tojo Clan behind to run Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa, raising his surrogate daughter Haruka alongside eight other children. Kasuga is in a similar position at the start ofLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, trying to settle into a new life as a civil servant working at Hello Work after becoming the Hero of Yokohama in the previous game.
Both Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Yakuza 3 are set in Tropical Locations
One of the biggest ways in whichLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthmirrorsYakuza 3is in the two games' tropical settings, withLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthprimarily taking place in Hawaii andYakuza 3being set in Okinawa. In addition to giving players access to all new maps to explore, the introduction of these locations to the series adds a tropical flair to the games that locations like Kamurocho and Sotenbori wouldn’t normally deliver. WhileLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthleans harder into its tropical setting withmini-games like Dondoko Islandand the Alo-Happy Tours,Yakuza 3still has a tropical backdrop.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Yakuza 3 Have Similar Characters in Mine and Ebina
The plots ofLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthandYakuza 3also share some similarities, especially when it comes to the motivations of their antagonists.Yakuza 3sees Yoshitaka Mineattempt to seize control of the Tojo Clan while Chairman Daigo Dojima is in a coma. Similarly,Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Masataka Ebina rises to power in Yokohama as the new head of the Seiryu Clan after the death of Chairman Hoshino inYakuza: Like a Dragon, and the imprisonment of Captain Takabe noted at the start ofLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
