The Yakuza series took a big swing with Yakuza: Like Dragon, not only with a completely new protagonist, setting, and cast of characters, but also thanks to its reinvention as a Persona-style turn-based RPG. But as big of a swing it was, it also turned out to be a successful one, with the game being met with widespread critical acclaim, which has also been reflected in its commercial performance, having sold over 1.8 million units so far.
And as you would expect, it’s exactly that success that has afforded developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio the confidence to stick with the series’ new direction with its next mainline instalment, Like Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Speaking recently with TheGamer, series lead producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto revealed that if Yakuza 7 hadn’t been as successful as it turned out to be, its sequel wouldn’t have stuck with its new cast and mechanics, which presumably means the series likely would have reverted to its original brawler framework.
“If Like a Dragon 7 wasn’t received very well, then we probably wouldn’t have this game,” Sakamoto said. “It is really because of the success of the previous game that we were able to come up with this one.”
He added: “We really try to focus on the balance between good gameplay and a good story. We don’t want to have just good gameplay and a mediocre story, and vice versa. We’re always trying to have that balance and make sure that we give you the full package in terms of quality.”
Of course, even though the mainline games have firmly established themselves as RPGs now, the series hasn’t completely moved on from is brawler-style experiences. Just recently, we got Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, a brawler, while that’s also the formula that the Judgment series sticks to.
Speaking of which, the third Judgment game could also be unveiled this year, with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio having a major new announcement planned for 2024.
Meanwhile, Like Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches on January 26 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC.