With Yakuza: Like Dragon just a week away from its Japanese launch, outlets and publications in Japan have gotten access to review codes for the game. The first review of the RPG has come in from Famitsu, and it’s a vry positive one, with the publication rewarding it two scores each of 9/10 and 10/10, for a collective score of 38/40 (via Ryokutya).
The review praises the game’s combat system, which is radically different from what Yakuza fans are used to, mentioning that though it starts off slow, the gradual addition of new elements helps bring it to life. Yokohoma, which replaces Kamurocho as the series’ main setting, is also praised, while the review also notes that new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga brings a lot more humour to the story than ever before. As per the review, the main story is roughly 30 hours long, while completionists can probably get about 100 hours out of the game.
A review from a single outlet is, of course, not the final word on a game’s quality, but it does give us a pretty good early indication of what sort of an experience we’re in for. There’s certainly cause for excitement for all Yakuza fans.
Yakuza: Like Dragon is out for PS4 in Japan on January 16. Western markets will also see a release for the game this year, though a specific launch date hasn’t yet been announced.