Katanarama
Like a Dragon: Ishin! takes the tried and tested street fighting formula from modern Tokyo and transposes it onto the final days of Japan’s Edo period. Replacing the weaponised traffic cones and potted plants with katanas and primitive pistols, it blends gunslinging and sword-swinging into a refreshing combat experience.
While the substories and side activities aren’t quite up to the standard set by subsequent releases, the card-augmented combat system keeps the fighting fresh and the crime story plot is packed with delicious pulp.
Better Homes and Gaidens
The events of Like a Dragon: Ishin! take place in 1860s Kyoto and feature characters loosely based on real historical figures, but most of the roles in its main cast are filled with recognizable faces from other Yakuza games. Protagonist Sakamoto Ryoma, a disgraced ronin out to avenge the murder of his adoptive father, is clearly Kazuma Kiryu, right down to his scowl and unwavering sense of justice.
Setting its backstabbing against the backdrop of a potential Japanese civil war makes the stakes feel higher than those surrounding typical turf battles. While the environment itself may not be as captivating as the bustling urban jungle of present-day Tokyo, the bustling marketplace lining the canals in the Fushimi district is a standout section.
REMASTER SWORDSMAN
This 2023 release of Like a Dragon: Ishin! boasts improved lighting and textures compared to the 2014 Japanese PlayStation 4 original, bringing it more in line with recent series entries. However, it still shows its age with stiff character animations and loading screens that occasionally disrupt cutscenes and transitions.
On the plus side, the Trooper card system, previously limited to Shinsengumi side missions, can now be used throughout the adventure, making combat consistently fun. Despite these improvements, the game feels closer to a remaster than a substantial remake.
What is your ultimate setting for a Like a Dragon/Yakuza game?
- Present day
- 1980s
- Feudal period
- Edo period
- Future Neo-Tokyo
- Other – let us know in the comments!
Katanarama
Ryoma has four different fighting stances: Brawler, Swordsman, Gunman, and Wild Dancer. The Wild Dancer style is the most fun and reliable, with fast sword-slashes, a spinning blast of gunfire for crowd control, and a twirling evade move. The Swordsman style is more deliberate and powerful, perfect for boss battles.
Ishin’s unique Trooper card system allows for custom support loadouts for each fighting style. There are hundreds of Trooper cards to uncover, each with its own abilities that can be leveled up, fused, and promoted. This adds depth and strategy to the combat.
Better Homes and Gaidens
One of the more substantial side activities sees Ryoma become the caretaker of a small farm to support a local orphan named Haruka. This involves arranging vegetable crops, investing in additions like chicken coops and scarecrows, and completing simple Cooking Mama-style mini-games to turn a profit.
While this farming simulation may not be for everyone, it provides a chilled-out change of pace from the main story and allows players to experience a different side of Edo period life. Those who prefer more action can enjoy the 40 different dungeon crawling missions offered at the Shinsengumi barracks.
Better Homes and Gaidens
These dungeon crawling missions provide an opportunity for farming of a decidedly more violent variety. Players run blade-first through bandit hideouts to scavenge precious materials for forging weapons and level up their Trooper cards. While the reused cave backdrop can become samey, the layouts, door switches, and enemy placements are shuffled up consistently enough to make each run feel distinct.
Ishin also features various types of gambling, including poker and chicken racing, karaoke, and dance mini-games. There are also fun ye olde Yakuza spins on modern mini-games, like slicing cannon balls in half with a well-timed sword swing.
Better Homes and Gaidens
While the substories that can be stumbled upon in Ishin lack the outrageous scenarios experienced in other Yakuza games, they still offer a glimpse into the lives of the people of Edo period Kyoto. Some rare exceptions provide a more offbeat experience, like a perfume errand that turns into a frenetic chase sequence.
Ishin’s Virtue system rewards players for almost every interaction they have, from completing substories and shopping at stores to feeding stray dogs. The Virtue points earned can be spent on upgrading Ryoma’s abilities and expanding Haruka’s farm, making every task feel rewarding.
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