Like a Dragon: Ishin!
" Engaging action-adventure with rich historical story and varied combat but clunky boss fights "
Like a Dragon: Ishin! Review
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a historical spin-off from the Yakuza series, set in 1860s Japan during the late Edo period. Players assume the role of Sakamoto Ryoma, blending samurai drama with the franchise's signature melodrama and over-the-top action. The game features a richly detailed open world inspired by Kyoto, with a narrative focused on loyalty, political intrigue, and social change. The story is compelling and emotionally engaging, appealing both to longtime fans and newcomers.
Combat offers four distinct fighting styles with strategic switching and cinematic heat actions, though some players find it clunky and grind-heavy. Side content is abundant, ranging from heartfelt sub-stories to quirky minigames. Visually, the game benefits from the Unreal Engine upgrade, though some textures and animations reveal its origins. Despite some criticisms about grind, combat mechanics, and UI, the game delivers a unique blend of historical setting and Yakuza-style gameplay that many players find rewarding and immersive.
Highlights
Players praise the game's engaging main story and well-developed protagonist, highlighting the rich historical setting of late Edo Japan.
The combat system's variety with four fighting styles and cinematic heat actions adds depth and excitement.
The open world of Kyo is appreciated for its detailed environments, lively NPCs, and immersive atmosphere.
Side content provides both emotional and comedic relief, enriching the overall experience.
The upgraded visuals and passionate Japanese voice acting further enhance the game's presentation.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the grind-heavy progression in equipment, skills, and side content, which some find tedious.
The combat mechanics are often described as clunky, slow, and occasionally frustrating, with problematic boss fights due to hyperarmor and damage sponge enemies.
UI design lacks quality-of-life improvements, making inventory and weapon management cumbersome.
Graphics, while improved, still show dated textures and animations.
Difficulty balancing is inconsistent, with some players finding higher difficulties unfair and frustrating.
Certain side activities and minigames are viewed as uninteresting or intrusive.
Pros
- • Engaging and emotionally rich main storyline with historical depth.
- • Varied combat styles offer strategic gameplay and cinematic heat actions.
- • Detailed and immersive open world inspired by 1860s Kyoto.
- • Abundant side content blending heartfelt stories and quirky minigames.
- • Strong Japanese voice acting and atmospheric soundtrack.
- • Compelling protagonist with connections to the Yakuza universe.
- • Upgraded visuals using Unreal Engine enhance environmental detail.
Cons
- • Excessive grind in skill upgrades, equipment, and side quests.
- • Combat can feel clunky, slow, and frustrating, especially against bosses.
- • Poor UI design complicates inventory and weapon management.
- • Graphics occasionally show dated textures and animations.
- • Inconsistent difficulty balancing, with some modes feeling unfair.
- • Some fighting styles underwhelming and progression is slow.
- • Side activities and minigames sometimes feel boring or intrusive.
Rating Criteria
Don the clothes and weaponry of the elite to become the samurai of legend, Sakamoto Ryoma. Draw your blade and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure.