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RGG Studio and Sega just launched Like a Dragon: Ishin! today on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via both Windows Store and Steam. This is a remake of Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin!, a Yakuza spin-off game that first came out on the PlayStation 3 back in 2014. It was released only in Japan, which means that today's release of Like a Dragon: Ishin! is the first official Western release.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is, as mentioned, a spin-off from the Yakuza games. So while there may be a lot of familiar faces and places, this is not canon to the rest of the Yakuza series.
This game takes place in the 1860s in an area called Kyo. The area is plagued by class inequality but one samurai hopes to change the course of history in his quest for justice. You will play as Sakamoto Ryoma as he heads out to Kyoto in search of his father's killer, clear his name for being framed for the murder, and restore his honor.
Having played the game a bit over the past couple of days, I can safely say that this game incorporates a lot of that familiar Yakuza-series feeling. There are a ton of optional side-quests, plenty of eccentric characters to meet, lots of places to eat, gambling, mini-games, karaoke, dancing, chicken racing, experience to gain, skills to unlock, and more. There is a whole homestead area where you can adopt pets, plant and harvest crops, make upgrades, and more. There's a lot going on here and those looking for a lot of game content for their dollar won't be disappointed with this one.
If you want to try it out, I do believe the demo that came out this week is still available.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! Key Features:
Players who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game will receive:
- Over the top action and diverse weaponry: Engage in visceral combat that combines feudal-era firearms and swords as players switch between four different combat styles: Swordsman, Gunman, Wild Dancer and Brawler. A deep roster of varied weaponry marks the historic transition between classic sword fighting and modern armed warfare as players train and upgrade skills to unlock even more powerful abilities.
- Trooper Cards: Players can collect and level up Trooper Cards – items that grant temporary power-ups or special abilities, such as new attacks or stat boosts. Several of these cards feature cameo appearances from special guests like wrestling icon Kenny Omega, actor Rahul Kohli, and more. All special guest Trooper Cards are available worldwide on all platforms as free downloadable content.
- Historical samurai epic: An optional in-game glossary supplements context to the historical basis of the people, places, and events featured within Like a Dragon: Ishin!
- Old meets new: Like a Dragon: Ishin! expands upon its 2014 Japan-exclusive predecessor with localization support, all-new content, exquisitely remastered graphics and enhanced capabilities for modern platforms in Unreal Engine 4.
Players who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game will receive:
- Shinsengumi Captain’s Set
- Ryoma Growth Support Kit
- Sword Upgrade Materials Kit
- Gun Upgrade Materials Kit
- Third Division Armament Expansion Kit
- The Dragon of Dojima Skin​
I'll need to watch your game, but if you don't mind streaming or sharing the screen, I could watch and then tell you what to do, and probably get you some money in the beginner/intermediate levels. I wouldn't chance it at the advanced tables though, because I assume the AI will quickly build hands.
P.S. If anyone calls Mahjong the pyramid game where you find matching tiles, I will slap you as hard as I can, and then force you to make the statement, "I can't tell the difference between Poker and Solitaire."