Like A Dragon: Ishin!

Sega's legendary Japanese mafia simulator returns, this time with a historical twist in Like A Dragon: Ishin! Non-Japanese-speaking fans of the Yakuza series will finally enjoy this beat 'em up masterpiece in full 4K glory, complete with revamped visuals and the same flair the series is known for.

While specific landmarks of the series didn't survive the trip to 19th-century Japan, the Yakuza spirit remains untouched in this terrific spin-off. As different as it is from the rest of the series, Like A Dragon: Ishin! could also prove a fantastic starting point for new fans who are just now discovering everything this franchise has to offer.

Know Your History

The Yakuza series has undergone a drastic transformation in recent entries. For starters, fans who began their gaming journey with Yakuza 0 might have been a bit lost when Yakuza: Like a Dragon decided to adopt the series' Japanese name as its international title from then on.

Now, Like A Dragon: Ishin! completely revamps what we know about the series. While the vast majority of titles in the saga take place in modern-day Japan, Ishin takes us to 19th-century Japan instead. There, we meet our new hero, Sakamoto Ryoma – who bears a striking resemblance to Kazuma Kyriu, no less.

Fan Service

Long-time fans of the series must be accustomed by now to the franchise's penchant for spin-offs. While Yakuza: Dead Souls is best left forgotten, Like A Dragon: Ishin! has the potential to compete against some of the pinnacles in this celebrated series. Unless you love karaoke, that is.

Multiple characters from all over the series' history return, playing the role of characters from Japan's real-life history. Of course, these details might be lost on someone who isn't accustomed to the series and its characters, but for history aficionados, Ishin delivers one of the most compelling dramas set in the Bakumatsu period.

Visual Powerhouse

As some fans might know, Like A Dragon: Ishin! began its life as a PlayStation 3 title. That said, the Yakuza series has always been a graphical powerhouse, and that translates rather well in this title.

The years have been kind to this title, which still uses the versatile Dragon Engine. Characters look fantastic in this version of the game: the extra resolution breathes new life into the little details like character animations and the many in-engine cutscenes. Keep in mind that the Yakuza franchise has always been a rather slow-paced narrative experience, even though Ishin might be the exception to that rule.

The title's new approach to more dynamic combat works amazingly well, with combos and special abilities that seasoned players will love to combine. All in all, Ishin aims high, and in turn, delivers one of the best entries in this long-running franchise.

Pros

• Amazing plot with complex characters
• Outstanding voice acting, especially in Japanese
• Lots of sidequests and fun activities to explore

Cons

• Some elements of the background do show the original game's age