Leave it to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios to bring Like a Dragon to life… simulation. Announced at the Xbox Partner Showcase, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is adding an Animal Crossing-like mode to its gameplay.
In the new trailer, Ichiban arrives via dolphin (what else did you expect?) at DonDoko Island and gets free reign over the isle. We trade in the turn-based brawling and dramatic stories for quiet spearfishing and bug catching. Instead of running and battling around Kamurocho and Honolulu City, you get to swim in clear blue water and give wholesome presents to people. There are even fun mascots to cheer you on, just like Animal Crossing. Though I’m not sure these would make the cut at Nintendo.
Onto New Horizons
Using the materials you collect on the island, you can craft a variety of items to put in guest houses. Yes, much like Animal Crossing, people will come to your island to live there and it’s your responsibility to make it inhabitable. You’ll even get tourists who’ll want to see whatever island you create. You are in charge of decorating the island with buildings, houses, and even fire-breathing statues. The trailer also shows Ichiban giving off K.K Slider vibes as he serenades everyone with a guitar at a big bonfire.
Of course, it isn’t Yakuza/Like a Dragon without some fighting. Enemies of all kinds will show up on your island and try to cause trouble. As the mayor, you’ll need to smack them around with a bat and take care of business. I mean, if Villager and Isabelle get to battle people on their island in Super Smash Bros., Ichiban can, too.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is going big with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The last two trailers showcase the game’s massive story and turn-based gameplay, which brings everyone from the previous entries back to the fray. It looks to remain true to the absurd nature of the series while hitting those emotional high notes. Hopefully, this one will be a memorable and wild ride.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on January 26, 2024.
