The upcoming title in the Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, boasts the largest map to date, expanding the series’ horizons beyond Japan. Players will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant streets of Honolulu City in Hawaii. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the game’s developer, announces that this new environment is over three times larger than Isezaki Ijincho, the locale that introduced players to the afro-haired protagonist, Kasuga Ichiban. Comparatively, the Hawaiian setting nearly surpasses the Kamurocho district—traditionally the bond of crime and intrigue in the series—by a staggering nine-fold.
In conjunction with the announcement, RGG Studio shared details on several prominent locations within Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Key highlights include Aloha Beach, a sun-drenched paradise where players can take a swim, and the Anaconda Shopping Center, essential for arcade enthusiasts looking for a quick bite. The bustling Chinatown, filled with aroma from street food stalls and markets, also features attractions such as the prestigious Nirvana Bank Hotel. Tourists are directed to Waiki Town for souvenirs, while District 5 offers encounters with the local mafia, and Little Japan serves as a comforting stop for sushi cravings. This installment introduces dual protagonists, with Ichiban Kasuga navigating Hawaii under the pretense of reuniting with his mother, and facing Kazuma Kiryu, who confronts him with a challenge for a ‘final battle.’
本日公開!
『龍が如く8』の新舞台「ハワイ・ホノルルシティ」。
伊勢佐木異人町の3倍以上とも言われる、広大な新舞台。
はたして、そこにはどんなエリアがあり、どんな冒険が待っているのか!?詳細はこちら👇https://t.co/FZjhLm1cPJ#龍が如く pic.twitter.com/10TruA9ek9
— 龍が如くスタジオ 公式 (@ryugagotoku) November 24, 2023
A story trailer released in September indicated Kiryu grappling with health issues linked to aging, which may signify a transition away from his lead role. This shift aligns with the series’ renaming to ‘Like a Dragon’ in Western markets and introduces a significant change in gameplay style—transitioning from the series’ typical real-time combat to a turn-based system similar to that found in the Persona games. The battles continue to offer the creative flexibility fans expect, allowing players to utilize elements in their surroundings as weapons, summon allies called Poundmates, or execute cinematic tag-team maneuvers. Moreover, food items provide temporary stat boosts when circumstances become challenging.
Innovative gameplay features also include hoverbikes for navigating the streets, pizza delivery mini-games, and engaging karaoke sessions. RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama described Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth as a ‘monster class’ game, suggesting that extended play might lead to player fatigue. The studio aims to create a festival-like atmosphere that encourages players to immerse themselves and complete the game within a few weeks, even if it’s at the cost of their health.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is scheduled for release on January 25 across multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.