Like a Dragon Ishin - PlayStation 5

for anyone who has ever even remotely enjoyed the recent Yakuza reboots such as Yakuza 0, kiwami, Like A Dragon, etc. then look no further for this is the game you will want to experience for yourself. Don't let the deep Japanese lore and look fool you, this is Yakuza through and through. Well, almost, ya see your playable character will no doubt be rocking that stern yet heart of gold demeanor we all come to know and love as Kazuma Kiryu, however that is in appearances alone. This guy who is a spitting image of his future ancestor, is actually a swordsman returning home who goes by the name Sakamoto Ryoma. This means he is a different person and will at times do things very very differently than what we may be used to seeing Kiryu do with his heart of gold. this is a very turbulent time for samurais in general and Ryoma comes to find that returning to his childhood home of Tosa, and witnessing someone who he is dearly devoted to murdered in cold blood in front of him that this country of his must undergo some serious changes if there is ever hope for a peaceful life for him or any of his kin. Ryoma quickly departs his childhood home tracking down an assassin who slaughters that special someone and he vows to not return until he has brought down this very skilled fighter who effortlessly dispatched both Ryoma and his sensei. Ryoma then begins his quest for vengeance but that is not all this tale has to offer. In the traditional Yakuza style, there are many sub stories to discover and many minigames and deep systems at play in terms of combat and skill trees. For me, this game mostly reminded me of Yakuza 0 and its combat system, except this time Ryoma can swap freely between Brawler fighting stance, to Gunman, Swordsman & Wild Dancer (which combines guns and swords and flashy evasive maneuvers and they each have very extensive upgrade paths. There are some deep systems at play here and it will take some understanding of these complex systems if you have any hope of prospering throughout the story. And of course, fan favorite faces from the Yakuza series will also feature their counterparts as well such as Majima who is known here as Okita and even Haruka who is known as Haruka...? In between going undercover to find the assassin who ruined your homecoming, you will also have a sprawling town of Kyoto to explore, fraught with many stories and citizens who can offer you major boons by finding and exploiting. The combat is fair but a little harsher than what some may be used to, but there are many many hours of fun to be had and this game is DEFINTELY worth your money. Enjoy this gripping and violent tale of life in Japan before they fully colonized. I applaud Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku studio for giving western fans a chance to experience this amazing rendition for the first time and I recommend it to any and all who have ever enjoyed a Yakuza title!! Read more

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a thrilling spin-off that reimagines the beloved Yakuza series in the turbulent Bakumatsu period of Japan. Set in the 1860s, this action-packed title combines historical drama with the over-the-top charm and storytelling fans have come to expect. Players step into the shoes of Sakamoto Ryoma (portrayed by familiar faces from the Yakuza series), as they unravel conspiracies, fight for justice, and explore a beautifully detailed Kyoto. The combat is dynamic and engaging, featuring four distinct styles: Swordsman, Gunman, Brawler, and Wild Dancer, allowing for both strategy and flair in battle. Mini-games, side quests, and quirky sub-stories are abundant, providing a perfect balance of serious narrative and lighthearted distractions. The visuals are impressive, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the historical setting. While some mechanics may feel familiar to Yakuza veterans, Like a Dragon: Ishin! offers a fresh and captivating experience thanks to its historical setting and refined gameplay. It's a must-play for series fans and anyone looking for an immersive samurai tale full of action, humor, and heart. Read more

If you are a yakuza fan that lives in the us you probably have been waiting years for an English sub of this game! It’s great to have this to fit in with the rest of the yakuza titles. Definitely a step aside from the normal story but if you are a yakuza fan you know they always have wacky fun stories! You must buy this game! Read more

So far, about 10 hours in, I find this the most enjoyable game in the franchise. Including this one, I believe I’ve played all games in the franchise released in the west except Lost Judgement. While I do not feel there is a bad game yet, this one is a bit different and the feudalistic samurai setting is a nice change. Lots of familiar faces with new names. The only downside is that I believe this is a remake/remaster off a Japan only game so the mechanics and graphics do seem a bit dated for PS5 but it’s not a detractor from the gameplay or story much at all. If you like Yakuza, GTA or another open world mob style game, this is for you! Read more

Game was in perfect condition and it's very fun just like the previous games. It just takes place in an older time period in Japan. Combat is really good Read more

To put it simply. If you can get this game for under $20 you're winning, especially, if you're a fan. The story is whatever it's not that interesting, but the characters is what sells the game. Voice acting is on point so is the muddled gameplay. The combat comes in 4 different styles which maybe only use 2 of them. I did like the ost. Story: 6 Gameplay: 7.5 Graphics: 7.8 Soundtrack: 8.2 Replayability Read more

My son liked it Read more

I got this for my birthday a while ago and I will say this is a very detailed entry for side game. Yet this is a Yakuza game all the way. If you see a face of a character expect that character to have that personality. I've gotten just about every game they could have and so this was a must Read more