Spoiler Warning: The next article accommodates spoilers surrounding a sort of facet quest which turns into obtainable in Chapter 4 of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, however would not characteristic any main story spoilers.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth could also be a turn-based RPG already, however the newest Yakuza additionally has an totally separate flip primarily based RPG minigame inside it that mimics (and parodies) a Pokémon recreation.
Infinite Wealth doubles down on the Pokémon references of its predecessor, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, increasing that recreation’s Sujimon idea from a enjoyable assortment mechanic to a full-on recreation of its personal.
Although gamers will add Sujimon, that are simply the sport’s common enemies, to their Sujidex as earlier than, an totally new facet quest parodies each Pokémon Go and the mainline Pokémon video games by having gamers have interaction in raids to catch Sujimon, battle gyms, and ultimately tackle the Sujimon League King.
Gamers will meet the earlier recreation’s Sujimon Sensei early on, who bestows upon them the Sujidex and the promise of a complete new area of monsters to catch in Hawaii. Although that is already very Pokémon, as new areas have been added to introduce new Pokémon in every recreation, the Sujimon Sensei drops one other reference. “One may name it an totally totally different area of Sujimon. A tropical dreamscape, but a land of shadows — blessed by the solar and the moon,” he says, referencing Pokémon Solar and Moon, which happen within the fictional Alola area, primarily based on Hawaii.
Earlier than the extent of the Sujimon League unfolds, an NPC will also be noticed speaking about how he took a week off from work “to return catch that uncommon Hawaiian unique”, a reference to Pokémon Go’s regional unique Pokémon.
These gentle connections are blown out the water when Ichiban encounters the Sujimon Sensei in Hawaii once more although. “Hawaii hosts a Sujimon match of some magnitude,” he says. “It’s a skilled obligation I examine.”
The pair then stroll by way of a know-how store earlier than giving a secret code to the person behind the counter: “Who’s that Sujimon?”, which is a callback to the Pokémon expression made fashionable by way of the unique anime.
A secret door emerges and Ichiban enters a very Pokémon-looking Sujimon Stadium the place trainers are battling. Although we described Sujimon as Infinite Wealth’s “common” enemies, that time period is a little bit of an understatement. Whereas the Yakuza video games are comparatively grounded in actuality, the overactive creativeness of Ichiban means he sees each common hooligan as a incredible monster. Some merely have glowing eyes, however others flip into large basketballs, futuristic robots, or demonic chickens. It’s these variations of the enemies gamers should acquire and battle with.
Sujimon battles work otherwise to Infinite Wealth’s essential turn-based fight, taking extra inspiration from the likes of Pokémon Go, the place trainers take it turns dealing injury relying on how rapidly their SP bar fills up. Sujimon even have differing types — Blaze, Frost, Nature, Gentle, and Shadow — and these work with the identical rock, paper, scissors mechanics that Pokémon does. Frost beats Blaze, Blaze beats Nature, and so forth.
Ichiban’s Sujimon journey is about up as soon as his preliminary battle is full. There are 4 Sujimon Gyms he should conquer earlier than taking up the Sujimon King. Identical to Pokémon, each has a couple of trainers to combat first earlier than taking up the principle baddie: a member of the Discreet 4. That is one other Pokémon reference, parodying the Elite 4 which gamers tackle earlier than the Pokémon League Champion.
Following this introduction, the Sujimon Sensei sends Ichiban off with a message of hope: “It’s essential to journey throughout the land, looking far and huge. Catch Sujimon, change into a man, I will wait right here, inside.” That is one other throwback to the Pokémon anime and its iconic opening credit music.
It’s not simply the story that mimics Pokémon although, however gameplay too. Past battles, gamers should additionally catch Sujimon, and might achieve this in a couple of the way. Pokémon Go fashion raids are one technique, as varied areas across the map have countdowns that spawn Sujimon Raids when full. Ichiban battles these Sujimon with common Infinite Wealth mechanics, however as soon as full could have a probability to catch them. A possibility to catch a Sujimon can also be provided sometimes after beating one of many Sujimon trainers who’re additionally dotted across the map.
The catching mechanic is similar to Pokémon Go too, however as an alternative of catching pocket monsters in a Poké Ball, Ichiban presents Sujimon a Suji Present. These mimic Pokémon gadgets too, starting from frequent to tremendous to hyper and ultimately grasp. Gamers should then time the discharge of the reward to make sure most effectiveness, earlier than tapping on the Sujimon to extend the probabilities additional. Naturally, Ichiban is given a starter Sujimon to start his journey, and might select from Blaze, Frost, or Nature.
Suji Spots (sure, like PokéStops) are additionally current world wide, and identical to Pokémon Go grant gamers gadgets for passing by way of them. Gamers can use these areas to strengthen and evolve their Sujimon too, plus have interaction in apply battles and purchase issues from the Sujimon store.
Infinite Wealth is obtainable at this time, January 26, for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Collection X and S, and PC. It options the Yakuza collection’ largest map thus far and lets gamers change into a samurai, surfer, and housekeeper because it continues the distinctive mix of dramatic crime thriller and utterly wacky shenanigans.
Writer Sega has induced some frustration, nonetheless, as Infinite Wealth’s New Game Plus mode is unique to the Deluxe and Final variations of the sport, which are available at $15 and $40 dearer respectfully.
In our 9/10 evaluate, IGN mentioned: “Sprawling, enthralling, and filled with dynamic brawling, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth isn’t simply one of the best turn-based Like a Dragon recreation, it’s one of many biggest video games in your entire collection.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll discuss The Witcher all day.