There's (currently) two entry points to the Yakuza series. Yakuza 0 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. However, they feature completely different combat systems. At the time of writing, I have only played a few hours of Yakuza 0 and this title. So I would consider this game to be my first. But you can't go wrong entering the series at either place, regardless.

Much like the Yakuza culture, being steeped in tradition. This series has you normally playing as Kazuma Kiryu. With the games he's in being beat 'em ups. However, in Like a Dragon, you'll play as Ichiban Kasuga. Who is obsessed with Dragon Quest. No really. The whole game is turn-based because that's how he starts to envision fighting.

Moreover, the game is effectively a traditional JRPG set in a 'low-fantasy' setting. That said, the skills are secondary to the core of the combat, which is positioning and timing. This might sound odd in a turn-based game. Let me explain — the characters are always moving around each other. All mixed up. Enemies and party members alike. If you do a basic attack when there are enemies in the way, there is a significant chance you'll not only take damage from an opportunity attack, but you may be interrupted entirely. Making your turn completely wasted. So the core of the combat really comes down to selecting targets that are open to attack as everyone is moving around.

Of course, the combat is deeper than this, there are status effects, types of attack, melee, blade, etc. Resistances to the aforementioned. There is also a job system which can be leveled individually from character level. You're able to use some special attacks to avoid the chance of being interrupted by targeting enemies far away. I'm unsure if that was intentional, but I ended up doing it a lot.

There's also a mechanic to block attacks to mitigate damage, you must press the associated button right before the attack lands. It's a little like Super Mario RPG — that's what it reminded me of anyways. Some special abilities also have a timed button press to increase damage.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3419070558

In spite of this, I did not find the game excessively grind-y. Given the genre, you might expect that. But you can do mini-games that are rather involved and some that are less involved. See movies with companions, build a relationship (bond) with them — this also increases your own chance for opportunity attacks as well as allow non-active party members to gain experience points.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3419070716

The city itself is teeming with life. While it feels oddly restrictive, in that you cannot really interact with the world, there's a ton of items and things to find though exploration. It can be rather rewarding.

Doing sub-stories will often gain you characters that can be used in other aspects. Typically either for “Poundmates”, which act as summons in the combat, or for one of the more elaborate mini-games introduced as “Ichiban Confections”. This one is unlocked a little later in the game. You'll run a business, manage employees and decide when to expand. There are even shareholder meetings which has an entirely different “combat” system.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3419070955

At one point I even traveled to the park just to collect bugs for the “Part-Time Hero” side missions. There's some really, genuinely funny and enjoyable side stuff in this game.

This is gonna pull around almost the full 25W all the time. But it runs phenomenal on the deck. 800P native, no scaling — the game will run 35-60FPS depending on the area. But as the game is turn-based, this shouldn't effect much. I personally think it also looks very good on the OLED screen and I think that the JRPG genre is simply perfect for handhelds.

Fantastic story, good combat. Great entry point to the series. Very satisfying still if this is the only Yakuza game you play. I can't honestly say anything bad about it. The cutscenes can be a little long, I guess. I'd recommend it to everyone unless you truly just cannot stand JRPGs.

If you've found this review helpful, consider following my curation — Station Argus

With finesse!

[h3]Real Yakuza use a gamepad.[/h3] There's (currently) two entry points to the Yakuza series. Yakuza 0 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. However, they feature completely different combat systems. At the time of writing, I have only played a few hours of Yakuza 0 and this title. So I would consider this game to be my first. But you can't go wrong entering the series at either place, regardless. [h3]Tradition — combat mechanics[/h3] Much like the Yakuza culture, being steeped in tradition. This series has you normally playing as Kazuma Kiryu. With the games he's in being beat 'em ups. However, in Like a Dragon, you'll play as Ichiban Kasuga. Who is obsessed with Dragon Quest. No really. The whole game is turn-based because that's how he starts to envision fighting. Moreover, the game is effectively a traditional JRPG set in a 'low-fantasy' setting. That said, the skills are secondary to the core of the combat, which is positioning and timing. This might sound odd in a turn-based game. Let me explain — the characters are always moving around each other. All mixed up. Enemies and party members alike. If you do a basic attack when there are enemies in the way, there is a significant chance you'll not only take damage from an opportunity attack, but you may be interrupted entirely. Making your turn completely wasted. So the core of the combat really comes down to selecting targets that are open to attack as everyone is moving around. Of course, the combat is deeper than this, there are status effects, types of attack, melee, blade, etc. Resistances to the aforementioned. There is also a job system which can be leveled individually from character level. You're able to use some special attacks to avoid the chance of being interrupted by targeting enemies far away. I'm unsure if that was intentional, but I ended up doing it a lot. There's also a mechanic to block attacks to mitigate damage, you must press the associated button right before the attack lands. It's a little like Super Mario RPG — that's what it reminded me of anyways. Some special abilities also have a timed button press to increase damage. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3419070558 [h3]There is a TON to do in this game.[/h3] In spite of this, I did not find the game excessively grind-y. Given the genre, you might expect that. But you can do mini-games that are rather involved and some that are less involved. See movies with companions, build a relationship (bond) with them — this also increases your own chance for opportunity attacks as well as allow non-active party members to gain experience points. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3419070716 The city itself is teeming with life. While it feels oddly restrictive, in that you cannot really interact with the world, there's a ton of items and things to find though exploration. It can be rather rewarding. Doing sub-stories will often gain you characters that can be used in other aspects. Typically either for “Poundmates”, which act as summons in the combat, or for one of the more elaborate mini-games introduced as “Ichiban Confections”. This one is unlocked a little later in the game. You'll run a business, manage employees and decide when to expand. There are even shareholder meetings which has an entirely different “combat” system. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3419070955 At one point I even traveled to the park just to collect bugs for the “Part-Time Hero” side missions. There's some really, genuinely funny and enjoyable side stuff in this game. [h3]Deck Specs[/h3] This is gonna pull around almost the full 25W all the time. But it runs phenomenal on the deck. 800P native, no scaling — the game will run 35-60FPS depending on the area. But as the game is turn-based, this shouldn't effect much. I personally think it also looks very good on the OLED screen and I think that the JRPG genre is simply perfect for handhelds. [h3]The Gist[/h3] Fantastic story, good combat. Great entry point to the series. Very satisfying still if this is the only Yakuza game you play. I can't honestly say anything bad about it. The cutscenes can be a little long, I guess. I'd recommend it to everyone unless you truly just cannot stand JRPGs. [quote]If you've found this review helpful, consider following my curation — [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/28295405/]Station Argus[/url][/quote] [i]With finesse![/i]