This review contains spoilers
Like A Dragon takes the series in a refreshing new direction, though there are definitely some growing pains with the transition.
+ Ichiban is an endearing breath of fresh air versus Kiryu. Whilst I've always enjoyed Kiryu as a character, getting to see and interact with the world of Yakuza/Like A Dragon through a more quirky character was much more fun.
+ The new turn-based system takes heavy inspiration from both Dragon Quest & SMT/Persona and it shows. It does become a little monotonous by the end and can be buggy at times but it's laid a very promising foundation for the series' future.
+ Just like Y5 and Y6, Like A Dragon's substory quality is fantastic and is only enhanced with Ichiban as the protagonist.
- The writing and characters don't feel as strong as previous entries, particularly in comparison to Y5 and Y6. The antagonists are some of the best in the series but the majority of the protagonists are, unfortunately, fairly dull.
- I wasn't a huge fan of the story's pacing. It didn't feel like it was getting anywhere until around Chapter 11 where it suddenly goes at a breakneck pace and plot details get dumped on you left and right - very Xenoblade Chronicles-esque, mainly to its detriment.
+ Ichiban is an endearing breath of fresh air versus Kiryu. Whilst I've always enjoyed Kiryu as a character, getting to see and interact with the world of Yakuza/Like A Dragon through a more quirky character was much more fun.
+ The new turn-based system takes heavy inspiration from both Dragon Quest & SMT/Persona and it shows. It does become a little monotonous by the end and can be buggy at times but it's laid a very promising foundation for the series' future.
+ Just like Y5 and Y6, Like A Dragon's substory quality is fantastic and is only enhanced with Ichiban as the protagonist.
- The writing and characters don't feel as strong as previous entries, particularly in comparison to Y5 and Y6. The antagonists are some of the best in the series but the majority of the protagonists are, unfortunately, fairly dull.
- I wasn't a huge fan of the story's pacing. It didn't feel like it was getting anywhere until around Chapter 11 where it suddenly goes at a breakneck pace and plot details get dumped on you left and right - very Xenoblade Chronicles-esque, mainly to its detriment.