Introduction

Grab your katana and dust off your dapper suit, because we’re diving deep into Japan’s 1860s chaos in Like a Dragon: Ishin! This is not just another action-adventure game—oh no! It takes the series’ beloved Yakuza formula and reinvents it with samurai flair! Welcome to a world where historical figures meet outrageous brawls and oddly specific mini-games. If you’ve ever dreamed of slicing enemies while belting out karaoke in the middle of a battle—well, buckle up, buddy!

Gameplay

You get to step into the shoes of Sakamoto Ryōma, a disgraced rōnin with a penchant for finding trouble (and killing people)! The combat system? Oh, it’s an absolute delight! Four distinct fighting styles await your curious fingers: there’s the all-feared Swordsman style, the Gunman for the wannabe John Wick in you, good ol’ Brawler for those bare-knuckle brawls, and Wild Dancer which is basically a theatrical clash of katana and pistol—a combination that would make anyone rethink their life choices. Let’s not forget the new Virtue points system, letting you trade in your good deeds for rad abilities, because who doesn’t want to level up while being a decent human being?

Graphics

Visually, Ishin! looks stunning, thanks to Unreal Engine 4 sprinkling its magic all over the game. You'll roam the vibrant streets of Kyo, with cherry blossoms dancing in the breeze and a level of detail that can make your jaw drop harder than when you accidentally invite your ex to your birthday party. This is a feast for the eyes, no doubt! And those character models? A mix of real historical figures and familiar faces from the Yakuza franchise takes center stage. It’s like a history lesson dressed up for a party, and everyone’s invited—except boring people.

Conclusion

In wrapping up this jaunt through medieval Japan with a side of muscle and a lot of karaoke, Like a Dragon: Ishin! delivers a fresh slice of the long-running franchise that feels as good as a hot bowl of ramen on a cold winter night. Sure, it may not be without its occasional dips into classic ‘this feels a bit dated’ territory, but hey, nostalgia can be a warm blanket too. Whether you're a seasoned Yakuza veteran or a newcomer to the series, this adventure proves that when life gets hard, just grab a sword, sing some karaoke, and start brawling! Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!

See Latest Prices for Like a Dragon: Ishin! on PS5 on Amazon