Yakuza, the video game series currently known as Like a Dragon, is going through its best moment. In recent years, Yakuza went from being a niche series that very few people outside of Japan played (the main reason why most of the installments are only translated into English) to being a sales success, boosted by the success of Yakuza: Like a Dragon and the great change in gameplay mechanics (becoming a JRPG).
Now, more than two months after the release of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, many players are jumping into the saga to discover its virtues and take on the roles of Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga. Are you one of them? Well, here are 4 good tips to start playing the Yakuza saga. Trust me, they will come in handy.
You don’t always have to look for fights
In the Like a Dragon saga, a punch is worth more than a thousand words. From minute one of the first Yakuza, you will have to face yakuza, thugs, and perverts (yes, you read that right), using weapons, objects from the environment, and, of course, your own fists. While in Yakuza games violence is always the answer (and sometimes the question), you won’t always have to hit everyone you see.
While walking through the fictional streets of Kamurocho, Sotenbori, and other Japanese locations, you will come across people who will come looking for trouble as soon as they see you and with whom you will have to fight most of the time. But if you have other things to do and don’t have time to throw punches, try walking instead of running. This way, enemies will have a harder time being aware of your presence and you can slip away. But remember not to do it all the time, otherwise you will have a hard time against the bosses later.
Secondary schools are (very) useful
If you are going to play the Yakuza saga, you may have heard something about its side missions. The “substories” of the Like a Dragon saga, including its spin-offs (Ishin, Judgement, etc.), are one of the main reasons to play it. While the important thing about these side missions is simply to experience and enjoy them, finishing them should also be a priority for you.
And completing side missions will earn you experience, money, and even a wide variety of items that can be of great help in your adventure. In addition, the Yakuza series hides a recurring and very special secret mission that you won’t want to miss if you complete all the side missions in each game. So, whenever you have a chance, take the opportunity to do a few.
Come loaded with recovery items
Generally, the Yakuza saga is not very complicated for the average player. Normal difficulty is quite manageable, and even the highest difficulty levels are not that bad if you have some experience in games. However, you will have to fight on many occasions, and some enemies (especially bosses) can become quite a challenge.
For that, don’t hesitate to resort to the “old reliable” of RPG games: having your inventory full of recovery items. Depending on the Yakuza game you’re playing, you’ll have a limited inventory or one where you can carry practically everything you find. Either way, carry as many recovery items as you can, you never know when you might need them.
Dodge and make combos
The combat in the Yakuza saga is possibly one of the most “controversial” points among fans. This not only will change as you progress (and will even be a different system once you reach the “Ichiban” saga), but it will have many “peculiarities” that you will have to face, such as the enemies in Yakuza 3’s eagerness to block 99% of your attacks.
Whether it’s to deal with these types of contingencies or simply to enjoy combat more, remember to do these two things whenever you can: dodge and combo. Anticipate enemy attacks, dodge them in time (get behind them if you have the chance), and hit them with the most damaging combo you have. It will be very useful from the first Yakuza to the 6th, and even in the most recent Like a Dragon Gaiden. But remember, although the concept is simple, mastering it can take you some time, so practice over and over again.
