Best Open-Worlds In Yakuza/Like A Dragon Games, Ranked

As a longtime fan of the Yakuza series, I must say that each game offers a unique and immersive experience that transcends the typical open-world action game. From the bustling streets of Kamurocho to the serene shores of Okinawa, the series masterfully blends elements of crime drama, slice-of-life storytelling, and humor in a way that few games can match.

The unique appeal of the Yakuza series is rooted in its detailed open worlds, a characteristic that sets it apart within the collection. Comprising over ten games, this franchise presents an assortment of cities modeled after genuine Japanese locations. Ranging from the lively red-light district of Kamurocho to the brightly lit entertainment center of Sotenbori, and the scenic yet busy coastal town of Okinawa, the Yakuza series provides a wealth of diverse settings to delve into.

It’s only fitting that each game within the Yakuza series showcases its own unique universe, despite utilizing similar maps. Every new release invites players to discover novel aspects of previously known areas.

Among the numerous unique open worlds it offers, the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series has its share of pros and cons. Some locales teem with vivid life and action, while others may seem barren and uninspiring, falling short of the liveliness that truly brings the environment to life. Having made my point, let me present to you the top Yakuza/Like a Dragon games, ranked based on their outstanding open-worlds.

1. Yakuza 0

The Birthplace Of The Story

In this rendition, “Yakuza 0” serves as a prequel to Sega’s Japanese crime epic, setting the stage for Kazuma Kiryu’s journey. This installment introduces the vibrant city of Kamurocho, which is central to the series, and captures the aesthetic charm of Japan during its economic bubble era.

Experiencing a flood of 80s nostalgia as you explore the lively Kamurocho district in Yakuza 0. The streets are filled with bustling shops like Don Quijote, vibrant karaoke bars where you can sing your heart out, pulsating disco clubs for dance-offs, and a multitude of people, feelings, and unexpected moments. It’s a world that’s alive with energy.

In a skillful manner, the game Yakuza 0 plunges players into the lively ambiance of the ’80s. Although players aren’t able to roam freely between Kamurocho and Sotenbori, the remarkable care taken in depicting both cities beautifully portrays their allure, enticing players to repeatedly explore these bustling entertainment hubs.

2. Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Dragon From A Different Era

Stepping away from the world of organized crime and Yakuza-centric tales, Like a Dragon: Ishin transports players into the Edo era. Instead of embracing the life of a Yakuza, this game invites you to become a samurai. As for gameplay, it shifts from fist fights to gunfights and sword duels, as you assume the character of Sakamoto Ryoma in this captivating journey.

As you traverse the streets of Kyo and Tosa, which are strewn with mud, the game skillfully depicts Japan from the 1800s. The enchanting cityscape of Kyo will undoubtedly captivate players, regardless of the time of day.

19th-century Japan might seem devoid of activities to some players at first glance, but the truth is quite the contrary! The game offers numerous engaging opportunities. For instance, you could manage a ramen shop or even slice canon balls in half. And let’s not forget the intriguing round of rock, paper, scissors that can be played within a brothel. Players will find themselves spoiled for choice with an abundance of activities to keep them entertained.

As a fan, I’d say: “I’m excited about Like a Dragon: Ishin, a standalone spin-off that offers a fresh take on the series! While it maintains connections with the mainline games, its historical setting provides a nice change of pace. If you’re looking for something different or want to jump into the franchise, this could be just the game for you!

3. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

An Unforgettable Adventure

At the moment, the featured game within the series is titled “Like a Dragon : Infinite Wealth“. This game chronicles the journey of Ichiban Kasuga, taking players from Yokohama all the way to the tropical islands of Honolulu. The game does an impressive job at mirroring real-life environments within its virtual world, offering numerous realistic references that closely resemble actual locations around us.

Infinite Wealth pushes boundaries by converting everyday surroundings into an expansive open world teeming with limitless opportunities. The universe of Infinite Wealth boasts distinctive features, and the bustling city presents a myriad of activities that will deliver a powerful Hawaiian-Japanese experience for the players.

4. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Legends Are Forged Through Risks

In a fresh development for the well-established series, the game titled “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” offers some of the most daring alterations the franchise has experienced so far. This new installment presents a different protagonist, abandons the familiar locales of Kamurocho, and overhauls the gameplay mechanics from traditional brawling to turn-based combat. At every twist and turn, Like a Dragon keeps things exciting with unexpected changes.

In Like a Dragon, we find a fresh breath revitalizing the franchise as the story unfolds predominantly within the sprawling Isezaki Ijincho district of Yokohama. As a fresh backdrop for the series, this area stands out as being significantly larger than its predecessors. With intricate demographics, distinctive structures, and lively inhabitants, Isezaki Ijincho becomes integral to the game, contributing to a world that feels remarkably vivid and authentic.

In this vibrant hotspot, there’s no end to the activities you can engage in! As you explore each corner of the district, you’ll be continually amazed. You might run into an unexpected character or find yourself swept up in Ichiban’s imaginative combat scenarios, transforming ordinary battles into captivating fantasy duels. The open world of Isezaki Ijincho becomes a fascinating and hard-to-resist playground for players.

5. Yakuza 6 : The Song Of Life

The End Of A Saga

In “Yakuza 6: The Song of Life,” Kiryu’s tale as the central character reaches its end, wrapping up his storyline within the series. Yet, this final installment offers a compelling narrative and an engaging world that keeps players engrossed, enticing them to invest numerous hours into gameplay.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself exploring not just the bustling metropolis of Kamurocho, but also the picturesque rural town of Onomichi. While it may lack the flashy allure of an entertainment city, there’s a certain serene charm to Onomichi that sets it apart. As you jog along its narrow paths, you can feel the stress melting away, making this peaceful countryside a unique and refreshing change from the urban chaos.

In a marked change, the game Yakuza 6 offers a unique blend, allowing gamers to decide between immersing themselves in the thrilling, exhilarating atmosphere of Kamurocho or experiencing the tranquil, serene environment of Onomichi.

6. Yakuza Kiwami 2

Dragon Engine At Its Glory

The Dragon Engine enhances the vibrancy of the Yakuza series, and the remake, Yakuza Kiwami 2, significantly improves the original game. This update offers players an opportunity to traverse the streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori that closely mirror their real-world counterparts, providing a more immersive experience.

In addition to other enhancements, Kiwami 2 features a user-friendly feature that allows smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor scenes, enhancing gameplay versatility. Moreover, the game shines with its high-quality and diverse side activities, offering a vast selection of engaging options for players to explore numerous activities scattered across the two cities.

In the vibrantly illuminated Kamurocho, it’s a spectacle to take your eyes off. Despite delving into areas revisited from earlier games like its predecessors, Kiwami 2 manages to avoid feeling monotonous due to captivating side activities that maintain player interest and enjoyment throughout the gameplay.

7. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

Do Not Underestimate The Spin-Offs

Titled “Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name“, this spin-off adventure unfolds subsequent to both Yakuza 6 and Like a Dragon. Serving as a bridge to the upcoming sequel, “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth“, this compact game (approx. 10–15 hours long) offers an immersive world brimming with captivating content that could easily engage players for extended periods of time.

Primarily set in the city of Sotenbori, which players have already explored in Yakuza 0, the main focus in Gaiden is on The Castle – a grand entertainment complex constructed within an old naval ship. Despite sounding bizarre, The Castle offers ample leisure and luxury. This location also plays a crucial role in the main plot, making it likely that players will spend a substantial amount of time there.

In addition to familiar territories, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name offers fresh locations not seen in prior releases. These include an engaging cabaret club where live actors take on hostess roles, and a return to classic Sega games. This spin-off serves as an enjoyable interlude before players delve back into the main series titles within the franchise.

8. Yakuza Kiwami

Concluding Some Unfinished Business

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over Yakuza Kiwami! This remake breathes new life into the original Yakuza game, and it does so magnificently by using the Dragon Engine to transform Kamurocho like never before. Unlike its prequel that spans across two cities, Yakuza Kiwami keeps its narrative squarely rooted in the city of Kamurocho, providing a more focused and immersive experience for fans like me.

Despite differing opinions on whether Kiwami is a great remake or an effective successor following Yakuza 0, everyone agrees that the game’s world is stunningly attractive.

What brings Kiwami lower on the list is having Yakuza 0 as a prequel. Although they are separate games, both share the same city, minigames, mechanics, and have visually comparable worlds to Yakuza 0. The side stories in Kiwami also don’t compare favorably to those in 0, which makes the city of Kamurocho seem less captivating and thrilling, causing Kiwami to slide down on this list.

9. Yakuza 4

Reviving The Spark Of Interest

Although Yakuza 4’s story may not be as remarkable, being labeled one of the weaker entries in the franchise, it differs significantly when it comes to its open-world setting. Unlike other games in the series, Yakuza 4 limits exploration to just Kamurocho and does not offer a playable district outside this city, unlike the fifth game in the series.

In contrast to other games that set themselves apart with advanced graphics or alternative environments, Yakuza 4 distinguishes Kamurocho from its predecessors by offering a more expansive experience, allowing players to explore not only the city’s surface but also its rooftops and interconnected sewer systems.

In the game Yakuza 4, players get to explore the story from four unique characters’ viewpoints, giving long-time fans of the series a new take on the city of Kamurocho. From a dedicated police officer to an ex-Yakuza member, the game is jam-packed with immersive content and activities like assisting a struggling dojo, breaking out of prison, or tracking down fugitive criminals. The streets of Kamurocho remain as intriguing as ever in Yakuza 4.

10. Yakuza 5

A Deeper Dive Into The Japanese Underworld

In the tradition of having numerous main characters from the last game, Yakuza 5 introduces five playable heroes to navigate the intricate storyline of a Japanese mafia. Unlike its predecessor, which primarily stayed within Kamurocho, Yakuza 5 broadens its scope by delving into different cities that mirror real-life locations across Japan.

In five distinct cities, Yakuza 5 compensates for its minor flaws with superior supplementary content that proves engaging and enjoyable. The game offers a variety of experiences, such as climbing the ranks to become the top idol or tracking down the legendary bear Yama-oroshi, or even taking on a street racing gang while working as a taxi driver. These side activities showcase some of the best the franchise has to offer, making it enticing to momentarily pause the main story and immerse yourself in the game’s numerous offerings.

In the intricately crafted universe of Yakuza 5, the level of detail is truly commendable. Places like convenience stores, medical shops, hostess bars, and many others are meticulously designed to give a genuine, real-world feel. The immersive content within Yakuza 5 is so captivating that the Yakuza underworld sometimes takes a back seat, making everyday life in the game more compelling.

11. Yakuza 3

A Refreshing Pause

In the Yakuza series, Yakuza 3 stands out as the oldest game with no recent ‘Kiwami’ remakes or a fully updated remastered version that meets today’s gaming expectations. But just because it lacks these modern upgrades doesn’t mean there’s nothing enjoyable for fans of this franchise within it.

Moving forward with Kazuma Kiryu’s journey, Yakuza 3 brings fresh vigor to the series by shifting focus from the busy streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori to the peaceful shores of Okinawa. In this installment, we delve into a different facet of Kiryu as he assumes the role of a devoted father, leaving his troubled criminal past behind to care for orphans instead.

Strolling through Okinawa’s coastal city while donning a Hawaiian shirt, Yakuza 3 presents an abundance of engaging activities. You can pass your time in the city by photographing peculiar incidents that unveil hidden truths or spend some meaningful moments with the children from the orphanage on the beach.

The game has a slice-of-life vibe, allowing players to unwind and delve into the city, steering clear of heavy crime action. Whether you prefer the tranquil ambiance of Okinawa or the vibrant atmosphere of Kamurocho is largely a matter of preference. Regardless, Yakuza 3 continues to be cherished by fans for its unique qualities and flaws.

2024-12-27 19:35