Like a Dragon: Ishin! Reviews
Like a Dragon: Ishin! does the series justice, however it's definitely not one of its best. The story is a bit too convoluted and shot and the newer entries in the series simply have more variety to the content.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
This prequel a suitable start for new players, but is mostly geared to fans of the series, as it shows the favorite characters from Yakuza, with a new historical mold, full of exciting events and surprises, while also preserving the essence that characterize the series while introducing some different elements in the gameplay, but it lacks it The smoothness of dodging and switching between fighting styles and some aspects don't measure up to a re-released game.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Like a Dragon Ishin is a captivating and entertaining video game that combines exciting gameplay with an over the top presentation of Samurai history.
While it doesn’t feel like it quite reaches the heights of Yakuza 0 or 7, it still stands out as another fun romp through an insane story with an entertaining batch of characters.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is absolutely another Yakuza/Like a Dragon game. If you love this style of game, and are ready for the sometimes slow pace the story moves as well as some of the more frivolous side activities and stories, you’ll get exactly what you were hoping for plus plenty of fun surprises. However for those who either haven’t tried the franchise or have dipped in before only to bounce off, this game doesn’t offer any evolutions on the formula which might tempt new players, beside the historical setting itself. But if you even have a passing interest in Japanese history, you can learn a surprising amount from it.
For all the game’s foibles, that largely stem from a slightly dated version of the series recipe, as well as some ideas that perhaps never really quite worked, Like A Dragon: Ishin! Is still an enjoyable Yakuza game brimming with stories and activities, and it still has a firm grip on the sense of drama and comedy that fuel its enduring soul. That soul is unique, charming, and special, and transcends setting, time, and rough edges alike.
Like a Dragon: Ishin is a historically-rooted drama with enough to explore to keep players busy and there are not many experiences like it. This series is unique and absolutely worth trying. Ishin is also a pretty solid entry point to an extremely unique series but it might be too serious for some.
The story may be a bit derivative of other Yakuza titles, and yes an NPC may get caught on the corner of a wall and just keep running on the spot. This game has a couple of issues. But honestly, they’re so few and far between
While the storytelling is fabulous and the substories are legendary levels of insane, there are definitely parts of Ishin that could have used a bit more refinement, such as the combat and location design.
Like A Dragon: Ishin is everything I expected it to be and more. While it is not exactly a Kiwami version of the original, it is a significant upgrade. Its city of Kyo is brimming with life and is filled with countless highly engaging side activities that will easily get you side-tracked from its great main story. The beat-em-up action of its wild dance of swords and pistols puts up an engaging display of grotesquely gory action that never loses its steam, that shares the same DNA with Yakuza Zero and Kiwami.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! has finally arrived and I am more than happy to report that it brings exactly what all fans of the long-running franchise want to the table: more Yakuza.
Taking an objective look at what the franchise has already achieved with its most recent titles, selling Like a Dragon: Ishin! as a remake may have been a wrong strategic decision, since several of its systems were not revitalized to the point of living up to the nomenclature, remaining archaic under a modern look. In addition, the slower and more bucolic tone of both the atmosphere and the narrative makes us understand why the original Ishin was ignored for a Western release. With that in mind, it becomes a little difficult to recommend it for newcomers to the franchise, but for those who are already familiar with all of the series' recurring flaws, it's a solid enough experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Like a Dragon: Ishin! feels more like a remaster than a remake, with an updated technical aspect but not up to modern standards and with the major novelty, Troops, proving to be far too invasive. At the same time, though, the game represents the end of an almost 10-year-long wait for one of the missing chapters in the series, thus turning out to be an almost obligatory purchase for any fan and for newbies alike, as it doesn't require any prior knowledge of the series.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Yakuza has always been a giant seen as an ant, and that has allowed it to be big with ease. Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a marvel in aesthetics, gameplay and presence. A must now that arrives in perfect Spanish and with a generous facelift.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Like a Dragon: Ishin! sticks very closely to the Yakuza series' formula. Which means it'll bring its players both fun combat, ridiculous side content and some great character moments... and also exceeding amounts of expository dialogue and filler story beats.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Like a Dragon: Ishin has some great characters, an immersive world, and a lot to love. The main plot may not stand out, but the smaller stories of the characters that inhabit the world do. With combat being a highlight, and tons to do, the few issues don’t stop me from recommending this. Just be sure to take it in slowly and experience the world.
Ultimately, Like a Dragon: Ishin! feels like it delivers on the promise of a well-timed remake for an underappreciated title in RGG's catalog. It's a refreshing adventure that's identity is both intrinsically tied to the usual crime drama RGG is known for and yet distinctly separate from the modern trappings of those concerns. Like a Dragon: Ishin! is another quality game in the Yakuza universe, and it's one well-worth exploring for anyone with even a slight interest in its stylish delivery.
Like a Dragon: Ishin is a great standalone work that holds its own in a fantastic series. An exciting whodunnit plot is the basis for a whole lot of action, some solid storytelling, and characters you sort-of know and will grow to love.
Fans of the Yakuza franchise will definitely love this entry and even those who haven’t played a game will find this is a great entry since it’s not connected to any other title.
Like a Dragon: Ishin offers an entertaining adventure that maintains the high series standard, even IF the storytelling isn’t quite as engrossing as the mainline titles.