Like a Dragon: Ishin! Reviews
You know what happens as a direct result of the Meiji Restoration and Japan’s rise to international power? The colonization of Taiwan and Korea. The horrific genocide against Chinese civilians. Empires demand resources, and modern Japanese history is inextricably tied to wider Asian suffering and bloodshed. It was the reason why I had hoped that Hajime would leave the Shinsengumi before the end of the story. Being part of violent institutions has never suited Kazuma Kiryu. It doesn’t suit Saito Hajime either.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a remastered blast from the past that will appeal to longtime Yakuza fans, but a dated design and some bugs make the game feel rough around the edges.
Like a Dragon: Ishin is simply another well-made game in this infinitely original series. It may be a bit rusty, not quite up to modern standards, but it nevertheless is a lot of fun and offers all the things people want from and love about the Yakuza series.
Review in Polish | Read full review
An action-packed and emotionally-charged adventure through a breathtaking period in Japanese history.
A must-play game for all the fans of the Yakuza franchise and RGG Studio. WIth all the pros an cons of any of the Yakuza series games but with a little twist changing the historical period to the end of the samurai era. The quantity of (good) contents and the narrative are enjoyable even if you haven't played any of the Yakuza/Like A Dragon/Judgment games... but take in account that you will need a lot of time to complete the game (30-40 hours only for the main story).
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A ballet of blades and bullets.
Like A Dragon: Ishin is a competent remake of a previously Japan-only release, but series veterans might find more issues to nitpick over.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!successfully brings classic Yakuza gameplay to Edo era Japan with a satisfying story and tons of side-content to sink hours into.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a great adventure through samurai-era Japan and one that I’m glad I took. It feels like an almost compelling story, and I got to take it alongside my best friends, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima.
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! it's another game with ryu Ga Gotoku's quality seal. It doesn't do anything new in the series, but by transporting you to Kyo in the 1860s, you can combine the feel of a historical and credible experience with the dramatic theatricality of the Like a Dragon series. It has everything good that you love in this series, has gameplay capable of making you lose the sense of hours, but also has a strong sense of familiarity and absence of relief news. On the scales, they gain their pros and it is one of my favorite games in the Like a Dragon series.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is everything you want it to be and more. Fans won't want to miss this one.
Overall, Like a Dragon: Ishin is an excellent remake of an older unappreciated RPG with an impeccable historical story to tell. While the remake isn't in the best condition it could've been, especially on PS5, it is still a game that will provide players, especially Yakuza fans, lots to enjoy.
Like A Dragon: Ishin! is trying not to fix what isn’t broken, but it does not try anything new. Although the game’s fundamentals may feel dated, and the first half of the game may be slow, the story’s pivotal moments and characters’ dynamics offer thrilling battles and hype moments. Despite the game’s shortcomings, Like A Dragon: Ishin! provides hours of fun and entertainment with its mix of gameplay and side activities. If you like the Yakuza series or samurai games, Like A Dragon: Ishin! is worth playing.
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! entails an embellished escapade through he Edo-Period, that will have devout Yakuza fans, and those that love the original grinning with gratification.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a lost classic that has finally made its way to a global market. Fans of the franchise will be ecstatic to experience an Edo-period drama that features icons of the Yakuza series. Even though it is set in the 1860s, the foundation of the series is evident with each step. It’s a familiar experience that feels similar to its PS3 counterparts rather than the modern releases. The world lacks the hustle and bustle of Kamurocho and the mini-games are not as diverse. However, the card-based combat system and four fighting styles make battles a thrill. While the game may not do enough to alter the perception of those who don’t enjoy titles from the franchise, fans of the series are in for a treat with this samurai-focused epic.
Like a Dragon Ishin! is a game that you'll definitely enjoy if you've already fallen in love with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's tried and tested formula, as everything that made Yakuza such a hit series feels intact.
Like A Dragon: Ishin is an almost stunningly intelligent game and in so many ways it is superior to the (already brilliant) series that it has spun off from. The historical setting really does the formula favours, and the development team have done such an exceptional and highly refined job of balancing authenticity and entertainment, serious storytelling and humour. At the same time, they’ve also maintained the core action and gameplay structures that we all love about the series. It is, simply, impossible to put down, and will be a strong contender for the best thing you’ve played this year.