Spoiler Warning: The next article comprises spoilers surrounding a sort of facet quest which turns into accessible in Chapter 4 of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, however would not function any main story spoilers.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth could also be a turn-based RPG already, however the newest Yakuza additionally has a completely separate flip primarily based RPG minigame inside it that mimics (and parodies) a Pokémon sport.
Infinite Wealth doubles down on the Pokémon references of its predecessor, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, increasing that sport’s Sujimon idea from a enjoyable assortment mechanic to a full-on sport of its personal.
Although gamers will add Sujimon, that are simply the sport’s common enemies, to their Sujidex as earlier than, a completely new facet quest parodies each Pokémon Go and the mainline Pokémon video games by having gamers interact in raids to catch Sujimon, battle gyms, and ultimately tackle the Sujimon League King.
Gamers will meet the earlier sport’s Sujimon Sensei early on, who bestows upon them the Sujidex and the promise of an entire new area of monsters to catch in Hawaii. Although that is already very Pokémon, as new areas had been added to introduce new Pokémon in every sport, the Sujimon Sensei drops one other reference. “One might name it a completely totally different area of Sujimon. A tropical dreamscape, but a land of shadows — blessed by the solar and the moon,” he says, referencing Pokémon Solar and Moon, which happen within the fictional Alola area, primarily based on Hawaii.
Earlier than the extent of the Sujimon League unfolds, an NPC may also be noticed speaking about how he took every week off from work “to come back catch that uncommon Hawaiian unique”, a reference to Pokémon Go’s regional unique Pokémon.
These gentle connections are blown out the water when Ichiban encounters the Sujimon Sensei in Hawaii once more although. “Hawaii hosts a Sujimon event of some magnitude,” he says. “It is a skilled obligation I examine.”
The pair then stroll by a know-how store earlier than giving a secret code to the person behind the counter: “Who’s that Sujimon?”, which is a callback to the Pokémon expression made common by the unique anime.
A secret door emerges and Ichiban enters a really Pokémon-looking Sujimon Stadium the place trainers are battling. Although we described Sujimon as Infinite Wealth’s “common” enemies, that time period is a little bit of an understatement. Whereas the Yakuza video games are comparatively grounded in actuality, the overactive creativeness of Ichiban means he sees each common hooligan as a incredible monster. Some merely have glowing eyes, however others flip into large basketballs, futuristic robots, or demonic chickens. It is these variations of the enemies gamers should gather and battle with.
Sujimon battles work in a different way to Infinite Wealth’s foremost turn-based fight, taking extra inspiration from the likes of Pokémon Go, the place trainers take it turns dealing harm relying on how rapidly their SP bar fills up. Sujimon even have differing kinds — Blaze, Frost, Nature, Mild, and Shadow — and these work with the identical rock, paper, scissors mechanics that Pokémon does. Frost beats Blaze, Blaze beats Nature, and so forth.
Ichiban’s Sujimon journey is about up as soon as his preliminary battle is full. There are 4 Sujimon Gyms he should conquer earlier than taking up the Sujimon King. Identical to Pokémon, each has a few trainers to struggle first earlier than taking up the principle baddie: a member of the Discreet 4. That is one other Pokémon reference, parodying the Elite 4 which gamers tackle earlier than the Pokémon League Champion.
Following this introduction, the Sujimon Sensei sends Ichiban off with a message of hope: “You should journey throughout the land, looking out far and vast. Catch Sujimon, turn out to be a person, I will wait right here, inside.” That is one other throwback to the Pokémon anime and its iconic opening credit tune.
It is not simply the story that mimics Pokémon although, however gameplay too. Past battles, gamers should additionally catch Sujimon, and may achieve this in a few methods. Pokémon Go model raids are one technique, as numerous areas across the map have countdowns that spawn Sujimon Raids when full. Ichiban battles these Sujimon with common Infinite Wealth mechanics, however as soon as full can have an opportunity to catch them. A possibility to catch a Sujimon can be supplied sometimes after beating one of many Sujimon trainers who’re additionally dotted across the map.
The catching mechanic is similar to Pokémon Go too, however as a substitute of catching pocket monsters in a Poké Ball, Ichiban provides Sujimon a Suji Present. These mimic Pokémon gadgets too, starting from widespread to tremendous to hyper and ultimately grasp. Gamers should then time the discharge of the present to make sure most effectiveness, earlier than tapping on the Sujimon to extend the possibilities additional. Naturally, Ichiban is given a starter Sujimon to start his journey, and may select from Blaze, Frost, or Nature.
Suji Spots (sure, like PokéStops) are additionally current all over the world, and similar to Pokémon Go grant gamers gadgets for passing by them. Gamers can use these areas to strengthen and evolve their Sujimon too, plus interact in apply battles and purchase issues from the Sujimon store.
Infinite Wealth is accessible immediately, January 26, for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Sequence X and S, and PC. It options the Yakuza sequence’ largest map to this point and lets gamers turn out to be a samurai, surfer, and housekeeper because it continues the distinctive mix of dramatic crime thriller and utterly wacky shenanigans.
Writer Sega has prompted some frustration, nevertheless, as Infinite Wealth’s New Recreation Plus mode is unique to the Deluxe and Final variations of the sport, which are available in at $15 and $40 dearer respectfully.
In our 9/10 overview, IGN stated: “Sprawling, enthralling, and filled with dynamic brawling, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth isn’t simply one of the best turn-based Like a Dragon sport, it’s one of many best video games in your entire sequence.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll discuss The Witcher all day.
