Sega’s 84-Hour Open-World Epic Has Stood the Test of Time

The year 2024 proved to be an embarrassment of riches for role-playing enthusiasts, dominated by heavyweight releases like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Persona 3 Reload, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. With such a relentless schedule, it is entirely forgivable if you missed Sega’s sprawling 80-hour tropical odyssey, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. While serving as the ninth mainline entry in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s storied franchise—boasting an ensemble cast spanning decades of continuity—its sheer scope should not deter uninitiated players.

Far from being an impenetrable saga, Infinite Wealth stands as the consummate distillation of the series’ signature formula: an intoxicating fusion of melodrama, visceral combat, and absurd humor that transformed this once-niche franchise into a global blockbuster. The barrier to entry is lower than ever, with frequent digital storefront discounts, inclusion on Xbox Game Pass for select tiers, and availability through PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogs.

A Sun-Drenched Conspiracy

The narrative orchestrates an emotional passing of the torch, pairing series veteran Kazuma Kiryu with the relentlessly optimistic Ichiban Kasuga. When Kasuga travels to Hawaii in search of his estranged biological mother, the duo inadvertently becomes embroiled in a labyrinthine international conspiracy entwining underworld syndicates with high-ranking political institutions. In classic franchise fashion, the overarching plot revels in high-stakes absurdity, inviting players to simply buckle up and enjoy the theatrical ride.

The Ultimate Honolulu Getaway

Beyond its core narrative, Infinite Wealth functions remarkably well as a vibrant, open-world vacation simulator. Whether you are strolling along Waikiki Beach observing quirky resort guests, indulging in retail therapy at premier shopping malls, or navigating the gritty backstreets of Honolulu aboard a customized personal mobility scooter, the recreation of the Hawaiian archipelago is masterfully executed. Naturally, this tropical playground is packed to the brim with engrossing distractions and sub-stories:

• Crazy Delivery: A high-energy homage to Sega’s arcade classic Crazy Taxi, challenging you to pull off acrobatic maneuvers and weave through traffic to deliver takeout orders across the city for substantial tips.
• Dondoko Island: A full-fledged lifestyle management simulator reminiscent of Animal Crossing, where you clear out illegal dumping grounds, craft custom furnishings, build commercial storefronts, and restore an island paradise into a five-star luxury destination.
• Sicko Snap: An irreverent twist on rail-shooter photography games like Pokémon Snap, tasking you with capturing snapshots of bizarre exhibitionists while riding a municipal tourist trolley—a hilarious and effective method for familiarizing yourself with the city’s geography.

Dynamic Combat in Paradise

The franchise’s turn-based combat system flourishes in this new environment. Leveraging a clever modernization of traditional RPG class dynamics, party members can adopt unconventional occupations, transitioning into Polynesian pyrodancers, surfboard-wielding oceanographers, or street musicians. Over the course of this island expedition, encounters range from unruly tourists and rogue bodybuilders to giant sharks and rogue heavy construction machinery. If an exotic getaway eluded your schedule this year, Infinite Wealth offers the most entertaining virtual escape on the market.

Source: Polygon