Like a Dragon: Ishin! preview: gripping gameplay in historic Japan

As I stride through the charming streets of 1800s Edo-Period Japan, I’m confronted by a group of three thugs. These sword-swinging wannabes don’t seem to know who I am, as I raise my own blade in one hand and grip my revolver in the other. The fight is short but frenetic, with slices and bullets raining down on the unsuspecting outlaws and reducing them to nothing. I am Sakamoto Ryoma and this is Like a Dragon: Ishin!

See Like a Dragon: Ishin! in action here

Set in 1853, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a samurai story inspired by real life characters and events. Protagonist Sakamoto Ryoma is based on a real, legendary warrior from back in the day, and the story revolves around the political unrest Japan faced as a nation as two factions fought over their beliefs. The historical grounding makes it clear what’s at stake throughout Ryoma’s tale, but there’s a more personal plight at play.

Our hero has been framed for the assassination of his father, and must abandon his life and identity in order to track down the real killer. Taking on the alias Saito Hajime, our hero comes to the Fushimi district of Kyo (modern-day Kyoto), and that’s where the game’s third chapter - the one we were invited to preview - takes place.

Sega

This 19th-century location is home to more than a dramatic tale, mind you. Like a Dragon: Ishin! Is a spin-off of the Sega’s Yakuza franchise - which is now titled Like a Dragon in the West (the literal translation of the series’ Japanese name, Ryu Ga Gotoku) - and bears all the most of the hallmarks of the mainline games.

The open area of Fushimi is full of things to do. As Ryoma, you’re free to visit bars and restaurants, go fishing, chop wood, sing utamaruya (basically karaoke), and more. As the story develops and you enter Gion, you can even check out a brothel, which isn’t quite what you may expect. This option basically offers dialogue and some minigames, which can end up in some laughs depending on how badly you perform. (*coughs*)

Each area is home to plenty of NPCs, some of whom offer substories, which are basically side quests. The nature of each optional mission varies, from beating up dance troupes to delivering the right item, and each quest feels worthwhile.

Sega

Gameplay in general is very Yakuza, with open-area exploration often resulting in random encounters of the combat kind. These beat ‘em up tussles are distinct from the mainline titles though, chiefly because Ryoma is able to wield a blade and a gun, either together or individually, in addition to being able to fight with his fists. This departure from the typical formula suits the Edo-Period setting of Ishin!, and adds something new for long-time fans of the series to sink their teeth into.

In my two-three hours with the game, I found that the handgun was particularly good at dealing with enemies quickly. Whether playing on easy, normal, hard or legend difficulty, the revolver would not let any basic thug get the better of me. However, when fighting boss characters, the combat required more variety and patience, which added tension and grandeur to the occasion.

Like a Dragon games are renowned for being challenging rides on the highest difficulties, and Ishin! seems no different, which is excellent news for those among us who enjoy being pushed to the limit.

Sega

The main thing that heavily links Like a Dragon: Ishin! to other titles in the Ryu Ga Gotoku franchise is the characters’ faces. Each main role - as well as the odd side part - is filled by a familiar visage from the Yakuza games, with the protagonist, Sakamoto Ryoma, portrayed by the model of Kazuma Kiryu, the iconic leading man who stars in almost every other game.

The inclusion of these recognisable countenances not only appeals in a fan-servicey way, but also adds a sense of self-awareness that suits the nature of the game. After all, Ishin! is basically a period drama, and it’s always best to make a distinction between fact and fiction when telling a story inspired by real events, to avoid any unintentional disrespect.

Sega

While there’s much more to see from Like a Dragon: Ishin!, it’s immediately clear that this game is a prime example of what Ryu Ga Gotoku does best. From the dense open areas full of things to do, to the satisfying combat, to the dramatic tale that ties it all together, there’s undoubtedly a grand adventure to be had.

Series veterans will get a kick out of the familiar faces, while everyone will be able to appreciate the Ishin! for the samurai title it is at its core. While the game previously released exclusively in Japan, the single chapter I played tells me it will please gamers all over the world.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! Was tested on Xbox Series X at a hands-on preview event organised by Sega. The game releases worldwide 21 February, 2023, for PC, Xbox consoles, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.