Like a Dragon: Ishinis an old game for Japan, but a new one for the West. It is a remaster of a PS3 and PS4 game,Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin, which was launched in 2014 in Japan exclusively. Now, almost a decade later Western fans of theYakuzaseries can finally play it.
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Despite the setting ofLike a Dragon: Ishin, the game plays similarly to the rest. Even the main character, Sakamoto Ryoma, looks like the series' mainstay, Kazuma Kiryu. There is a focus on melee combat, but players can also use guns and swords more readily. There’s a lot more to discuss for this remasteredYakuzagame, so let’s get to how players can make the most out of the beginning hours.
8Options To Check Out
Before beginning the game, there are some options to be aware of. First, disable the chapter summaries that recount what happened after each chapter wraps up. They are unnecessary just likethe QTE mechanicsare unnecessary in 2023, so turn those off too.
Finally, it should be noted that there are four difficulties in the game: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Legend. They can be changed anytime, outside of combat, so don’t spend too much time weighing the options and just begin on Normal.
7What Style Should You Main?
Like previousYakuzagames, players can switch between four battle styles during combat. Brawler is the classic stance that will have Ryoma fight with his bare fists and allow him to pick up objects. Swordsman and Gunman have him equip these weapons respectively.
Finally, the best option, Wild Dancer allows players to equip a sword and a gun. This fighting style has power, speed, and the ability to flip between ranged and melee attacks on the fly which is handy forany action game.
6Keep An Eye Out For Objects
The Brawler style is the second-best option inLike a Dragon: Ishin. That’s because it allows players to pick up objects like chairs, benches, and so on. Normal street brawls will rarely have players itching for a good bench to smash against a face.
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A good strategy would be to switch to the Brawler mode in a boss fight though, or any story battle wherein there are dozens of enemies around. Using large objects can help deal with big crowds and also deal a lot of damage to bosses. This is a solid tactic for any oftheYakuzagames.
5Early Weapon Upgrades
Once players get to Kyo, they will unlock weapon upgrades. Players can go to a smithy and have them upgrade swords, guns, and even accessories if they have the right materials. Players should buy a Bundle Blade from the local weapon store and then upgrade that to the Keen Blade.
They should also improve the Imported Revolver and turn it into a High Revolver although one could just buy the High Revolver instead. This may be spendy for both upgrades, so dothe typical RPGthing and grind for materials and money.
4Praying And Virtue
There are twotypes of currencyin the game, with money being one and the other being Virtue. Praying at smaller shrines will earn players Virtue which can also be earned for helping random citizens, buying items, or completing quests. Virtue currency can be spent at bigger shrines.
The first two upgrades that should be purchased are Enhanced Sprinting and Inventory Capacity. The former upgrade will give players more stamina to run around before they need a break. The latter upgrade will give them more space for items inside and outside of combat.
3Be Sure To Explore
The first area ofLike a Dragon: Ishinis devoid of secrets aside from random battles. Players should stick to the story and hurry up to get to the next chapter which is in the aforementioned city of Kyo. Here things open up a lot more, so be sure to explore outside-of-story situations to find substories.
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These side questswill reward players handsomely with items, money, or other things of value. They’re also often hilarious like one involving a dancing group of citizens who won’t help stop a robbery because they have the dancing fever.
2Keep Well Stocked
Most story missions will ask players if they wish to proceed after getting to a marker. If this happens, this could mean a tough battle is about to break out. In these situations, it’s best to always come prepared with a full stock of healing items.
Players should be able to keep well-stocked thanks to random battles which usually drop a healing item or two. Urns around towns will also have quite a bit hidden away too. Don’t forget to use storage facilities as well to get rid of excess because one wouldn’t want to leave any items behind.
1Save Often
The most important thing to emphasize inLike a Dragon: Ishinis that players should save often. This game allows players to save anywhere and at any time except in dungeons or during. These are limitations, but they are acceptable since most of the game is open otherwise.
More action gameslike this should get on the ball about free saves with a near-infinite amount of slots. Save before going into any story missions, especially just in case things get too tough.
Like a Dragon: Ishinwas released on July 12, 2025, and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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