Being a Yakuza isn't all just about being part of a gang. The Yakuza is more than just a Japanese mafia. You can take Sega's word for it, as their depiction of crime families is dashed will all sorts of wacky and quirky stuff, hyperbolic Japanese characteristics. Their latest game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, is no exception.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon reboots the series, diverging from the usual action-packed gameplay that the Yakuza franchise is well-known for, in favor of turn-based tactics. However, it still follows its age-old traditions of eccentricity and absurdity. In the game, you're able to participate in some very Japanese activities, in the form of mini-games. In this article, we share to you our top picks.
Sing in the Karaoke
The Japanese are very hard-working people. Their jobs put an enormous amount of stress in their lives. When they go out to relax, they like to belt it out in the Karaoke. If you're well-versed with your memes, then you may have seen the “Baka Mitai”, which is an original song made specifically for Yakuza's Karaoke. In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you can also go to the Karaoke and play a rhythm-based mini-game. As you progress through the story, you'll be able to bring your team to the bar to sing with the Karaoke machine. Like a Dragon is special for the series, as it introduced English-languaged songs to the game, including an English version of “Baka Mitai.”
Race with Go-Karts
If you've ever been in one of Japan's electronics and anime districts, chances are you've also seen people driving Go-Karts on the street. In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, there's a “Dragon Kart” mini-game that allows you to participate in Go-Kart races. Just remember that this version of Go-Karting is a bit over-the-top, with nitro boosts, speed-up ramps, collectible coins, and weapons to help you get the lead.
Play the Pachislot
Middle-aged salarymen in Japan love their slot machines. The Pachislot is a hybrid between the traditional Pachinko and slot machines, which are usually seen in Japan's amusement arcades. If you've never been in one before, then now you can do so in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. As an added touch, the Pachislots near the entrance offer better odds, just like in real life. Pachislots have better odds near the entrance so passers-by will see people winning big, enticing them to enter the establishment.
Watch Movies in a Traditional Movie Theater
The Japanese have a very unique culture revolving around their theaters. They are very proud of their movies, not only with their animated features. However, Yakuza: Like a Dragon's Kasuga is not a big fan of theaters. In the game, you can go to one and watch movies, but Kasuga will fall asleep if you don't do anything (no thanks to weird-looking sheep-headed men in business suits casting a sleeping spell on him). Thus, you engage in a rhythm-based mini-game in an effort to keep him awake.
Gacha-style Character Summons
Japanese fans may already be familiar with Gacha-mechanics, the slot machine-esque, loot box precursor in Japanese mobile games. In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you can do Gacha Summons to call unto battle support characters to help you in combat. This is done through your smartphone as if getting them from a Japanese mobile game. Just like in real life, these Gacha Summons will drain the money out of your wallet.
Become part of the crime family in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, coming out for Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBOX ONE, and XBOX ONE Series X/S this month.
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