How To Play Yakuza: Like A Dragon 8: A Beginner’s Guide To The Latest Yakuza Game

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How to Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8: A Beginner’s Guide to the Latest Yakuza Game

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Introduction

Welcome to our in-depth look at How to Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8: A Beginner’s Guide to the Latest Yakuza Game

How to Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8: A Beginner’s Guide to the Latest Yakuza Game

How to Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8: A Beginner's Guide to the Latest Yakuza Game

The Yakuza series has always been a beloved franchise for its blend of action, drama, and surprisingly deep character development. But with the shift to turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the series took a bold new direction. Now, with Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8, we’re getting a double dose of excitement with two playable protagonists and a return to the classic beat-em-up gameplay alongside the beloved turn-based battles. Whether you’re a seasoned Yakuza veteran or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you master the ins and outs of Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 and navigate its sprawling world with confidence.

Understanding the Two Protagonists: Ichiban Kasuga and Kiryu Kazuma

Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 features a unique dual protagonist system, giving you the chance to experience the story from two distinct perspectives.

Ichiban Kasuga: Our returning hero from Like a Dragon, Ichiban is a former yakuza who’s determined to make a difference in the world. He embodies the series’ spirit of loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering optimism. His gameplay revolves around the classic Yakuza action combat, with a focus on brawling and utilizing his signature Dragon Engine style.

Kiryu Kazuma: The iconic protagonist of the original Yakuza series, Kiryu returns after a long absence, offering a more seasoned and strategic approach. His gameplay utilizes the turn-based combat system, allowing him to command a party of allies and unleash powerful skills.

Playing as Both:

The game seamlessly transitions between Ichiban and Kiryu’s perspectives, offering diverse gameplay experiences and unique story elements. You’ll need to master both combat styles to truly appreciate the full breadth of Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8.

Mastering the Combat System: Action and Turn-Based

Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 offers two distinct combat styles, each with its own strengths and nuances:

1. Action Combat (Ichiban):

  • Classic Yakuza Style: This is the familiar beat-em-up gameplay that defined the earlier Yakuza titles. You’ll be using a combination of punches, kicks, and special moves to take down enemies.
  • Focus on Timing and Skill: Action combat relies heavily on timing and mastering specific combos. Learn to dodge and counter attacks effectively to gain an advantage.
  • Utilizing Heat Actions: As you build up your "Heat" meter, you can unleash powerful Heat Actions, delivering devastating blows and turning the tide of battle.

2. Turn-Based Combat (Kiryu):

  • Strategic Decision Making: Turn-based combat allows you to carefully plan your attacks and choose the best strategy for each encounter.
  • Job System: Kiryu can switch between different "Jobs" like a chef, a wrestler, or even a detective, each offering unique skills and abilities.
  • Party Management: Kiryu leads a party of allies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You’ll need to manage their skills and abilities effectively to maximize their potential.

Tips for Mastering Combat:

  • Experiment with Different Styles: Don’t be afraid to try out different combat styles and see what works best for you.
  • Utilize the Environment: Take advantage of the environment to your advantage. Use objects to your advantage, and exploit enemy weaknesses.
  • Level Up Your Skills: Invest in upgrading your characters’ skills and abilities to gain an edge in battle.
  • Master the Job System: Experiment with different Jobs and find the ones that best suit your playstyle.

Exploring the World: Kamurocho and Isezaki Ijincho

Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 takes you on a journey through two iconic locations:

1. Kamurocho: The bustling, neon-lit district of Tokyo, Kamurocho is a familiar stomping ground for Yakuza fans. It’s a vibrant and dangerous place, filled with secrets, side quests, and a plethora of activities.

2. Isezaki Ijincho: A new location introduced in Like a Dragon 8, Isezaki Ijincho is a vibrant and bustling port town with its own unique charm and atmosphere. It’s a melting pot of cultures and personalities, offering a fresh perspective on the Yakuza world.

Tips for Exploration:

  • Talk to Everyone: Never underestimate the importance of talking to NPCs. You’ll uncover hidden quests, secrets, and valuable information.
  • Look for Side Quests: Side quests are a great way to earn experience, money, and unlock new items. Don’t ignore them!
  • Discover Hidden Areas: Pay attention to your surroundings and look for hidden areas. There are often secret paths, items, and collectibles tucked away in the most unexpected places.
  • Try Out Different Activities: Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 offers a wide variety of activities, from karaoke to mini-games. Don’t be afraid to try them out and see what you enjoy.

The Importance of Substories: Unraveling the World’s Secrets

Substories are a staple of the Yakuza series, offering engaging side quests that delve deeper into the world and its characters. In Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8, substories play an even more important role, providing unique insights into the story, expanding character development, and offering hilarious and heartwarming moments.

Tips for Substories:

  • Don’t Skip Them: Substories are a key part of the Yakuza experience. Make sure to take the time to complete them.
  • Pay Attention to Details: Substories often have hidden clues and details that lead to unexpected outcomes.
  • Choose Your Actions Wisely: Your choices in substories can have significant consequences, impacting the overall narrative and character relationships.

Building Relationships: Bonds and Party Members

Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 places a strong emphasis on building relationships with your party members. These bonds play a crucial role in both the story and gameplay.

Tips for Building Relationships:

  • Engage in Conversations: Talk to your party members frequently to learn more about their backstories and develop your relationships.
  • Complete Substories: Many substories focus on specific party members, deepening your understanding of their personalities and motivations.
  • Gift Items: Give your party members gifts to increase their affection levels.

The Power of Money: Spending and Investing Wisely

Money plays a crucial role in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8. You’ll need it to buy equipment, upgrade skills, and invest in various businesses.

Tips for Managing Money:

  • Complete Side Quests: Side quests are a great way to earn money quickly.
  • Invest in Businesses: Investing in businesses can generate passive income over time.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Spend: Don’t hoard your money. Invest in upgrades and equipment to make your journey easier.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 a good starting point for new players?

A: Absolutely! While Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 builds upon the established lore of the series, it’s a standalone story that’s accessible to newcomers. The game features a detailed tutorial system and provides ample context for understanding the characters and events.

Q: What platforms is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 available on?

A: Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Q: What are the minimum system requirements for playing Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 on PC?

A: The minimum system requirements for Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 on PC are:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-8150
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870
  • Storage: 50 GB available space

Q: How long does it take to complete Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: The main story of Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 takes around 40-50 hours to complete. However, if you want to experience all the side quests and activities, you can easily spend over 100 hours exploring the world.

Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 worth playing?

A: Absolutely! Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. It’s a captivating story with engaging characters, diverse gameplay, and a rich world to explore.

Q: Is the turn-based combat system different from Yakuza: Like a Dragon?

A: While the turn-based combat system in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 is similar to the previous game, it has been refined and expanded with new Jobs, skills, and party members. You’ll find a deeper level of strategic depth and tactical options.

Q: Does the game have any DLC?

A: Yes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 offers a variety of DLC content, including new costumes, weapons, and gameplay enhancements.

Q: Is there a way to skip the cutscenes?

A: You can skip the cutscenes in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 by pressing the "X" button (or the equivalent button on your platform) during the cutscene. However, it’s highly recommended to watch the cutscenes at least once to fully appreciate the story and character development.

Q: Can I play Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 in Japanese with English subtitles?

A: Yes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 offers a variety of language options, including Japanese audio with English subtitles. This allows you to experience the game’s authentic atmosphere and voice acting.

Q: What are some of the best tips for playing Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: Here are some of the best tips for playing Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8:

  • Explore Every Corner: The game world is filled with secrets, hidden areas, and collectibles. Don’t be afraid to explore every corner of the map.
  • Don’t Skip Substories: Substories are a key part of the Yakuza experience. They offer engaging side quests, expand the story, and develop character relationships.
  • Invest in Upgrades: Don’t be afraid to spend your money on upgrading your characters’ skills and abilities. This will make your journey easier and more rewarding.
  • Experiment with Different Jobs: The Job system allows you to customize your characters’ playstyles. Don’t be afraid to try out different Jobs and find the ones that best suit your strategy.
  • Take Your Time: Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 is a long and immersive game. Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 a good game for someone who enjoys JRPGs?

A: Yes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 has strong JRPG elements. It features a compelling story, turn-based combat, character development, and a vast world to explore. If you enjoy JRPGs, you’ll definitely appreciate the depth and complexity of Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8.

Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 a good game for someone who enjoys action games?

A: Yes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 features both turn-based combat and action combat. The action combat is reminiscent of classic Yakuza titles, offering a fast-paced and satisfying experience. If you enjoy action games, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8.

Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 a good game for someone who enjoys open-world games?

A: While Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 doesn’t feature a fully open world in the traditional sense, it offers a sprawling and interconnected world with multiple districts to explore. You’ll find plenty of side quests, activities, and secrets to uncover. If you enjoy open-world games, you’ll find the world of Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 to be engaging and rewarding.

Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 a good game for someone who enjoys story-driven games?

A: Yes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 features a captivating and emotionally resonant story. It’s a complex narrative with compelling characters, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. If you enjoy story-driven games, you’ll find the story of Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 to be engaging and memorable.

Q: What are some of the best things about Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: Here are some of the best things about Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8:

  • Compelling Story: The game features a captivating and emotionally resonant story with compelling characters, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion.
  • Diverse Gameplay: Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 offers a variety of gameplay experiences, including action combat, turn-based combat, exploration, side quests, and mini-games.
  • Rich World: The game features a sprawling and interconnected world with multiple districts to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere and characters.
  • Engaging Characters: The characters in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 are well-developed and memorable. You’ll find yourself invested in their stories and relationships.
  • Humor and Heart: Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 balances its serious themes with humor and heart. You’ll find yourself laughing and crying along with the characters.

Q: What are some of the things that could be improved in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: While Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 is a fantastic game, there are a few areas where it could be improved:

  • Technical Issues: Some players have reported encountering technical issues, such as frame rate drops and glitches.
  • Repetitive Side Quests: While many of the side quests are engaging, some can feel repetitive.
  • Lack of Open World: While the game world is expansive, it’s not a fully open world in the traditional sense. Some players may miss the freedom of exploration found in other open-world games.

Q: What are some other games similar to Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: Here are some other games similar to Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8:

  • Persona 5 Royal: A popular JRPG with a strong focus on character development, turn-based combat, and social simulation.
  • Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age: A classic JRPG with a charming story, turn-based combat, and a vibrant world to explore.
  • Final Fantasy VII Remake: A modern reimagining of the classic JRPG, featuring action combat, a compelling story, and stunning graphics.
  • Yakuza 0: A previous game in the Yakuza series, featuring action combat, a captivating story, and a bustling world to explore.

Q: Where can I find more information about Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: You can find more information about Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 on the official website, on gaming news sites, and on social media. You can also check out gameplay videos and reviews on YouTube and Twitch.

Q: Where can I buy Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 is available for purchase on the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, and Steam. You can also find physical copies at major retailers.

Q: What are some of the best places to get help if I’m having trouble with Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

A: If you’re having trouble with Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8, you can find help in the following places:

  • Official Website: The official website for Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 has a FAQ section that may answer your questions.
  • Online Forums: There are many online forums dedicated to the Yakuza series. You can find help and advice from other players.
  • Social Media: You can find help and advice from other players on social media.

Q: What is the future of the Yakuza series?

A: The future of the Yakuza series is bright. The series has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Sega is committed to continuing to develop new games. We can expect to see more exciting adventures in the Yakuza world in the years to come.

Overall, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. It’s a captivating story with engaging characters, diverse gameplay, and a rich world to explore. With its blend of action combat, turn-based combat, and a focus on character development, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 offers something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your controller and dive into the world of Yakuza!

Source URL: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yakuza-like-a-dragon-8-review-a-return-to-form/1100-6495785/

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