Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a bold transformation for the long-running Yakuza series by introducing a turn-based RPG combat system and a new cast of colorful playable characters. Set in the vibrant streets of Ijincho, Yokohama, the game follows Ichiban Kasuga and his unlikely group of allies as they navigate betrayal, hardship, and political intrigue. Unlike previous titles that focused solely on Kazuma Kiryu, this installment allows players to explore a broader world through multiple playable characters, each with their own distinct abilities, personalities, and backstories. The result is a dynamic team-based experience that adds depth to both the narrative and gameplay mechanics.
Ichiban Kasuga The Hero
Protagonist with Passion
Ichiban Kasuga is the central figure in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Formerly a low-level member of the Arakawa family, he takes the fall for a crime he didn’t commit and spends 18 years in prison. Upon his release, he discovers that his former allies have abandoned him. Driven by loyalty and a desire to find the truth, Ichiban embarks on a journey that redefines his life.
Hero Class
Ichiban’s default job class is ‘Hero,’ fitting his optimistic and justice-driven personality. In this class, he wields blunt weapons like bats and umbrellas, performs team support skills, and uses heroic moves that blend humor with effectiveness. His versatility makes him ideal as the central fighter in your lineup.
Koichi Adachi The Veteran Cop
Streetwise and Straightforward
Adachi is a former detective with a gruff attitude but a strong sense of justice. Disillusioned by corruption in the police force, he joins Ichiban in his quest to uncover political secrets and corporate manipulation. His straightforward nature makes him a solid, dependable member of the party.
Enforcer Class
Adachi begins in the ‘Enforcer’ class, which focuses on physical defense and crowd control. His attacks often include police-themed moves like shield bashes and taser strikes. With high HP and defensive skills, he’s best used as a tank to absorb enemy hits while others dish out damage.
Nanba The Homeless Healer
More Than Meets the Eye
Nanba is a former nurse who lost his license due to a drug-related incident. Now living on the streets, he joins Ichiban after saving his life. Though ragged in appearance, Nanba brings unexpected wisdom, humor, and a unique outlook to the group dynamic.
Homeless Guy Class
His default job class is ‘Homeless Guy,’ which might sound quirky, but it offers powerful support abilities. Nanba uses items like umbrellas, pigeons, and fire-breathing to inflict status effects and damage. More importantly, he has healing and revival skills that make him a vital support character in prolonged battles.
Saeko Mukoda The Confident Hostess
Strong and Independent
Saeko is a bar hostess with a tough attitude and a sharp mind. She joins Ichiban to help uncover the truth behind her boss’s mysterious death. As the only woman in the original party, she adds a strong and composed presence that balances the often chaotic male dynamics.
Hostess Class
Saeko’s initial class, ‘Hostess,’ focuses on elemental attacks and status debuffs. She uses everyday items like handbags and perfume bottles in battle. Her skill set includes charming enemies to reduce their effectiveness and casting ice-based magic to exploit elemental weaknesses. She can also heal allies when properly leveled up.
Additional Playable Characters
Late-Game Allies
As the story unfolds, new allies join Ichiban’s party, expanding combat options and narrative layers. Each one offers something unique, both in gameplay and story contributions.
- Joon-gi Han: A deadly and calm fighter from the Geomijul organization. His ‘Hitman’ class offers agility and precise critical strikes. He is especially effective in dealing with single targets.
- Tianyou Zhao: Leader of the Liumang, Zhao wields nunchaku and a flashy fighting style. His ‘Gangster’ class combines quick combos with elemental fire attacks, making him a high-damage attacker.
- Eri Kamataki: A recruitable character available through the business management minigame. Eri can be customized with different jobs and contributes additional depth to the party’s strategies.
Job System and Customization
Flexible Character Roles
One of the key features in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is its job system, which allows players to change each character’s class once certain conditions are met. These jobs include creative takes on traditional RPG roles like Musician, Chef, Idol, Bodyguard, and Fortuneteller. Each job has its own unique attacks, strengths, and weaknesses.
By mixing and matching jobs, players can create team compositions that suit their play style. Want Ichiban as a tank or Nanba as a mage-style damage dealer? The system allows such creativity. Job levels and experience are independent of overall character levels, which means a great deal of time can be spent fine-tuning each fighter’s capabilities.
Combat Synergy and Team Dynamics
Turn-Based Strategy
The shift to a turn-based combat system means players must carefully consider team composition and skill usage. Character placement, attack timing, and exploiting enemy weaknesses play a large role in winning tougher battles. Different characters specialize in different aspects some excel at raw damage, others at healing, and some at applying debuffs or taunts.
Combining Ichiban’s heroic offense with Nanba’s healing and Adachi’s defense creates a balanced setup. Adding a speed-focused attacker like Zhao or Joon-gi Han can round out the team, enabling combo attacks and quick eliminations of priority targets.
Bond System and Party Growth
Deepening Relationships
In addition to combat capabilities, Yakuza: Like a Dragon encourages players to build bonds between characters. Spending time with teammates outside of battle through dialogue, events, or mini-games increases their bond levels. As bonds grow, characters unlock additional abilities, support attacks, and new job options.
This system not only enhances combat efficiency but also builds emotional connections with each character. Learning about their struggles, hopes, and backgrounds adds emotional weight to the story and motivates players to see every arc through to the end.
Narrative Significance of Each Character
More Than Just Fighters
Each playable character in Yakuza: Like a Dragon serves a purpose beyond combat. Their personal stories intersect with the main plot, offering fresh perspectives on themes like loyalty, justice, redemption, and family. The way they come together often from vastly different walks of life shows the power of unity and trust in the face of overwhelming odds.
From Ichiban’s unbreakable spirit to Nanba’s journey toward self-worth and Saeko’s fight for truth, every character brings something human and relatable to the table. Their evolving relationships and mutual growth drive the game’s emotional depth and long-lasting appeal.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon redefines what it means to be a team-based RPG within the framework of a crime drama. Its colorful, memorable playable characters give the game its heart and soul. With distinct combat styles, deep customization through the job system, and richly written narratives, each member of Ichiban’s party plays a crucial role in both gameplay and storytelling. Together, they create an unforgettable experience that blends strategy, emotion, and action into one of the most compelling entries in the Yakuza franchise.