Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Feb 21, 2023 3 years ago
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is an action-adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. Released in February 2023, it is a remake of the 2014 Japan-exclusive Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin! and reimagines the Like a Dragon series in a historical setting. Set in the Bakumatsu period of Japan (mid-1800s), the game follows Sakamoto Ryoma, modelled after Kazuma Kiryu, as he navigates political intrigue, conspiracies, and samurai combat while seeking revenge for his mentor's murder. The gameplay combines swordplay, gunfighting, and hand-to-hand combat, with a mix of main story missions and side activities, including minigames and historical recreations of series staples.
What it’s like
Like a Dragon: Ishin! offers a nostalgic, old-school Yakuza experience transposed to the turbulent Bakumatsu period of Japan. You play as Sakamoto Ryoma, navigating political intrigue and seeking revenge in a world defined by samurai honor and historical upheaval. The core loop blends third-person swordplay with gunfights and hand-to-hand combat, maintaining the series' signature blend of serious narrative beats and absurd side activities, including karaoke and minigames. While the visuals show their age, the atmosphere is thick with period-appropriate mood and character-driven drama. The structure relies on linear story progression punctuated by open-world exploration and repetitive but satisfying combat encounters. It serves as a solid, if dated, entry point for newcomers to the franchise, prioritizing charm and familiar mechanics over modern design polish.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodCombatAudio / MusicCharactersExploration / WorldGameplay / MechanicsStory / NarrativeWriting / Dialogue
Keep in mind The underlying game engine and design loops feel dated compared to recent entries in the series, which may frustrate players seeking modern quality-of-life features. · Performance issues and bugs have been reported, detracting from the otherwise polished historical atmosphere.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, pcgamer.com, pcmag.com, metacritic.com, eurogamer.net, gameinformer.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 17, 20233 years ago |
| PlayStation 5 | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 17, 20233 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 17, 20233 years ago |
| Xbox Series X|S | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 17, 20233 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 21, 20233 years ago |
