Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

While many large RPGs with big worlds leave us wondering whether such an abundance of activities and side quests are worth the time and effort, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth raises no concerns about quantity over quality. With a compelling gangster narrative, fantastic characters, and a thoroughly engaging turn-based combat system, Infinite Wealth is easily one of the must-play RPGs of 2024.

Though having knowledge of previous Yakuza games will certainly give you some great context, Infinite Wealth tells a focused story you can appreciate even if it’s your first foray into the series. With a plot centered on protagonist Ichiban Kasuga’s search to meet his long-lost mother, as well as on co-protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s last days as he succumbs to cancer, the narratives in Infinite Wealth are grounded and intriguing. And despite covering such serious ground as estranged family relationships and terminal illness, Infinite Wealth is never afraid to dive into hilarious absurdities, such as a pet crawfish’s search for love. The game also features a ton of mini-games that are naturally embedded in the top-level gameplay, including an entire island-resort management game.

Infinite Wealth tells rewarding stories of relatable human experiences with dozens of hours of engaging side-activities that rarely burden you with busywork. If you tire of fantastical settings that feel too detached from reality and instead want to follow the sometimes-goofy trials and tribulations of troubled-yet-endearing characters trying to make the best of their difficult lives, Infinite Wealth needs to be on your list if it isn’t already. — Claire Jackson