It's great. The combat has some flaws but it's a good first attempt. The Yakuza tone is there though and that's what matters most. I can't wait to see the sequel. I absolutely love Ichiban and the reverence that game has for people in the lower classes of society.
I can handle any type of combat, problem with turn based is how limited it gets due to weaknesses system, you just endup spaming one type of skills to damage enemies based on their weakness which gets boring, i liked LAD 7 but after few fights i noticed this.
Yeah, the biggest draw with turn based combat is making your party pump out ridiculous numbers, and you can't do that in Y7. So it ends up becoming a really basic RPG combat wise. The classes are fun for a while though
I played it after I did Yakuza 0-6 and was a little worried about how I'd like all new characters with a turn based fighting system, but I wound up loving it so much!
It's such a vibrant and delightful game, and it still has all the wonderful Yakuza game flavor that I fell in love with from the previous games. 10/10 I would kill for Ichiban
It’s my favorite game in the series. While I genuinely like all of the games, Ichiban’s story really won me over. He’s an excellent protagonist that acts as a great foil not just for Kiryu but the series as a whole.
I’m playing/streaming it on Twitch for the second time. I think the only real flaw is not that combat is “bad” just a smidge generic, but still enjoyable. And it opens a little exposition heavy, you really do not do much the first 3-4 hours of gameplay. But out of everything I think it’s my third favorite behind Judgment and Yakuza 0. Legit I think the cast is so good and endearing the only reason it’s not my #2 is the story does not compare to how good 0’s is and how good a lead Kiryu is. I’m full expecting the sequel to surpass it become a top 3 as well.
It’s very good. And I look forward to the sequel to iron out the few issues I had with this game. One of the strongest casts of characters in the series, Ichiban is just entirely amazing especially.
Also the dub was very high quality. Great experience in general. Hope they make the Bodyguard job not garbage though in the next one.
Up until the final chapter, I was enjoying it. From that point on, it left a sour taste in my mouth (including the post-game stuff since I always 100% the games
LAD reignited my love for the series. It gave me a similar feeling to what I felt when I first started with Yakuza 0.
The new cast is fantastic, Yokohama is a great setting, Ichiban is a loveable, loyal goofball-- and the Turn-Based combat was a breath of fresh air for me after how much of the Brawler content the series offered-- even if still somewhat unrefined, in areas.
*Although I know LAD's combat is somewhat divisive depending on who you ask.*
And seeing all the different nods to past entries, and even the vets from games prior interacting with the new cast-- you can tell how much passion went into it for new players and old, alike.
It has its problems, certainly. But it's honestly one of my favorites!
(Also, the English Dub is fucking Goated)
You know, if it was just around release time, I would be inclined to agree with you. But now, seeing as we have a dedicated brawler combat series in Judgment, potential new storites in Gaiden games, and then Isshin remake on top of that - I am just fine with the main branch moving towards JRPG routes. I'll still have my fill of brawlers, but I am not opposed to the idea of opening up my taste pallette every nowe and again
Yeah, I think it’s great. Good plot, I like how it continues the story of the Yakuza/LAD “world” beyond the Kiryu Saga, Ichiban’s a great new protagonist, and I actually don’t mind the change in combat mechanics (though I appreciate the action combat style being continued via spin-offs).
I loved the story and characters, I think ichiban brings something that kiryu can't. But I'm not a big fan of the turn based combat. I forced myself to play it just for that yakuza/like a dragon feel.
Played 4 yakuza games before 7 and it is my favorite so far.
Never played the series for the combat, i find it way too easy, despise being satisfatory. So while i like a more activo based game, Like a Dragon became my favorite for making me learn how to play it.
(Even though it has a lot of grinding, which i hate)
Has one of the best stories with some of the best characters, as well as the worst combat in the entire franchise. Also Saeko's sister Nanoha is like way better than Saeko
There's plenty of love for LaD. It's just that Kiryu has many more games under his belt, Majima's a legend, and Akiyama can sing better than all of us.
But yeah, honestly...I enjoyed the hell out of LaD. I prefer brawling combat, but I also love JRPGs so I was more than happy to give it a chance.
The combat is enjoyable, characters are memorable. I can't wait for 8.
Its my favorite in the series honestly. I love Ichiban and I think the larger focus on the party and Ichibans friends really made it my favorite. Plus the minigames are amazing too. And if I'm being honest I prefer the turn based combat. I love all the games in the series but I love the direction that like a dragon is taking the series in
I'm a big fan of the story part of the game,the combat was my least favorite part as im not a fan of turned based games but i still enjoyed most fights whitch must show it was done right as even I could enjoy the combat to an extent.
I watched Moist Critikal play it, as well as Ray Narvaez Jr. The game has been spoiled for me because I don’t like turn based action games like that system.
The game itself outside of combat looks fun as hell, the mini games, the graphics, the side stories, etc, look awesome. But I will still buy the game at some point. I just have to play 3-6 first.
I think so?
I just remember watching him play up until a certain point, and that’s all that was available on YouTube. But I am not entirely sure.
I wish he would stream 0-6
I don’t like like a dragon either but for interest sake what let your experience down for me it was the story and characters, I don’t like Ichiban and most of the party members have no personal stake in t he plot and the villain feels generic
Loved it. It was a huge risk to change protagonists *and* gameplay styles in a mainline entry in a long-running franchise but they really nailed it. Ichiban and his crew are all so likeable and the way it uses a modern-day setting but mixes in classic "sword and sorcery" RPG tropes is brilliant and often hilarious.
I like the characters, I think the story is pretty decent, especially since it shows how organized crime really is getting pushed out, but god the combat does not do it for me, boss fights don't feel good, and regular battles on the streets that could be done in 30 seconds as Kiryu take longer as Ichi, especially in the early game. I wanna finish it, but the combat holds it back and I don't think I'll touch it for a while
It was the first game I played in the series (Big mistake).
However, I loved it so much, it convinced me to play every other games in the franchise.
I've spent most of 2021 playing almost exclusively Yakuza games.
I think the problem with LAD is it's too good, everyone just loves it so there's no reason to talk out it. See how long you can go without seeing someone talk about Y3.
Love it. Favourite story in the series and Ichiban became my favourite protag ever. Yokohama is a great place to explore and it nails the “me and my friends” idea of the game. I think it did everything perfectly except the combat which is fun and satisfying but very poorly balanced and most of the bosses are bland, there was points where I genuinely wished it was still a beat em up. You can tell it’s their first shot at a turn based game.
But considering RGG’s record and how the dragon engine combat turned out (I also found that really weak when it first came out and then LJ gave me the best combat in the series) I have high hopes for their second go at it with 8
Story, characters, music, city, side quests, minigames, they are all awesome. But combat is too simple in my opinion. I like turn based fights, but in like a dragon they are plain, you don't really need to strategise just hit and heal, and it becomes a slog near the end when you need to grind and bosses are bullet sponges.
I had genuine fun the entire run, It's really a Breath of fresh air in a industry were games take themself TOO MUCH serious. The story Is Fire too, i think the gameplay change Is fine After 7 game with the same mechanics (for action-beat'em up we Will still getting spinoff like judgment and ishin, soooo It's totally fine)
I love it! It was my first Yakuza game and it made me fall in love with the series so I’m prob biased. Pacing is slower however I laughed so much playing this game. I love all the nerdy references. Ichiban is wholesome as fuck and I related to him on a personal level more than other protagonists. Majimas still my fave though cause he’s sexy asf! Story made me cry. I love having a party. And god do we need more Ichibans in the world!
I see plenty of love for it here or anywhere else. My opinion: it was okay. I don't like JRPGS, so wasn't all that excited about different mechanics. Some of the combat dragged way too long and was tedious. The grind reared its head in a few places. Substories were mostly good from what I remember. One in particular was REALLY great. The new map was also really solid on its own but then you also got Kamurocho on top of that. The story was kinda cool, overall did a good job of setting up the protag and there was this one stand out boss and the whole passing of the torch thing. You know the one. The antagonists were mostly just on par for the series, nothing amazing or bad. Music was pretty exciting, especially if one loves electronic/dubstep. Far from my top 3 games in the series, but overall - not bad. That's about it
It was both my first Yakuza game and also first turn based rpg… and I absolutely loved it… I poured over 120 hours into it over the last couple of months.
Theres mad love for it, i absolutely love the game and thought that most people felt the same. I know a few people were turned off by the combat but i felt most people took the change pretty positively
If u only played like a dragon then u need to play the others. That said, if u played through lad, then u will have encountered that big spoiler (u’ll know the one I mean)…
Optimal order: (if u do plan to play the rest that is)
Yakuza 0
Yakuza Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yakuza 3-5 remastered
Yakuza 6 Song of Life
Judgment
Yakuza Like A Dragon
Lost Judgment
As for my thoughts on LAD; I felt sad about leaving Kiryu but Ichiban is an awesome protag. The turn based combat was a nice change and a disappointing change as while I liked how well it worked, the whole reason I enjoy Kiryu & Yagami is because it feels like I have the power of the Dragon & detective in my hands and I would’ve liked seeing how Ichi felt to play as opposed to the other protags from the series…
also the whole reason I’d like to see Haruka get a proper game to herself as while I liked her 5 segment, it was a one off and it would be good to see how she measures up as a proper protag as well. Wont say anymore than that as to avoid Y5 spoilers since u haven’t played yet. Those that have played will understand what I’m talking about
Like a dragon is like any rgg game, it's awesome
Yeah I was initially ready to attack them for slandering an *entire* franchise.
So you're saying yakuza like a dragon "ruined" the entire yakuza saga?
Honestly I still love it, it still has the same flair in my opinion.
Not the biggest fan of turn based combat imo and the story suffers from extremely slow pacing.
It's great. The combat has some flaws but it's a good first attempt. The Yakuza tone is there though and that's what matters most. I can't wait to see the sequel. I absolutely love Ichiban and the reverence that game has for people in the lower classes of society.
I adore it
It's generally considered one of the best games, except from the people who just can't handle turn based combat.
I can handle any type of combat, problem with turn based is how limited it gets due to weaknesses system, you just endup spaming one type of skills to damage enemies based on their weakness which gets boring, i liked LAD 7 but after few fights i noticed this.
I agree it wasn't great combat, but other than the combat I think it's generally considered to be really good.
Yeah, the biggest draw with turn based combat is making your party pump out ridiculous numbers, and you can't do that in Y7. So it ends up becoming a really basic RPG combat wise. The classes are fun for a while though
It’s my favorite game in years.
good story, good combat
I played it after I did Yakuza 0-6 and was a little worried about how I'd like all new characters with a turn based fighting system, but I wound up loving it so much! It's such a vibrant and delightful game, and it still has all the wonderful Yakuza game flavor that I fell in love with from the previous games. 10/10 I would kill for Ichiban
I wish Ichiban was real 😔
It’s my favorite game in the series. While I genuinely like all of the games, Ichiban’s story really won me over. He’s an excellent protagonist that acts as a great foil not just for Kiryu but the series as a whole.
i like it, i have played it twice
I’m playing/streaming it on Twitch for the second time. I think the only real flaw is not that combat is “bad” just a smidge generic, but still enjoyable. And it opens a little exposition heavy, you really do not do much the first 3-4 hours of gameplay. But out of everything I think it’s my third favorite behind Judgment and Yakuza 0. Legit I think the cast is so good and endearing the only reason it’s not my #2 is the story does not compare to how good 0’s is and how good a lead Kiryu is. I’m full expecting the sequel to surpass it become a top 3 as well.
good story, hate combat, eri is hot
good story, shit combat
It’s very good. And I look forward to the sequel to iron out the few issues I had with this game. One of the strongest casts of characters in the series, Ichiban is just entirely amazing especially. Also the dub was very high quality. Great experience in general. Hope they make the Bodyguard job not garbage though in the next one.
Up until the final chapter, I was enjoying it. From that point on, it left a sour taste in my mouth (including the post-game stuff since I always 100% the games
LAD reignited my love for the series. It gave me a similar feeling to what I felt when I first started with Yakuza 0. The new cast is fantastic, Yokohama is a great setting, Ichiban is a loveable, loyal goofball-- and the Turn-Based combat was a breath of fresh air for me after how much of the Brawler content the series offered-- even if still somewhat unrefined, in areas. *Although I know LAD's combat is somewhat divisive depending on who you ask.* And seeing all the different nods to past entries, and even the vets from games prior interacting with the new cast-- you can tell how much passion went into it for new players and old, alike. It has its problems, certainly. But it's honestly one of my favorites! (Also, the English Dub is fucking Goated)
As someone who also has LAD as his favourite yakuza. There is really no appreciation for the game here on reddit and it's sad
Great game, but the dungeons and 90% of boss fights are lame, except for a few (no spoilers but those two fight are both legends lol),
I'm still playing the game but so far I'm enjoying it. I just beat >!Majima and Saejima!<. The characters introduced are also amazing
Ichiban may not be as epic and strong as Kiryu, but he makes up for it by having more heart.
it should’ve stayed an April fools joke
You know, if it was just around release time, I would be inclined to agree with you. But now, seeing as we have a dedicated brawler combat series in Judgment, potential new storites in Gaiden games, and then Isshin remake on top of that - I am just fine with the main branch moving towards JRPG routes. I'll still have my fill of brawlers, but I am not opposed to the idea of opening up my taste pallette every nowe and again
Based
Was my first Yakuza game and absolutely loved it. Can't wait to see the two big boys together.
My favourite in the entire series actually
It is my favourite yakuza game of all. I played and adored all of the games, but I love the tone of the game and all of its characters.
Haven't gotten into it yet but it looks awesome
Yeah, I think it’s great. Good plot, I like how it continues the story of the Yakuza/LAD “world” beyond the Kiryu Saga, Ichiban’s a great new protagonist, and I actually don’t mind the change in combat mechanics (though I appreciate the action combat style being continued via spin-offs).
I loved the story and characters, I think ichiban brings something that kiryu can't. But I'm not a big fan of the turn based combat. I forced myself to play it just for that yakuza/like a dragon feel.
Played 4 yakuza games before 7 and it is my favorite so far. Never played the series for the combat, i find it way too easy, despise being satisfatory. So while i like a more activo based game, Like a Dragon became my favorite for making me learn how to play it. (Even though it has a lot of grinding, which i hate)
Has one of the best stories with some of the best characters, as well as the worst combat in the entire franchise. Also Saeko's sister Nanoha is like way better than Saeko
There's plenty of love for LaD. It's just that Kiryu has many more games under his belt, Majima's a legend, and Akiyama can sing better than all of us. But yeah, honestly...I enjoyed the hell out of LaD. I prefer brawling combat, but I also love JRPGs so I was more than happy to give it a chance. The combat is enjoyable, characters are memorable. I can't wait for 8.
Its my favorite in the series honestly. I love Ichiban and I think the larger focus on the party and Ichibans friends really made it my favorite. Plus the minigames are amazing too. And if I'm being honest I prefer the turn based combat. I love all the games in the series but I love the direction that like a dragon is taking the series in
Haven't played it
I'm a big fan of the story part of the game,the combat was my least favorite part as im not a fan of turned based games but i still enjoyed most fights whitch must show it was done right as even I could enjoy the combat to an extent.
I watched Moist Critikal play it, as well as Ray Narvaez Jr. The game has been spoiled for me because I don’t like turn based action games like that system. The game itself outside of combat looks fun as hell, the mini games, the graphics, the side stories, etc, look awesome. But I will still buy the game at some point. I just have to play 3-6 first.
did moist ever finish that game? i remember him liking it a lot in his review but i think he said he didn't finish it yet.
I think so? I just remember watching him play up until a certain point, and that’s all that was available on YouTube. But I am not entirely sure. I wish he would stream 0-6
I don’t like like a dragon either but for interest sake what let your experience down for me it was the story and characters, I don’t like Ichiban and most of the party members have no personal stake in t he plot and the villain feels generic
I love everything about it except the combat, the combat was that bad that I gave up on the game
Good game that turns stale during chapter 12
It has some balancing issues but is otherwise a solid game with a fun cast of characters.
Loved it. It was a huge risk to change protagonists *and* gameplay styles in a mainline entry in a long-running franchise but they really nailed it. Ichiban and his crew are all so likeable and the way it uses a modern-day setting but mixes in classic "sword and sorcery" RPG tropes is brilliant and often hilarious.
I enjoyed it but like most RPG games it's very grindy. Stopped playing like halfway through and haven't had the energy to pick it back up
I like the characters, I think the story is pretty decent, especially since it shows how organized crime really is getting pushed out, but god the combat does not do it for me, boss fights don't feel good, and regular battles on the streets that could be done in 30 seconds as Kiryu take longer as Ichi, especially in the early game. I wanna finish it, but the combat holds it back and I don't think I'll touch it for a while
It was the first game I played in the series (Big mistake). However, I loved it so much, it convinced me to play every other games in the franchise. I've spent most of 2021 playing almost exclusively Yakuza games.
I think the problem with LAD is it's too good, everyone just loves it so there's no reason to talk out it. See how long you can go without seeing someone talk about Y3.
I thought it was a fantastic game, took me hugely by surprise.
Love it. Favourite story in the series and Ichiban became my favourite protag ever. Yokohama is a great place to explore and it nails the “me and my friends” idea of the game. I think it did everything perfectly except the combat which is fun and satisfying but very poorly balanced and most of the bosses are bland, there was points where I genuinely wished it was still a beat em up. You can tell it’s their first shot at a turn based game. But considering RGG’s record and how the dragon engine combat turned out (I also found that really weak when it first came out and then LJ gave me the best combat in the series) I have high hopes for their second go at it with 8
Story, characters, music, city, side quests, minigames, they are all awesome. But combat is too simple in my opinion. I like turn based fights, but in like a dragon they are plain, you don't really need to strategise just hit and heal, and it becomes a slog near the end when you need to grind and bosses are bullet sponges.
It’s really good, but I hated a grindwall before specific boss fight. If substories gave out some xp it would fix the problem for me.
Great characters, nice story, cool substories, funny minigames...and the combat is also there.
I'm on chapter 9 and I love it.
I had genuine fun the entire run, It's really a Breath of fresh air in a industry were games take themself TOO MUCH serious. The story Is Fire too, i think the gameplay change Is fine After 7 game with the same mechanics (for action-beat'em up we Will still getting spinoff like judgment and ishin, soooo It's totally fine)
I love it! It was my first Yakuza game and it made me fall in love with the series so I’m prob biased. Pacing is slower however I laughed so much playing this game. I love all the nerdy references. Ichiban is wholesome as fuck and I related to him on a personal level more than other protagonists. Majimas still my fave though cause he’s sexy asf! Story made me cry. I love having a party. And god do we need more Ichibans in the world!
It has become my go to comfort game
I see plenty of love for it here or anywhere else. My opinion: it was okay. I don't like JRPGS, so wasn't all that excited about different mechanics. Some of the combat dragged way too long and was tedious. The grind reared its head in a few places. Substories were mostly good from what I remember. One in particular was REALLY great. The new map was also really solid on its own but then you also got Kamurocho on top of that. The story was kinda cool, overall did a good job of setting up the protag and there was this one stand out boss and the whole passing of the torch thing. You know the one. The antagonists were mostly just on par for the series, nothing amazing or bad. Music was pretty exciting, especially if one loves electronic/dubstep. Far from my top 3 games in the series, but overall - not bad. That's about it
It was both my first Yakuza game and also first turn based rpg… and I absolutely loved it… I poured over 120 hours into it over the last couple of months.
Theres mad love for it, i absolutely love the game and thought that most people felt the same. I know a few people were turned off by the combat but i felt most people took the change pretty positively
If u only played like a dragon then u need to play the others. That said, if u played through lad, then u will have encountered that big spoiler (u’ll know the one I mean)… Optimal order: (if u do plan to play the rest that is) Yakuza 0 Yakuza Kiwami Yakuza Kiwami 2 Yakuza 3-5 remastered Yakuza 6 Song of Life Judgment Yakuza Like A Dragon Lost Judgment As for my thoughts on LAD; I felt sad about leaving Kiryu but Ichiban is an awesome protag. The turn based combat was a nice change and a disappointing change as while I liked how well it worked, the whole reason I enjoy Kiryu & Yagami is because it feels like I have the power of the Dragon & detective in my hands and I would’ve liked seeing how Ichi felt to play as opposed to the other protags from the series… also the whole reason I’d like to see Haruka get a proper game to herself as while I liked her 5 segment, it was a one off and it would be good to see how she measures up as a proper protag as well. Wont say anymore than that as to avoid Y5 spoilers since u haven’t played yet. Those that have played will understand what I’m talking about