Like a Dragon: Ishin! 2023 PC Gameplay P2
2"Like a Dragon: Ishin!" is a captivating action-adventure video game set against the backdrop of the turbulent Bakumatsu era in 1860s Japan. You'll embody the role of Sakamoto Ryōma, a rōnin deeply entangled in a quest to uncover the truth behind the murder of his adoptive father, Yoshida Tōyō, amidst a complex web of political intrigue.
The game boasts a dynamic and robust combat system, granting players control over Ryōma and his diverse fighting styles. These styles include the Swordsman, who wields a katana as their primary weapon, the Gunman proficient in pistols, the Brawler showcasing traditional hand-to-hand combat, and the Wild Dancer, an amalgamation of katana and pistol techniques.
A notable addition to the gameplay is the Virtue system, where you earn Virtue points by completing side quests, story events, gaining Completion Points, and accomplishing various tasks. These Virtue points can then be exchanged for valuable abilities, adding depth to character development.
The world of "Like a Dragon: Ishin!" is an immersive open world, meticulously crafted to reflect the historical events of Japan's Bakumatsu era. The game focuses on two key locations: the powerful feudal domain and castle town in east Japan, Tosa, and the capital city of the time, Kyo. Kyo is divided into multiple districts, each with its unique characteristics, such as Fushimi, Gion, Rakunai, Rakugai, and Mukurogai. It's in Kyo that the notorious Shinsengumi, a police force organized by the Bakufu, has its headquarters, and much of the game's intense action unfolds here.
The game's character roster is diverse, with most characters loosely based on real historical figures, and many borrowing appearances from the broader Like a Dragon franchise. Sakamoto Ryōma, the protagonist, is portrayed by Takaya Kuroda, and his journey is marked by complex relationships with significant figures such as Kondō Isami, Hijikata Toshizō, Itō Kashitarō, and Yamazaki Susumu, all members of the Shinsengumi.
The story is woven with intricate twists and turns, involving allies and adversaries. Notable characters include Katsura Kogorō, leader of the Chōshū Loyalist Party, Saigō Kichinosuke, General Commander of the Satsuma Domain Army, and Nakaoka Shintarō, Tōyō's former retainer who partners with Ryōma to investigate Tōyō's murder.
The game also delves into the world of politics and conspiracy. It's revealed that Ryōma's search for the truth takes him to a dramatic encounter with his sworn brother, Takechi Hanpeita, who commands the Tosa Loyalist Party and has a dark agenda. Meanwhile, Imperialist ideals, foreign influence, and the desire to overthrow the Bakufu form the backdrop of a story rife with betrayal and loyalty.
As you navigate this tumultuous world, you'll uncover a web of secrets, assassinations, and shifting loyalties, leading to a climax filled with dramatic showdowns and plot twists. The choices you make will determine the fate of Ryōma and Japan.
The game also offers a variety of side content, including a Battle Dungeon, a dungeon-crawling mode utilizing special ability cards known as Trooper Cards, and Another Life, a side story where Ryōma must help a girl in debt due to illness. The return of series staples like Gambling, Karaoke, and a fighting arena ensures you'll have plenty of diversions beyond the main storyline.
"Like a Dragon: Ishin!" originally launched in Japan as a PlayStation 4 exclusive in 2014. However, the game received a remake, "Like a Dragon: Ishin!," in 2023, expanding its accessibility to a global audience by releasing on PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. This remake was developed using Unreal Engine 4 and retained much of the original's gameplay, including the Trooper Cards, while introducing some exciting updates and improvements.
The remake features new character casting, an expanded karaoke minigame with additional songs, and a unique option to switch between Japanese kanji and romaji or translated lyrics in multiple languages. Furthermore, a downloadable content bundle titled "Elite General Trooper Cards" introduced Trooper Cards based on various celebrities, including AEW's Kenny Omega, actor Rahul Kohli, and VTuber Nyatasha Nyanners.
"Like a Dragon: Ishin!" and its remake offer an immersive experience that combines historical accuracy with a captivating storyline, action-packed gameplay, and a vibrant world that brings the Bakumatsu era to life. Dive into this epic adventure and experience the challenges, intrigue, and battles of Sakamoto Ryōma as he navigates a tumultuous period in Japanese history.