Summary
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthhas revealed an exciting new mode during Xbox’s Partner Preview showcase which is reminding fans ofNintendo’s massively popularAnimal Crossingfranchise. Last month, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced the January 26 release date of the much anticipated eighth mainline installment of its popular action RPG franchise formerly known asYakuza.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which released in 2020, marked the beginning of a new era for the series, as it introduced a new cast of eccentric heroes led by Ichiban Kasuga, and brought turn-based combat to the franchise for the first time. This year, theLike a Dragonfranchise has been super active, releasing two titles in 2023.Like a Dragon: Ishin, a remake of the 2014 spin-off which takes place in mid-1800s Kyo, released earlier in the year to considerable praise. Another spin-off,Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name,is set to release in November and willpick up the story of franchise icon Kazuma Kiryuahead of next year’s mainlineInfinite Wealth,where he’ll reunite with Ichiban Kasuga in Hawaii.
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WithLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthbasically just around the corner in January, the game popped up during Xbox’s Partner Preview showcase alongside other big upcoming third-party games like the imminentAlan Wake 2and theMetal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eaterremake, among others. The event featured a new trailer forInfinite Wealthwhich showcased a brand-new mode called Dondoko Island, an entire island that acts essentially likeAnimal Crossing, allowing players to build and furnish homes and populate an entire community with NPCs.
The three-minute trailer opened with Ichiban hilariously riding a dolphin across the sea to arrive at Dondoko Island. From there, it displayed how players will be able to harvest resources around the island by exploring, fishing, chopping stones, and catching bugs; using these materials build structures and furniture for the NPCs. The video also hinted at the possibility of having to defend Dondoko Island from unwanted pirates. It’s unclear how far players will need to get throughInfinite Wealth’s story to gain access to the island. Modes such as these in the series, such asYakuza: Like a Dragon’s business management mode, usually aren’t unlocked until several long chapters into the game.
TheLike a Dragonfranchise is certainly no stranger to silly and eccentric side modes, and Dondoko Island is looking right in-line with that wacky tone. It’s possible that the mainstream success ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsin early 2020 inspired Ryu Ga Gotoku to try something similar inInfinite Wealth. WithIshinhaving already released earlier this year,Like a Dragonfans still have a lot to look forward to in the coming months withLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Nameout in a few weeks andInfinite Wealthkicking off 2024.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthis coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on June 02, 2025.
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