Like A Dragon Ishin Review (PS5)-
"Although this is a polished-up version of an older game that originally released on older generation consoles, this version of the previously Japan-only exclusive has aged rather well. This PS5 version manages to not feel too outdated and the cutscenes throughout the game's main story are captivating and use PS5's hardware to the best of its ability. If you can overlook the fact that the games central character is based on the same design as Kazuma Kiryu from the mainline series, Yakuza, and also the supporting cast will also have lots of faces that you will recognize as well, but overlook that and you get a game that definitely deserves your attention. This game was made back in the days when the Yakuza games were still utilizing the button mashing combat system (instead of the turn-based fights Like A Dragon now uses), and the combat is very smooth and crunchy. And since this also a game about Japan's feudal past, it also places an emphasis on swordplay, which features in very nicely alongside this story."
"Back to the story though, this time we play as Sakamoto Ryoma, a generous and stoic fellow who is watching his country around him change for the worse day by day. The class system in place puts a heavy burden on alot of peoples' lives and when tragedy strikes close to home in his hometown of Tosa, Ryoma leaves his hometown behind to learn the identity of the culprit who kills a member of his family. The story focuses on the problematic structure of the Japanese government at the time and also provides players with a look at Japan's brutal & bloody past in the process. Ryoma wants nothing more than to change the class system in place for one that does not recognize a person's value by what their last name is to a country that is more accepting of both it's citizens and foreigners alike. This seems like a pipe dream at the time because of the Bakufu & the rich, power hungry lords and the corrupt system in control of country. While also attempting the start of a revolution, Ryoma also secretly begins to gather information about the killer who struck in Tosa and thus winds up in Kyo, Japan. It is here where the bulk of the story takes place."
"The game is very picturesque of what Japan probably looked like back then. No cars or busy Tokyo streets here, just dirt and people with wagons and carriages and folks living the harder life. The playable area in Kyo is loaded with citizens to befriend and side quests to discover but don't expect a lot of depth to the activities these consist of this time, unlike in the Yakuza games. They are mostly all fetch quests who have you gathering items to give to NPC's or have you running back and forth. There are a few exceptions to this, like a group of school kids who Ryoma has to teach geography and history lessons to, but there aren't enough of side quests like this on the game. There ARE however, a lot of side activities to spend your time and Ryo on. Ryoma can kill it in karaoke, he can do the traditional Japanese dance, and there is fishing and the beloved arena fights to unwind while you work your way through the story. That is always a great thing about this studio's games is the freedom of choice."
"The combat system is amazing as always and features a Brawler style, which is strictly fisticuffs and barehanded combat. The Swordsman is self-explanatory and is a very powerful ally in your fight against the Bakufu and it's regime. There are also the Gunman & Wild Dancer styles which may not make their worth obvious until you have allocated enough of your skill points to them. The Wild Dancer style especially, as this style is focused on swift attacks with both the sword and pistol at once, and is a great way to evade enemy attacks while dancing around your foes before you litter them with holes. The combat system is very deep and there are LOTS of areas to spend your points on, and even when you have maxed a certain style out, you can then start over and spend your points again on the same skills you have already purchased for a significant boost to that particular skill. And once you have unlocked everything, you will gain the very powerful secret ultimate combat style. There are plenty of things to fight as many battles as you can and systems to master here and this makes it highly re-playable but can also get a little grindy when you are trying to unlock the final combat style."
"To sum it all up, Like A Dragon: Ishin is a great game that is finally available to people outside of Japan and I for one would love to see more of the studios games get localized. The side quests could use a little more depth but all in all, the gripping story mixed with the chaotic historical plotline makes for an intriguing and informative experience and any fan of the Yakuza games will feel right at home with this. Another great job by Ryu-Ga-Gotoku studio!!"