Advertisement

Like a Dragon: Ishin! for Windows

  • Paid

  • In English
  • V varies-with-devices
  • 4.8

    (0)

Softonic review

Remake of the 2014 Yakuza spin-off

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a single-player action game that is a remake of 2014's Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! It provides Western audiences with their first chance to experience the game, which is a spin-off from the wider Like a Dragon franchise, as the original game did not receive a global release.

Set in the Bakumatsu era of Japan's Edo Period, it places players in control of a samurai protagonist, Sakamoto Ryōma. It provides all the humor and fighting experience players have come to expect from the series.

Like a Dragon in the era of the samurai

As with other games in the Like a Dragon series, Lake a Dragon: Ishin! is a third-person action adventure. However, the combat sections are separated by quirky side missions, which help give it humor and a sense of fun.

While playing as Sakamoto Ryōma, the player can utilize four fighting styles: swordplay, gunslinging, one which combines the two, and one geared toward hand-to-hand combat. While the remake remains faithful to the original, it features graphical and gameplay improvements similar to those in the Yakuza Kiwami remakes.

Emotional drama and fighting excellence

The plot of Like a Dragon: Ishin! provides an emotional story focused on revenge, while there is plenty of less serious side content to tackle. Those who prefer to focus on the main quests will find that it lasts around 25 hours, but there is substantially more content available.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is set in an earlier time period than the other games of Yakuza/Like a Dragon, including Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Yakuza 0, and Yakuza Kiwami. It also features real-time combat, like older games, rather than the JRPG combat seen in Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Reworked game and combat mechanics

The main difference in this 2023 remake is the incorporation of Trooper Cards. In the 2014 original, Trooper Cards let you build your own squad in a separate mini-game. However, with the new Ishin game, you can deploy your troops at any point in the game. This spices up the gameplay experience since, instead of using Ryoma alone, you can call on various allies.

Also, the combat system received minor changes. For example, boss health is now displayed in a single, yet slightly more imposing, HP bar. This is different from the multilayered life bar in the original Japanese release. Similarly, most of these bosses now have updated move sets, making them flashier and more challenging. Of course, there are all-new dungeon bosses included in the remake.

A remake for a wider audience

Ultimately, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a remake that will serve as many gamers' first opportunity to experience this samurai action adventure. Despite its earlier setting, it benefits from many of the key features players have come to expect from the franchise.

PROS

  • Classic 'Like a Dragon' humor
  • Four combat styles
  • Plenty of side content

CONS

  • Combat is slightly stiff
  • Some mechanics are dated

Program available in other languages


Like a Dragon: Ishin! for PC

  • Paid

  • In English
  • V varies-with-devices
  • 4.8

    (0)

User reviews about Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Have you tried Like a Dragon: Ishin!? Be the first to leave your opinion!


Advertisement

Explore More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws. Softonic may receive a referral fee if you click or buy any of the products featured here.