My favorite part of Japanese games is their unique action style. Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin reminds me of how much I love Japanese games, especially the Like a Dragon series. Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin is translated in English as “Like a Dragon Ishin.” The action-packed adventure game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. This spin-off of the popular Like a Dragon series, also known as Yakuza, takes players on a thrilling journey through feudal-era Japan. The game was initially released exclusively in Japan in February 2014 as a launch title for the PlayStation 4. Later, Like a Dragon: Ishin remake was released worldwide in February 2023. The remake is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

The Storyline Serves as the Perfect Foundation for the Gameplay 

The storyline and plot were the first things I loved in Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin. It captures so much emotion and passion with such a realistic response. Ishin follows the story of Sakamoto Ryoma, a young man struggling with his identity and place in society during the chaotic Bakumatsu period. The historical reference to Bakumatsu hooked me since I love games grounded in real historical events. As the game begins, we can see Ryoma looking really sad and depressed from the assassination of his father figure and the conflicting pressures of the Tosa coup d’état. These feelings roused something vengeful in him. He became determined to find his mentor’s killer and make sense of his life. Ryoma then decided to go undercover in the streets of Kyo, hiding his true identity and joining the notorious Shinsengumi gang. The Shinsengumi are a powerful and feared group of samurai tasked with maintaining order and protecting the shogunate.

As Ryoma explores the dangerous world of the Shinsengumi, he must also deal with his doubts and fears, which are biting him off. Will he be able to find his mentor’s killer and bring them to justice? Can he survive in the cutthroat world of the Shinsengumi, where loyalty is everything, and betrayal means certain death? These and more questions were what filled his head.

Ishin Features a Dynamic Combat System

As with previous games in the Like a Dragon series, players can only take on the role of Sakamoto Ryoma, a skilled warrior who must navigate the treacherous world of feudal Japan. What makes Ishin unique compared to its predecessors is the inclusion of four distinct fighting styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This new change is like having 4 Ryomas when you thought you could have just one. But no, you can’t use all four styles simultaneously. You must choose one of the four skills: the Swordsman, Gunman, Brawler, and Wild Dancer. Your style will determine the kind of weapon your character gets to use. For instance, if you choose to specialize in the Swordsman style, Ryoma will be equipped with a katana as his primary weapon. If you go with the Gunman style, Ryoma will get the guns (pistols). The guns are usually great for ranged attacks.

You can opt for the Brawler style if you prefer a more traditional combat style. This means some hardcore hand-to-hand combat. When playing with this style, you are skilled with swift movement and, of course, dodging. If you choose the Wild Dancer, you’ll choose my favourite style. The Wild Dancer style combines the best of two worlds, allowing players to switch between a katana and pistol during combat. This means you’ll be good at both short-ranged and long-ranged combats.

The New Features Introduced are Simply Amazing

Inshi introduced some pretty amazing new features, but the most exciting for me were the virtue system, battle dungeon, side quests, and mini-games. What more could make a game more exciting? My favorite is the revolutionary virtue system that gives you many reasons to keep playing and replaying the game. The virtue system allows players to earn points by completing different actions, including side-quests, story events, and other tasks throughout the game. When you accumulate these virtue points, you can use them to unlock various powerful abilities and skills that will help you throughout the gameplay, especially during combat.

Like a Dragon: Ishin also features the thrilling Battle Dungeon mode, which lets you embark on a dungeon-crawling adventure. Imagine adding dungeon crawling to the already intense combat system. You can use some special cards called the Trooper Cards when playing in dungeon mode. These cards are sure to help you gain an edge in battle.

The Side Quests Make the Game Irresistible

If you think you’re getting bored with the gameplay or just need a breath of fresh air for a while, you can look at ‘Another Life.’ This compelling side-story feature is almost as good as the main game. In this quest, Ryoma must help a young girl named Haruka pay off her debts. Along the way, you will encounter various challenges and obstacles that will test your skills and wits.

There are also so many mini-games in Like a Dragon Inshi, including the classic minigames we have come to know and love. From the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the gambling halls to the soulful sounds of the Singing Bar, there’s plenty of fun and entertainment to be had in this vibrant world of unending minigames.

Conclusion

Like a Dragon: Ishin offers an immersive gaming experience that will leave players on the edge of their seats. Ishin also features a deep and engaging story that draws heavily from Japanese history, allowing you to explore a faithfully recreated version of feudal Japan, complete with stunning visuals and authentic cultural touches. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the “Like a Dragon” series or a newcomer to the franchise, Like a Dragon Ishin is sure to provide hours of thrilling gameplay and immersive storytelling.