During the Xbox Partner Preview livestream, SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) introduced “Dondoko Island,” an expansive life simulation side piece that will be featured the upcoming “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.”
In this mini-game setting, players are tasked with constructing their own residence and cultivating an island teeming with tourists, embellishments, and various engaging side activities, all very reminiscent of typical life simulation titles like Animal Crossing.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth aspires to offer a unique RPG adventure experience with combat that boasts “a greater depth” according to the developers, simply because you now have full freedom of movement within combat, allowing greater positioning and allowing your allies to defeat foes more effectively.
It’s important to note that quite literally anything to do with the Yakuza franchise is very lighthearted with a humorous approach rather than taking themselves too seriously as video games normally do.
Because that’s what gaming is all about, nobody really gives a shit about realism, nobody wants “realism”, gaming has always been about enjoyment, fun and escapism.
Which is exactly what Dondoko Island offers, an escape from the normality of a Yakuza game, ride a dolphin to discover an deserted island, explore and cultivate said uninhabited island, collect resources, clean up trash, go fishing, catch bugs and insects.
Build your own villa, craft decoration pieces and furniture, open your island to tourists, build friendships with your newfound population and deal with malicious troublemakers of whom you’ll have to dispose of personally.
The storyline of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth revolves around Ichiban Kasuga, who finds himself on a beach without clothing. While specific narrative details remain limited at this time, players can anticipate the return of Yakuza staple Kazuma Kiryu, who will likely share the protagonist spotlight with Ichiban.
Additionally, the game will retain the turn-based combat system seen in the previous mainline release, Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Dondoko Island is certainly ticking all the boxes that describes a life simulator, all while retaining the care free style and feel of your average Yakuza game.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is scheduled for release on January 26, 2024, on Sony’s PlayStation 4 and 5 systems, Microsoft’s XBOX One and Series X/S consoles and of course the only platform that truly matters, the PC.
Before the launch of this title, fans can also look forward to Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, set to be released on November 9, 2023, on the same platforms. Additionally, it will come with a demo of Infinite Wealth included for players to experience.
