Game of the Year: #3 - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth 1
Image: Push Square

It’s no secret we’ve always had a soft spot for the Yakuza franchise here at Push Square; it’s a perennial favourite across our entire editorial team, with some of us even campaigning for the localisation of Yakuza 5 during that low-period, where SEGA relied on Sony to bring the PS3 game overseas.

Fortunately, the franchise has never been in a better spot, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is another wonderful entry in the long-running series. While there’s still some debate over whether the franchise works best as a brawler or turn-based RPG, few would deny this is an outstanding game.

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With its dual protagonist setup following the eternally optimistic Ichiban Kasuga and series stalwart Kazuma Kiryu to the new setting of Hawaii, this outing masterfully walks the tightrope between serious and silly.

While the narrative does feel a little contrived at times, it’s hard not to get caught up in all of the twists and turns, as you never can quite predict what’s going to happen next.

A vastly expanded job system sees you building your characters based on surfers, gunslingers, and even American football players (if you purchased the DLC, of course), so there’s much more depth to the turn-based combat this time.

And when you’re not in battle, there’s a never-ending list of things to do: restoring an island to its former glory in a massive Animal Crossing-inspired minigame; making connections with strangers over social media; collecting Sujimon and sending them into battle in a Pokémon-inspired side quest – this is a game you can lose yourself in for hundreds upon hundreds of hours.

Crucially of all, you’ll want to. The writing is sharp and laugh-out-loud funny throughout, while the characters are earnest and enjoyable to be around. This is RGG Studio proving it’s at the top of the game, and finally it’s being richly rewarded for its output, which has been fantastic for pushing two decades now.

Push Square's Game of the Year top 10 is decided by votes coming from internal staff and regular contributors. Our community Game of the Year poll also factors into the result. Feel free to agree or disagree with our list in the comments section below.

You can check out all of our Game of the Year coverage by clicking the link.

Do you agree with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth being our #3 Game of the Year? (579 votes)

  1. Absolutely, it's in the right spot%
  2. It should be higher on the list%
  3. It should be lower on the list%
  4. It shouldn't even be on the list%
  5. I don't know / I haven't played it%