Xbox Partner Preview: New Details on Ichiban Kasuga’s Upcoming Adventure, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Summary
Xbox Partner Preview featured the first exclusive look at new island activity, Dondoko Island.
We talk with RGG Studio Chief Producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto to get some new info on Ichiban Kasuga’s upcoming adventure, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches January 26, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth doesn’t hit Xbox Series X|S and Windows until January 26, 2024, but we’re already anticipating another exciting and emotional narrative RPG packed with unique enemies and unforgettable encounters.
We got our first “brief” appearance at what Ichiban has been up to during our Xbox Games Showcase from earlier this year, and today during Xbox Partner Preview we got an exclusive look at one of the most ambitious-looking jobs for Ichi to take on yet: managing his own island resort on Dondoko Island!
To learn more about what’s in store soon for players, we were fortunate to catch up with RGG Studio Chief Producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto to get some new info on the circumstances that have brought Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu together, what’s going on with that new island activity, and how Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio aims to improve upon its already epic RPG combat system.
What can you share about Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu in the lead-up to Infinite Wealth that would be good for players to know?
Kazuma Kiryu is a legendary yakuza that was introduced from the first Ryu Ga Gotoku game and is the stoic protagonist that represents the series. Ichiban Kasuga is different from Kiryu where he is full of humanity and is the new protagonist introduced from Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Can you share the circumstances that have brought Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu together in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth?
Kasuga goes to Hawaii alone to look for his mother, but he gets tricked by a young woman there and ends up thrown out on the beach stark naked. After that he is arrested by the local police and the one who saves Kasuga after his escape is Kazuma Kiryu, who happened to be there undercover as an agent for a separate matter.
What improvements have you made to the RPG combat system? Are there additional abilities characters can learn now?
First of all, you can move before choosing your command, adjust the effect by distance, and change the direction of the attack, among others. Also, out of specific jobs for Kazuma Kiryu, there is a mode that allows you to attack the enemy with action controls within a set time.
The jobs system from Like a Dragon was amazing. How are you working to improve it for Infinite Wealth?
There will be a few jobs returning from Yakuza: Like a Dragon but this time, you can unlock new jobs through activities in Hawaii. For jobs, with characters being able to move as I mentioned before, abilities are extremely unique and has more strategical aspects to them.
How long will it take until players have access to Dondoko Island? Is this a feature that’s available early in the game or is this more of a late-game activity?
Dondoko Island will be unlocked through a side-story that will be available at the start of Chapter 6.
How does your activity on Dondoko Island tie back to the main campaign of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth?
This feature is independent from the main story so you will be able to play through at your own pace.
What other activities can players look forward to enjoying in the game?
There will be a ton of minigames that I wouldn’t be able to list them all here but there’s an exciting minigame called Crazy Delivery, Sujimon Battle where you collect enemies and battle them and a dating app where you chat to find a match.
This game is going to span many different locations, including Hawaii. Are there any real-world locations in Hawaii in particular (Waikiki, etc.) that you are drawing design inspiration from in particular?
We do of course make some changes for the game but generally, we create these locations based on data we collected on-site.
With the recent addition of Like a Dragon Ishin into Game Pass, and the upcoming Like a Dragon Gaiden, nearly the entire series is available and ready for Xbox fans. Since we have a few months before release, how should new fans use the time to get ready for Infinite Wealth?
We’d love everyone to first play Like a Dragon Gaiden and remember Kazuma Kiryu’s story, and maybe even play through the previous titles if time allows to further your understanding. In addition, if you can play Infinite Wealth on launch day, we couldn’t be happier. I’m sure it will be an impressive experience for everyone!
Thank you to Hiroyuki Sakamoto for taking the time to answer a few of our questions. Look for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to launch on January 26, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.
[Preorder Bonus Content]
Hero's Booster & Special Job Bundle
■ Hero's Booster Pack
This pack allows you to increase your party members' level and job rank by 1.
Includes:
– Leveling Set (Small) x 1
– Gearworks Crafting Set (Small) x 1
– Job Leveling Set (Small) x 1
* These consumable items grant enough EXP to raise a character's level by 1 and enough Job EXP to raise the rank of the corresponding job by 1.
* Please note that these items only grant as much EXP as needed and are therefore of greatest benefit when characters are their furthest from a level or rank up.
* These items cannot be used by characters who have reached their maximum level or job rank.
■ Special Job Set
This set contains the special jobs of Linebacker and Tennis Ace.
– Male Job: Linebacker will be available to all male party members.
– Female Job: Tennis Ace will be available to all female party members.
* To unlock the Linebacker job, Kasuga's Confidence must be level 6 or higher.
* To unlock the Tennis Ace job, Kasuga's Charisma must be level 6 or higher.
EPIC EMOTIONAL DRAMA
Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…
Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down a battle of his last days of life.
BEST-IN-CLASS RPG ACTION
Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes.
Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.
INFINITE ADVENTURE
Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific.
Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
By using this product, you agree to this EULA: https://games.sega.com/eula/
[Preorder Bonus Content]
Hero's Booster & Special Job Bundle
■ Hero's Booster Pack
This pack allows you to increase your party members' level and job rank by 1.
Includes:
– Leveling Set (Small) x 1
– Gearworks Crafting Set (Small) x 1
– Job Leveling Set (Small) x 1
* These consumable items grant enough EXP to raise a character's level by 1 and enough Job EXP to raise the rank of the corresponding job by 1.
* Please note that these items only grant as much EXP as needed and are therefore of greatest benefit when characters are their furthest from a level or rank up.
* These items cannot be used by characters who have reached their maximum level or job rank.
■ Special Job Set
This set contains the special jobs of Linebacker and Tennis Ace.
– Male Job: Linebacker will be available to all male party members.
– Female Job: Tennis Ace will be available to all female party members.
* To unlock the Linebacker job, Kasuga's Confidence must be level 6 or higher.
* To unlock the Tennis Ace job, Kasuga's Charisma must be level 6 or higher.
[Deluxe Edition Content]
– Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth game
– Master Vacation Bundle
EPIC EMOTIONAL DRAMA
Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…
Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down a battle of his last days of life.
BEST-IN-CLASS RPG ACTION
Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes.
Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.
INFINITE ADVENTURE
Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific.
Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
This product includes the base game as well as additional content. Additional content can also be purchased separately, so please be careful not to make overlapping purchases.
By using this product, you agree to this EULA: https://games.sega.com/eula/
[Preorder Bonus Content]
Hero's Booster & Special Job Bundle
■ Hero's Booster Pack
This pack allows you to increase your party members' level and job rank by 1.
Includes:
– Leveling Set (Small) x 1
– Gearworks Crafting Set (Small) x 1
– Job Leveling Set (Small) x 1
* These consumable items grant enough EXP to raise a character's level by 1 and enough Job EXP to raise the rank of the corresponding job by 1.
* Please note that these items only grant as much EXP as needed and are therefore of greatest benefit when characters are their furthest from a level or rank up.
* These items cannot be used by characters who have reached their maximum level or job rank.
■ Special Job Set
This set contains the special jobs of Linebacker and Tennis Ace.
– Male Job: Linebacker will be available to all male party members.
– Female Job: Tennis Ace will be available to all female party members.
* To unlock the Linebacker job, Kasuga's Confidence must be level 6 or higher.
* To unlock the Tennis Ace job, Kasuga's Charisma must be level 6 or higher.
[Ultimate Edition Content]
– Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth game
– Master Vacation Bundle
– Assorted Outfit Bundle
– Sujimon & Resort Bundle
– Yakuza CD Collection Set
EPIC EMOTIONAL DRAMA
Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…
Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down his last days.
BEST-IN-CLASS RPG ACTION
Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes. Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.
INFINITE ADVENTURE
Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
This product includes the base game as well as additional content. Additional content can also be purchased separately, so please be careful not to make overlapping purchases.
By using this product, you agree to this EULA: https://games.sega.com/eula/
