Is Yakuza a Turn-Based RPG? Exploring the Evolution of Combat in the Dragon’s Den
The Yakuza series, now globally known as Like a Dragon, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, particularly concerning its combat system. The straightforward answer to the question “Is Yakuza a turn-based RPG?” is nuanced. While the majority of the mainline series was built upon a foundation of real-time brawling combat, the series boldly shifted gears with Yakuza: Like a Dragon (also known as Yakuza 7), embracing a turn-based RPG system. This change has persisted in subsequent titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Yakuza 8 in the West). Therefore, while not the entire franchise, certain key entries definitively establish the Like a Dragon series as having a turn-based RPG branch. This article explores the evolution of combat in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, addressing this significant shift and providing insights for both newcomers and longtime fans.
The Brawling Roots of Yakuza
For years, the Yakuza franchise was synonymous with visceral, real-time combat. Players controlled protagonists like Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, engaging in street brawls, utilizing a diverse range of fighting styles, heat actions, and environmental weapons to defeat enemies. This system was a core element of the series’ identity, providing a sense of raw power and strategic thinking as players learned enemy patterns and exploited weaknesses. The combat mechanics were a crucial aspect of the “tough guy” fantasy that the Yakuza games so effectively delivered.
Real-Time Combat Mechanics: A Legacy of Brutality
The brawling system, while praised for its intensity, wasn’t without its critics. Some players found the combat to be repetitive, particularly with enemies frequently resorting to blocking. Despite these concerns, the real-time system established the series as a distinct action franchise.
The RPG Revolution: Like a Dragon and Beyond
Yakuza: Like a Dragon marked a pivotal moment. Driven by the series’ new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, a passionate fan of the Dragon Quest series, the game adopted a turn-based combat system. This was a significant departure, prompting debate and discussion within the fanbase.
Why the Change to Turn-Based?
The decision to switch to turn-based combat wasn’t arbitrary. According to developers, an April Fool’s joke demonstrating a turn-based system surprisingly garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback. The team saw an opportunity to reinvigorate the series, allowing for more strategic depth and character customization. The change also allowed the development team to lean more heavily into the narrative, as the characters are more expressive.
Key Features of the Turn-Based System in Like a Dragon
- Jobs: Players can change the professions (Jobs) of their party members, granting access to unique skills and abilities.
- Party-Based Combat: Battles involve a party of characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
- Strategic Planning: Careful planning and execution of attacks are essential for victory.
- Environmental Interactions: Characters can utilize objects in the environment to their advantage.
- Summons: The system introduced Summons, allowing the player to call in allies.
Has the Turn-Based System Been Successful?
The transition to turn-based combat has generally been well-received, proving to be a bold move for the series. While some long-time fans initially expressed skepticism, many have come to appreciate the added layer of strategy and customization. The turn-based system has breathed new life into the series, attracting a broader audience while retaining the core elements that made Yakuza famous.
Continuing the Turn-Based Legacy
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth further cements the turn-based RPG direction for the mainline series with Ichiban as the protagonist. This shows that the developers are committed to the new style of gameplay, offering a fresh experience for players while maintaining the signature Yakuza charm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Yakuza and Turn-Based Combat
1. Does every Yakuza game have turn-based combat?
No, not every game in the series features turn-based combat. The majority of the mainline games, prior to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, utilized a real-time brawling system.
2. Which Yakuza game introduced turn-based combat?
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7 in Japan) was the first mainline entry to fully embrace turn-based RPG combat.
3. Will future Yakuza/Like a Dragon games continue to use turn-based combat?
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has been confirmed to feature turn-based combat. The recent trajectory of the series suggests that turn-based combat will remain a central element of the mainline games moving forward, at least for Ichiban Kasuga’s arc.
4. Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon a good starting point for the series?
Yes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is considered an excellent entry point for newcomers. It features a new protagonist, a fresh story, and a drastically different combat system compared to previous games.
5. Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon a spin-off title?
No, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is considered a mainline entry in the series, not a spin-off.
6. What are the advantages of turn-based combat in Yakuza?
The turn-based system allows for more strategic gameplay, character customization through Jobs, and a deeper focus on party dynamics.
7. Can I still enjoy the Yakuza series if I prefer real-time combat?
Absolutely! There are still a few games within the series that feature real-time combat.
8. What is the “Dragon Engine” and how does it relate to the combat system?
The Dragon Engine is the game engine used in Yakuza 6 and later titles. It enhances the visual fidelity and provides more fluid combat, regardless of whether it’s real-time or turn-based.
9. Does the turn-based combat make the game easier or harder?
The difficulty of the combat depends on individual playstyle and strategy. Some may find the turn-based system more strategic and therefore easier, while others may miss the raw action of the real-time combat.
10. How does the Job system work in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
The Job system allows players to change the professions of their party members, granting them access to new skills, abilities, and equipment.
11. Was the decision to go turn-based controversial among fans?
Yes, the decision was initially met with some resistance from long-time fans who preferred the real-time combat. However, many have come to appreciate the new system.
12. Are there any Yakuza spin-off games that use different combat systems?
Yes, titles like Judgment and Lost Judgment retain the real-time combat mechanics. Like a Dragon: Ishin!, a remake of a Japan-exclusive title, uses a real-time combat system with multiple fighting styles.
13. Why was the Yakuza series renamed to Like a Dragon in the West?
In Japan, the series has always been known as Ryu Ga Gotoku, which translates to Like a Dragon. The name change in the West was intended to align the international branding with the original Japanese title and better reflect the series’ themes.
14. Does Kazuma Kiryu appear in the turn-based Yakuza games?
Yes, Kazuma Kiryu appears in Yakuza: Like a Dragon as a supporting character and boss battle. Kiryu will also be appearing in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
15. Where can I learn more about game design principles in series like Yakuza?
You can explore resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society for insights into the design principles behind successful game franchises. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Conclusion: A Dragon Reborn
The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series’ transition to turn-based combat is a testament to the developers’ willingness to innovate and evolve. The change has broadened the franchise’s appeal, offering a compelling blend of strategic gameplay, rich storytelling, and the unique Yakuza charm that fans have come to love. Whether you prefer the classic brawling action or the new turn-based RPG system, the world of Yakuza/Like a Dragon has something to offer every gamer.