Ashtear

Xenoblade Chronicles has been one of the broadly popular JRPG series as of late, particularly within my own social circles. I have heard mostly good things about the games, and some vocal criticisms about the second game in particular. After finally picking up a Switch last year, I have now made my way through most of the series.

Before trying Xenoblade myself, I had a mixed history with Xeno series creator Tetsuya Takahashi. He’s had quite a career, having worked on games in the Ys, Final Fantasy, SaGa, Mana, and Chrono series. Xenogears was his first project as a director, and I knew next to nothing about the game when I picked it up at release in 1998. It surprised me in a lot of ways, being my first real dip into the mecha genre, accompanied by a truly massive and thought-provoking script (both big changes from the SNES’s smaller scripts and censorship). My continuing experience with Xeno was less successful. Xenosaga’s move to a more cinematic style gave it a plodding pace, packed with jargon and word salad. I also didn’t connect with most of the trilogy’s characters, I found most of the gameplay boring, and I’d somehow missed the memo that Xenosaga was a reboot and not directly connected to Xenogears, souring me on the experience in general.

I didn’t have a lot of success with Xenoblade Chronicles for a while. I came to the first game late in 2017, spurred by positive word-of-mouth that had resurfaced after the announcement of XC2. While I got along with the characters better than I did in Xenosaga and enjoyed the excellent setting, I ultimately had to make an effort to avoid the game’s numerous sidequests. Being an MMO player, they would have felt dated to me even back at the game’s release in 2010, and their supporting elements in the UI were extremely basic. The game’s saving grace for me would be the gameplay, a fun romp with a squad that I enjoyed tinkering with.

My experience with Xeno changed with XC2. I had a rough start at first when I picked the game up last year, not really sure what to make of the main character and light-hearted tone of the game, a huge departure from the previous games in the series. But when the conversations with Pyra started, a deep hook set in. I immediately connected with this character, someone that seemed eminently competent but had a pensive demeanor, hinting at a darkness within. After I learned more about this character as her whole story unfolded in both XC2 and its DLC Torna, Pyra became my favorite character in the series. For the first time in 25 years, Xeno was finally starting to hit some of those same emotional notes it did for me in Xenogears. Hitting on that nostalgia also led to me thinking about interesting similarities between Fei from Xenogears and Pyra and Mythra.

In hindsight, making those connections across the series seems to be half the fun. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Future Redeemed are packed with little (and not-so-little) nods to much of past Xeno. I had a good time with this aspect of XC3, and in some ways it picked up where XC2 left off with getting me to be interested in this cast and world. I also really enjoyed the gameplay, seeing the results of refinements to the UI in particular that were sorely needed, culminating in my being thrilled at controlling A and seeing her flip around the battlefield in the DLC. An impressive achievement, considering I almost always hate playing healers in this type of gameplay!

I know fans of Xenoblade Chronicles have strong opinions about their favorites, but there were things that I loved (the setting in XC1, the cast in 2, the gameplay and Xeno callbacks in 3), and there were things that drove me nuts in each of the games. I’ve given up on the stories getting some much-needed pruning (every Xeno game and DLC I’ve played has padding or spots that just don’t work), so I can roll with that. I also don’t know if I’ll ever get to XCX or Future Connected. Xeno isn’t exactly my top ongoing series at the moment, but I’m still interested in what Takahashi is cooking up next.

Any thoughts on Xenoblade Chronicles? Or the Xeno series at large?

Other than a slew of Nintendo titles that maybe hopefully will come down in price (the patient gamers' bane), I have my eye on the next time Divinity: Original Sin 2 goes on sale. A friend who never plays anything other than WoW loved playing Larian's newest with me and I'm trying to get her to pick this up. Pretty sure she'd like it.

I was also watching Star Trek: Infinite's progress. I was quite interested in that one at launch but firmly decided to be patient. Naturally, it was discontinued last week. Oof.

Are there any games you're currently price watching? Or hoping for bug fixes/more content?

If there's that many, one of them better damn well be another Shandalar game.

Game Information

Game Title: Persona 3 Reload

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Feb 2, 2024)
• PlayStation 5 (Feb 2, 2024)
• PC (Feb 2, 2024)
• Xbox One (Feb 2, 2024)
• PlayStation 4 (Feb 2, 2024)

Trailers:

• Persona 3 Reload — Opening Movie | Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC
• Persona 3 Reload — The Meaning of Life | Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC
• Persona 3 Reload - Meet the S.E.E.S. Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

Developer: ATLUS

Publisher: SEGA

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 90 average - 100% recommended - 53 reviews

Critic Reviews

Atomix - Sebastian Quiroz - Spanish - 95 / 100

With a series of large and small improvements to its story, visuals and gameplay, Persona 3 Reload is the definitive version of the PlayStation 2 classic. This is one of the best remakes of the year.

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COGconnected - James Paley - 87 / 100

I loved this game when it first released on the PS2. It felt almost too cool for console gaming, too crisp for the era in question. Even now, Reload carries a timeless charm that keeps me engaged. The battle system has been polished, the visuals are totally overhauled, and the game is bigger than ever. There’s pacing problems to be sure, and the gameplay loop isn’t for everyone. Plus, fans of certain versions will find this edition somewhat lacking in features. But maybe that’s okay? I’d rather judge this game on what it is, rather than what it isn’t. And Persona 3 Reload is an excellent evolution of a PS2 classic that fans new and old will almost certainly love.

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Cerealkillerz - Nick Erlenhof - German - 8.7 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is such a splendidly reworked version that it can almost feel like a completely new Persona. Gorgeous visuals, a perfectly remixed soundtrack, an improved battle system and a finally updated, albeit still in parts boring, trip through Tartarus really leave little to be desired when embarking on a trip to the Gekkoukan school. It's just a shame that the female protagonist and the additional chapter "The Answer" are still missing.

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Chicas Gamers - Raúl Pinto - Spanish - Unscored

Persona 3 Reload is a turn-based RPG, as well as a narrative adventure, that brings back the acclaimed ATLUS game in a magnificent remake full of content. We find a game that is based on Persona 5 in terms of gameplay and appearance, having incredible gameplay and graphic style, in addition to a very good job with the old soundtrack and the new pieces introduced. The only problem is being completely overwhelmed by the FES content, an aspect that should not happen in a remake.

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ComicBook.com - Logan Moore - 4.5 / 5

Persona 3 Reload definitely still feels dated in some areas, which isn't always expected from a modern remake. Despite this, some of these older aspects of Reload are what I came to appreciate the more that I played.

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ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9 / 10

Remaking a legendary title is often a recipe for failure, but Persona 3 Reload lives up to its legacy and wonderfully updates the 2006 gem.

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Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - Essential

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic way to experience a classic. The graphical and gameplay enhancements are meaningful, while the base story still shines years later. While the missing features from FES and Portable are missed, this is the definitive way to experience Persona 3.

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Dexerto - Noelle Corbett - 5 / 5

If the goal of Persona 3 Reload is to modernize a classic JRPG from the PlayStation 2 era for a new generation of players, then it is undeniably a success. While there may be some legitimate disappointment over the lack of content from Persona 3 FES and Portable, what is here is more than enough to cement Reload’s status as a solid remake that delivers the now definitive version of Persona 3.

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Digital Chumps - Will Silberman - 9.5 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is not a carbon-copied remaster of Persona 3 Portable or even Persona 3. It’s a refreshed perspective of Persona 3 that removes a good bunch of pain from older RPGs while retaining the charm and character of the original. It feels like many thoughtful decisions were made to better the game’s flow without compromising on its core experience or watering it down. My only concern is that owners of 2023’s Persona 3 Portable might feel like there aren’t enough changes to warrant a replay. But, if you haven’t yet experienced its source material, Persona 3 Reload is without a doubt the best version of the game to play.

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Digital Spy - Jess Lee - 4 / 5

It's dark at times, but has a hopeful message. Through all the devastation, the cast learn to be there for each other and try to make the most out of life.

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Digital Trends - George Yang - 4.5 / 5

Persona 3 Reload is a win-win of a remake for old and new Persona fans alike.

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Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 5 / 5

While I personally prefer the more textured narrative of Persona 4, the unrelenting focus and intensity of Persona 3 means that it still stands out as one of the greatest and most intelligent video game narratives. The developers haven’t done too much to mess with that (the decision to leave out a “post-game” chapter that was both technically unnecessary but yet well-regarded notwithstanding), and have otherwise focused on modernising both the look and flow of the game to make it the most enjoyable and “clean” version of Persona 3 yet. Persona has a habit of attracting purists, and I foresee the discourse around this remake being particularly volatile. However, personally, I’ll be over there looking forward to the inevitable announcement that Persona 4 will get this treatment too.

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DualShockers - Emma Ward - 9 / 10

Dive into the Dark Hour and awaken the depths of your heart. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.

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Eurogamer - Kaan Serin - 4 / 5

Reload adds welcome modernisations to the wonderfully deadly coming-of-age story that captured hearts in 2006, though visual tweaks undermine the thematic coherence.

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FandomWire - Osama Farooq - 8 / 10

Persona 3 Reload takes the concept of remaking a beloved title and goes all the way through with it, especially when it comes to the visual finesse and the excellent presentation. The social simulation, interactions, and activities are some of the best ever put into a video game, making it feel immersive from the very first day at Gekkoukan High School.

There is always something to do in this wonderful city, ranging from the grand reopening of an old bookstore at the mall to heading to numerous restaurants to spend time with friends.

While the social links stand out as the undisputed highlight in Persona 3 Reload, it is the monotonous Tartarus and generic enemy designs that ironically slow things down and make the combat feel a bit dull compared to the other aspects of the game. The storyline is gripping and intriguing at the beginning and stays that way later on too, but because of the more serious elements that are never fully realized, it starts to lose its hold as time goes on.

However, the stunning animation, fluid gameplay, wide palette of character types, great soundtrack, and bustling setting make Persona 3 Reload a highly enjoyable remake.

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GAMES.CH - Sven Raabe - German - 90%

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic remake of an already great cult game. All kinds of clever gameplay innovations and an enormous amount of style make this a gripping JRPG that you shouldn't miss out on. The remake of the PlayStation 2 classic is even now a hot contender for the best role-playing game of the still quite young year.

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GGRecon - Ben Williams - 5 / 5

Persona 3 Reload is one of the best remakes I’ve ever seen - a faithful but stunning reimagining of a classic JRPG that will please Persona veterans and newcomers alike. 

With the only small negatives coming from Atlus’ dedication to recapturing the experience of the original, fans will without a doubt debate this being the best in the series after being reminded why Persona 3 is so spectacular.

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Game Rant - Drew Swanson - 4.5 / 5

Overall, Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic package that offers enough new content to satisfy fans of the original, while remaining faithful to what made that entry so special. It's also an incredibly approachable entry for newcomers thanks to the myriad of enhancements to the Persona series' combat and social mechanics. It's clear that Persona 3 Reload isn't just a remake of an outdated game, it's an entry that is entirely its own and signals a bright future for the franchise in the post-Persona 5 era.

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GameBlast - Farley Santos - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload stands out as an example of how to modernize a classic, remaining faithful to the original while introducing significant innovations, such as revamped visuals, additional events and new mechanics. However, some concepts remain in the past, such as repetitive dungeon exploration. With its strengths far outweighing its flaws, the game is a recommended experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Persona series.

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GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 8 / 10

Even with the issues you can pick at in this remake, though, there’s no denying that Persona 3 Reload is one hell of game. Its story is as engaging as ever, and now its gameplay has been notably improved, giving you more options in combat and out. Along with the new visuals and soundtrack, Persona 3 has never looked, sounded or played as good. It’s just silly that it’s arrived so close to the remaster of Persona 3 Portable: if you’ve played that recently, it might not grab your attention throughout due to its authenticity. For those who are yet to jump in or are keen to relive the classic yet again, however, simply play and enjoy.

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GameSpot - Jess Cogswell - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload succeeds in elevating an unforgettable story with smart combat changes and drastically improved visuals.

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Gameblog - KiKiToes - French - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is an excellent remake and truly modernize the game by harmonize it with Persona 5. A truly impressive graphical leap that which brings new perspectives and brings some new features. The Tartarus still feels outdated and could have benefited from some tweaks. But Persona 3 Reload is still a memorable game and one of the best of the beginning of the year.

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Gamer Guides - Chris Moyse - 75 / 100

One of the most esteemed and cherished RPGs of all time returns, smoother and smarter than ever. Unfortunately, Persona 3 Reload deals an incomplete hand, with disappointing omissions, stunted evolution, and a contentious price tag. Nonetheless, its indelible cast retain their infectious social spirit, set to break your heart and burn your dread all over again.

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GamingTrend - David Flynn - 95 / 100

Persona 3 Reload is the best Persona game to date. It reimagines a fan favorite to be the best it can be, even if it does stumble in some ways. There are a few Social Links that could have used overhauling, and the game is a bit too faithful to the original in these ways. However, the overall experience is transcendent and took me straight back to hanging out with my virtual friends in high school, getting to know them and slicing up Shadows. There really is nothing out there like Persona.

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Generación Xbox - Javier Gutierrez Bassols - Spanish - 90 / 100

Persona 3 Reload is everything a remake should be. A title that respects the essence of the original game and that, in addition to presenting a new graphic section, has several new features. This respect for the original, even though it has been remade from scratch, allows us to focus on improving and expanding some elements that were already good.

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God is a Geek - Lyle Carr - 9.5 / 10

Persona 3 Reload improves the original version of the game in so many ways, and is absolutely essential for all RPG fans.

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Hobby Consolas - Álvaro Alonso - Spanish - 92 / 100

Although it lacks two key pieces to be the "definitive version", Persona 3 Reload modernizes a classic to the level of today's great RPGs and includes enough new features to tempt those who already knew it once again. The best of both worlds, as they say.

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IGN - Michael Higham - 9 / 10

With a stellar visual overhaul and countless small but impactful changes, Persona 3 Reload tells a timeless story of tragedy and hope with sharp emotional sincerity.

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IGN Italy - Majkol Robuschi - Italian - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a pleasure to play. Throughout the adventure you switch between fighting and school activities with great fluidity, and it is safe to say that the 2000s JRPG that defined the entire genre is back in better shape than ever.

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IGN Spain - Esteban Canle - Spanish - 8 / 10

Persona 3 needed a facelift, and Atlus has delivered. This adaptation respects the source material, and brings an iconic title that now has the opportunity to reach many more people into the modern age.

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Metro GameCentral - GameCentral - 8 / 10

A solid, if strangely incomplete, remake which matches Persona 5 for presentation and has some of the most interesting and varied social link options of the whole series.

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Noisy Pixel - Bailey Seemangal - 8.5 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a highly-anticipated remake that doesn't deliver on all fronts. Still, it tries to do so with plenty of meticulous care. The added character scenes and new activities make the experience even more compelling, while the modernized visuals and new English voice cast live up to this classic's legacy. However, some of the new gameplay features make the experience too easy and forgiving. Additionally, the exclusion of some elements, like The Answer from Persona 3 FES, makes this launch less definitive than it could have been.

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One More Game - Vincent Ternida - Buy

Persona 3 Reload is a triumph, considering the degree of difficulty that Atlus was challenged with when they decided to remake such a classic. Through a combination of thoughtful upgrades and leaving behind dated mechanics, this title is ready to satisfy the evolving taste of franchise fans while catering to newcomers and introducing them to the world of Persona.

Persona 3 Reload proves that you can have both a challenging and accessible JRPG without losing Persona 3’s core identity, as it refines the dated designs and systems of the original by bringing it in line with Persona 5, offering a modern take that stands tall among its peers.

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PSX Brasil - Thiago de Alencar Moura - Portuguese - 90 / 100

Persona 3 Reload is an imperfect remake in which, although the lack of content from previous expanded versions bothers it, its novelties and the necessary (and very well executed) combat rework make this the best way to play the best narrative the series has ever had in a package with a great localization in PT-BR.

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PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 10 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a flawless reimagining of one of the most impactful RPGs of the PS2 generation and manages to carefully preserve just about everything I loved about the original game in a stylish bombastic package. The approach to modernising the gameplay is a masterclass and should be the gold standard going forward for RPGs of this ilk. For players who have only experienced modern Persona through Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, you would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping this title. An equally wonderful cast and effective story lift this into one of the most impactful games that I have ever played and this new version means it can be enjoyed by a completely new generation.

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Press Start - Harry Kalogirou - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a confident remake of a truly seminal RPG that cements itself as the definitive way to play Persona 3. It's clear that careful thought and deliberation has gone into every aspect of Reload to respect the legacy of Persona 3 while preserving its timeless charm and atmosphere. An absolute must play for any fan of the franchise, and a great point to jump in for those looking to take the plunge into Persona.

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Prima Games - Patrick Souza - 10 / 10

Reload feels like a new game without deviating from the original. Almost every aspect has been improved, and it might be the new best point of entry for the series.

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Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a brilliant remake. In terms of gameplay, it's easily the best incarnation of a classic RPG, boasting countless quality of life and mechanical adjustments that place it alongside the outstanding Persona 5 Royal. Storytelling enhancements make the plot even more impactful, and the remade visuals are a joy to behold. Reload is borderline essential if you're yet to experience Persona 3, while also providing a near perfect way for existing fans to relive a seminal release.

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Rectify Gaming - 9 / 10

Despite being a remake, Persona 3 Reload is undoubtedly at the forefront of mainline Persona titles. Fans have been asking for a re-imagining of Persona 3 for the longest time and Atlus has finally answered their calls. The game appeals to both fans and newcomers of the series, as it offers a compelling story, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay, all through a modern lens.

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Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Matt Cox - Unscored

A repetitive journey through a year of quirky yet cheesy high school relationships, interspersed with tedious turn-based combat.

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Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a treat for not only fans of the 2000s classic, but newcomers as well. ATLUS does an excellent job at preserving everything that made the original game special while modernizing it for those that may be experiencing it for the first time. It’s JRPG excellence at every turn, and one I’ll be sinking many hours into between now and the release of the next mainline Persona game.

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Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 9 / 10

While I miss the female protagonist and the dungeon-crawling element may feel a bit dated, Persona 3 Reload is a joy to play and offers everything I could want from it.

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Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 8.7 / 10

We disagree with the people at Atlus and their decision to leave Tartarus as it was, but nonetheless this is one of the best JRPGs of the modern era, and this remake makes it shine like it deserves. The one for this review was our fifth run in eighteen years and we still didn't feel any fatigue playing it. Let's just hope the devs will include Persona 3 FES and Portable content later down the road.

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The Games Machine - Nicholas Mercurio - Italian - 9.5 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a sensational work that is not just satisfied with being a remake but is, consequently, something that reformulates the development of ATLUS video games for an even wider audience. Choosing one of the greatest and most powerful works of the JRPG genre, thus forging a title to improve and revisit a work of the genre, was by no means an easy and immediate task. Indeed, it was something extremely complex. An incredible great return that can be summed up in the term "Masterpiece".

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The Nerd Stash - Nat Collazo - 8.5 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is perfect for new and veteran fans alike and is sure to get fans of turn-based JRPGs turned on to the rest of the Persona series.

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The Outerhaven Productions - Todd Black - 4.5 / 5

Persona 3 Reload is everything that fans of the franchise wanted from a remake and more. It doesn't change the story but builds upon the various gameplay elements that have become staples in the games that came after. Plus, the story and characters are incredible, and you'll love getting to know them more.

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TheGamer - Jade King - 4 / 5

Inconsistent graphics and the lack of a female protagonist we had in Portable aside, however, this remains a solid means of enjoying one of the finest RPGs of the past two decades. Its writing is sharper, combat is more satisfying, and it brings this world to life in ways that just weren’t possible several generations ago. Reload might lack its signature rough edge, but those coming around for the first time will find plenty to love.

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TheSixthAxis - Nic Bunce - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a dream come true for Persona fans. With far more than just a visual uplift, this is very much the best possible edition of the game, even if it can't quite be called 'definitive'.

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Twinfinite - Zhiqing Wan - 4.5 / 5

Persona 3 Reload is an outstanding and worthy remake of a game that’s proven it can withstand the test of time. Welcome back to the dorm.

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VG247 - Alex Donaldson - 4 / 5

At a certain point you have to step back and judge a game for what it is rather than what it isn’t. After all, if you want the female protagonist there’s Portable, and if you want the epilogue there’s FES. But as a stand-alone thing – as a convenient, modern, and attractive way to experience a truly great RPG classic – Persona 3 Reload is a wonderful offering.

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VideoGamer - Antony Terence - 9 / 10

P3R’s poignant tale of acceptance is bolstered by smart combat refinements, deeper friendships, and a soundtrack you already love.

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WhatIfGaming - Ali Hashmi - 9 / 10

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic remake that cleverly integrates mechanics from subsequent entries to provide an experience that's polished, expertly paced, and full of heart. Its fast-paced combat, quality-of-life additions, and host of activities always keep you engaged no matter where you are in the story. The darker tone lends to an overall narrative that feels more consequential, and Tatsumi Port Island is a joy to explore. It's an excellent place for newcomers to the series and a must-buy for RPG fans.

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XboxEra - Genghis Husameddin - 9.5 / 10

"But what I think Persona 3 Reload does best is that it brings one of my favourite Persona games to a new audience and excels at it. The visuals are gorgeous, the pacing isn’t overtly stretched out, the combat is fun and fluid, and the story is still great. Anyone can get in on this game’s excellent blend of school life and role-playing genres and I can wholeheartedly recommend this game, not just because Persona 3 is a classic for me, but because Persona 3 Reload is genuinely fantastic."

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Lost Odyssey is a JRPG that started as a collaboration between Final Fantasy grandfather Hironobu Sakaguchi's independent studio Mistwalker and Microsoft for the Xbox 360. With a script written by Sakaguchi himself, it's a by-the-numbers entry in the genre but with an inspired idea to insert a collection of short stories penned by best-selling author Kiyoshi Shigematsu. It makes for a brilliant, compelling synthesis early on that sadly can't keep the magic flowing.

Lost Odyssey has been called an "unofficial Final Fantasy" by series fans, and indeed, those who have played Final Fantasy X will feel comfortable right away. There are many visual and gameplay similarities, and Nobuo Uematsu is here again to compose the soundtrack. Tara Strong, the voice actor for Rikku, is also here in a similar role as legendary pirate Seth. Combat is fully turn-based, and it has a great visual presentation, even today.

Where the game diverges from the long-running series (and the genre at large) is its mature story. Death is a constant companion for Kaim, our main character, and through him, Shigematsu's A Thousand Years of Dreams delve into politics, war, sociology, unbridled greed and selfless acts of service, among other topics. It's an excellent way to take a cliché--the amnesiac protagonist--and bend it into compelling, emotional interludes. As expected, however, that part of the story resolves, and the player is faced with the fact that there has to be a game here, too.

I would have come away with a better impression of the game if there was an exceptional JRPG at this game's core--a reasonable expectation given the game's pedigree--but Lost Odyssey didn't get that. Aside from a couple of boss encounters with questionable difficulty tuning, it's never outright bad, but it does lean on a lot of old ideas. Sakaguchi's game scenario manages to connect well with Shigematsu's themes for the game's first third or so. Inevitably, it descends into the usual contrived JRPG scenarios, including a villain that did so much mustache twirling, he could power a small wind farm with his nefarious plotting. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the genre and I'm always down for some warmed-over cliché soup. But the contrast in writing quality here between author and game scenarist (both as accomplished in their fields as they are) becomes all too apparent.

Lost Odyssey came out at a time when JRPGs were on the decline, and to this day it's still exiled on the Xbox 360, not a prime destination for the genre. There wasn't enough here to change any minds on that front either, so I'm not surprised nothing further came of the property. Being an emotional experience with some really touching moments, I'm glad I finally picked this up, even if I'll never go back to it.

Any thoughts on Lost Odyssey? Or other games that ran out of gas for you?

Game Information

Game Title: Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Platforms:

• PC (Jan 26, 2024)
• PlayStation 5 (Jan 26, 2024)
• PlayStation 4 (Jan 26, 2024)
• Xbox Series X/S (Jan 26, 2024)
• Xbox One (Jan 26, 2024)

Trailer:

• Like A Dragon 8: Infinite Wealth | Teaser Trailer PlayStation®4, PS5 Xbox PC

Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Publisher: SEGA

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 90 average - 100% recommended - 60 reviews

Critic Reviews

Attack of the Fanboy - Diego Perez - 4.5 / 5

With a refined battle system, a stellar supporting cast, and the best side content the series has ever seen, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best RPGs of the modern era.

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But Why Tho? - Eddie De Santiago - 10 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth feels like a victory lap while simultaneously paving the way for the future of the franchise.

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CGMagazine - Justin Wood - 10 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth sets a new standard for the Yakuza series with its captivating story, mesmerizing gameplay, and richly detailed side activities.

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COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 90 / 100

With its touching yet hilarious story and intricate, deep combat system, we already have a game of the year contender.

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Cerealkillerz - Nick Erlenhof - German - 9.5 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an incredibly ambitious title that can be recommended without reservation. It has been improved in every nook and cranny compared to its predecessor, with the turn-based battles benefiting in particular. The story offers an ambivalent rollercoaster ride, especially from the halfway point onwards, and the side quests are more varied and sprawling than ever before. And there won't be a better nostalgia trip for Yakuza/Kiryu fans any time soon.

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Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 9.5 / 10

Taking the franchise to new heights and new locales, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the pinnacle of the longstanding franchise. The game magnificently pulls off the difficult task of giving new and loyal players the best of both worlds with a new Ichiban-led story while also nailing emotional pay-off years in the making with Kiryu's story portions. Providing quality side content that is addicting and seemingly endless, there isn't a single drip of the game that is dry, dull, or not worth your time. Never have I played a title this rewarding and satisfying with its delightful humour found in substories and over-the-top turn-based combat. It may be largely set in a different country with the picturesque and gigantic Honolulu but this is the Like a Dragon series through and through. Infinite Wealth is like an ocean. Let it all sink in. I promise it's well worth it.

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Chicas Gamers - Juanma Luengo - Spanish - Unscored

Ichiban has returned with a bang in one of the best Yakuza saga titles ever made. The charisma of all the characters and the almost absurd variety of missions, activities and mini-games make it a sink of hours at the controls that are impossible to resist. Of course, if you have not played any Yakuza before or the previous Like a dragon it may not be a game for you and you should decide to start with the recent Like a dragon gaiden or with the first Like a dragon starring Ichiban.

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Console Creatures - Dennis Price - Recommended

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is not just Ichiban's best game yet, but so far, it may be my favourite in the series, hands down.

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Cultured Vultures - Ashley Bates - 9 / 10

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth sun-baked adventure expertly improves on the last game's formula, while giving enough space for both of its leading Dragons to truly shine.

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Daily Mirror - Scott McCrae - 5 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth features one of the series' best stories yet, all while packing in a wealth of fantastic side content

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Destructoid - Eric Van Allen - 8 / 10

Among the wealth of Like a Dragon games we’ve had over the last year or so, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is easily the stand-out for me.

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Dexerto - Jeremy Gan - 4 / 5

Yakuza is a unique series, and for a long time, it felt like the only reason it worked in all its glorious surreality and heartfelt storylines was Kiryu. However, Infinite Wealth proves Yakuza can exist past Kiryu’s legacy, and Ichiban is the right man to bring about Yakuza’s new generation.

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Digital Spy - Ben Rayner - 4.5 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is another rich entry in this long-running series, which clearly still has more to offer before it runs out of steam.

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Digital Trends - Giovanni Colantonio - 4 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the most emotionally impactful chapter in gaming’s best soap opera. It struggles to stay fully engaging from start to finish due to a supersized runtime filled with exhausting exposition dumps, but developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio delivers a deeply personal story that’s serious without sacrificing its heart. If any video game could leave you with a new lease on life, it’s this.

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Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - Unscored

Infinite Wealth is a chaotic masterpiece. The game celebrates its silliness and just lets me have fun in its colorful open world. The revised combat system offers additional strategic depth and a highly entertaining, over the top presentation. The side activities are the best in the series. The addicting "Sujimon" and "Dondoko Island" mini-games in particular allow you to completely lose yourself and invest countless hours in them.

Despite its silliness, Infinite Wealth manages to establish believable characters and evoke deep emotions. Kiryu's touching story in particular will bring tears to the eyes of long-time fans. Newcomers will quickly be overwhelmed by the countless characters, storylines and gameplay mechanics. If you want to get into the Like a Dragon series, I recommend you start with an older installment and save this wild work of art as the crowning conclusion.

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Eurogamer - Kaan Serin - 4 / 5

Violent stakes once again meet zany shenanigans in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the series' much-improved second RPG.

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Everyeye.it - Giuseppe Carrabba - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Infinite Wealth kept us immersed for dozens of hours in its world full of content, another testament to the talent of its creators.

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FandomWire - Luke Addison - 9 / 10

The amount of content, time, and thought that has been put into Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is staggering, and it's inarguable that it is worth every penny for both fans of the franchise, but also those wanting to try it out for the first time. Even though I was lucky enough to have my copy of the game three weeks before this review went live, I can say there are still huge amounts of gameplay left for me to play, with the multiple mini-games, substories, and activities keeping me entertained. If I had to put a number on it, there are easily triple-digit hours worth of game here, and nearly all of it is incredible.

There are a few bugbears to put up with, with the odd bug here and there, some character models do look poor - reserved for the infrequently seen side-characters or the NPCs on the streets -, and some parts of the city do feel empty, and not lived in. That said, not only are these all relatively minimal and inconsequential to the larger experience, but you'll quickly realize that the good way outweighs the small amounts of bad, and you'll have an absolute blast in what could be the studio's best game yet.

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Final Weapon - Raul Ochoa - 5 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the mountaintop of the Like a Dragon series and a spectacular title that manages to impress from start to finish. This is a grand, momentous adventure that sees players control both of the series protagonists in a story that ultimately shapes the future of Like a Dragon. It's a masterpiece that improves gameplay systems from Yakuza: Like a Dragon while driving ambition in many other aspects.

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GGRecon - Dave McAdam - 5 / 5

Suffice it to say, Infinite Wealth has everything good about the Like a Dragon series going for it. The previous game was a revolution, a total change of what a Like a Dragon game is. Infinite Wealth is evolution, the ideas of the past polished and perfected.

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GamePro - Jonas Herrmann - German - 90 / 100

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Gamer Guides - Chris Moyse - 100 / 100

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a sublimely designed celebration not only of its own storied past, but of the joys of gaming itself. Epic in scale, driven by an emotive story, and overflowing with compelling action and absorbing activities, Infinite Wealth’s bold ambition pays off handsomely, resulting in one of the finest open-world adventures ever made.

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GamesRadar+ - Hirun Cryer - 4 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a sublime RPG with a fantastic combat system, absorbing stories, and at-times fascinating story, if it wasn't let down by its drip-fed narrative nature and heavy nostalgic leanings

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Gaming Nexus - Eric Hauter - 9.5 / 10

The scope and depth of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth are stunning, as is the amount of addictive fun the game provides. With a ton of new mechanics, minigames that are more like full-sized games, and great characters, this enormous (and enormously entertaining) action/RPG title is one of the best values in AAA gaming. Like a Dragon is willing to do anything to entertain you. You should probably get on board if you aren't already.

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GamingBolt - Pramath - 9 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a staggeringly massive RPG featuring the culmination of all that RGG Studios, and the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, have worked towards over the last two decades. An incredibly high quality experience that doubles down on everything that was beloved about the previous entry, Infinite Wealth completes the series' transformation into a genre-leading JRPG franchise.

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GamingTrend - Henry Viola - 95 / 100

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a triumph, and a worthy continuation of the Like a Dragon franchise. RGG Studio has managed to improve on the gameplay mechanics and features of the previous title in virtually every way whilst upholding the narrative quality and goofy nature of the series. The game is not without its flaws, but they are overshadowed by its strengths, and the game deserves praise for its ambition and innovation. Infinite Wealth is undoubtedly an early game of the year contender, and a must play for RPG lovers and Yakuza enthusiasts alike.

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Generación Xbox - Gabriel Fuentes - Spanish - 93 / 100

If something made you hesitant to buy it, I hope I've convinced you. It's worth every penny.

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God is a Geek - Chris White - 10 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the studio's best ever work, giving us one hell of a story, and gameplay that remains fun throughout.

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IGN - Tristan Ogilvie - 9 / 10

Sprawling, enthralling, and packed with dynamic brawling, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth isn’t just the best turn-based Like a Dragon game, it’s one of the greatest games in the entire series.

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IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 8 / 10

Not everything is well-focused in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, but the rate of cringe and exaggeration in narrative and gameplay is such that is almost impossible not being entertained.

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Infinite Start - Mark Fajardo - 9 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth surpasses expectations with its seamless integration of compelling narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and innovative features such as tag team attacks, or Sujimon Battles. The meticulously crafted landscapes of Yokohama, and Hawaii, complemented by the return of beloved characters elevate the narrative, captivating both series veterans and newcomers alike. Positioned as a must-play, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers an unforgettable journey through vibrant worlds that firmly establishes it as an early standout among the best games of 2024.

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MonsterVine - Spencer Legacy - 5 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is what all sequels should aspire to be. The gameplay is improved upon all-around, the story is riveting from start to finish, and the breadth of side content is second-to-none. It may be early, but I feel confident in saying that one of 2024’s game of the year frontrunners has debuted not even a month in.

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Multiplayer First - James Lara - 9.5 / 10

Like a Dragon’s Infinite Wealth delivers a captivating RPG experience that surpasses its predecessor in every way. With refined mechanics and an expansive world bursting with content, players are treated to a gaming experience of remarkable depth. The emotionally charged narrative, filled with unexpected turns, adds a layer of poignancy, making the journey in Infinite Wealth a memorable exploration of both gameplay and storytelling excellence.

It may not be on everyone’s list of games to play, but it definitely should be. As for this reviewer, it makes a strong early claim of being my personal Game of the Year.

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PC Gamer - Dominic Tarason - 80 / 100

Stuffed with content and pathos, Infinite Wealth delivers a near-excessive amount of urban crime-drama adventure.

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PCGamesN - Harry Schofield - 9 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the end result of two decades of iteration from Ryu Ga Gotoku and the studio's best game yet. Sprawling but never bloated, it remains captivating from beginning to end across both its main narrative and bountiful side adventures, almost never missing a beat.

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PCMag - 4 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is packed with the absurd humor, crime drama, and mini-games you expect from the JRPG series.

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PSX Brasil - Isabella Alves - Portuguese - 90 / 100

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is, along with Lost Judgment, one of RGG's most ambitious titles. The union of the two dragons brings a mature plot, full of intrigue, with fun and exciting moments, but also a strong criticism of our society.

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PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9 / 10

Despite changing the name of the franchise for us in the West, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is more of the same that we've come to love. A huge variety of content to dive into and an ambitious, heartening story help to bring this package into one that fans of the series will absolutely adore. RGG Studios have polished the foundations of the new RPG battle system to a shine in this new entry and the result is a game full of personality and refreshing spirit that is a joy to experience from beginning to end. This game is an ambitious jump into a new frontier for the Like A Dragon franchise and is all the better for it. For those who have experienced the story of Like A Dragon up until now, you be doing yourself a disservice to miss this.

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Press Start - Kieron Verbrugge - 9 / 10

Infinite Wealth is a stellar follow-up to Yakuza: Like a Dragon in just about every way. It's bigger, bolder and with some smart tweaks to combat it's a significantly better turn-based RPG. Series fans have a ton to look forward to in the larger-than-life story and emotional character moments, and though there are some glaring issues with its dungeons and post-game offerings, the end result is the franchise's best entry yet.

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Prima Games - Shaun Cichacki - 10 / 10

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a game all about heart. A main character with a heart of gold, a story full of heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments, and a world that showcases the heartbeat of what makes the Like A Dragon franchise as special as it is.

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Push Square - Liam Croft - 9 / 10

Like a Dragon fans will turn up in their droves for a new Yakuza story regardless of overall quality, but never has one been as utterly essential as Infinite Wealth.

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RPG Fan - Jonathan Logan - 94%

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth provides not just an incredible Yakuza and JRPG experience, but provides a darn near infinite amount of content as well.

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Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Ed Thorn - Unscored

A colossal JRPG that improves on its predecessor in ways big and small, making for an unmissable Hawaiian retreat.

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Saudi Gamer - عصام الشهوان - Arabic - 8 / 10

The game builds on what Yakuza: Like a Dragon laid the foundation for, with a host of improvements and a much larger game. A proper send off for Kiryu and a new beginning for Kasuga.

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Shacknews - Lexi Luddy - 10 / 10

Despite this not being the traditional type of story we associate with Kiryu, Infinite Wealth is a fitting send-off to a legend of gaming. In the words of Kiryu, "Even if I'm not as strong as I once was, I'm still me. And I'm starting to think that's not so bad."

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Siliconera - Graham Russell - 9 / 10

As overstuffed as it is, we didn't want Infinite Wealth to end. It's such a high-effort package with tons of heart, and it's hard not to let that endearing feel sand down some of the game's rough mechanical edges.

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Slant Magazine - Justin Clark - 4 / 5

Infinite Wealth’s greatest accomplishment is how much of that work still involves a deep, eclectic sense of play.

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Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 8.8 / 10

Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth is the golden bridge between the glorious past of the franchise and its bright future. It's a rich game and an epic RPG, a celebration of the videogame medium itself and a modern twist on both the Shenmue and the Earthbound games. It can be slow at times and it requires knowledge of characters and events from previous games, but it's still a monumental effort.

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Stevivor - Matt Gosper - 9.5 / 10

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is devoted to trying all-new things while still reserving time for celebrating its long and storied history.

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The Outerhaven Productions - Cody Perez - 4.5 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth shows Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and the entire Yakuza: Like a Dragon series at its finest. The best game in the series offers shocking and unbelievable content for players to experience across game modes like Dondoko Island, the brilliant and gut-wrenching story, and the intriguing new characters. Though it has some pacing issues here and there, and I still wish for slightly faster battles, this is the biggest, greatest, and most compelling adventure for Ichiban and Kiryu yet.

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Tom's Hardware Italia - Andrea Riviera - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a bit of a culmination of everything the Ryū Ga Gotoku series has offered over the years. From the gameplay to the story to the activities and characters, the team has tried its best to present fans with a complete and level-headed experience, often succeeding and sometimes leaving a little bitter taste in our mouths due to some choices, especially narrative ones, that have not always convinced us.

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VG247 - Mark Warren - 5 / 5

It’s a game about finding out who your mates are, and that they’ll be there for you no matter whether you need a good laugh, a telling off or a helping hand.

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VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best RPGs we've played in years. Excellent combat, a wonderful cast of characters, and a willingness to be incredibly weird make it absolutely unmissable. Not only that, but it's so full to the brim with things to do, we could have probably spent another three weeks with it and not finished everything.

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VideoGamer - Antony Terence - 9 / 10

Infinite Wealth honours its dying dragon and rising star with a Hawaiian platter of side stories, memoirs, and dynamic combat.

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WellPlayed - Mark Isaacson - 9.5 / 10

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth wears its title on its sleeve, a seemingly endless amount of content to explore wrapped in an emotional and entertaining story. It's Like A Dragon at its very, unique best.

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WhatIfGaming - Hristijan Pavlovski - 10 / 10

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth elevates the series to new heights. It takes existing ideas from the series, and adds layers of complexity, engaging content, and charm on top of it to create an unforgettable experience that walks a fine line between earnestly dramatic moments, and over-the-top hilarity. Ichiban Kasuga is one of the best protagonists in gaming, and I can't wait to see where Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio takes him next.

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Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9.5 / 10

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an overall fantastic entry in the franchise. Stuffed to the gills with content, there isn't a more fully packaged RPG on the market. The plot is charming and heartfelt, the characters are lovable, and the gameplay incredibly fun. It doesn't matter if you're a longtime Kiryu fan or jumped into the franchise with Kasuga; it's everything a Like a Dragon game should be.

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Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 87%

After a bit of a difficult start, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth soon manages to hit the gas, its story proving an engaging affair amid an ocean of mini-games and other distractions. This is a massive game, but one you'll want to dive headfirst into.

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XboxEra - Jared Tracton - 9 / 10

It’s not often that I’ll sit down and enjoy a game throughout the entirety of my playthrough. Even the best reviewed games will have parts of it that exist simply to extend the games length for no real reason (I’m looking at you, GTAV). Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth opens 2024 with a bang, showcasing the best of what the series has to offer and more.

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eXputer - Usama Mehmood - 4.5 / 5

Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth is a JRPG powerhouse, delivering one of the most endearing stories to date and an aspiring open-world design.

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I finished Control last week, likely the best game to marry a creepy funhouse with a sprawling government office that you'll ever play. I was up and down on this one for a few months. There's a fun narrative and plenty of atmosphere, but I wasn't always enjoying the gameplay.

I hadn't played a Remedy game since Max Payne 2. The shift from comic book-style storytelling to something literally cinematic was a change for me, but I was still able to comfortably slip into the narrative right away. I particularly enjoyed what was going on with the meta-narrative. For example, I'd get so damn lost running around even with signs everywhere. Normally, the existence of the signs would feel like a change implemented after tester feedback, but then I would see stuff like "Janitor's Office" and think there's intentional thematic design at play. Constantly questioning that in various elements of the game was part of the fun.

Unfortunately, my tendency to get lost wore my patience thin eventually, and the new gameplay unlocks bored me. It was a blast at first--I haven't had this much fun with telekinesis since Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy forever ago--and the gunplay felt solid. But then, as more of the weapon options showed up, I didn't click with any of them and preferred chucking rocks. It's also a great looking game at times. This is the first game where my system has been able to handle more than basic ray tracing, but I'd get a lot of blurry textures. I even had to rollback my video driver to resolve a problem with the cinematics. It's weird to call a game where I'd get a solid 60 FPS a rough port, but I think this qualifies.

I picked up the game again last month and made some more progress until a certain late-game section completely stonewalled me. I simply didn't have enough health (or damage output, or both) for the encounter, and the choice was to either grind for skill points/mods or start looking at difficulty options. I quickly found a switch to an "Easy" difficulty wasn't possible but there was an Assist Mode. I started with reducing incoming damage, but after a couple more five-minute attempts I was frustrated enough to turn one-hit kills on. I couldn't tell you the last time I did something like that to get through a game. It was either that or likely drop the game permanently (a shame being that close to the ending). Still, I'm glad I kept playing, even if I'm not entirely sure in the end Control kept its end of the bargain. I don't think the story quite stuck the landing.

Any thoughts on Control? I seem to be down on it more than most. I imagine Remedy fans in particular got a kick out of it. Or on a game that pushed you into cheats or breaking another gameplay tradition you have?