Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the latest entry in the popular crime game franchise. SEGA's latest release has seen substantial praise from critics and game players alike. It has also become a commercial success for SEGA, selling over 14 million copies just a few months after release.
With so many new fans experiencing the Yakuza franchise for the first time, it can be easy to overlook some exciting mechanics and activities. Players will be happy to know there's even more to this Japanese role-playing game buried beneath the surface. Yakuza has dozens of hours of content to enjoy and even more secrets to explore.
9 Poundmates Catalog
As with many Japanese role-playing games before it, Yakuza: Like a Dragon has a summoning system. Early in the game, Kasuga receives a phone app called Poundmates. This app serves as a hub for all the summons available to players. Should he need aid, Kasuga can pull out his phone and call several characters, such as Robson, to turn the battle tide. Each of the Poundmates harbor a different ability. Some boost defense while others restore MP. Players will have to complete several of the game's substories to procure the bulk of these helpers.
8 Tag Team Abilities
While the individual abilities of Kasuga and his party members are formidable, Tag Team Heat moves are far superior. These moves pair Kasuga with a member of his party to hone in on an enemy before dealing a devastating amount of damage. To earn access to these moves, Kasuga will have to max out his bond with his party members. Each party member has their unique pair attack, so players will have to bond with each of the game's party members to access all of these attacks.
7 Go To The Movies
Not every activity in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is high-octane action. Some minigames are simple, like the one in Seagull Cinema. Here Kasuga will do his best to stay awake in a movie theatre. Players will have to tap a series of buttons as REM Sleep Sheep try to lull the protagonist to sleep.
Should Kasuga stay awake during the entire film, he'll gain substantial boosts to his personality stats. Kasuga can also increase his bond with the party members he invites with him, making this pass time well worth the trip.
6 Company Representatives
Later on in the game, Kasuga becomes the president of a failing company. It's up to him to save Ichiban Confections and make it a thriving business. To do so, he'll need to invest wisely and recruit dedicated employees. These job candidates can be found in several places. Many of the game's substories will present future employees interested in positions. Others can be seen wandering the streets of Ijincho, mumbling to themselves. Kasuga will have to choose who is best suited for what job, weeding out employees who aren't worth the risk, like Clara-chan.
5 Complete Your Sujidex
Kasuga will encounter a multitude of unique and exciting enemies throughout the game. Thanks to Sujimon Sensei, players will be able to keep track of the many opponents in Yakuza. With over 200 different adversaries to encounter, the Sujidex will guide each enemy's weaknesses and resistances. Hitting certain milestones will earn Kasuga rewards from Sujimon Sensei for his hard work. This premise may seem a bit familiar, but it's definitely not ripping on a popular entertainment franchise owned by Nintendo.
4 Craft Weapons at the Romance Workshop
One of the most useful facilities in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the Romance Forge. This factory allows Kasuga and his party to take their collected items and create powerful gear. Many of these items are stronger than what vendors sell in shops and can be forged for a fraction of the price.
Speaking to Sumire allows Kasuga to improve items as well should he have the materials. Players can upgrade Romance Workshop for access to more powerful armor and weapons. Just make sure funds are in order beforehand, as these upgrades cost millions of yen.
3 Bar Karaoke
When there's a break in between combat and main missions, Kasuga and his party can head to the Survive Bar and participate in some Karaoke. With a variety of songs to choose from, there is plenty of room to explore this activity. With songs available for each party member, there are plenty of laughs to be had in this criminally underrated activity. Those looking to deepen bonds with their party members will be happy to hear that those who join in for karaoke receive points towards their next Drink Link.
2 Essence Attacks
As with many RPGs, levels are an integral part of progression in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Apart from standard levels, each character has a rank associated with their current job. Jobs can be swapped over the course of the game, but players will want to hone in on one to reap the benefits of this secret. Essense attacks are mighty moves that characters can use once they near job mastery. One such move is the Essence of Phantom Drive. This move is exclusive to Joon-gi Han's Hitman class, and many of these moves correspond to each character's signature job.
1 Deposit Money in the ATM
Dying in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is costly. Should a player fall in combat, reviving will cost around half of the cash they are currently carrying. For those who have stockpiled millions of yen for upgrades or gear, this can be devastating. One solution to this problem is to deposit the bulk of Kasuga's cash in an ATM before a difficult fight. These devices can be found in several of the game's convenience stores. Make sure to take advantage of these devices each time they appear.