Preparing for the latest Like a Dragon game requires some straightforward steps. However, I had procrastinated and only felt motivated to do so with the release of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. I had initially intended to catch up on the series’ story of Kiryu and Ichiban, but never found the time.
With Infinite Wealth receiving exceptional reviews and Game of the Year buzz, I decided to embark on the journey. However, my progress has been unexpectedly convoluted, attributable to a combination of my own decisions and circumstances. I contemplated different approaches to prepare for Infinite Wealth, such as playing the directly relevant games in the series or starting from the beginning with Yakuza 0 and playing through each mainline entry.
However, due to distractions and interruptions, I ultimately began my journey with a mildly controversial decision, choosing to play Kiwami instead of starting with 0. My playthrough of Kiwami was disrupted by persistent issues with my PS5, leading me to start playing Judgment on my PS4 while waiting for the repair. Although this spin-off game did not bring me closer to my goal of playing Infinite Wealth, I felt compelled to complete it.
Upon the unexpectedly quick return of my PS5, I found myself in the midst of two Yakuza games, not making progress towards Infinite Wealth but enjoying the experience nonetheless. In conclusion, while my journey to catch up on the Yakuza series has been more complicated than anticipated, I am taking pleasure in the process, recognizing that the journey is just as important as the destination.