In Like a Dragon: Ishin, I place bets on racing chickens. I help out at the local Udon restaurant by memorizing orders, try the art of Buyo dancing – which sees me hitting buttons in time to gracefully move a fan in different directions – and sing my heart out on the stage of a local bar. Just an hour into my demo session, and I’m in mini-game heaven. With the chance to check out chapter 3 and freely explore the Fushimi and Gion districts in the setting of Kyo (a fictionalized version of Kyoto), it’s a joy to discover all Like a Dragon: Ishin has to offer. Just like in the streets of Kamurochō in the Yakuza series, I get swept up in memorable side activities, and heartwarming and comical substories. All of the signature ingredients of the Yakuza games are here, with Ishin delivering a historical spin that brings something new to the table.
