If you were hoping the Yakuza series would go back to its roots of real-time combat, you're in for some disappointment. The new turn-based combat found in Yakuza: Like A Dragon is here to stay, according to the series' producers.
In a new interview with IGN, following the announcement of Lost Judgment, Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi and producer Kazuki Hosokawa revealed that the turn-based combat will be sticking around permanently. However, while the Yakuza series will embrace its new JRPG gameplay, the Judgment series is said to continue the legacy of the real-time combat found in past games.
"The Yakuza series has been transformed into a turn-based RPG. On the other hand, over the years, Ryu ga Gotoku Studio has accumulated resources and know-how of making flashy and exhilarating action games that are effortless to enjoy. We decided that we should let our signature action gameplay live on through Lost Judgment."
Yakuza: Like A Dragon's huge change in combat was divisive for the fanbase, as many fans preferred the traditional style. Personally, we found the change to be refreshing, and a much needed lease of new life for the series. There were definitely some kinks that needed ironing out, but we're hopeful that future entries will work on those issues.
As for fans who are yearning for the real-time combat to return, Judgment seems like your best bet to see that play out. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios appears to be embracing the best of both worlds, and we're excited to follow each franchise.
Are you happy with the turn in direction for the Yakuza series? Let us know in the comments below.
[source ign.com]
Comments 18
I like this approach; keep fans of both gameplay styles happy with two separate series set in the same world. Plus, I like both styles so I'll play whatever Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios puts out.
Best of both worlds
Makes sense. Yakuza is a lot more light hearted than Judgement. And it’s very nice to have two different combat styles.
@VenomousAlbino Exactly! I think it allows fans to experience this world however they see fit. Bringing in a new protagonist for Like A Dragon was a perfect way to start this off and I’m excited for both series’!
I’m generally not a fan of turn based combat, but I think it worked really well in Yakuza 7. So this is good news
I am not a massive fan of turn based combat, and have not tried Yakuza 7 yet, but it has been well received so it seems like a good change.
Has anyone tried Lost Judgement? Any good?
This is a letdown for me, I think turn based combat just isn't that interactive, it honestly feels like they are going backwards to a more dated design. Some RPG's can be great despite that, but for the Yakuza series I always enjoyed it as a brawler that combined RPG elements, sort of like River City Rampage back in the day. With the turn based combat it's become something else that isn't appealing to me anymore. Sounds like I won't be buying any of the future entries in this series.
@JayJ Sooooo... you can just play Judgment in future, as that's the fork in the road that's better suited to your tastes.
I think it’s funny that Square Enix is moving away from turn based gameplay with final fantasy while yakuza is moving towards it. I’d love to see a turn based final fantasy again, but I guess bravely default and octopath traveler/triangle strategy exists.
Honestly, the combat is not the reason why I play. The story, the writing, and just hanging out in Kamurocho are what keep me coming back. They can do whatever they want with the combat as long as it doesn't detract from the heart and soul of the series.
I have never played a traditional Yakuza game, but meaning to sit down and play the entire series.
Did play Like a Dragon and fell in love with it. Looking forward for more turn bases entries featuring Ichiban!
Where did my comment go
@Oval_Griffin do you mean this one?
@Tharsman oops. yeah.
Yakuza has been an absolutely bland cash-cow for more than a decade. Except Like a Dragon, but making more of that is bland and unwanted.
The only interesting titles are Yakuza 1, 2, 3 and Like a Dragon.
I avoided Like a Dragon partly because of the turn-based combat, though moreso because they really need more variety in setting imo. I have no problem with Turn Based combat, I simply don't need it in Yakuza - I play Dragon Quest and other classic style RPGs for my fill of that. The fighting did make Yakuza feel different, but they're smart to do this now that they have Judgment so they can differentiate the two.
That being said, seriously, they need more settings. They run through the same Kamurocho districts in far too many games, too quickly. I know I can't keep up with the series because of that repetition, and just check out every 3rd entry or so AT BEST (the last one I played was the fantastic Song of Life). I'm hoping that the Yakuza team is working on another anime licensed title like with Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise just to force them to do something completely different in terms of setting - there's a decent number of IP that would slot into the Yakuza design template nicely besides Hokuto no Ken. It would be incredible to see them announce, say, a JoJo's Bizarre Adventure or Cowboy Bebop game this hardware generation. A new setting and new general aesthetic would be much more refreshing than a change to the combat system.
@Vinsanity Exactly. Yakuza is an absolutely bland cash cow, every game is the exact same thing.
Yakuza should have been left to rest in dignified retirement after 3. Although, Like a Dragon has been a very welcome addition. I regard it as an equal title alongside the portfolio of 1-3.
I enjoy turn based combat and action based combat, So I am very happy with this going forward! It means that RGG are making games to suit both tastes which is great.
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