Like a Dragon: Ishin! on PS5 — 7 Powerful Reasons This Samurai Epic Is Worth Playing
Key Takeaways
- A full samurai makeover of the Yakuza formula that actually works
- Smooth PS5 performance with fast load times and sharp visuals
- Fun mix of sword fighting, guns, and classic brawler combat
- A serious story with just enough weird side content to keep things fun
- Packed with activities that can easily eat dozens of hours
Like a Dragon: Ishin! on PS5 takes the heart of the Yakuza series and drops it into feudal Japan. With tight combat, a dramatic story, and tons of side activities, it feels both fresh and familiar. It’s a love letter to fans and a surprisingly good entry point for newcomers.
A Samurai Game That Feels Like Home
The first time I booted up Like a Dragon: Ishin! on PS5, I had that cozy “ah yes, I know this” feeling. Even though I was suddenly wearing a kimono instead of a gray suit, it still felt like classic Yakuza at heart.
This is a remake of a Japan-only game from 2014, now fully localized and rebuilt. And honestly? It aged better than I expected. I went in curious. I came out obsessed.
What Is Like a Dragon: Ishin!?
A Quick Breakdown
This game is set in 1860s Japan during the Bakumatsu period. You play as Sakamoto Ryoma, a real historical figure who just happens to look and sound exactly like Kazuma Kiryu. Coincidence? Yeah… sure.
The Big Twist
Instead of modern crime drama, you get:
- Samurai politics
- Shogunate drama
- Swords, guns, and fists
- And yes, still plenty of goofy side quests
It’s Yakuza, but with topknots.
Story: Serious, Emotional, and Surprisingly Heavy
A Strong Opening
The story kicks off fast with betrayal, loss, and revenge. I thought, “Okay, this is serious stuff.” And it stays that way for most of the ride.
Why It Works
- Characters feel real and grounded
- Political tension keeps things interesting
- Emotional beats actually land
There were moments where I paused the game and just sat there like, “Wow… that hit harder than expected.”
Combat: Four Styles, No Boredom
The Combat Styles
You can switch between four fighting styles on the fly:
- Swordsman – classic katana combat
- Gunman – flashy and powerful
- Brawler – fists only, old-school Yakuza vibes
- Wild Dancer – sword + gun, stylish and chaotic
My Honest Take
At first, I stuck to Swordsman like a comfort blanket. But once I unlocked Wild Dancer? Yeah… I barely looked back. It feels ridiculous in the best way.
PS5 Performance: Smooth and Clean
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Visuals and Performance
On PS5, the game runs smoothly and looks crisp. It’s not mind-blowing next-gen stuff, but it’s solid and stable.
What Stands Out
- Fast load times
- Stable frame rate
- Clean animations
No crashes, no weird bugs, no controller-throwing moments. Always a win.
Side Content: Classic Yakuza Chaos
This is where the game really shines.
Things You Can Do
- Run a small farm
- Sing karaoke
- Gamble your money away
- Help strangers with bizarre problems
Some side quests made me laugh out loud. Others made me feel weirdly proud of helping digital strangers. That’s the Yakuza magic.
Progression and Grinding (Yes, It’s Here)
The Trooper Card System
Combat now includes collectible cards that give boosts and abilities.
- Cool idea
- Slightly grindy
- Optional, but helpful
I won’t lie, I groaned at first. But after a few hours, it grew on me. Not perfect, but not a dealbreaker.
Pros and Cons Table
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong story | Some grind required |
| Fun combat styles | Cards may feel gimmicky |
| Tons of side content | Reused character models |
| Great PS5 performance | Not fully next-gen visuals |
Who Should Play This Game?
You’ll Love It If:
- You enjoy story-driven games
- You’re a Yakuza fan
- You like historical settings with flair
Maybe Skip If:
- You hate long cutscenes
- You want pure open-world freedom
Summary
Like a Dragon: Ishin! on PS5 is a confident blend of old and new. It keeps the soul of Yakuza while embracing a bold samurai setting. It’s emotional, funny, sometimes messy, but always memorable. I came for the swords. I stayed for the characters—and the karaoke.
FAQs
Yes. You don’t need to play other Yakuza games to enjoy it.
Main story is around 30–35 hours. Side content can push it past 60.
Yes. Smooth performance and fast loading throughout.
It starts simple and gets deeper over time. Fair, but challenging.
