Yakuza: Like a Dragon took the risk of changing everything in an established series, and the community backs that call.

Its two highest scores are gameplay and the social experience, both ahead of 99% of games. That's rare, especially for a turn-based RPG. Immediate fun follows at 97%, narrative at 96%. This is a game you boot up easily, that makes you laugh, and whose combat mechanics genuinely land. Where it's more modest is world-building (ahead of 70%) and visual direction (77%). For a game set in contemporary Japan, the setting doesn't stand out as much as the characters or the story.

For an RPG, ranking gameplay and fun this high is unusual. The genre often prioritizes narrative depth over immediate enjoyment. Here both coexist well, even if the world itself stays in the background.

If you want an accessible, funny RPG with a real story, this is a great entry point into the series. If you're after a visually striking world or a strong artistic identity, you may come away less convinced.