Ranking of Yakuza/Like a Dragon Series Games - From Worst to Best
The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is a unique blend of brutal gangster dramas, absurd humor, and unforgettable characters. Each installment offers something special, but not all are equally successful. Here's a ranking in the given order - from weakest to best.
Yakuza 4 (2010) - Ambitious but disjointed
Yakuza 4 attempted to revolutionize the series by introducing four different protagonists. Unfortunately, this ambitious move didn't quite work. The story jumps between characters, losing narrative flow, with only Akiyama receiving sufficient development time. While combat was improved from previous installments, Kamurocho - though beautifully refreshed - was already starting to feel repetitive. The biggest issue is the plot - full of contrived twists and illogical character decisions. Still, the game has strengths like Tanimura's well-written finale and new fighting styles. It shows that more doesn't always mean better, yet remains an important step in the series' evolution.
Yakuza 5 (2012) - Overstuffed but full of heart
Yakuza 5 is probably the most ambitious entry - five cities, five protagonists, and countless side activities. Unfortunately, this abundance of content is also its greatest weakness. The game suffers from uneven pacing - some chapters (like Saejima's prison segment) significantly slow the tempo. Yet it contains some of the series' most memorable moments, like Haruka's showbiz storyline or Kiryu's epic final boss fight. It's a title you love despite its flaws - for its emotions, variety, and the tremendous heart poured into it.
Yakuza 2 (2006) - A classic that aged better than the first
Yakuza 2 (especially its Kiwami 2 remake) exemplifies what classic Yakuza should be. Combat is fluid and satisfying, the story is dark and full of twists, while Osaka adds freshness. However, some plot threads (like Kiryu's romance with Sayama) feel forced, and it lacks the madness of later entries. Still, it's a solid, well-constructed game showing why the series gained such a devoted fanbase. Kamurocho never looked better, and dynamic street fights remain tremendously fun.
Yakuza 3 (2009) - Dated mechanics but charming story
Yakuza 3 aged the worst mechanically but contains one of the series' most touching stories. Kiryu's orphanage subplot adds depth to his character, showing him in completely new light. Unfortunately, combat feels clunky, enemies constantly block attacks, and the removal of many Western locations in the international version hurts the experience. Still, fans appreciate its atmosphere and emotional depth - a title showing Kiryu's more human side beyond the "tough guy" stereotype.
Yakuza 1 (2005) - Iconic beginnings with limitations
The first Yakuza (and its Kiwami remake) started the legend. Unfortunately, combat is stiff, Kamurocho feels limited, and while the simple story has charm, Kiwami's additions like the "Majima Everywhere" system add welcome humor. Historically important but clearly surpassed by later entries, it's still worth playing to understand the series' roots.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2023) - Historical adventure with unfulfilled potential
Ishin! uniquely transports familiar characters to 19th century Japan. The game impresses with historical details from costumes to Kyoto's architecture, creating one of the series' most authentic worlds. The combat system blending four styles (swordsmanship, gunnery, wild strikes, sword dance) initially seems deep but quickly reveals limitations - repetitive enemies and lack of real challenge make encounters routine. The biggest disappointment is missing the series' trademark madness. While typical absurd situations exist (like vegetable-growing sidequests), most activities are surprisingly subdued. The intriguing story suffers from uneven pacing - some threads (like faction conflicts) are well-developed while others (e.g., Ryoma's romantic subplots) feel rushed. Still, Ishin! is essential for Japanese history fans - its Bakumatsu period atmosphere is undeniable.
Like a Dragon Gaiden (2023) - An intimate legend returns
Gaiden began as an "Infinite Wealth" supplement but became a moving study of Kiryu's loneliness. Focusing on his hidden life as agent "Joryu," this short 10-12 hour campaign delivers one of the series' most emotional stories, showing Kiryu grappling with guilt and alienation. The new "Agent" fighting style mixes high-tech gadgets (laser wires, exploding watches) with classic Dragon Style punches for exhilarating power. Unfortunately, the world feels stripped down - just Kamurocho and Osaka with less developed side activities (like hostess club management). Gaiden works best as supplementary material for fans awaiting Infinite Wealth, bridging old and new chapters.
Yakuza 6 (2016) - A dignified farewell
Yakuza 6 is an intimate, personal swan song for Kiryu as protagonist. The new Dragon Engine revolutionizes lighting and physics while simplifying combat (losing Yakuza 0's styles). The story focuses on Kiryu's relationship with Haruka and a mysterious child, creating one of the series' most touching narratives. The new Onomichi location is a charming seaside town full of elderly residents and fun side stories (like managing a baseball team). However, the world feels smaller than Yakuza 5's, and no other playable characters disappoint. Still, the final bridge scene remains one of gaming's most poignant moments - a perfect, if painful, farewell to the legend.
Judgment (2019) - Noir crime drama in Yakuza's world
Judgment proves this universe works without Kiryu - new protagonist detective Takayuki Yagami brings fresh energy with sarcastic humor and complex morality. It blends classic brawling (including flashy Crane and precise Tiger styles) with innovative detective work (tailing suspects, evidence analysis). Inspired by real Japanese medical scandals, the dark thriller plot delivers shocking twists. Some elements (like repetitive "find the cat" investigations) slow pacing, but Judgment remains essential for crime drama fans - its nighttime Kamurocho atmosphere and memorable villains (like the sinister "The Professor") leave lasting impressions.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024) - Boundless madness
Infinite Wealth is the series' biggest, craziest installment yet. Moving to Hawaii offers unprecedented variety - from surfing to fighting... dolphin-costumed enemies. The turn-based combat from Y7 gets refined (new jobs like Chef or Diver), while the world bursts with absurd activities (like Animal Crossing-style resort management). The story combines Ichiban and Kiryu's journeys into an epic tale of forgiveness, with finale moments that'll squeeze tears from the toughest players. Some chapters drag unnecessarily, and difficulty spikes unevenly, but this is quintessential Yakuza - depth and comedy perfectly blended.
Lost Judgment (2021) - Genre mastery
This Judgment sequel represents RGG Studio's combat peak. Yagami gains new styles (like enraged Snake), while dynamic finishers make every fight spectacular. Its school violence-themed story is mature and moving, with minigames (boxing school, skateboarding) offering dozens of fun hours. It's the only series entry where even detective sections (like disguises) feel fun. Perfectly balancing emotion and entertainment, Lost Judgment sets an unmatched action game standard.
Yakuza 0 (2015) - Flawless perfection
Yakuza 0 isn't just gaming's best prequel - it's the perfect series introduction. Dual campaigns (Kiryu and Majima) show their transformations from naive youths to underworld legends. Combat has never been better - Majima's styles (especially wild Breaker) are pure joy. The world thrives with iconic side stories (like "Mr. Libido") and minigames (hostess club management). This is a game that entertains, moves, and addicts - an absolute must-play.
Like a Dragon 7 (2020) - My personal revolution
Like a Dragon 7 changed my perspective on the series. Ichiban Kasuga, with his childlike naivety and unshakable optimism, is the most compelling protagonist since Kiryu. The switch to turn-based RPG initially worried me, but deep job systems (from Hobo to Idol) and strategic battles completely won me over. The story, balancing grotesque (clown-suited enemies) with profound drama (homelessness themes), showed me Yakuza isn't just brawling - it's about outcasts finding family. This game made me love the entire series and explore older titles. For its personal impact, Like a Dragon 7 will forever be my number one.
From controversial Yakuza 4 to brilliant Like a Dragon 7, the series has evolved, experimented, and continues to impress. Each entry has unique charm, but the seventh holds special place in my heart.
Though truthfully, this entire series remains one of my most cherished, alongside Metal Gear Solid, Dark Souls and Pokémon.
(Like a dragon Pirate is not on the list due to the fact I haven't played it yet)
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