Summary
Part of the charm of theLike a Dragonseries are the side activities and substories that players can take part in as distractions from the main story, andLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthseems to be continuing this tradition. The latest trailer forLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthrevealed a brand-new side mode for the game called Dondoko Island that could potentially be the series' biggest optional game mode yet. Following in the footsteps of the business management mode inYakuza: Like a Dragon, Dondoko Island appears to be a more-than-worthy successor to the side activity.
TheLike a Dragonseries has always embraced its wackier side when it comes to optional activities, featuring mini-games like karaoke, go-kart racing, and cabaret club management. The trailer forDondoko Island inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthshows how the series is taking this zaniness to the next level while also building a robust island management mode within the game.Yakuza: Like a Dragonalready felt like it was leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessors with the business management gameplay of Ichiban Confections, but Dondoko Island takes the foundation of that mode and builds on it for the better.
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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Dondoko Island Takes Business Management to a New Level
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s new Dondoko Island mode has already been drawing comparisons to other life sim games likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizons,Stardew Valley, andThe Sims. This mode features the ability to gather materials which can then be used for crafting, design and build structures throughout the island, and manage groups of tourists coming to visit the resort. Many players might be surprised to see this robust life sim gameplay included within a fullLike a Dragongame, but the foundations for it were laid withYakuza: Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Confections game mode.
InYakuza: Like a Dragon, players can take part in theIchiban Confections business management mini-gamewhere they need to try to get the company to have the top share prices on the market among Yokohama’s top performing corporations. This goal can be accomplished by recruiting and training new staff, purchasing and upgrading properties, and eventually convincing shareholders that business is booming. There are several elements to account for when taking part in this game mode, but the majority of it is contained within four defined gameplay segments to keep it from getting too overwhelming for the player.
As complex as managing Ichiban Confections may seem, Dondoko Island looks to increase the gameplay potential of itsbusiness management mechanics inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthby introducing a new layer of complexity stemming from the ability to directly design and build the island resort. Rather than simply navigating menus to purchase properties, players will have to build structures themselves and explore the island to find the necessary crafting materials to decorate their resort to its full potential. Furthermore, instead of appeasing shareholders, players will now have to contend with the needs of each of island’s guests to give them the best experience.
It’s clear how Dondoko Island is a direct evolution of the business management gameplay established by Ichiban Confections inYakuza: Like a Dragon. The benefits of participating in this business management mode included earning additional cash, unlocking special attacks, and even an additional party member in Eri Kamataki, and while somenew characters associated with Dondoko Islandwere shown in the trailer for the mode, it’s unclear if they are potential party members that can be recruited. Even without the reward of additional party members, it will likely be worth players' time to check out all Dondoko Island has to offer inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthis coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on June 18, 2025.
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