Which Yakuza Games Are Turn Based

Only Yakuza: Like a Dragon features turn-based combat in the main series.

So, you’re curious about which Yakuza games are turn based? It’s a fair question, considering the series’ history with real-time brawling. The shift to turn-based combat is a significant change for long-time fans.

The mainline Yakuza series mostly features action-oriented battles. This is true for many games including the highly regarded Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2. They are known for fast-paced, free-flowing fighting styles.

Which Yakuza Games Are Turn Based?

The Yakuza series is known for its intense, real-time brawling action. You control
characters like Kiryu Kazuma and Ichiban Kasuga, beating up bad guys in the streets of
Japan. But did you know that one of the main Yakuza games switched things up and became a
turn-based game? Yes, that’s right. One Yakuza game changed its combat style from real-time
action to turn-based strategy. Let’s dive into which game took this leap and why.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon – The Big Change

The Yakuza series changed its action-focused style with the release of
Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This game, also known as Yakuza 7 in Japan, is the
first main game in the series to fully embrace turn-based combat. This was a big change, and
it made a lot of fans wonder why the developers made this move.

Why Turn-Based Combat?

The developers wanted to introduce a brand new main character, Ichiban Kasuga, who they thought would be perfect for turn-based combat. Unlike the stoic, seasoned Kiryu, Ichiban is a huge fan of RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and has a very active imagination. The turn-based battles in Yakuza: Like a Dragon reflect Ichiban’s unique perspective. When he fights, he imagines himself as the main character in a fantastical adventure game, complete with heroes, villains, and special abilities.

This change of direction let the developers try something new. Turn-based combat let them have
more tactical gameplay. Players now have more time to think about their attacks, plan their
strategies, and use different skills to win battles. It added a fresh layer of depth to
the series, and it brought in a new group of players who enjoy turn-based games.

How Turn-Based Combat Works in Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Unlike the earlier games, where you directly controlled your character’s every move in fights, Yakuza: Like a Dragon has combat that takes place in turns. This means that you, and the enemies, take turns attacking. You can’t just rush in and button-mash your way to victory anymore; you have to think carefully about each move you make.

Character Classes: In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, your party members have different character classes or “Jobs”, these classes affect their abilities and the way they fight. It is a lot like choosing a character in a role-playing game, you can change their classes as you play through the game.
Job Selection: Each Job gives the characters unique skills and abilities which they can learn and make stronger. You can select the Job depending on the style you like. This way you can always have different characters with completely different playstyles.
Turn Order: You have a bar at the top of the screen that shows the turn order, and this way you can see who will act next. This way you can see what’s coming and strategically use your skills and plan.
Basic Attacks and Skills: You select “Attack” to do a normal hit. But skills are special moves that use up your character’s “MP” (a sort of magic point), but they can deal much more damage and cause special effects like poison or burn.
Contextual Action: You may see an icon appear on screen that prompts you to press a button at the correct time, to do more damage. This makes you more active in combat and creates a more engaging experience for the players.
Enemy Weaknesses: Just like a normal role-playing game, each enemy has a strength and weaknesses, and it is up to you to figure out which one is what. And use that knowledge to your advantage.
Teamwork Attacks: When you and your team members are in the right position you can use special teamwork attacks, these attacks are very strong, and can be used to turn the tide of battle.
Environmental Attacks: If you position your enemies properly you can use environment objects around you to cause additional damage to the enemies, like pushing a table into an enemy’s face.

The Transition and Fan Reactions

The shift to turn-based combat was a surprise for many long-time fans of the Yakuza series. Some were hesitant at first. They were used to the real-time combat, but many were open-minded and were pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed the change.

Initial Skepticism: A lot of fans were not happy about the turn-based combat because they thought the new style won’t be as good as real-time combat. But with time they got adjusted to the new change.
Positive Reception: A lot of fans thought the turn-based combat was something that the series needed, because, in every game of the series the combat was mostly the same. The new change brought in a new flavor to the game.
New Players: With this new change, the turn-based combat brought new players to the series that have never played it before, and also got old fans to give the series a second try.
Unique Identity: The turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like a Dragon makes it stand out from other games in the series and provides it with a unique identity. It shows the growth of the developers by how they took the risks and decided to try something new.

Is Turn-Based Combat in Future Yakuza Games?

After the success of the turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, fans have wondered if all future Yakuza games will have this new style.

As of now, the mainline Yakuza series has continued with turn-based combat in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. However, other Yakuza games have retained the real-time action. The “Judgment” series spin-offs still uses the real-time action system and it is still not confirmed what the future holds for these series. But many players are happy that they are now two different series with two different combat systems, this way different types of player can choose the game they would like to play.

While the mainline series continues with turn-based action, players can still enjoy real-time combat in other titles, so there is a game in the series for everyone to enjoy!

Yakuza Games with Real-Time Combat

Most of the Yakuza games before Yakuza: Like a Dragon have real-time combat. You will get to explore the world and the moment a fight starts, you will be in control of your character and you can start fighting. You will use your character’s different fighting styles to take down the enemies. Here’s a list of the main Yakuza games that use real-time combat:

Yakuza 0
Yakuza Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yakuza 3 Remastered
Yakuza 4 Remastered
Yakuza 5 Remastered
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

In these games, you’ll move around freely in the fight area, attacking, dodging, and using
special moves in the heat of the moment. This action-focused style is what the Yakuza series was known for, before it introduced the turn-based system.

Other Yakuza Games and Their Combat Styles

Outside of the mainline Yakuza games, there are other entries and spin-offs. Here’s a look at how some of them handle combat:

Judgment Series: Games like Judgment and Lost Judgment feature real-time combat similar to the older Yakuza games. These games focus on detective work and have very engaging combat sequences.
Yakuza: Ishin!: A historical spin-off game, this game also features real-time combat, but with a samurai theme.
Yakuza Dead Souls: This is an action-shooter spin-off title that features third-person shooting gameplay with hordes of zombies.

These spin-offs show how diverse the Yakuza universe is, each with its unique gameplay style. It’s not always brawling. And even with the turn-based change in the mainline series, there are still other action packed games for fans to enjoy.

Why This Matters for Players

The different combat styles in the Yakuza series mean that players have more to choose from. If you like action packed gameplay you can pick one of the real-time combat games, and if you like turn-based strategy then you can play the mainline games. This makes sure that everyone can find something they like in the Yakuza series.

Choosing Your Yakuza Experience

Action Fans: If you like action-packed fights and quick reflexes, then the real-time combat games like Yakuza 0 through Yakuza 6, and the Judgment series, are probably the best choices for you.
Strategy Lovers: If you like turn-based strategy games with time for planning, Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth will suit you better.
Mix It Up: Players can try both types to see which ones they prefer. With so many games with different styles, it gives a lot for the player to play around with.

By trying different games, you can see what you like best about the Yakuza universe. The series has something to offer everyone, so there is always a Yakuza game you can play, no matter what your preference is.

The Yakuza series has successfully shown that it is capable of adapting and changing, by going from a beat-em-up game to a turn-based one. With more spin-offs and main series games to look forward to, we cannot wait to see what else the Yakuza series has to offer.

The Yakuza series has shown that it isn’t afraid to try new things. The switch to turn-based combat with Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a risk, but it really paid off. It brought something new to the series while also letting fans enjoy the great story and characters that they loved. Whether you like turn-based or real-time combat, the Yakuza series has something for everyone.

The Most (Turn) BASED Yakuza Game

Final Thoughts

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the sole mainline entry with turn-based combat. This game significantly changed the series’ gameplay.

Ichiban Kasuga and his party engage in strategic battles, unlike prior action-oriented games.

So, definitively, when considering which yakuza games are turn based, the answer is primarily Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which represents a bold new direction for the franchise.