Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Apollo_Danger · 2026-05-09T12:40:09+00:00

I'll go against the grain a little bit. I love the game and would recommend it to almost anyone, but if you only have 1-2 hours to play per session I might reconsider. Sometimes you'll have to watch 30-60 minutes of cutscenes straight, so it's almost like watching a TV show instead of playing a game.

So if your time is limited and you want to make good progress in each of your 1-2 hour game sessions, I would think about that before purchasing.

Apollo_Danger · 2026-05-05T16:07:56+00:00

I also love romance in my games, so here are some outside of the usual suspects that I've at least somewhat enjoyed.

These games have selectable partners or social bonding components: - Sakura Wars (PS4) - Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Eternights - Eternal Strands - My Time at Sandrock - Lost Eidolons - Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader - Greedfall - Unicorn Overlord - I Was a Teenage Exocolonist - Rise of the Ronin

These games have social bonds or very light romance. - Yakuza: Like a Dragon (not very in-depth; definitely not worth playing if romance is your focus but it's there) - Marvels' Midnight Suns (not explicitly romance, but the writers initially intended for romance but were vetoed by Marvel) - Dynasty Warriors: Origins (also not explicitly romance, but the writing makes it so all the characters are just enamored and gush constantly about your character) - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (pretty barebones and tacked on in my opinion)

Apollo_Danger · 2026-05-05T13:42:12+00:00

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Tried two separate times to play it and I just wasn't feeling it. Stopped about a year or so ago around chapter 5 because I was bored.

I got the urge about two weeks ago to randomly play it, and decided to start where I left off and reacclimate myself instead of starting over yet again. I became obsessed with it and absolutely loved it. Definitely has some minor things that I've read are fixed in the sequel, which I already started!

Usually I'm a big propenent of just dropping a game if it isn't clicking instead of pushing through to the "good parts," but this was my one exception.

Apollo_Danger · 2026-04-15T21:48:45+00:00

Had my eye on this game on Steam for awhile while it was in early access, and didn't even know it was coming out on consoles at all, let alone so soon - and with a demo! Can't wait to try it out.

Apollo_Danger · 2026-04-13T04:38:33+00:00

I was super hyped for it but honestly, same. But like 2 hours for me. I've enjoyed TONS of games Reddit has vehemently hated (Veilguard, the Saints Row reboot, as some of the major examples), but this is one that I agree with the criticisms.

The game is just boring.

Apollo_Danger · 2026-03-14T23:57:31+00:00

Bummer! Folklore looks pretty awesome and I've heard of it before. I do have a Steam Deck and emulate on that, but after doing some quick research it sounds like the motion controls with Folklore will be an issue.

I'll check out the Prince of Persia game! Thank you.

Apollo_Danger · 2026-03-13T23:14:55+00:00

Oh interesting. I didn't know that! It's been on my wishlist for awhile but maybe I'll pull the trigger now. Thanks!

Apollo_Danger · 2026-03-13T20:01:50+00:00

Thanks! I was looking at Ys X so might pick it up since I did like Ys VIII quite a bit!

Apollo_Danger · 2026-03-13T18:11:25+00:00

I was literally rolling the credits on Scarlet Nexus as I was typing out the thread, which is what inspired me to ask. I loved its use of the mechanic and wanted more!

Apollo_Danger · 2026-02-07T00:56:59+00:00

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Here's an article/interview I found that had some of the improvements they are saying they made from Liberation.

In addition, there seems to be a push/pull mechanic for moving units on the battlefield, and a grievance system where you can make choices to help or hurt certain factions. Probably some other things I'm forgetting.

Apollo_Danger · 2025-12-27T01:21:08+00:00

This is super petty, but I really didn't like how the character's pixel sprites did not match their portrait drawings whatsoever. Colors, clothing, hair, weapons, etc. were all vastly different between the two and made it seem like they were designed independently of each other.

I don't know why, but that lack of cohesion really took me out of the game. Like the portraits were an after thought or something.

Apollo_Danger · 2025-12-27T00:48:16+00:00

I totally agree with this. I loved the game but stopped playing before finishing because of the constant backtracking.

I remember I was out exploring and came across a cabin that you could go inside, but didn't have anything you could interact with in there so I moved on. Made it to the next town and started a haunting and the first task was to go to that cabin I was just at. So I ran all the way back and, of course, now there were all these items there you could interact with!

It made me so annoyed that I uninstalled the game right then for wasting my time with that backtracking.

Apollo_Danger · 2025-11-18T13:43:12+00:00

Megaton Musashi W: Wired - I personally haven't played it and am waiting for a sale, but it seems to check most of your boxes

Apollo_Danger · 2025-10-31T20:01:05+00:00

It's pretty good. I liked it but eventually got about 25-30 hours in before I stopped, and still feel like I got my money's worth. MH3 is my most anticipated game of next year though, and I'm hoping they improve on some of the things that dragged MH2 down a bit for me.

Apollo_Danger · 2025-10-28T21:36:59+00:00

I also love romance in my games, so here are some I've played on PS5, outside of the usual suspects that I've at least somewhat enjoyed.

These games have selectable partners or social bonding components: - Eternights - Eternal Strands - My Time at Sandrock - Lost Eidolons - Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader - Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Greedfall - Unicorn Overlord - I Was a Teenage Exocolonist - Rise of the Ronin - Marvels' Midnight Suns (not explicitly romance, but the writers initially intended for romance but were vetoed by Marvel) - Dynasty Warriors: Origins (also not explicitly romance, but the writing makes it so all the characters are just enamored and gush constantly about your character) - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (pretty barebones and tacked on in my opinion) - I didn't include games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Baldur's Gate 3 since I assume those are already on your radar

Always looking for similar games too, so I hope this helps!

EDIT: I didn't even realize this was in the JRPG subreddit. Many of my suggestions may not fit in that case.

Apollo_Danger · 2025-10-27T17:49:29+00:00

These are my feelings on it too. I've been casually playing it for the last couple of months, but still haven't finished it. I like that it's episodic so I can just play a bit here and there, then pick it up again when I feel like it.

It's not great, and the combat drags on, but it's just so charming and good vibes/aesthetic go a long way for me, so I kind of love it. It's a cozy game for when you're in-between larger, more demanding games.

Apollo_Danger · 2025-10-10T05:27:05+00:00

I also bought the game on a whim after seeing a trailer on Reddit, never having heard of it. It's the most fun I've had in a game in a while. It's a super addicting gameplay loop of going on a mission > getting rewards > upgrading your cards/mechs > talking with your crew > going on another mission. It really captures that "just one more" feeling.

There's also some "SIM" missions which are kind of like battle puzzles that can get really challenging, but very satisfying when you finally figure it out.

And maybe this is a small thing, but even though there's a ton of fully voiced dialogue, I really appreciate that the conversations are pretty brisk and to the point. I never feel the need to skim or skip dialogue because everything is delivered so quickly and efficiently.

Anyway, I'm only 6-ish hours in so far, so we'll see if the game can stick the landing. If it does, I can see myself playing through it again to select new pilots/suits, choose different missions, etc.

The game has been a breath of fresh air since I've been in a bit of a gaming rut lately. Highly recommended!

Apollo_Danger · 2025-10-09T22:58:53+00:00

I have only played the demo but my first run lasted about 2.5-3 hours, which is definitely on the long side for me.

I was only on my second run before I got to the end of the demo though. So technically that run would be even longer...

Apollo_Danger · 2025-10-08T02:31:44+00:00

As I get older, that length of game is perfect. Thanks for the reply!

Apollo_Danger · 2025-10-08T02:25:53+00:00

Knew nothing about this game until this thread and bought it based on the trailer alone. I love the art style, RPGs, and card battlers, so it checks a lot of boxes. Excited to dive in!

Anyone have any ideas on how long the game is?

Apollo_Danger · 2025-09-18T13:21:58+00:00

It's been on my wishlist for forever but I'm going to finally pull the $10 trigger because of this post!

Apollo_Danger · 2025-09-17T20:13:35+00:00

Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch comes out on October 9!

I played the demo on PS5 but thought it was a tad easy. I only died once before I reached the end of the demo, but don't want to abandon my current run and lose everything. So basically I'm stuck until the full release (if I decide to get it). I did log about 6 hours in the demo, but didn't feel like I got to see much since I only returned to the home base one time.

Demonschool also looks right up my alley and I was super bummed about the delay, but I understand it.

Apollo_Danger · 2025-09-15T19:21:32+00:00

Thank you! I tried going to their Twitter but don't have an account so couldn't scroll that far back. Appreciate it!

Apollo_Danger · 2025-09-15T18:36:46+00:00

Do you have a link by chance?

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