Summary
Sega confirmed that the upcomingLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s New Game Plus feature is only available through a DLC paywall, upsetting fans. There is a lot of anticipation behind the upcoming eighth mainlineLike a Dragongame, as it features both Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu sharing the spotlight. It’s also teasing how it will bethe final chapter of Kiryu’s story, such as with older characters and story threads from Kiryu’s past being brought to the forefront. Despite the excitement behind this Hawaii-trotting adventure, one thing that had garnered controversy beforeInfinite Wealth’s launch is its New Game Plus feature.
Last year, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced thatLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s New Game Plus mode would only be available as DLCin some regions. This wasn’t the first time that the developer did this, as the seventh game in the series,Yakuza: Like a Dragon, had locked its New Game Plus mode behind paid DLC in Japan. WhenYakuza: Like a Dragonwas released in the West, this feature was included in the base game from the start. While some fans hoped that Sega would repeat what it did forYakuza: Like a Dragon, it’s confirmed that this once-important free feature in past entries will be locked behind DLC in all regions.
This was spotted onSega’s official websiteforLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, found under the pre-order section that compared the three editions. The Deluxe and Ultimate editions ofInfinite Wealthhave a DLC pack known as the “Master Vacation Bundle,” which includes a bonus dungeon, special Sujimon, resort guests forInfinite Wealth’sAnimal Crossing-esque island mode, additional DLC outfits, New Game Plus, and more. Based on this, players looking to do a second playthrough of the game with this important feature will, at minimum, need to pay an additional $15 for the Deluxe edition upgrade.
This can also be confusing for those looking to playLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthon Steam, as the Standard Edition only lists the “base game” and doesn’t go into detail about the Master Vacation Bundle’s content. This might mislead some players into believing that the base game will come with the New Game Plus feature. Ina Reddit postfrom last December, a user reached out to Sega, who also confirmed that New Game Plus is only available in the DLC.
Deluxe Edition - $84.99
Ultimate Edition - $109.99
Infinite Wealth’s controversial DLC practicehas put a damper on what is supposed to be a highly anticipated title in the series. While the DLC won’t be exclusive to pre-orders, fans are understandably upset at Sega for keeping what is a standard feature in most RPGs (and was featured in pastYakuzagames) locked behind an expensive paywall.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
WHERE TO PLAY
EPIC EMOTIONAL DRAMATwo larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister…Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog who’s no stranger to crawling up from rock bottom, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down his last days.BEST-IN-CLASS RPG ACTIONExperience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes. Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.INFINITE ADVENTURELive it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
