Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin! Review: A Journey Through Bakumatsu Period Japan
A Brief Introduction to Bakumatsu Period
The Bakumatsu period (1853-1869) was a time of violent conflict in Japan, with the pro-imperial nationalists Ishin Shishi and the shogunate forces Shinsengumi fighting for power. This period has inspired many famous works in popular culture, including the Rurouni Kenshin series.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! – A Remake of Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin!
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a “what if?” historical fiction game based on the life of Sakamoto Ryoma, a low-ranking samurai who dreamt of a democratic, modernized, and industrialized Japan. Players assume the role of Ryoma and are involved in the revolution while searching for the assassin who killed his foster father.
Recreating Historical Landmarks in Kyo (Kyoto)
The game mostly takes place in 1860s Kyo (Kyoto), where famous historical landmarks are recreated, such as the Teradaya Inn, Mibu-dera Temple, and Ikedaya Inn. The map is moderately sized, but without seamless transitions between districts, it feels a lot smaller than it actually is.
Triggering Substories and Mini-Games
As you walk on the streets towards your next objective, most of the time you would be stopped as you trigger substories. These events scattered around Kyo won’t occupy you for too long, and some even provide mini-games, such as “The Mochi Mystery” that requires Ryoma to find out who’s the true Mochi thief through a deduction game.
Battles and Troopers
Battles in the game could be triggered randomly as you walk past the ruffians in Kyo. Ryoma could defend himself with four different battle styles: Brawler, Swordsman, Gunman, and Wild Dancer. Troopers could be recruited to aid Ryoma in combat, and there are four teams of Troopers, each corresponding to the four battle styles.
Leveling Up and Upgrades
Levelling up in Ishin! will grant you orbs (ability points) that could be used to unlock more Heat Actions and attacking combos under a specific style. There are also upgrades for Ryoma’s maximum health, maximum Heat Gauge, attack speed, and the unlock of special weapons such as the Kodachi and Spear.
Boss Fights and QTE Prompts
Boss fights in Ishin! provide another level of gratification, and QTE prompts are also present in these battles, making them more intense than ever. However, there is a significant disparity between Ryoma’s and the bosses’ health and attack power, and the fair fight between two katanas might not be fair at all.
The Imbalance of Strength Among Different Battle Styles
What is great about the game’s battle system is that attacks, when landed, could stagger a unit (no matter Ryoma or his enemies), thus encouraging players to be patient before attacking and wait for the enemies’ opening. However, this rule doesn’t fully apply in boss fights, and there is an imbalance of strength among different battle styles during the early parts of the game.
Leveling Up the Swordsman Style
In my experience, the Swordsman style is only more fun when it is levelled up considerably, in addition to having strong equipment. When keeping a distance between myself and the enemy is much less punishing than trying to get close just to land a few hits, I just couldn’t help it. But I still have to admit that I am pretty embarrassed every time Ryoma asks his enemy to fight with dignity.
Conclusion
Overall, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a great game that takes players on a journey through Bakumatsu period Japan. It is a period full of violent conflicts, but it is also a period where heroes would emerge to save the country from doom, and that there would be names going down in history. Sakamoto Ryoma is one of those names, and this game does a great job in bringing his story to life.
FAQs
- What is Bakumatsu period?
- Who is Sakamoto Ryoma?
- What are Troopers in Ishin!?
- How do I level up in Ishin!?
- What are the different battle styles in Ishin!?
