Infinite Wealth’s New Mode: Carrying Forward Ichiban Confections' Legacy

Highlights

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth introduces a new side mode called Dondoko Island, which takes the series' optional activities to the next level.

Dondoko Island expands upon the engaging business management gameplay found in Yakuza: Like a Dragon's Ichiban Confections, providing players with a more intricate island management experience.

Within the game, players have the freedom to design and construct various structures, collect materials for crafting, and oversee groups of tourists, thus introducing an enjoyable life simulation aspect.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth keeps up with the tradition of the series by offering a variety of engaging side activities and substories as a way to take a break from the main storyline. The recent trailer for the game introduces a new game mode called Dondoko Island, which has the potential to be the largest optional mode in the series. Taking inspiration from the successful business management mode in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Dondoko Island expands upon this concept and offers players a captivating island management experience. With its wacky and entertaining mini-games, such as karaoke, go-kart racing, and cabaret club management, the Like a Dragon series has always embraced its playful side. However, Dondoko Island takes this to the next level, elevating the gameplay and adding more depth to the overall experience. Building upon the foundation set by Ichiban Confections, the business management mode in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Dondoko Island enhances and improves the gameplay for an even better experience.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Dondoko Island Takes Business Management to a New Level

Comparisons have already been made between Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's new Dondoko Island mode and popular life sim games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley, and The Sims. This mode allows players to gather materials for crafting, design and construct structures on the island, and manage groups of tourists visiting the resort. Including such a robust life simulation gameplay in a full Like a Dragon game may surprise many players, but the groundwork was laid with Yakuza: Like a Dragon's Ichiban Confections game mode.

In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, players can engage in the Ichiban Confections business management mini-game. Their objective is to make their company have the highest share prices among Yokohama's top corporations. Achieving this entails recruiting and training new staff, purchasing and upgrading properties, and convincing shareholders that the business is thriving. While there are multiple elements to consider in this game mode, they are primarily divided into four distinct gameplay segments to prevent overwhelming the player.

Dondoko Island aims to enhance the gameplay potential of managing Ichiban Confections in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. By allowing players to directly design and construct their own island resort, a new layer of complexity is introduced. Instead of solely purchasing properties through menus, players must now build structures and search the island for crafting materials to fully decorate their resort. Additionally, rather than focusing on satisfying shareholders, players must now prioritize the needs of each guest to provide them with the best experience.

Dondoko Island is a clear progression of the business management gameplay introduced by Ichiban Confections in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Engaging in this mode offers various benefits, such as earning extra cash, unlocking special attacks, and potentially recruiting a new party member, Eri Kamataki. While the trailer for Dondoko Island showcased new characters, it remains uncertain if they can be recruited as party members. Nevertheless, exploring all that Dondoko Island has to offer in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth will likely be worthwhile, even without the allure of additional party members.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on January 26, 2024.