Summary
The hard thing about finding games similar toLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthis realizing there really isn’t anything like it. That doesn’t mean there aren’t other games out there you might enjoy as a fan of the game or the series, however.
The games below have some sort of connection to Infinite Wealth, whether that is visible on the surface or noticeable only when you look deeper into the story and mechanics. The positive thing is that most of these games are not quite as long as Infinite Wealth, so they could serve as a good palette cleanser after Ichiban Kasuga’s long journey.
7Shenmue
Shenmueis often compared to the Yakuza series (now known as Like a Dragon). The similarities are apparent in the minigames and focus on human drama and bonds. However, Shenmue is purposefully slow and meditative, whereas Infinite Wealth is flamboyant and bombastic.
You could be bored by how slow Shenmue moves along and the rarity of combat, but that’s a conscious game design decision and a part of its charm. Shenmue’s technical prowess isn’t impressive anymore, but there is something special about the story and the world the developers crafted.
Persona 5 Royalis set in modern-day Japan, but it takes a lot of supernatural turns. Still, most of these are grounded in human relationships and flaws. Like Infinite Wealth, the game is filled with dialogue, story, and optional side quests. Unlike Infinite Wealth, however, is the calendar that counts away the days, giving the game a constant sense of movement even if it is absurdly long.
The beautifully animated cinematics also lend to the game’s cinematic aspirations. The game became popular enough for Joker to be included in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster. It’s a shame Ichiban Kasuga or Kazuma Kiryu never got that opportunity.
In the intro, we said that most of the games are shorter than Infinite Wealth. Persona 5 Royal is the notable exception, easily taking about 100 hours to beat.
You rarely see an RPG take place in modern times. Even rarer when it is based on a popular TV show and receives universal critical acclaim.South Park: The Fractured But Wholeand its predecessor are surprising additions to the genre, being great games in their own right while remaining faithful to the South Park series.
It’s also funny like Infinite Wealth if you are into the South Park brand of humor. The gameplay offers a unique twist on turn-based strategy games. Its predecessor, The Stick of Truth, is also a great game and the turn-based combat feels more like traditional RPGs.
Final Fantasy 7 Remakegives you a focused look at what was originally just five or so hours of the originalFinal Fantasy 7. Because of this, you dive deep into the lives of those populating the Midgar slums with side quests, a fleshed-out narrative, and a stunningly detailed environment.
The inane nature of the side quests mixed with the serious plotfeels exactly like what Infinite Wealth does with its balance between the main story and its side quests. The combat also takes traditional turn-based conventions and evolves it for the modern day, feeling more active and engaging while also being a visual spectacle.
We would recommend the original Final Fantasy 7 too. Just know that it doesn’t have the same amount of side quests early in the game and it moves quickly through the Midgar section that makes up the entirety of Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
If Infinite Wealth uses the RPG genre to turn the real world on its head, thenUndertaleuses the real world to turn RPGs and gaming as a medium on its head. Infinite Wealth’s gameplay explores the implications of RPG mechanics on everyday life, while Undertale’s gameplay and story deconstruct the way we approach video games and what video games often expect us to do (i.e. kill).
On a lighter level, both games introduce real-time mechanics into the turn-based structure; Infinite Wealth has timed button presses and lets you move before selecting an attack and Undertale implements short minigames into attacks.
This old PS1 RPG still stands out as one of the most unique entries in the genre for its mixture of JRPG mechanics andsurvival horror. The game starts with a monster known as the Mitochondria killing everyone inside an opera house and starting a rampage through New York City. You control Aya Brea as she works to contain the situation.
In combat, you are free to move around the play area in between attacks, but you can pause the action to select commands. Despite the science fiction angle, Infinite Wealth fans will feel right at home running around city streets looking for items in between battles.
Looking at all the games on this list,Earthboundfeels the most similar to Infinite Wealth in terms of overall vibe. The story involves the cosmos and becomes esoteric towards the latter half, but the world itself feels grounded and turns aspects of normal life into RPG mechanics, just like Infinite Wealth does.
Earthbound is also extremely funny at times and not afraid to have fun with the ideas it presents while also having more serious, somber moments.This cult classic remains beloved among fans, but never quite received its due in the mainstream despite being a Nintendo property.
