Sega Like a Dragon: Ishin! (PS5)

The visual presentation of Like a Dragon: Ishin! showcases the capabilities of the Unreal Engine 4 remake, with detailed character models and atmospheric lighting bringing 1860s Kyo to life. Environmental textures and animations occasionally betray the game's PS3/PS4 origins, but the overall aesthetic successfully captures the period setting. The game world feels appropriately dense and lived-in, though smaller than modern open-world titles.

Combat performance is smooth and responsive across four distinct fighting styles - Swordsman, Gunman, Wild Dancer, and Brawler. Each style flows naturally into the others, allowing for creative combat expression. The new Trooper Card system adds strategic depth, though it can make later battles feel somewhat unbalanced. Frame rates remain stable even during the most chaotic fights, with only occasional stutters during quick scene transitions.

The user interface effectively communicates essential information while maintaining period authenticity. Menu navigation and combat controls are intuitive, though weapon switching can feel cumbersome in heated battles. Side activities and mini-games are easily accessible through a streamlined map system, though some quest tracking elements feel dated compared to modern standards.

From a value perspective, Ishin! offers substantial content with its 15-20 hour main story and numerous side activities. The combat variety, historical setting, and dual audio options provide good replay value. However, certain gameplay systems and design elements show their age, which may impact the experience for players accustomed to more modern action games.