Sega has sparked discussion within the gaming community by limiting access to the New Game Plus feature in their upcoming title, "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth." The feature, commonly available in games after completing the main story, is restricted to only the Deluxe and Ultimate digital editions of the game, as per the game's official website. While the Standard Edition costs $69.99, the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions are priced at $84.99 and $109.99, respectively. This move could potentially set a precedent for gaming features being locked behind premium versions. "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" is set to release on January 26 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. The game is significant for the franchise, possibly marking a transition of the lead protagonist role from the legendary Kiryu to the newcomer Kasuga.
Is New Game Plus mode available in all editions of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth?No, New Game Plus mode is only available in the digital Deluxe and Ultimate Editions of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, not in the Standard Edition or the physical copy.
"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" is a continuation of the popular "Yakuza" series, developed by RGG Studio. The series is known for its deep narrative, engaging characters, and blend of action-adventure gameplay with life simulation elements. The franchise has seen a successful run with previous titles such as "Yakuza 0" and "Yakuza: Like a Dragon," which introduced Ichiban Kasuga as the new protagonist. "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" carries on this legacy with its impending release, stirring both excitement and controversy among fans of the series.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
Sega's decision to gate the New Game Plus mode for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth could be a slippery slope if it inspires other developers to start slicing up standard gaming features for profit. It's a risky play that may alienate their fan base, which is already invested in the rich story-driven universe of the Yakuza series; they'll have to balance their monetization strategy carefully to maintain player goodwill.
Locking New Game Plus behind pricier editions feels like a rough deal for your everyday gamer—Sega's really testing the waters on how much extra content they can toss into the Deluxe lane. Might lead to some serious side-eye from the community if this becomes the norm, especially when fans are just itching to jump back into the world of Like a Dragon as the underdog Kasuga.
Sega's decision to reserve New Game Plus for higher-tiered editions of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth feels like a risky play that strays from gamer-friendly practices. Here's hoping it doesn't become the norm, because gaming thrives when the full experience isn't locked behind a paywall.