Many gamers have franchises they enjoy hearing about but have never played. For one writer, the Yakuza series—now known as Like A Dragon—was one such blind spot. Friends praised it for its mix of hard-hitting action and lighthearted humor, underscored by emotional storytelling. With the release of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, there seemed to be no better time to dive in.
Initially, the writer enjoyed the game but hadn’t yet seen what made it special. That changed during Chapter 4, when they encountered Substory 24: "Let It Snow." The story begins with Ichiban, the main character, witnessing Orlando, a man in a plaid shirt, purchasing shaved ice—a snow cone, in Hawaii. Oddly, the man asks for no toppings and throws the ice into the air, only to scream in despair as it melts. Ichiban is puzzled but moves on.
Later, Ichiban finds Orlando again, this time dejected at being denied shaved ice by another vendor. Sitting down with him, Ichiban learns that Orlando is trying to fulfill his wife Ellie’s dying wish: to see snow one last time, recalling their cherished memories, including their honeymoon in Japan. Moved by the man’s story, Ichiban agrees to help him.
The narrative takes a whimsical turn as Ichiban sees a woman lose a stroller down an escalator. In a series of quick-time events, he retrieves the stroller, only to discover a grown man in a diaper inside. This character, Susumu Gondawara, is a yakuza boss familiar to seasoned players. He explains his predicament involving a "nanny" and seeks Ichiban’s help to return him.
Soon, Ikeban and Gondawara’s henchmen face off against three of Gondawara’s infantile associates. After the fight, all characters come together at a shaved ice truck, where Orlando refreshingly meets the man from earlier—still in the plaid shirt—who attempts to get his favorite treat again.
In a comedic twist, it’s revealed that the distributed diaper absorbent mixed with the shaved ice creates "snow." In disbelief yet intrigued, Ichiban, Orlando, and Gondawara concoct a plan. They decide to throw their mixture off a hotel rooftop so Orlando and Ellie can enjoy a snow-like experience together.
This leads to a touching, albeit bizarre, resolution. Orlando and Ellie, amazed at the snow falling into their room, share a heartfelt moment as she requests to see him smile one last time before drifting away in sleep.
Throughout this adventure—one filled with quirky characters and absurd scenarios—the emotional core remains striking. Ichiban’s deep care to fulfill a dying wish underscores the game’s hidden treasures. It encapsulates how absurdity and heartfelt storytelling coexist within Like A Dragon, ensuring the writer is now invested and excited to explore what they initially missed.
For anyone new to the franchise, this poignant yet eccentric story showcases the heart behind the series, leading to a newfound appreciation. The whimsical journey blended with genuine emotion proved to be an unforgettable introduction to the franchise.