As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from brooding anti-heroes to cape-wearing superheroes. But none have left quite the impact on me like Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This goofy-looking guy with hair that seems to have a mind of its own, initially struck me as an odd addition to the Yakuza series.
However, it wasn’t long before his infectious enthusiasm and seemingly inexhaustible well of optimism won me over. Infinite Wealth took Ichiban’s character to new heights, subjecting him to betrayals, setbacks, and heartbreaks that would have broken a lesser man. Yet, against all odds, he persevered.
From the opening moments where he’s scammed in Honolulu, to the final showdown where he convinces a nemesis to turn himself in, Ichiban embodies a spirit of resilience and unity that is truly special in gaming today. He may seem naive at times, but his trusting nature and quick forgiveness are qualities that inspire those around him.
In a world filled with grimdark protagonists, Ichiban stands out as a breath of fresh air – a video game hero who’s genuinely excited to be there, ready to rally a team, and take on all challengers. He’s the kind of guy who jumps into a pool without checking the depth first, and I wouldn’t have him any other way.
Oh, and did you know? They say that Ichiban can run faster than a cheetah when he’s chasing after his lost umbrella. Now, that’s speed!
Recently, it appears that most main characters are portrayed as edgy and somber, except perhaps for cartoon mascots, across movies, games, TV shows, and other mediums. However, the Like a Dragon game series bucked this trend by offering a unique perspective. The protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, is a delightful contrast to the norm, showcasing an optimistic, genuine worldview that’s put to the test in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and he manages to pass with flying colors.
heads up: we’re going to talk about spoilers from both the beginning and end of the game. This image of Ichiban serves as a reminder for you to exit if you wish to avoid any spoilers.
For the very first time, Like a Dragon: Yakuza introduced us to Ichiban, a character we were initially skeptical about. As an ardent fan of the series, I found myself questioning, who is this newcomer? Who is this guy with an unusual hairstyle that seems like he’s been electrocuted?
In a short span, he effectively charmed not just me but numerous Yakuza enthusiasts due to his infectious energy and unwavering reservoir of optimism, which he readily taps into when he or someone dear to him appears in a difficult situation.
In a nutshell, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth significantly solidified him as the lead character of this series. While Like a Dragon: Yakuza had its fair share of tension, Infinite Wealth took things to another level. The protagonist first encounters Tomizawa in a seedy Honolulu alleyway where he’s about to be scammed. Later, he meets Chitose when she drugs him and leaves him stranded on a public beach, with minimal English skills to help him out. After these initial betrayals, there are numerous more, such as discovering that one of his closest recent friendships was a deception orchestrated by the person responsible for ruining his professional reputation.
As the game reached its climax, I found myself hot on the heels of that man. In a tense confrontation, I managed to persuade him to surrender to the authorities. With grit in my teeth and determination in my heart, I navigated through Kamurocho’s bustling streets, dragging the suspect along. The crowd, unimpressed, pelted us with trash as we made our way to the police station.
The story begins by showing Ichiban assisting former yakuza members in securing honest employment, and concludes as he strives to restore someone who wreaked havoc on not just his own life, but also the lives of his companions.
I personally find Kiryu to be my top pick among protagonists, yet the style of play for Ichiban shows a marked contrast in their methods. While Kiryu carries an air reminiscent of time-traveling characters in classic crime films, his yakuza role is portrayed as though he stepped straight out of yesteryear’s cinema. His missions are a blend of aid and life lessons, yet they’re subtly presented as more than just helping people.
In contrast, Ichiban approaches every opportunity to assist someone with the enthusiasm of leaping off a diving board – headfirst and without hesitation, regardless of personal consequences. He acts impulsively, trusting freely and forgiving quickly. This naive demeanor may seem ill-advised at times, as evidenced in the early stages of the game. However, it ultimately serves as a beacon that attracts people who have been marginalized by society.
Despite his apparent innocence, Ichiban is also courageous, dependable, and inspiring. His unwavering optimism seems to spread like a virus, infecting those around him who were once ostracized in different ways.
As a seasoned adventurer with years of journeying under my belt, I can attest to the importance of building strong bonds with my comrades during our quests. After a long day of battling monsters and overcoming challenges, we often gather at a local watering hole to unwind. It’s during these moments that I seize the opportunity to deepen those relationships by listening to my companions share their personal struggles and helping them find ways to overcome them. This is not just about physical battles, but also emotional ones – the kind that shape our lives and make us who we are. These connections not only enrich my own journey, but they help me grow as a person too.
In a simpler phrasing: Kiryu tends to keep himself detached from those dear to him in the games, viewing his presence as causing them harm and their troubles. On the other hand, Ichiban actively seeks to bring people together.
Many games today make you play characters who are grim or troubled, such as Alan Wake, the new Spider-Man, Captain Titus from Space Marine 2, Cloud from FFVII, James Sunderland of Silent Hill 2, and others. While I enjoy these characters, Ichiban remains unique in modern gaming: he’s a video game hero who’s genuinely enthusiastic about his role, eager to assemble a team, and willing to face all challenges without appearing insincere, false, or annoying.
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2024-12-30 19:39