Summary
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth pays homage to fans of the series by incorporating iconic elements and offering a vast amount of content.
- The song "Baka Mitai" is cleverly used in the game to foreshadow future plot points, adding depth and intrigue to the story.
- The heartfelt lyrics of "Baka Mitai" parallel the doomed relationship between Kasuga and Saeko, setting the stage for heartbreak and turmoil.
Warning: This article contains early-game spoilers for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Proceed at your own risk.
Some of the most iconic elements of the Like a Dragon series are on display in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth as a title that is a clear love letter to fans of the series. With how much content is packed into Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth between the game's main story and side activities like mini-games and sub-stories, this title represents all of the best the series has to offer. However, there are some references for fans to catch that are much more subtle than others, with one particular callback foreshadowing a future plot point.
The first chapter of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth does a great job showcasing Kasuga and the gang's lives as the Heroes of Yokohama following the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, establishing a stable lifestyle for the group from the get-go. This stability leads Nanba and Adachi to encourage Kasuga to ask Saeko out on a date, setting up an endearing sequence that ultimately has more drastic consequences later down the line. These consequences end up being foreshadowed during Saeko and Kasuga's date through the use of the series' iconic song "Baka Mitai," cluing observant fans in on the turmoil to come.
Recapping Yakuza: Like a Dragon and LAD Gaiden Ahead of Infinite Wealth's Release
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is almost here, so it's a great time for fans to re-familiarize themselves with the series' complex narrative.
How Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Uses Baka Mitai to Foreshadow Its Plot
The karaoke mini-game is a staple of the Like a Dragon series and has become a very popular activity among fans to the point where iconic songs like "Baka Mitai" are often the primary thing the series is known for among non-fans. As such, it's not surprising that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth would work this classic song into its opening hours as an Easter egg hidden in the background for players to enjoy. However, players might notice that the scene where "Baka Mitai" can be heard may be using the song to foreshadow a future plot point based on the contents of the song's lyrics.
All Yakuza and Like a Dragon Games that Feature Baka Mitai as a Karaoke Song
- Yakuza 0
- Yakuza Kiwami
- Yakuza 5
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
- Like a Dragon: Ishin!
- Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Although "Baka Mitai" was first introduced as a karaoke song in Yakuza 5, it has appeared in nearly all entries released in the time since, aside from Yakuza 6. This song was even added to the remake of the first game, Yakuza Kiwami, due to its popularity among players. While "Baka Mitai" has gone on to earn viral internet fame, its lyrics are much more somber than the memes featuring the song would have one believe, making it the perfect way to foreshadow future turmoil in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's plot.
The full title of the song is "Baka Mitai (I've Been a Fool)," and its lyrics reflect this regretful title by discussing the singer's desire to go back and change how they treated their partner, wishing to tell them that they still love them. The Like a Dragon series has always walked a fine line between the ridiculous and a more grounded outlook on the world, which is represented by the feelings expressed in this song. The remorse the singer feels in this song comes through when it's sung in karaoke by characters like Kiryu, Saejima, Akiyama, and Nanba, but its impact is even more apparent when it directly relates to Kasuga and Saeko's relationship.
During their date towards the beginning of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, "Baka Mitai" can be heard playing in the background while Kasuga and Saeko are at the kappo restaurant. In the moment, all appears to be going well as the two are having a good time, but as the date ends and Kasuga surprisingly proposes to Saeko, the mood quickly changes as Saeko abruptly leaves without a response and with Kasuga regretful of his actions. This heartbreak closely mirrors the lyrics of "Baka Mitai," foreshadowing this doomed relationship from the start of the date.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- January 26, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Simulated Gambling, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Engine
- Dragon Engine
- Franchise
- Yakuza
