The upcoming release of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth from Sega has stirred controversy due to the revelation that an essential feature, the New Game Plus mode, will be locked behind a paywall, leaving fans disheartened.

Anticipation surrounds the eighth mainline installment of Like a Dragon, featuring the collaboration of Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, promising a captivating finale to Kiryu’s narrative. However, a point of contention arose before the launch of Infinite Wealth—its New Game Plus feature.

Sega confirmed that the New Game Plus mode in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth would be accessible only through paid DLC in certain regions. This decision mirrors the approach taken with the seventh game in the series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, where the New Game Plus mode was initially locked behind paid DLC in Japan but included in the base game for the Western release.

The Deluxe and Ultimate editions of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth include a DLC pack named the “Master Vacation Bundle,” priced at $15 for the Deluxe edition upgrade. This bundle encompasses a bonus dungeon, special Sujimon, resort guests for the Animal Crossing-esque island mode, additional DLC outfits, and crucially, the New Game Plus feature.

The controversy deepens on Steam, where the Standard Edition listing fails to provide details about the content of the Master Vacation Bundle, potentially misleading players into assuming that the base game includes the New Game Plus feature. A Reddit post from December highlights a user inquiry to Sega, confirming that the New Game Plus is exclusively available through the DLC.

Understanding the contents of each version of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is crucial:

Standard Edition – $69.99

• Base Game

Deluxe Edition – $84.99

• Base Game
• Master Vacation Bundle (Bonus dungeon, special Sujimon, resort guests, outfits, New Game Plus & more)

Ultimate Edition – $109.99

• Base Game
• Master Vacation Bundle (Bonus dungeon, special Sujimon, resort guests, outfits, New Game Plus & more)
• Assorted Outfit Bundle (Extra outfits and swimwear for party)
• Sujimon & Resort Bundle (Legendary Sujimon, resort guests, special booster items)
• Yakuza CD Collection (Additional in-game playlist songs based on classic karaoke tracks)

Infinite Wealth’s controversial DLC strategy has cast a shadow over the highly anticipated title in the series. While the DLC won’t be exclusive to pre-orders, fans express understandable dissatisfaction with Sega for placing a standard feature found in most RPGs, and past Yakuza games, behind an expensive paywall.