Developers often entice players to get back into the game after their first run with New Game Plus (NG+). However, Sega has reportedly locked that feature for Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth behind a $15 paywall. Simply put, you will pay to access the New Game Plus—that’s in addition to the $70 price stamp on the base game. In other words, NG+ will not be available with the base game.
New Game Plus has almost become a staple in most video games. It allows players to dive back into the game while keeping their upgrades and weapons from the previous run. In some series like Persona, New Game Plus has become a must for players who want the completionist experience.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth will come with the Master Vacation Bundle, according to the game’s official website. In addition to that, players will get special Sujimon (from a Pokémon-like mode), resort guests, and outfits. However, all of these are not included in the base game. The feature will only be available on the Deluxe Edition and Ultimate Edition.
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The decision by Sega to slam a price tag on Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s New Game Plus has attracted criticism from gamers considering the fact that it is a feature they are used to getting for free. Come to think of it, who benefits more from NG+, the developer or the player?
With the massive number of games released monthly, gamers would easily move on to other games. However, the NG+ is a feature that allows developers to keep gamers on their title—which can be beneficial if they choose to release an expansion or a sequel to that game.
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While it was previously thought that there may have been confusion in the wording of the description from Sega’s end, a Redditor reached out to Sega’s customer support for clarification. Below is the response that the Redditor received.
“Thank you for contacting SEGA Support and your patience in this case. I have checked back and can confirm that the New Game+ function is indeed only available with the Master vacation pack.”
When will Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth review embargo be lifted?
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is scheduled for release on Friday, January 26, 2024. However, the review embargo for the game will likely be lifted two days before that day. That means from January 24, 2024, you should start seeing reviews of Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth pop up on the Internet. Hopefully, this would be enough time for players to decide whether they want to buy the game or not.
While the date for lifting the review embargo has not been officially announced, our assumption is based on typical review embargo lifting dates. However, it is important to mention that the Yakuza series doesn’t always conform to conventional review embargo dates.
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Back in 2023, Like a Dragon Gaiden had its review embargo lifted on November 6, just two days before the official game’s release date. The good news about Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is that it will have both digital and physical releases—which should excite video game collectors and advocates of video game conservation.
The game will be released on PS4 and PS5 as well as Xbox X Series X and Xbox One. Those who want to purchase physical copies of the game can do so through Best Buy, Gamestop, Gamestop (CA), Amazon, Target, and VGP.CA.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Ultimate Edition will also have a Yakuza CD Collection Set which Sega said will “increase your in-game playlist with classic karaoke tracks”. What do you think about paying $15 for New Game Plus? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
