izigame.me

Ishin is an absolute classic, as it's a unique entry in the series (due to its equally unique time period), that simultaneously feels right at home and extremely familiar. I thoroughly enjoyed this game and was so excited for it that it was the first game I ever pre-ordered and paid full price for. Trust me, I got my money's worth! There's so much to this game that keeps you hooked and coming back for more, such as beautiful aesthetics, the story, the side content, the soundtrack, and the combat. Yet, there are some notable flaws that need mentioning, like certain aspects of the combat, the DLC controversy, questionable soundtrack re-usage, and the absolutely endless grind needed for the completion list, one that is completely and utterly bullshit. All in all, a really cozy and fun game that I highly recommend, despite some of its issues. An unforgettable time, that I don't regret, and look fondly back at, putting it close to the enjoyment brought by Y0 and Kiwami 1. In a year that also ended up bringing us Gaiden, this game was unfortunately forgotten by most, and I think that's a real shame, so let me tell you why.
Firstly, the story is great, and one of my favourites, as I've always been interested in history, but also because the Yakuza's series tendency towards the grandiose fits this particular game and era more than any other entry. The mash up of historical characters with the looks and personalities of Yakuza characters, all told from an alternative history lens with an original, yet familiar premise, makes for an engaging and impactful experience. Honestly, I'd rather not go into the details of the plot as it was such a satisfying experience that shouldn't be spoiled, but also because the trailer for the game tells you all you need to know. Find out for yourself! I'll just say that the cast characters is iconic and makes the plot more satisfying.
Secondly, the combat. This is another entry in the series that gives you four unique fighting styles, that are all drastically different and worth exploring, especially as you unlock more and more upgrades that allow you to switch between them more smoothly, allowing for some extremely creative combos and ways of dealing with multiple enemy types. Swordsman is the straightforward and honest style that requires you to be good at the game, utilising different levels of charging, as well as its own extremely satisfying counter. Gunman is hilarious as it seems completely broken to bring a gun to a sword fight, and yeah, you can simply mow down goons at times, but your movement is limited and attacks are slow. Brawler seems like a meme. Everyone else uses a billion types of different weapons and here you are nerfing yourself. It has Tiger Drop, at least. Wild Dancer is actually broken. Best movement, endless strings, a good parry, decent damage, and the benefits of both Swordsman and Gunman, with the only drawback being that you can't block. My main gripe with the combat is the super armor enemies have that wasn't present in the original Ishin. It kills some of the dynamism that the game tries to bring. The support characters/troops and magic is also a strange inclusion as it is fun, but at the same time, makes the game easier and kinda breaks the immersion, not to mention that they are a grind of their own. The boss fights are sick and can be quite difficult, especially when first starting out, though it gets easier as you get used to the game and become more OP.
Relating to the combat, I have to talk about the crafting and the grind that comes with it. This is the first entry that you could consider a proper RPG, in the sense that you to find different weapons and gear which can only be upgraded into weapons and gear within that branch, and it all requires a lot of money, materials, and seals. The materials and seals especially take FOREVER to get, even if you're spamming the dungeon, and even if you install mods that give you more of all three. This is the first game in the series that I had to use cheats to progress, and that was after many hours of playtime, and it still took too long. I've no idea what they were thinking, nor why they fixed the chicken race exploit. Assholes. I will say that the weapons and gear you can get are really cool, and if you're not trying to 100% the game, it's not too hard to get the stuff you want. Virtue is another aspect of grind that needs you ti essentially do everything in the game, so you can imagine what that's like.
Thirdly, the side content. Among the best in the series. So much to do and so much of it is fun! A large amount of substories, and some of the best in the series. The noodles mini game is do difficult and so rewarding, that you'll want to do it just because you can. Same goes for the dancing, which is so satisfying to get good at. The courtesan mini game is not only eye candy, but quite funny and rewarding in its own right, with the final game being really hard at higher difficulties. Some of the best Karaoke songs are here in Ishin, with an accompanying sub story. The dungeons are repetitive and frustrating at times, though still enjoyable. The coliseum is also quite fun, and at times, quite frustrating. Then there's the cannonball and labyrinth training, mahjong, koi-koi, oicho kabu, poker, blackjack, cho-han, cee-lo, etc. Endless content, as I said.
Another Life deserves its own mention as it could be its own game. Revolving around a home and farm where you can plant crops and harvest them and use them as well as fish gotten in the fishing mini game to cook various meals, get pets and farm animals, decorate your home, sell your resources, and deepen your bond with Haruka by completing her storyline. An incredibly satisfying loop of fun, and a good way to relax.
Time to address the confusing DLC situation. First of all, it sells stronger weapons that can only be acquired by buying it, as well as materials and some unique troops, but there were issues about people not getting them and all sorts of other nonsense that I can't remember now. The questionable aspect is the fact that any of this is DLC to begin with, especially locking an entire difficulty behind it, something that is unfortunately being repeated in other titles.
The soundtrack is a gold mine that I'll never get tired of digging through. Easily one of my favourites in the series. Every track is cool, epic, and beautiful. The boss themes especially are so damn good, and make every moment so memorable. My favourites are: Innocence for Violence, Receive You The Archetype, Receive and Doubt You, La Muerte Del Gobierno, For My Sake, Soar, Assassination of the Boddhisatva.
Ishin was such a fun, satisfying, enjoyable, and memorable experience, to the point that I'd love nothing more than Kenzan also being remastered or at least ported to PC. I can't recommend this game enough. Misleading title, though. Ishin is in another game. 迷えば敗れる。