New Game Plus has become a staple feature in many games that feature levelling, loot, and the like, so Sega’s move to lock the mode in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth behind a paywall certainly marks a baffling departure from the norm.
As reported by PC Gamer, the hundred-hour RPG is locking its New Game Mode Plus behind its Deluxe and Ultimate Edition, which cost US$84.99 and US$109.99 respectively. In comparison, the Standard Edition costs US$69.99, and only grants access to the base game. Other additional content in these premium bundles include a bonus dungeon, bonus soundtracks, and more characters added to its Animal Crossing-style and Pokémon-like modes.
Therein lies the problem, however. None of these information is included on the game’s Steam page, and can only be found on its official website. The former does have some specifics, listing out each edition and its respective bundles, but fails to detail the exact contents. In light of the misleading information, it’d be perfectly reasonable for Steam users to assume that New Game Plus is included in the base game, as with most games.
While this could simply be a case of confusing wording, the response by Sega’s support team suggests otherwise. Redditor Megasomark highlighted their clarification on the matter, confirming that “New Game Plus is indeed only available with the Master Vacation pack”.
It’s disappointing that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has resorted to a money-hungry release strategy as such, with Yong Yea, the English voice actor for Kazuma Kiryu himself also expressing displeasure at the upgrade.
Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and publisher Sega have yet to address the backlash, and it’s unknown whether either plans to do so at all. If so, they will have to act fast, as Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is releasing later this week on 26 January 2024.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Edwin Teo
Trinity Sun
