A significant number of RPG protagonists tend to have a dark and brooding demeanor, and many are silent. This is often justified by the circumstances they endure, uprooting their lives and potentially irreparably ruining them. It would only be natural for these experiences to impact their overall persona.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth‘s Ichiban Kasuga has also endured plenty of tragedy, loss, and hardships. Yet, his unyielding optimism somehow shines even brighter in the face of adversity. As was the case in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Kasuga continues to be a breath of fresh air amongst the sea of stoic characters, making him the perfect role model for 2024.
Number one
Although I distinctly remember loving Ichiban and his crew in 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon, it wasn’t until I started playing Infinite Wealth that I realized why. Ichiban has every reason to give up, to give in to the seemingly endless curveballs the world throws his way, circumstances completely beyond his control. From birth, his life has been nothing but tragedies. Any glimmers of hope or joy have merely been a knife that can later be twisted in his back.
When I reunited with Ichiban in Infinite Wealth, I was greeted by a man who exuded nothing but positivity and joy. Despite being yelled at, assaulted, and betrayed, he not only didn’t let these experiences get to him, but he also found ways to use them to fuel his determination. Every setback was viewed as an opportunity to learn, and every person who wronged him represented a chance to help someone out of a bad situation. He never harbors hate in his heart for anyone or anything.
On paper, Ichiban might seem like a naive character who only sees the bright side because he doesn’t understand the dark. However, that isn’t the case. Ichiban isn’t blind to the constant hardships placed in front of him; he understands how dire the world around him can be. Instead of letting that weight bring him down, he takes it as motivation to try that much harder. It is an infectious and admirable trait that still feels rare in video game protagonists, especially in RPG heroes.
When reflecting on Kasuga, I think back to Final Fantasy XVI’s Clive, a tortured soul who tumbled down a landslide of tragedy. Though Ben Starr’s strong voice performance is full of theatrical passion, I can already feel that Kasuga will stick with me longer. While there’s no way to compare any two characters’ trauma, it is evident that Clive has suffered more than his fair share as well. He doesn’t give up either, but his view of the world is rougher and more jaded. That would be the expected response given his life, but it’s a trope. Infinite Wealth ventures off the beaten path to create the bright-eyed Kasuga, and he’s a memorable hero for it.
Because of that approach, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku continues to develop a character I can truly see myself in. I do my best to stay upbeat and positive, to not let the weight of uncontrollable situations and constant negativity weigh down my desire to do and be better. I would be lying to say I wasn’t faltering. Who wouldn’t? But Kasuga turned out to be an unexpected guiding light for me at the start of 2024 and has single-handedly reinvigorated my drive and commitment to remain optimistic no matter what happens.
We can’t choose what life throws at us, but we can choose how we respond to it.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is available now on PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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