Infinite Wealth's island mini-game is more than just an Animal Crossing parody confirms producer, it's about conserving nature and 'cleaning up'

Ichiban and friends welcome travellers to sunny Dondoko island
(Image credit: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto has revealed some of the thinking behind the upcoming game's new Animal Crossing-inspired minigame. 

Speaking to TechRadar Gaming during a hands-on preview event, Sakamoto did acknowledge that the likes of Animal Crossing: New Horizons had "some influence" on the new Dondoko Island minigame. Centered around renovating and restoring a dilapidated island in the Pacific Ocean, this new addition to the Yakuza formula promises players a relaxing break from beating up criminals. 

However, Sakamoto made it clear that Dondoko Island is more than a simple parody. "The most important thing for us was that [...] we wanted to give you guys an opportunity to really engage with the great nature and wildlife of Hawaii and the tropical island." 

The mini-game also comes with an emphasis on conservation, while also offering deeper insight into the kind-hearted nature of protagonist Ichiban Kasuga. "We thought of this idea of cleaning up," continued Sakamoto. "This is something that we think Ichiban would probably do [...] this was very big for Ichiban to do [...] we brought all [these different] parts together to construct this meaning."

Dondoko Island certainly has a lot of parts to bring together, too. During my hands-on preview with an early build of the Infinite Wealth, I spent half an hour with the minigame. From cleaning up trash left on the island to constructing my own furniture, I found my time on the island extremely relaxing. Even the crafting animation was a treat, which sees Ichiban enter into a rapid building montage that ends in a big, goofy grin from the lovable hero.

In a series renowned for blending hilarious, light-hearted antics with heartfelt dramatic beats, it's great to have a refuge from the compelling high-energy emotional whiplash that accompanies the Like a Dragon experience. Sometimes you want to track down your estranged biological mother by kicking ass all over Hawaii and sometimes you just want to make a chair - both are good.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth releases on January 26 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.

Want something to play in the meantime? Check out our lists of the best RPGs and best story games.

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Cat Bussell
Freelance contributor

An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.

A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game. 

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