Summary
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthhas received praise for many facets of its game design, though the way it handles its cast is a notable highlight. Beyond dual protagonists Ichiban and Kiryu,Infinite Wealth’s supporting characters make up a lively and nuanced bunch that are well-developed through the game’s small but mighty group interactions. Between its Walk and Talks, Table Talks, andDrink Links, the eighth mainlineLike a Dragongame utilizes the strengths of its RPG inspirations to deliver on fleshing out its characters, and its female party members are no exception.
Returning faces Saeko and Seonhee join newcomer Chitose in rounding outLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s main party, and their strengths are made well known. Not only are the three more than capable combatants, utilizing classes like the Assassin, Kunoichi, and Idol to assist the crew, but the ways in which they are characterized show just how well written they are. Though they might differ in background and personality, there’s a uniting strength to their portrayals that showsInfinite Wealth’s competency at character development, and this can be seen particularly well through Saeko and Seonhee’s Drink Links.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Saeko and Seonhee Drink Links Highlight the Intricacies of its Female Cast
Queen of the Geomijul
While Seonhee played a crucial role inLike a Dragon 7’s narrative, her inclusion as a party member inInfinite Wealthallows her to shine even more. Her Drink Links, completed with Kiryu as the acting protagonist, delve into the obstacles she faces as the leader of both the Geomijul and Liumang, a difficult undertaking, but one suited to her competencies. Kiryu remarks on her selfless nature, a feat brought up in her Bond Bingo, and how this contributes to her strengths as the Queen of the Geomijul. Still, there are those in her forces who would seek to undermine her leadership, holding onto the outdated ideals that her status as a young woman makes her unfit for the role.
Her Drink Links show an endearing side to the playfulness of the Dragon of Dojima, asSeonhee’s nervousness confiding in Kiryu is made known. While she maintains her tough demeanor, Kiryu reinforces the idea that, as her friend, she can count on him to help when in need. As she tells him about the dissent in the Geomijul, spurred on by an elder (once part of the Jingweon Mafia), Seonhee confides in how her status has been challenged due to being a woman. As the traitor within her ranks tries to undermine her competencies by sowing discord between the Geomijul and Liumang, Seonhee ends up confronting him, making her strength clear. Kiryu, in disguise as a fellow Geomijul member, helps her defeat the traitor, though Seonhee is wise enough to see through his facade.
Seonhee’s Drink Links, alongside her Bond Bingo, show her intelligence and abilities while breaking down her barriers to humanize her beyond her work. Not only is she a capable and competent leader, but she’s playful and feminine, too, interested in things like cooking spicy food for Joongi Han and admiring flowers. She isn’t portrayed as being strong for a woman; rather, she’s both stronganda woman, a feat that translates well toInfinite Wealth’s Saekoand Chitose, too.
A Strong Businesswoman
With Saeko, her Drink Links center on her conflicting ideas of marriage, spurred on byIchiban’s disastrous (though well-intentioned) proposal, and a potential suitor who’s taken interest in her at work. The latter ends up being a part of a bigger scheme for a rival club to poach her hostesses, though the suitor genuinely falls for her, resulting in a second proposal. The man remarks that he can take care of her due to his wealth and status, stating that Saeko would no longer have to deal with managing her “small club” and could live comfortably alongside him. While Saeko gives the suitor props for having the confidence to propose in such a situation, she angrily turns him down, as flattery won’t get him what he wants.
Though Kiryu helps Saeko take the poachers down, he remarks that he wasn’t exactly needed in the situation; Saeko’s feracity and drive as a businesswoman is more than enough to fight for her club’s safety while showing the merits of her dedication toward work, and though she isn’t completely against the idea of marriage, she values her individualism all the same. Much like inLike a Dragon 7, Saeko is portrayed as headstrong and confident, making her another great woman amongInfinite Wealth’s cast.
