15/06/2020
In the bustling, vibrant world of Ijincho, Yokohama, the question often arises: is Yakuza: Like a Dragon truly worth the extensive journey? While its captivating narrative and innovative turn-based combat certainly make a strong case, much of the game's enduring appeal and significant value lies within its sprawling network of side activities. Among these, the 'Part-time Hero' feature stands out, offering a plethora of subquests that not only add depth and humour but also provide substantial in-game rewards. One particular quest, the search for ten elusive felines, epitomises this perfectly, offering a generous payout and a unique ally that makes the entire endeavour incredibly rewarding.
This guide delves into the specifics of this delightful cat-finding mission, illustrating precisely why embracing these seemingly minor detours in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an integral part of experiencing the game's full potential and securing its most valuable assets. Much like a seasoned London cabbie navigates the intricate backstreets to find the quickest route, understanding where to invest your time in Ijincho's side content can lead to considerable in-game prosperity and strategic advantages.
The Allure of Ijincho's Side Missions: Beyond the Main Story
Yakuza: Like a Dragon, much like its predecessors, thrives on its ability to weave compelling narratives with quirky, often hilarious, side content. The 'Part-time Hero' system is a brilliant evolution of this, allowing protagonist Ichiban Kasuga to tackle various civic duties, from rescuing citizens to retrieving lost items. These quests are more than mere distractions; they are vital arteries of the game, providing crucial experience, equipment, and, most importantly, cold, hard Yen. The cat quest is a prime example of this philosophy, offering a staggering two million Yen upon completion, alongside a highly sought-after 'Poundmate'. This makes it one of the most lucrative early-game quests available, significantly boosting Ichiban's financial standing and combat capabilities.
Moreover, these side quests encourage deep exploration of Ijincho. As you traverse its districts, from the neon-lit streets of Chinatown to the tranquil Hamakita Park, you uncover hidden gems and become intimately familiar with the city's layout. This familiarity is not just for immersion; it's practical, making efficient use of the game's taxi quick-travel points an absolute breeze, much like a local knowing every shortcut. The cat quest, by its very nature, demands this level of exploration, sending you far and wide across the map.
Embarking on the Feline Frenzy: How to Start Your Quest
Unlike some 'Part-time Hero' quests that appear automatically, the 'Feline Frenzy' requires a specific trigger. Players can initiate this quest as early as Chapter Five, making it an excellent opportunity to earn some early game currency. Your first port of call must be the Part-time Quest office, located in the North Jinnai Station area, within the same building as Cafe Brave. Seek out Hiro-san, the quirky cat enthusiast who runs the office. After an initial visit where you witness his beloved felines, Ichiban will receive a call from Hiro, informing him of the cats' unfortunate disappearance. This call officially marks the beginning of your grand search.
From this point, your mission is clear: locate and retrieve the ten missing cats scattered across Ijincho. Each successful retrieval will be met by Hiro's employee, who appears as if by magic to collect the recovered feline, sending you on your way to find the next. The game provides subtle hints, such as the cats' distinct meows as you approach, making them slightly easier to pinpoint if you have a keen ear.
Finding all ten cats requires keen observation and a bit of strategic travel. Utilising the in-game taxi points for quick travel between districts will significantly boost your efficiency. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where to find each elusive feline:
1. North Jinnai Station
Your first feline friend is conveniently close to the Part-time Hero office. Head directly behind the batting centre, near the back of the rectangular building at the far end. This little cat is nestled on the ground next to a tree. Keep an eye out for the green arrow and prompt that appears when you draw near. Given its proximity, it's sensible to collect this one first.
2. West Jinnai Station
Venture south from your previous location, towards the West Jinnai Station. The cat isn't inside the station itself but rather south of it, within a small, fenced-off area. You’ll spot it perched atop a dumpster. Listen closely for its meows; they're a dead giveaway when you're in the vicinity.
3. East Jinnai Station
This cat resides in a familiar setting if you've progressed through the main story: the grounds of the Sunlight Castle retirement home. In the top-right section of the area surrounding the building, close to the wall, you'll find this cat resting atop a green box. With three down, you're well on your way, and quick travel via taxi points becomes increasingly valuable.
4. Chinatown
Next, make your way to the bustling streets of Chinatown. This particular cat is found on a small wall on one of the busy streets that intersects between the district's buildings. This area is typically teeming with NPCs, so consult your map carefully for the precise spot to avoid missing it amidst the crowds.
5. Hamakita Park (First Cat)
Hamakita Park holds two of the missing felines, but only the first is accessible at this stage. Head towards the approximate middle of the large open area on the map. You'll find this cat discreetly hidden next to a drinking fountain. After securing this one, it's highly recommended to use a taxi to travel to the lower portion of the city, where the remaining cats await.
6. Restaurant Row
Your journey continues to Restaurant Row. Navigate into an alleyway off Ijin Street that corners off into yet another smaller, dead-end alleyway at the back. Here, you'll spot the next cat, patiently waiting for Ichiban to collect it. That’s six down, with four more to go! The remaining cats in the southern area are all on the eastern side, so another taxi ride will save you considerable time.
7. Commercial District
This location should be familiar if you've engaged with the can-collecting mini-game. While you might hear the cat meowing from the ground floor, this cunning feline is actually hidden on the top floor of a multi-storey car park. Access the stairs near the can-collecting NPC, or find a ladder at the other end of the building. On the upper level, you’ll find the cat chilling behind a car on the southernmost edge of the car park.
8. Bar District
The eighth cat is located a short distance south of Survive Bar, the beloved hangout of Ichiban and his companions. It's nestled near a very distinct wall sculpture that you've likely noticed whilst exploring the area. This shy little cat is tucked away in a doorway to the right of the large sculpture, making it easily overlooked if you're not looking from the correct angle or using a guide.
9. Sunrise Street
The penultimate cat can be found on Sunrise Street, close to the water's edge. It's conspicuously sat atop a box underneath a bright green awning, making it relatively easy to spot. Once this cat is retrieved, you'll need to taxi back to the Part-time Hero office to hand in your quest and claim your initial million Yen.
10. The Grand Finale: Robson-chan (Hamakita Park Revisited)
The final cat, Robson-chan, is a special case. This beloved feline only appears after you have successfully found and handed in the first nine cats to Hiro-san. After receiving your initial reward, Hiro will make an additional request to find his last missing cat. Your destination? Back to Hamakita Park. Robson-chan is located in the north-eastern area of the park, surprisingly perched atop a lamp. Interacting with Robson-chan concludes this epic quest, granting you the second million Yen and, most excitingly, Robson-chan himself as a brand-new Poundmate!
The Value of Your Efforts: Rewards and Impact
Completing the 'Feline Frenzy' quest is incredibly rewarding for several reasons:
- Financial Boost: Two million Yen is a substantial amount in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This can be used to purchase powerful weapons and armour, upgrade your party members' gear, invest in Ichiban Confections, or simply enjoy the many delightful restaurants Ijincho has to offer. Early access to such funds can significantly ease your progression through the main story.
- Strategic Advantage: Robson-chan as a Poundmate adds a unique and powerful ally to your arsenal. Poundmates are special summons that can turn the tide of difficult battles, and having a new one, especially a cat, adds a charming and effective option to your combat strategy.
- Exploration and Familiarity: The quest forces you to explore diverse districts of Ijincho, familiarising you with its intricate layout. This knowledge is invaluable for future quests and general navigation, making you feel truly at home in the sprawling city.
The cat quest is not an isolated incident of rewarding side content. The game is replete with similar opportunities. For instance, finding the 10 Kappa statues also yields a hefty 2 million Yen, demonstrating the game's commitment to making every side activity feel worthwhile. Here's a quick comparison:
| Quest | Main Reward(s) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Feline Frenzy (10 Cats) | 2,000,000 Yen + Robson-chan (Poundmate) | Early game wealth, powerful summon, map familiarity. |
| Kappa Statues (10 Statues) | 2,000,000 Yen | Significant cash injection for upgrades and investments. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start the cat quest?
You can initiate the 'Feline Frenzy' quest as early as Chapter Five. Simply visit Hiro-san at the Part-time Quest office in the North Jinnai Station area to trigger it.
What are the rewards for finding all the cats?
Upon completing the quest, you will receive a total of 2,000,000 Yen and unlock Robson-chan as a new Poundmate, a powerful summon for battles.
Are the cats hard to find?
While some cats are cleverly hidden, the game provides a helpful audio cue (meowing) as you get close. Using this guide and paying attention to your surroundings will make the search much easier.
Do I have to find the cats in a specific order?
For the first nine cats, you can find them in any order you wish. However, the final cat, Robson-chan, only appears after the first nine have been collected and you've reported back to Hiro-san.
What is a Poundmate?
Poundmates are powerful allies that Ichiban can summon during combat by spending money. They often provide significant offensive or defensive support, turning the tide of challenging encounters. Robson-chan, the cat you find, becomes one of these valuable summons.
Is this the only rewarding side quest in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Absolutely not! Yakuza: Like a Dragon is packed with incredibly rewarding side quests. The Kappa statue quest, which also grants 2 million Yen, is another notable example. Many other 'Part-time Hero' quests and substories offer valuable experience, gear, and unique character interactions.
Conclusion: A Purr-fectly Worthwhile Adventure
So, is Yakuza: Like a Dragon worth playing? Based on the depth and generosity of its side content alone, the answer is a resounding yes. The 'Feline Frenzy' quest, with its substantial Yen reward and the addition of a unique Poundmate, serves as a microcosm of the game's overall design philosophy: every activity, no matter how small, contributes to a richer, more engaging experience. It encourages thorough exploration, rewards persistence, and ultimately makes Ichiban's journey through Ijincho far more prosperous and enjoyable. Much like a journey across the city in a black cab, it's not just about the destination, but the fascinating and profitable detours you take along the way that truly define the experience.
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