The transition of Sega's acclaimed crime drama franchise into a turn-based role-playing experience brought a vibrant cast of allies to the streets of Yokohama. Navigating the treacherous underworld requires building a balanced team capable of handling increasingly difficult street battles and boss encounters. Knowing exactly when and how each unique companion joins your journey is essential for optimizing your combat strategy and maximizing your exploration potential.
The Core Story Companions
Your journey begins with a dedicated group of allies who automatically join the narrative as the main plot unfolds across the early chapters. Ichiban Kasuga is joined first by Yu Namba, a former nurse who provides excellent magical coverage and healing capabilities early in the game. Shortly after, the rugged ex-detective Koichi Adachi brings his high defensive statistics and physical tank capabilities to the frontline rotation.
As you progress further into the bustling district of Isezaki Ijincho, Saeko Mukoda completes the foundational core team. Her default barmaid class offers exceptional agility alongside unique stat-buffing abilities that help manage tough group encounters. Because these initial allies lock into your squad automatically, players can comfortably learn the fundamentals of the turn-based combat system.
Unlockable Strategy and Business Allies
Beyond the core narrative squad, players can recruit powerful specialist characters by engaging with specific side activities and sub-stories. The formidable geomijul leader Joon-gi Han lends his rapid hit combinations and lethal assassination skills to the team during the midway point of the campaign. His high turn frequency allows players to control the tempo of battle and quickly eliminate fragile enemy targets before they can retaliate.
Tianyou Zhao, the former leader of the Yokohama Liumang, also joins your active roster following major story developments in the later chapters. His sophisticated martial arts style deals devastating slashing damage while frequently applying negative status effects to hostile groups. Managing your active lineup effectively ensures you always have the right elemental attributes prepared for any unexpected street ambush.
The Hidden Corporate Executive
The most unique companion in the entire game requires players to step away from traditional exploration and dive deep into the corporate simulation minigame. Eri Kamataki becomes available as a playable character once you successfully guide the Ichiban Confections business into the top ranks of the local market. Her agile clerk skillset utilizes office supplies to deal surprisingly high piercing damage across the battlefield.
Unlocking this optional ally early gives players a massive tactical advantage by providing additional squad flexibility during challenging mid-game dungeons. Furthermore, her unique progression track allows her bond level to rise rapidly through corporate milestones rather than standard conversation pieces. Balancing your time between business management and street exploration yields tremendous rewards for your overall combat efficiency.
