TROUBLEMAKER 2: Beyond Dream — The Indonesian Open-World Brawler That Channels the Wild Heart of Like A Dragon

The highly-anticipated sequel from Indonesian developer Gamecom Team, Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream, has made its Steam debut, immediately capturing the attention of indie gaming enthusiasts. Building on the cult success of the original Troublemaker: Raise Your Gang, this new entry pivots from high school brawls to a full-fledged open-world experience in the fictionalized city of South Jayakarta—an urban sandbox heavily inspired by the beloved and over-the-top antics of the Like A Dragon (Yakuza) franchise.

The game is a potent blend of unhinged action, comedy, and strong local flavor, positioning it as a significant title for the growing Southeast Asian game development scene. While critics and players alike acknowledge a distinct ‘jankiness’—a charming lack of polish often associated with ambitious, lower-budget titles—this rough edge is precisely what contributes to the game’s unique, exuberant character.

H2: Gameplay: Brawling, Bands, and Absurd Side Quests

Troublemaker 2 expands its scope dramatically, trading the confines of a single high school for a dense, bustling city. The core gameplay remains a beat-’em-up action-comedy, but the world is now filled with distractions and eccentric encounters that feel immediately familiar to fans of the open-world crime genre epitomized by the Like A Dragon series.

• Dual Protagonists: Players step back into the shoes of Jordan (the returning street brawler) and Budi (the disciplined MMA fighter), each bringing a unique fighting style to the revamped combat system. The brawling is fast-paced, incorporating light and heavy attacks, parries, and spectacular finishing moves that deliver satisfying, over-the-top violence against designated gangs of hoodlums.
• Rhythm and Racket: A central new feature ties the main narrative to the “Beyond Dream” band. This introduces rhythm-game elements alongside the street fighting, providing a musical interlude to the chaos. This genre mixing is a trademark of the game’s commitment to absurd fun.
• South Jayakarta Sandbox: The open world itself is a lively, believable jumble of Indonesian urban life—from scooter-lined pavements and backstreets to half-constructed concert stages. The freedom to wander is punctuated by a series of hilarious and often bizarre side-quests, including pub quizzes, random encounters with citizens, and, bizarrely, the ability to briefly transform into a distressed cow, underscoring the game’s sense of abandon and comedy.

H2: The ‘Jank’ and the Charm: A Budget Beat-‘Em-Up

Part of the conversation surrounding Troublemaker 2 centers on its technical presentation. Being an indie title developed by a smaller team, it naturally lacks the ultra-smooth polish of AAA games. This includes occasional clunky combat and uneven English translations in the subtitles, which can be distracting.

• Exuberant Energy: However, for many players, this lack of polish—the jankiness—is not a flaw but a feature. It infuses the game with a raw, earnest, and deeply passionate energy, creating a distinctive flavor that stands apart from more sterile, highly-produced competitors. The low-budget presentation is overcome by the sheer audacity of its satirical humor and the density of its world.
• Local Flavor and Satire: The game thrives on its Indonesian setting, offering local comedy and sharp social commentary. The use of cartoonish anime illustrations in cutscenes, juxtaposed with the more realistic 3D world, amplifies the emotional and comedic beats, acting as a direct window into the regional culture and the mindset of the Gamecom Team developers.

H2: A True Heir to the Like A Dragon Spirit

The most compelling aspect of Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream is its spiritual connection to the Like A Dragon (formerly Yakuza) franchise. It’s an open-world action-comedy that flawlessly blends serious themes—teenagers, dreams, and navigating a complex city—with ridiculously overblown humor and absurd mini-games. This combination of melodrama and silliness is a key reason for the strong fan reception.

This is more than just a clone; it is a vital, localized take on the format. By setting the drama in a fictionalized Jakarta and incorporating unique elements of Indonesian culture, the developers have successfully created a fresh experience within a familiar framework, giving players a compelling reason to invest in this new and ambitious open-world brawler. It represents a bold step forward for the global indie gaming community.