One of Sega’s longest-running and most popular series, Yakuza debuted in 2006 (2005 for Japanese viewers). A PlayStation exclusive at its inception, the series has now expanded to “competitor” platforms. While this is great news for PC and Xbox enthusiasts, it does mean that newcomers will need to decide which Yakuza game to dive into first.
In fact, Xbox and PC Game Pass customers who may have missed out on a few major chapters in the Yakuza franchise now get another chance to learn why they are some of the most cherished action video games of the modern period. At least, they will if they start off with the “correct” game. Despite the fact that it’s unusual to come across a bad Yakuza game, there are some that make for a much better introduction than others.
Given that, we’ll take a closer look at three Yakuza games that we believe are ideal for any kind of potential fan.
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Why You Should Play Yakuza Kiwami First
In 2005, the PlayStation 2 version of Yakuza was released (in Japan). The game was revolutionary in the action-adventure genre when it was released, but it hasn’t held up as well as great wine. Even still, if you want to get into the Yakuza series, this game is a must-read. After all, it’s the first of a series that frequently alludes to its own previous installments. Finding a legitimate copy of the game is problematic because they are not cheap or easy to replicate. That game’s more approachable and streamlined version is a better place to start for the vast majority of players.
At its heart, Yakuza Kiwami is just the first Yakuza remade in high definition. Kiwami allows you to experience the evolution of the Yakuza franchise from the very beginning, whereas previous games have reacquainted players with the series’ diverse elements and characters. The game’s mechanics are largely unchanged from the PS2 original, although it does have a number of new features and polish additions that make it more accessible (especially to newcomers). For instance, it provides the option to swap fighting methods, making it easier for players to adapt to the game’s foes.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that as time went on, Yakuza games grew in length. That’s par for the course with video games and sequels, but while the original Yakuza games concentrated heavily on the story, the sequels arguably slowed things down with too many cutscenes. Yakuza Kiwami, on the other hand, provides a considerably more concise story.
While Kiwami’s game is supposed to introduce players to the Kamurocho neighborhood, series mainstay/protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, and other significant players, he manages to do so in a concise and enjoyable fashion. The cutscenes seldom drag on for too long, and they certainly don’t match the length of those in subsequent Yakuza games directed by Hideo Kojima. Even if Yakuza 6 is a fantastic game overall, I can see how novice players would get bored after the fifth 30-minute cinematic in as many minutes.
Why You Should Play Yakuza 0 First
In general, the main Yakuza games come out in the order that they took place in the series’ timeline. The original Yakuza takes place before the events of Yakuza 2, and so on. To the benefit of newbies, Yakuza 0 is the only game in the series to stray from that norm, which has previously only occurred in remakes.
As a prequel, Yakuza 0 helps to bridge the gap between the events of the previous games in the series. In the first Yakuza game, for instance, there is a suggestion of a connection between Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, his greatest antagonist and perhaps the best character in the genre. Yakuza 0 details the first encounters of these individuals with a slew of Yakuza regulars, including each other. Even though veterans who have played through at least one game with these characters will enjoy learning their backstories, beginners won’t feel left out.
Many NPCs are introduced to the player at the same time that Kazuma and Goro do, thus there is a sense of shared discovery between the two sets of characters. A huge plus is that Yakuza 0 has one of the best stories in the series.
Given its position between Yakuza 5 and Kiwami, Yakuza 0 was built with a number of gameplay enhancements in mind. Yakuza 0 pioneered the use of various fighting styles, which Kiwami developed upon. In addition, the game’s optional companies provide players with money that may be utilized for character enhancements, making progress easier compared to past editions. This more robust framework provides a welcome diversion from the repetitive, if entertaining, street battles that characterize many other Yakuza games. Therefore, Yakuza 0 has some of the best pacings of the series.
Why You Should Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon First
Each Yakuza game presents a self-contained story, but they also expand upon one another (even Yakuza 0 makes use of gameplay and story elements from “later” in the series’ chronology). On the one hand, this structure allows dedicated players to witness character growth both between and within games. On the other side, newbies may be put off by Yakuza games due in large part to their lengthy narratives. Sometimes you need to start over, but it doesn’t mean you should forget everything that came before. Attempt Yakuza: Lika a Dragon if the premise interests you.
If you’re the right kind of new fan, you’ll love the daring new direction that Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes the franchise in. Even with all of the spin-offs, the Yakuza series stayed true to its original gameplay and story beats until Like a Dragon came along.
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