Yakuza Kiwami Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is a remake of the original Yakuza game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. It has new graphics, combat system from Yakuza 0, as well as new cutscenes. It is also developed using the same engine in Yakuza 0.
Story
Kazuma Kiryu is an ex-yakuza from the Dojima Family, and has recently been granted parole after taking the blame of his boss's murder. After his incarceration, he found out his best friend has changed for the worst, and he will meet new allies and foes, as well as the mysterious young girl named Haruka.
The game's story is good, but poorly paced as there are several filler chapters/sub-plots that slow the story's pacing. This is the same issue with the original game. The characters are also likable in this game, especially Kiryu, Date, Haruka, Nishiki, and Majima. The new cutscenes also flesh out Nishiki's character decently compared to the original game. Majima's sub-plot is also expanded in this game, although you need to invest time in Majima Everywhere feature. There are also minor retcons carried over from Yakuza 0 to Yakuza Kiwami that are not present in the original game, such as the inclusion of NPCs from Yakuza 0.
Gameplay
The gameplay remains mostly the same from Yakuza 0, however you can only explore in Kamurocho. Like previous Yakuza games, you will be tasked to go to certain places, fight enemies, view cutscenes, and etc. Like previous games, this game is chapter based progression, so there are things that can be done in certain chapters such as Sub Stories. Sub Stories are side quests where you can interact with NPCs and help them, where completing them will reward you experience points and items. You may explore in the city and do minigames, eat different food, buy items, and etc.
The new feature in this game is Majima Everywhere system, where Majima will attempt to ambush you in many locations, such as fast food restaurant, batting center, and etc. Although most occassions will lead to battles against him, some may require you to beat him in certain minigames like pool. Majima also can be encountered while exploring Kamurocho, where you can choose to fight him or flee from him. Beating or losing to him will rewad you points that advance Majima Everywhere rank, which will allow you to acquire moves in Dragon Style.
Leveling system is simple. You gain experience points by beating enemies, completing Sub Stories, eating food, and defeating bosses. Once you gain enough experience points, you will acquire EXP upgrade points and spend them to acquire new ability for Kiryu. There are separate Ability Trees for Kiryu, where they may include health upgrades, new combat moves, and etc. You may also equip Kiryu with weapons and accessories, which can be bought in different stores in this game.
Combat remains largely the same from Yakuza 0. This time however, Kiryu can access to all four Styles from the start. Brawler is a jack-of-all-trades style, Beast is a style that allows you to use powerful strikes and grabs, Rush is a style for speed attacks, and Dragon is a style that allows you to use Kiryu's signature moves. You will also fight a variety of enemies, such as delinquents, yakuza, and triad members. Boss fights are also in this game, where most of them have unique fighting styles.
The gameplay is solid, but it is not particularly improved over Yakuza 0's gameplay as it has less side-activities and less interesting boss fights. However, this game still has loads of side-activities, interesting Majima Everywhere system, good combat system, and good leveling system. The gameplay itself is a major improvement over the original game.
Graphics
This game has amazing graphics. Great looking characters, amazing environments, and good framerate performance. No bugs and glitches encountered while playing the game so far.
Sound
This game has good voice acting. Most of the Japanese voice actors from the previous Yakuza games return in this game, which is good. The music is good, with many remixed tracks from the original game's soundtrack. There are some tracks I prefer in the original game over the remake, and I was hoping there is an option to swap soundtracks in this game like Final Fantasy X HD Remaster.
Replay Value
Like previous Yakuza games, this game has good replay value. You may choose to play the game again in Premium Adventure mode or New Game Plus in harder difficulties, complete all Sub Stories, complete the Completion List, and complete the Climax Battles.
Conclusion
This is a great remake that improves many things from the original game. However, it has the same issues like the filler chapters and poor story pacing. In other areas however, they are major improvements such as minigames, combat, graphics, etc. This game is worth playing, despite having a slightly tough time in following up Yakuza 0's greatness. Highly recommended for Yakuza fans and casual action adventure fans.
Score
Story: 8/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.3/10 or 33/10
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great remake.
- Good story.
- Many likable characters.
- Good gameplay.
- Solid combat.
- Interesting Majima Everywhere feature.
- Great graphics.
- Good replay value with tons of side-activities.
Cons
- Poor story pacing due to filler and mandatory story chapters.
- Sub Stories are not as interesting as Yakuza 0's Sub Stories.
- Gameplay is not particularly improved over Yakuza 0's gameplay.
- Lack of original game's soundtrack.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation JP game page and PlayStation UK game page.
This is a remake of the original Yakuza game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. It has new graphics, combat system from Yakuza 0, as well as new cutscenes. It is also developed using the same engine in Yakuza 0.
Story
Kazuma Kiryu is back in this remake.
Kazuma Kiryu is an ex-yakuza from the Dojima Family, and has recently been granted parole after taking the blame of his boss's murder. After his incarceration, he found out his best friend has changed for the worst, and he will meet new allies and foes, as well as the mysterious young girl named Haruka.
The game's story is good, but poorly paced as there are several filler chapters/sub-plots that slow the story's pacing. This is the same issue with the original game. The characters are also likable in this game, especially Kiryu, Date, Haruka, Nishiki, and Majima. The new cutscenes also flesh out Nishiki's character decently compared to the original game. Majima's sub-plot is also expanded in this game, although you need to invest time in Majima Everywhere feature. There are also minor retcons carried over from Yakuza 0 to Yakuza Kiwami that are not present in the original game, such as the inclusion of NPCs from Yakuza 0.
Gameplay
Explore Kamurocho... again.
The gameplay remains mostly the same from Yakuza 0, however you can only explore in Kamurocho. Like previous Yakuza games, you will be tasked to go to certain places, fight enemies, view cutscenes, and etc. Like previous games, this game is chapter based progression, so there are things that can be done in certain chapters such as Sub Stories. Sub Stories are side quests where you can interact with NPCs and help them, where completing them will reward you experience points and items. You may explore in the city and do minigames, eat different food, buy items, and etc.
The new feature in this game is Majima Everywhere system, where Majima will attempt to ambush you in many locations, such as fast food restaurant, batting center, and etc. Although most occassions will lead to battles against him, some may require you to beat him in certain minigames like pool. Majima also can be encountered while exploring Kamurocho, where you can choose to fight him or flee from him. Beating or losing to him will rewad you points that advance Majima Everywhere rank, which will allow you to acquire moves in Dragon Style.
Learn new skills for each Style.
Leveling system is simple. You gain experience points by beating enemies, completing Sub Stories, eating food, and defeating bosses. Once you gain enough experience points, you will acquire EXP upgrade points and spend them to acquire new ability for Kiryu. There are separate Ability Trees for Kiryu, where they may include health upgrades, new combat moves, and etc. You may also equip Kiryu with weapons and accessories, which can be bought in different stores in this game.
Combat remains largely the same from Yakuza 0. This time however, Kiryu can access to all four Styles from the start. Brawler is a jack-of-all-trades style, Beast is a style that allows you to use powerful strikes and grabs, Rush is a style for speed attacks, and Dragon is a style that allows you to use Kiryu's signature moves. You will also fight a variety of enemies, such as delinquents, yakuza, and triad members. Boss fights are also in this game, where most of them have unique fighting styles.
Fight against yakuza, thugs, triad members, etc.
Graphics
Amazing graphics. Good performance as well.
Sound
Good voice acting and good music.
Replay Value
Good replay value.
Conclusion
A great remake and Yakuza game.
Score
Story: 8/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.3/10 or 33/10
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great remake.
- Good story.
- Many likable characters.
- Good gameplay.
- Solid combat.
- Interesting Majima Everywhere feature.
- Great graphics.
- Good replay value with tons of side-activities.
Cons
- Poor story pacing due to filler and mandatory story chapters.
- Sub Stories are not as interesting as Yakuza 0's Sub Stories.
- Gameplay is not particularly improved over Yakuza 0's gameplay.
- Lack of original game's soundtrack.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation JP game page and PlayStation UK game page.
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