As we reported a few months back, the Yakuza series is going through something of a franchise rebirth, thanks in large part to the overwhelming reception of Yakuza 0. Sega’s follow-up to that instant classic is Yakuza Kiwami, a remake of the original Yakuza, built from the ground up for modern platforms, and with slight narrative tweaks to better incorporate elements from 0 as well as 2-5.
Picking up nearly a decade after the end of 0, Kiwami focuses on Kiryu’s exploits following a stint in prison, taking the wrap on a murder he didn’t commit in the name of protecting a close friend. Tasting freedom for the first time in a decade, Kiryu is slapped with the reality that the world he left behind is gone. The world around him has changed, and he’s effectively a man out of time. He quickly finds himself tangled in a complex criminal web involving a young girl and tons of missing money.
One element that is definitely felt missing is the inability to switch between two characters. Going back and forth between Kiryu and Majima in 0 offered a nice contrast to each character’s story and journey. The chapter breaks offered time to reflect on what had taken place, and a breather from the mechanics of each character. That isn’t to say that Kiryu, or his story, is in any way boring, it’s simply a matter of variety being removed.
Carried over from Yakuza 0 into Kiwami is the addition of various fighting styles. Since you’ll be spending tons of time with Kiryu, being able to switch things up during the hundreds of fights you’ll get into is a welcome addition. There are also Kiwami attacks, which are new to the franchise entirely. Essentially super-moves, Kiwami attacks open up during boss fights. As a boss recharges health, they are lest open to devastating attacks if you can hit them with the stance that matches the energy color they’re emanating. These attacks make for fun diversions during combat, giving you a brief respite from the button mashing and dodging.
Lastly, regarding combat, while Majima may no longer be a playable character, he is very much still a part of the world of Yakuza. The Majima Everywhere feature is essentially an Easter Egg Hunt turned game mechanic. You’ll have to search high and low throughout the game’s world for Majima, who’s hiding throughout. Desperate to challenge you, taking on Majima once you discover him helps you to build strength and raise your stats. These fights also feed into your Dragon style, a new fighting stance to Kiwami.
Sound design and visuals are as strong as ever in Kiwami. Culture is reflected just as well as the neon 80’s were depicted in 0. The chatter of people surrounding you on the streets acts as an ever-present white noise while you run from point to point to complete objectives, and the voice acting is top-notch. While this may seem like a given, you have to keep in mind that the original version of Yakuza, at least the one released in America, featured ham-fisted dubbing by actors who, while capable, obviously didn’t have a deep connection to the lore and character history. It’s refreshing, then, to hear lines delivered in Japanese by the voice actors, as was intended.
To be clear, Yakuza Kiwami is a great game. Even if this is your first exposure to the series, you’re in for a great time. That being said, when stacked up next to the excellence that is Yakuza 0, Kiwami just can’t keep up. Gone is the second city to explore, and there are fewer mini-games to take part in. Side-quests are still plentiful and off-beat distractions but didn’t have the hilarious undertone that 0 managed to capture. Yakuza 0 is a lighting-in-a-bottle moment in gaming, and Kiwami is hindered slightly by being released so soon after it.
While I’d still suggest 0 as your first Yakuza experience, if you’re dead set on skipping that incredible game, there’s nothing much wrong with Kiwami. It’s a great time and an enjoyable game that is merely hampered by living in the shadow of a modern classic.
