Yakuza Kiwami

Until then, I will keep my fingers crossed, because the only thing better than a fantastic remake of a beloved game, is two fantastic remakes of two beloved games. Yet, whether the sequel will come or not, Yakuza Kiwami will go down in history as one of the best remakes ever created, for a game that was already great on PS2.

Yakuza Kiwami continues the JRPG series in this incredible chapter with new twists and turns. On top of that, this is a Best on Deck game, playing perfectly right out of the box on the Steam Deck!

Yakuza Kiwami represents the pinnacle of the series, with Sega bringing everything it has learned over the years and refining it into a single neat package. The result is a unique and unforgettable experience that far outstrips what was presented in the original entry.

The Yakuza series, popular with fans in its native Japan since its debut title Yakuza was released there in 2005, has remained relatively obscure to players on this side of the Pacific. But that has started to change, largely due to the success of the recent Yakuza 0. Hoping to build on that momentum, SEGA has re-released the original Yakuza as Yakuza Kiwami (“Yakuza Extreme”), and what a treat it is. Much more than a simple “remaster,” Yakuza Kiwami is a complete remake from the ground up, with beautiful new visuals, voice acting, and added features that make this a wonderful new experience f...

A concise and emotional story that cuts out the filler and perfectly mixes in varied and interesting combat. At its core, Yakuza Kiwami is still a PlayStation 2 game, but its short and sweet nature doesn't hold it back in the long run.

Temper your expectations and take on board that Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of a game that’s over 10 years years old and you’ll enjoy it for what it is – more of the same, only not quite as polished and with less to do on the side. Dive into it after playing Yakuza o expecting a similar amount of content, however, and you’re likely to be a little disappointed. Regardless, for its budget price, Yakuza Kiwami delivers more than its fair share of violent crime-filled action laden with a weird sense of humour, and I was glued to the screen for every minute of it.

The Yakuza series is coming to Nintendo Switch™ for the first time with Yakuza Kiwami! Take the fall for a murder and emerge from prison 10 years later to yakuza clans on the brink of a war that hurtles you on an intense journey of love, humanity, and betrayal, fueled by your fists and unyielding resolve, set against a bustling red-light district in modern-day Japan. Switch version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.

Find your inner dragon with this excellent remaster.

As fans await the latest in the series, Sega released a delightful prequel earlier this year and now we have a remake of the original. Yakuza Kiwami is an intriguing way to experience Kiryu's debut story but how does it stack up against the stunning prequel?

Unintentional proof that the mid-'00s just weren't as much fun as the '80s.

Yakuza Kiwami is a serviceable port of a solid remake that finally gives Nintendo audiences a taste of the Japanese beat-em-up favourite.

No matter how significant the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series might have become, this first instalment is a mixed bag. At times Yakuza Kiwami is full of life and ambition. At other times it’s as frustrating and seems too willing to draw things out in a slightly over-indulgent way. Experimenting with the battle system is satisfying for as long as the game gives you space to do it. But the game’s pace-killing negatives, the difficulty spikes and the quickly diminishing returns of wandering the Tokyo streets, marred by random battles and fetching items, hold it back from being an easy recommendation....