Yakuza Kiwami (2016 Video Game) User Reviews

I'll be keepin' an eye on ya, Kiryu-san.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 9/10 · 11 January 2019]

'Yakuza Kiwami (2016)' puts a lot of so-called 'remasters' to shame. This isn't just a HD up-res, or even re-skin, of 'Yakuza (2005)'. Instead, it's an entirely different experience, one built upon the engine created for 'Yakuza 0 (2015)'. It updates the combat system, introduces several new side-missions and activities - including a complete 'Majima everywhere' sub-plot that's now considered one of the game's key features - and even adds some new cut-scenes, all of which are voiced in the original Japanese by most of the original cast (as the western adaptation of the 2005 release only shipped with an almost universally panned English dub). The meat-and-potatoes may still be the same, and thankfully so, but these new additions go a long way in making the experience more accessible for modern audiences. It's actually arguable that this is a better game than its non-'Kiwami' counterpart. That's a refreshing thing to be able to say, especially now that we're in an age where seemingly every somewhat average game is getting a 'remaster' just a few years after its release (I mean, 'Bulletstorm (2011)' is alright but come on) and when certain 'remasters' are considered actively worse than the thing they are 'remastering' (ala 'Batman: Return To Arkham (2016)'). As an observer, the 'Yakuza' series has always seemed like an odd one. After playing 'Yakuza Kiwami (2016)', my first foray into the series, I can confirm that this is indeed the case, at least for the franchise's first ('remastered') outing. There's a distinct dissonance when it comes to its story and sub-plots, with the former usually being played deadly straight to the point that it nears melodrama and the later often being incredibly absurd to the point of being laugh-out-loud. The game loop is, essentially: watch an incredibly long pre-rendered cut-scene, engage in a fight, watch a shorter but still long in-game cut-scene, engage in a fight, run to a location, watch a short in-game cut-scene, engage in a fight, run to a location, engage in a fight on the way, watch another short in-game cut-scene and then rinse and repeat. Somehow, this incredibly repetitive loop ends up being an incredibly entertaining one, though. All the story elements, whether they're main-line or sub-plot, are handled with immense care and attention-to-detail. They're written almost to perfection, frankly. The sprawling crime-epic of a plot carries serious heft, but it is balanced perfectly by the sillier yet still well-rounded side-stuff, which serves more to fill out the world and provide you with interesting people to briefly interact with. These oddities aren't the main focus, but they're crucial in making the experience as enjoyable as it is, especially since they're often properly funny and usually evolve in unexpected and mature ways. The main story can be a little convoluted, but it is gripping throughout, built around likeable leads who you care about every step of the way. Even though things get a little grandiose, proceedings remain grounded and, essentially, small-stakes (the world isn't in danger or anything like that). It really feels like you're playing through a crime-drama, one that isn't afraid to take its time in the quieter moments. The gameplay may seem slightly repetitive but, thanks to the newly reinvigorated combat system, never gets tiring. I fought over two-hundred street-toughs while roaming around the game's hub-world of 'Kamurocho', which doesn't consider the often dizzying number of foes you face in the campaign or side-stories, and I wasn't ever bored by a battle; even the slightly-too-invasive Majima didn't wear me down. The four combat styles that drive the experience are diverse and deep, especially once you unlock the plethora of skills available. As you progress through the narrative, you'll often find yourself switching styles to suit the situation and to try out new, devastating moves as you unlock them. 'Dragon' is far and away the best style once you've completed its upgrade tree, so you'll probably stick to that after a certain point, though; its 'tiger drop' counter-move is absolutely devastating. Outside of combat, you'll mainly be running to and fro in order to speak to people and help with their problems or progress the plot. It's almost bizarre how such a simple game loop can be so effective. It's probably down to the fact that the story is so fun to watch, never-mind play. Though, playing is obviously fun, too. The various side-activities are so well rounded that you could spend hours doing them - and you'll probably have to if you want to get every available CP point. There's mahjong, shogi, poker, baccarat, roulette, blackjack, cho-han, cee-lo, oicho-kabu, koi-koi, bowling, pool, darts, karaoke, pocket-circuit racing, a batting cage, a photo booth, a hostess club, a claw-machine and an in-depth, rock-paper-scissors-based arcade game. Many of these are fully formed enough to be their own games - or apps, at least. The amount of depth is staggering, almost off-putting, even. So, you won't be stuck for things to do. I guess your enjoyment will come down to home much you like the core story and game-loop, though. There are some clunky game-design elements (like invisible walls, easily getting stuck on geometry and the generally repetitive nature) that are much easier to overlook - and maybe, even, seem charming - if you are taken in by the experience, engrossed by its story and empowered by its combat. I certainly was. I loved pretty much every minute of my time with 'Yakuza Kiwami (2016)'. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has to offer. 9/10

Has ups and downs

[japongt · 7/10 · 4 May 2022]

Alright! Finished Yakuza 1. Even beat Juan Ramon at the end. Damn that dude was tough. My fingers hurt from fighting him. Took me multiple tries because right when I thought I had it, the dude would take my HP from full to nothing in 1 little knife combo. What a hoe. But SUCK IT Juan Ramon.

Anyways, as for the main game itself... First off, the story starts out wayyy too fast. Everything is too fast. In Yakuza 0, it takes a while for you to take down countless dudes and a lieutenant for you to even see a patriarch, and you most certainly can't fight one, you'd be dead before you even try. And then it isn't until chapter 10 where you get to see the Tojo clan. By this point, the Tojo clan is this all-powerful entity with so much control over the country. It had huge depth on how vast and powerful the Yakuza is.

But in Yakuza 1... You're killing a Patriarch 20 minutes into the game, jump 10 years by chapter 2, the Tojo chairman got killed because I guess it's an easy thing to pull off now, a 2nd patriarch gets shot, and you're fighting a 3rd patriarch in chapter 3.. It's almost like ranks don't mean anything anymore. The Tojo clan has been reduced to the depths of a local gang.

Things are much worse at the end of the game when both of those patriarchs (Shimano and Kazama) also get killed along with Nishikiyama who had become a patriarch of his own family, because he decided to blow himself up in front of Kiryu and Haruka while they take no damage at all from the big ass explosion somehow. Then there's this twist about a will being left by Sera, sandaime of Tojo, that has a blank "name" to make literally anyone the next chairman. Like, dafuq? I'm no expert in Japanese organised crime but I'm pretty sure that's not how that shiz works. Then Kiryu chooses to become the next chairman, yondaime, and immediately retires, passing the position to Terada, a dude he met like 2 chapters ago. Dafuq x2. There's a billion other unrealistic stuff (e.g. Kiryu taking out an army of Black Ops armed to the teeth with guns, with his bare hands lol) but the plot issues stick out like sore toes. Didn't think they'd also take out Yumi. It feels like half the cast was taken out in this game, and if it wasn't for the character development they all had in Yakuza 0, it would've meant a whole lot of nothing because Yakuza 1 rushed the heck out of it all.

That covers the beginning and ending of the game, not a fan. But everything in between? Totally fun. Best part of the game is Majima, hands down, hands up, hands sideways. No contest. He is hilarious with an amazing personality, and his relationship with Kiryu is just awesome. Haruka is the next best thing in this game. She is wholesome and fun to take care of. She makes you want to protect her and conversations with her are fun to listen to. Gameplay is... Not as good as Yakuza 0's because no Majima, thus no breakdancing style lol. The fighting sometimes just feels like a chore, nothing to write home about. Still not a fan that, despite Kiryu's massive achievements in the district, every dumbass around the corner wants to fight him when realistically they should all recognise his face. That's ok at the beginning but near the end it just gets old and dumb. Music felt a bit more memorable to me, there were a few tracks I liked. Oh and finally got to listen to "Baka Mitai" in the karaoke :D.

Finally, did I mention I beat Juan Ramon? Did all sidequests, got Majima to SSS, upgraded all the skills... Basically did everything there was to do other than the pointless grind required to get the Platinum Trophy (ain't nobody got time for that). 7/10 would likely not play again.

Yakuza and Friendship

[AvionPrince16 · 8/10 · 29 February 2024]

Still a great game and a great Yakuza !

The story its really what make me want to finish and keep pushing until the end and to know all the secrets and revelations .

Its a great start and we saw how Kiryu saved Nishiki ( who completely changed after Yakuza Zero ). And how he evolves as a man and an ennemy for Kiryu . It was Very interesting to see the evolution of their relationship until the end and that final confrontation that really was Badass as hell !. A nice end with that yakuza kiwami .

We see also some new characters with Haruka (and how she become important to save and to keep for Kiryu because its Yumi's daughter).

The missions was pretty different of each other and i like that kind of way to make it . I didnt made that much some side quests but the ones that i did really was interesting because they had a story and a conclusion and i didnt feel bored and repetitive .

The fights are interesting and i like that we need to unlock the abilities slowly to become more and more dangerous and powerful . We completely rise after Kiryu get released from prison . And i enjoyed that part and it make completely sense after the ten years in jail of Kiryu .

Im kind of shocked about Goro Majima and how he completely changed since Yakuza Zero . I Loved his serious side but in this episode he is completely in a different mood ,manners . ( i know that the end of Yakuza Zero let us suggest that he completely changed but im kind of disappointed to be honest : he could be so much more than just a guy who embarassed Kiryu and to just make us laugh but it is what it is ).

Like i said the story its still complex , characters with double motivations ( i was pretty surprised that Reina was a mole and i didnt suspect her ). The Nishiki who completely changed and betrayed once again Kiryu ( we understand more his motivations when he said that he was in love with Yumi )

Kamurocho is still a great city to explore and have different activities and places to visit and it was a great immersion

What else to say ? I really enjoyed that episode ! Even if i like more Yakuza Zero i still thought that the game have an interesting story , complex characters , an interesting way to upgrade abilities ,some interesting events , a very nice mise en scene (very close of a movie production ). The fights can be a little bit frustrating after a while but still have some great moments when we need to fight the bosses . Very satisfied and now lets play yakuza Kiwami 2 !

Great graphics, gameplay on PC horrible

[RalphF1 · 5/10 · 1 July 2020]

As I said in the title, the game looks great on the outside but once playing on a OC, it is rubbish. No inverse mouse, keeps crashing, all cutscenes unlocked from the beginning... No, I deïnstalled this after 10 minutes of gameplay. Lets hope Kiwama part 2 is a better play.