Yakuza 0
Feb 26, 2020 6 years ago
Yakuza 0 is an action-adventure beat 'em up and a prequel to the Yakuza series, set in 1988 Japan during the country's economic bubble era. The game follows two protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu in Tokyo's Kamurocho district and Goro Majima in Osaka's Sotenbori district. Players alternate between their stories as they navigate the criminal underworld, engaging in street fights using multiple switchable combat styles, managing businesses, and participating in a wide variety of side activities and minigames. The game is largely credited with bringing the long-running franchise to mainstream Western attention.
What it’s like
Yakuza 0 delivers a sprawling, cinematic experience that balances gritty crime drama with absurd, lighthearted humor. Set in 1980s Japan, the narrative alternates between two distinct protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu, a stoic enforcer navigating a conspiracy after a botched job, and Goro Majima, an eccentric aspiring gangster seeking redemption through chaos. The writing is sharp and character-driven, relying on strong emotional bonds and moral dilemmas rather than complex twists. Gameplay combines third-person brawling with extensive open-world exploration of meticulously recreated districts like Kamurocho and Sotenbori. The structure is episodic, weaving serious plot beats with a vast array of minigames—from karaoke to mahjong—that serve as both relaxation and progression tools. While the combat is satisfyingly visceral, the true strength lies in its atmosphere; the neon-lit streets feel alive, supported by a memorable soundtrack and high-fidelity visuals that capture the era's economic bubble energy perfectly.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodCharactersExploration / WorldStory / NarrativeWriting / DialogueAudio / MusicCombatGameplay / MechanicsPacingPolish / PerformanceProgression / ReplayabilityVisuals / Art
Keep in mind The game features an exceptionally slow narrative pace with long stretches of walking and dialogue-heavy scenes that may test patience. Additionally, the combat mechanics are straightforward and lack deep strategic complexity, which might disappoint players seeking intricate fighting systems.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, ign.com, pcgamer.com, opencritic.com, gamersdecide.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 | Worldwide | Full release | May 14, 201511 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Jan 24, 201710 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 01, 20188 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 26, 20206 years ago |
