Yakuza Kiwami

What it’s like

Yakuza Kiwami is a dramatic, over-the-top crime saga that balances gritty underworld storytelling with absurd lightheartedness. You play as Kazuma Kiryu, an innocent convict navigating the neon-lit streets of Kamurocho while seeking revenge and clearing his name. The experience is defined by its stark tonal shifts: intense, cinematic brawls against rival gangsters alternate seamlessly with bizarre minigames like karaoke, mahjong, and dating simulators. Visually, it presents a dense, vertical urban playground where exploration feels rewarding, filled with hidden secrets and side quests that flesh out the world. The combat is visceral and satisfying, emphasizing weighty impacts and flashy finishers over complex combos. While the narrative relies on familiar tropes of loyalty and honor, the execution is polished and engaging, offering a unique blend of serious drama and comedic relief that defines the series' identity.

Strong in Atmosphere / MoodCombatAudio / MusicCharactersExploration / WorldGameplay / MechanicsPolish / PerformanceStory / NarrativeVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The base story can feel dated and melodramatic by modern standards, with some fetch quests dragging out the pacing unnecessarily. · Combat depth is limited compared to later entries; it relies heavily on button-mashing and basic combos rather than intricate technical mastery.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, ign.com, nintendolife.com, opencritic.com.