Before Yakuza was niche on the PlayStation 3, it was even more niche on the PlayStation 2. The original Yakuza was undeniably rough around the edges and its somewhat shaky remake, Yakuza: Kiwami, reflected that. But with Yakuza 2, the series found a real foothold. Improved gameplay and a more complex, intriguing narrative pushed the sequel forward, and Yakuza: Kiwami 2 is a loving recreation of that defining moment for the franchise.
There's an argument to be made for SEGA oversaturating the Western market with Yakuza titles. In under two years, the publisher has released three Yakuza games on PlayStation 4, and now Yakuza: Kiwami 2 is just a couple of weeks away from hitting store shelves. It can all be a bit much to keep up with -- especially if you're new to the series -- but if you're still eager to join Kazuma Kiryu on his dramatic adventures, then you seemingly can't go wrong with Kiwami 2.
We've spent around 30 hours with Kiwami 2 so far, and it's looking like a top tier Yakuza title. As alluded, it's a remake of Yakuza 2, and although parts of the blueprint haven't aged all that gracefully, there's still so much quality entertainment to be found here. The fact that the game's been remade using the often stunning new engine from Yakuza 6 shouldn't be ignored, either -- Kamurocho and Sotenbori have never felt so alive.
Obviously, we can't go into too much detail here -- we have to save a lot of things for our full review -- but Kiwami 2 offers up a tantalising tale. Fantastic storytelling is something we expect from the franchise at this point, but again, it was Yakuza 2 that really pushed the boat out. Main antagonist Ryuji Goda is still one of the best bad guys in the entire series, and seeing his snarling mug, fully recreated and highly polished, is going to be a highlight for anyone who remembers the original PS2 title.
It's never just about the main story with Yakuza, though, is it? Kiwami 2 has a crazy amount of optional content for you to get lost in. The side quests in particular have been a highlight so far, with one specific short story absolutely blowing our minds. Outrageous isn't the word -- we were staring at our screen in disbelief. It's top notch Yakuza madness, and there are so many quests to complete.
Indeed, if like us you thought that Yakuza 6 was a little light on optional activities, Kiwami 2 will no doubt satisfy your desire for a near endless stream of stuff to do. The game's packed to bursting point with all sorts of distractions, like the developer just decided to throw everything that it could into this seriously robust remake -- as if to apologise for the comparatively slim pickings of the prior release.
Combine all of this and you're left with what could well be one of the best Yakuza titles on the market. Naturally, we'll have to carry on playing before presenting our final thoughts, but until then, Yakuza fans have every reason to be excited.
Are you looking forward to Yakuza: Kiwami 2? Slap on your white suit and start cracking skulls in the comments section below.
Comments 27
If anyone's got any questions about the game I can try to answer them. I won't be able to answer everything until the full review is out, though.
I blasted through 0 and Kiwami in a week and a half. My body is ready for Kiwami 2
I’m almost done with Yakuza 6. Then it’s time for this one.
I'm so behind on these now.
@ShogunRok is that cat fight mini game on this?
@shonenjump86 Unfortunately (?) not. But there's more than enough other stuff to make up for it.
Platted 0 and kiwami.
So ready for this one.
Already bought yakuza 6 (with the whisky glasses) but i will hold off playing that till i finish all remasters.
So glad i discovered this series.
@ShogunRok thanks. That’s definitely not a deal breaker of course. Day 1.
In this one, can you play some chapters as Majima?
@LaNooch1978 Elsewhere in Super Mario 64, you run around, jump on things, move the camera and get stars. I don't get the appeal.
I'm playing Kiwami right now !
@shonenjump86 @ShogunRok Cat fight? As in, two women fighting, or two actual felines fighting? enquiring minds that have never played a Yakuza game want to know please.
@Turismo4GT two women fighting. It’s a mini game in Yakuza 0 and the first Kiwami game.
@Turismo4GT I wished they'd have actual cat fights in the back lot of that all too kawaii cat café from Yakuza 6. That would make all the cat feeding worth your while 😂
Kiwami 2 already pre-ordered. My body is ready! If only it wouldn't be a week apart from shenmue hd. Sega is spoiling us too much these days.
@ShogunRok When's the full review coming?
@hulkie Majima is playable in his own side story. I can't say much more than that!
So glad this series is finally getting the recognition it deserved, but I do wish nagoshi would do another spikeout for consoles. I'll take a port of the arcade games even
@tameshiyaku If all goes to plan, should be published on the 23rd, so a week from today.
@LaNooch1978 which games do you consider non repetitive exactly? Ive seen that word so many times with games that were far from it. Or maybe I'm just not getting it
@tameshiyaku Somehow I think 2 (digital, completely composed of pixels/polygons) would invoke the ire of animal rights groups. Oh, the times we live in.
Well, the original was already a top-tier Yakuza game to begin with. What happens when you remake the original? Potentially something even better!
I probably buy it day one to support the series but actually play it after I finish Yakuza: Kiwami but I still need to finish yakuza zero first which I recently got 😝
@LaNooch1978 lol maybe I worded that wrong. I understand what you mean when you call it repetitive. Im asking you what games do you feel are not repetitive. Games that had enough variety in them
I'm one trophy away from platting Yakuza 0 and I don't think I'm going to plat Yakuza Kiwami (At least not any time soon.)
Can't wait for Kiwami 2!
Started with Yakuza 0, then kiwami. Was going to hold off on Yakuza 6 until the rest come out to play in order, but couldn't help myself. Yakuza 6's story is my favorite of the series so far.
I allready preordered this one .... and Fist of the North Star
I've never played a Yakuza game but it's amazing how quickly they seem to be pumping them out. Everyone that plays them seems to think they're amazing too so they're obviously doing a lot right.
@roe Thanks to the remakes the release schedule for this series in the west has become rather hectic. It's not about to slow down either as we have remasters of the next three games in the series on the way, plus the first game to feature the new protagonist which will likely come to Japan late next year with a release in the west some time in 2020.
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