Yakuza Kiwami Game Review

There is no escaping what Yakuza once was, and that will become increasingly clear as you delve into the game’s content. The series was solid from the onset, but it wasn’t until Yakuza 4 and 5 that the series hit its stride. Though the mechanics and appearances have been upgraded, the general tone and content remains the same — for better or worse.

Though humorous, the interactions between Majima and Kiryu also serve as further illustration of the tonal shifts that the series is known for. Just like with trying to romance hostesses when you should be looking for your missing childhood friend, the atmosphere between Majima and Kiryu can change in a heartbeat. In one scene, Majima will try to bash Kiryu’s face in with bat, just then in another Majima will threaten to tell everyone in the city that Kiryu (accidentally) trustworthy to rent a gay porn video — granted, that soon devolves into a fight as well.

The game begins in 1995 when protagonist Kazuma Kiryu takes the fall for a murder committed by his lifelong friend, Akira Nishikiyama. After spending 10 years in prison, Kazuma must find his way in a Kamurocho that has completely changed and track down his childhood friend, Yumi Sawamura, who has reportedly gone missing. In the midst of all this, he must protect a mysterious girl named Haruka and deal with the repercussions of a crime he didn’t commit.