Review- Yakuza Kiwami

Introduction

Yakuza Kiwami is a remastered version of Yakuza 1 that was previously released on the PS2 back in 2005 developed by Sega. By many, it is considered to be the successor to the Shenmue Franchise.

Definition of Remastered

Now using the term "remastered" it holds up to this title as new character models have been developed, with a city that feels so vibrant that previous console generations could not handle in the previous era of gaming. This is how a remastered should be, when using such terms as this is now considered a throw around word when some games are typically ported from one generation to the next. Below is a comparison of Yakuza (HD Collection exclusive to PS3 in Japan) and Kiwami. Terminology of both HD and remastered have been used correctly.

Now when thinking of yakuza, the first thing that comes to mind is mafia related activities in a Japanese setting. For gamers that believe it'll be something like the acclaimed Grand Theft Auto, well you're wrong. For one, it wouldn't be able to be compared between the two despite sharing the commonality of street crime. Yakuza Kiwami is a brawler beat em' up category game with a strong narrative to follow.

Narrative:

Kiryu Kazuma is the main character of this franchise, with a very stern yet seemingly caring personality showing that he wishes to protect those that are dearest to him. He is the sort of character, that you'll see develop as the game progresses.

Being a Yakuza of the Dojima family, he walks through the streets of Kamurocho. In Yakuza 1/Kiwami he

Combat system

With respect to the combat system, there are 4 different combat styles Kiryu may use being; Brawler, Rush, Beast and Dragon. Each of which contain its own set of move sets that can be developed through XP gained throughout the game.

Map Design

On one hand a gamer may think upon opening the in game map of Kamurocho, "This is actually quite small".

Now while I would agree on that matter, it has to be kept in mind that this is a remastered version of a 2005 game. There are invisible walls that you'll encounter throughout your exploration that may break the immersion of the game. But on the other hand, there are many other features of this game such as; Substories (Sub quests), collectibles and various minigames. However, it is due to the small map feature that enables it to be able to make such a detailed vibrant city. As such, it allows you to remember each feature of this city as opposed to being forgotten in a larger scaled map.

What drew my attention to this game is that it appeared to me to have such a strong narrative component with 6 games in the main storyline of Kiryu (and others that are spinoffs from the series). Once entering into the Yakuza world there are various characters that you will understand and appreciate Kiryu's relationship with each one (Especially once you meet Haruka).

New Features in Kiwami

Kiwami features the Majima Everywhere system (a system that had not been introduced in the original PS2 game), Goro Majima, is one character that you will not forget. In most cases considered a sadistic personality, he would be considered the Joker of the East.

Throughout your encounters, the player will come to meet Goro Majima on numerous occasions upon walking down the streets of Kamurocho. Ranging from being a street thug (that chases you down whilst calling Kiryu-chan), pretending to be a police officer to pat down Kiryu for weapons for a reason to fight to then being a cabaret girl at the Shine hostess club (This is the funniest encounter I have seen so far)

Price Guide

EB Games: $47 (New & Preowned)- Standard edition  

JB Hi Fi: $69 (Steelbook edition) 

Ozgameshop: $37.79 - Standard Edition

Playstation Store: $24.95

* Note these are for Australian Listings

Concluding Remarks:

Alright, so I've been into the Assassin's Creed franchise for a long time with an itch to dive deep into another franchise on the side. The Yakuza (Ryu ga Gotoku) game series exclusive to the Playstation (with the exception of PC as 0 and Kiwami set to be released) was one that always caught my eye on a glance. At the time of writing this Yakuza Kiwami is available on PS Plus as a free game for November so grab this game quick if you always wanted to try a new franchise.

Now I'm literally a newcomer when it comes to the Yakuza franchise considering I literally just picked it up from PS Plus. However, I must say this is something that I couldn't drop and have perhaps found another game franchise that I'm willing to collect besides Assassin's Creed. The next game in the franchise that I am going to play is Yakuza 0 as per the recommendations of other fans of the franchise before starting Kiwami 2. I've linked down below the main battle OST as I really enjoyed the instrumental component.

-Also this review will be updated when I have a bit more time but I wanted to write my initial thoughts on my experience whilst its still quite fresh to me.