Top 5 Yakuza Games: Fast-Paced Action, Mini-Games, and Compelling Crime Dramas
The Yakuza series is renowned for its exhilarating action sequences, captivating mini-games, exceptionally written narratives, and intriguing side quests. The depth of your Yakuza experience can vary significantly depending on your exploration level. If you prefer sticking to the main storyline, these games will likely keep you engaged for a standard period of time. However, delving into the abundance of side content may result in save files exceeding 100 hours.
5. Yakuza: Lost Judgment
Yakuza: Lost Judgment, a hard-boiled crime drama, sees players taking on the role of private detective Takayuki Yagami. Set in Kamurochō, you’ll unravel various conspiracies and familial ties while battling your way through deceit, murder, and betrayal. Although the stealth sections and parkour sequences were occasionally questionable, this game boasts an improved combat system, allowing you to seamlessly cycle between multiple fighting styles.
With its compelling storyline, unforgettable characters, and a dash of legal drama, Yakuza: Lost Judgment establishes itself as one of the best entries in the Yakuza franchise. This game demonstrates the series’ ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
4. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, the emotional finale to Kazuma Kiryu’s epic saga, offers players a heartfelt farewell to the Dragon of Dojima. Amidst a web of conspiracies and familial ties, this game explores themes of legacy, fatherhood, and enduring bonds within the yakuza brotherhood.
Yakuza 6 not only delivers flashy fights and vibrant side activities but also introduces a new engine, providing a visually stunning backdrop for Kiryu’s final chapter. This game leaves an indelible mark on the Yakuza legacy with its rich narrative, impactful character arcs, and the soulful backdrop of Onomichi.
3. Yakuza: Judgment
Yakuza: Judgment, featuring Takayuki Yagami, former lawyer turned private detective, unfolds in the neon-lit streets of Kamurocho. As Yagami navigates deceit, murder, and betrayal to solve a case, this game introduces a fresh protagonist and a new legal-themed spin on the classic Yakuza formula.
Judgment was praised for its successful attempt to branch out, leading to even bigger leaps in subsequent entries.
2. Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon
Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon, the polarizing entry, took a unique risk by changing the gameplay to turn-based RPG mechanics. Despite some controversy, this decision proved to be a great one, as fans like myself poured over 100 hours into the game.
Yakuza 7 introduces Ichiban Kasuga, a lovable oaf who believes he’s living in his own personal RPG. The story is engaging and keeps you on your toes, but don’t be fooled – it isn’t afraid to get silly.
Like a Dragon not only earns its place among the best in the franchise but also showcases the series’ willingness to evolve. The game features a difficult late-game challenge, making it worth pushing through.
1. Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0, a fan favorite and excellent entry point for newcomers, focuses on the origin stories of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. The story, characters, and environment make this an essential addition to your Yakuza library.
Is Yakuza 0 the best starting point for first-time players? Which other entries deserve a spot on this list? Share your thoughts below!
