matrixman92
Member
I will be a happy camper if I never have to hear Harukas same 3 dance songs ever again in my life. Started to just mute them
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Yakuza Community Thread - FEEL THE HEAT!
- Thread starter cj_iwakura
- Start date
cj_iwakura
Member
The 'still' cutscenes in 0 aren't as bad as I expected, they're pretty cool.
matrix-cat
Member
I'm up to Chapter 6ish of Yakuza 6 (back to Kamurocho, on the trail of Tatsukawa), and the game has really grown on me. It's a rude awakening going back to 30FPS Yakuza, and to be honest the Dragon Engine only looks really exceptional at night and in what I assume are pre-rendered cutscenes. I'm playing on a Pro and the aliasing is pretty bad (particularly in Hiroshima); on a regular PS4 you'd be looking at framerate drops and screen-tearing, too, plus a drop to 900p. Maybe when the PS5 comes out we'll get cross-gen Yakuza games at 60FPS again.
But I'm absolutely enthralled by this story, and I can't wait to see how it goes. I love the new cast of characters, and the Sub Stories have been uniformly excellent so far; they're all fully-voiced, which is a big plus, and the writing and creativity have been top notch. I really enjoy the speargun fishing minigame, the clan creator stuff seems like it could be fun, and the baseball manager stuff... well, it seems utterly inscrutable, but at least the regular baseball minigame is pretty good.
Back to 30FPS and a single style, combat is obviously a big step back from 0, but it's probably the best of the non-Ishin/0/Kiwami combat systems. Kiryu's style has elements of Tanimura and Saejima's movesets for variety, and I've really enjoyed all the bossfights so far. The new Heat moves are pretty damn good, too. It's a little weird that weapons are now limited to pickups in the environment, though. I never really used them in other Yakuza games (I basically just carried one in case a boss used one against me) so it isn't a huge loss, but I feel like some people are going to miss them. I'm not yet at the point where enemies start packing super armour, instant dodges, guns and tasers all the time, so no word on whether the traditional Yakuza end-game frustration is present
Like I said, I'm loving the game, and I'm in that mode where I want to finish the game as fast as possible to see how the main story goes, but I also want to take my time and drink in all the Sub Stories, too. Really glad I decided to import the game, too, because I feel like struggling with these Hiroshima accents has been a huge boost to my Japanese skills. One day I might even be able to understand Takeshi Kitano without subtitles.
But I'm absolutely enthralled by this story, and I can't wait to see how it goes. I love the new cast of characters, and the Sub Stories have been uniformly excellent so far; they're all fully-voiced, which is a big plus, and the writing and creativity have been top notch. I really enjoy the speargun fishing minigame, the clan creator stuff seems like it could be fun, and the baseball manager stuff... well, it seems utterly inscrutable, but at least the regular baseball minigame is pretty good.
Back to 30FPS and a single style, combat is obviously a big step back from 0, but it's probably the best of the non-Ishin/0/Kiwami combat systems. Kiryu's style has elements of Tanimura and Saejima's movesets for variety, and I've really enjoyed all the bossfights so far. The new Heat moves are pretty damn good, too. It's a little weird that weapons are now limited to pickups in the environment, though. I never really used them in other Yakuza games (I basically just carried one in case a boss used one against me) so it isn't a huge loss, but I feel like some people are going to miss them. I'm not yet at the point where enemies start packing super armour, instant dodges, guns and tasers all the time, so no word on whether the traditional Yakuza end-game frustration is present
Like I said, I'm loving the game, and I'm in that mode where I want to finish the game as fast as possible to see how the main story goes, but I also want to take my time and drink in all the Sub Stories, too. Really glad I decided to import the game, too, because I feel like struggling with these Hiroshima accents has been a huge boost to my Japanese skills. One day I might even be able to understand Takeshi Kitano without subtitles.
Shadowman16
Member
6 definitely has its share of side missions that I rate really highly. Its got the least number of side stories from any Yakuza game, but I'd say the quality more than makes up for it. Being fully voiced and genuinely entertaining makes them of higher quality than Kiwami's which has a greater number but not as well written. Plus a fan favourite character pops up for one of them, which is easily my favourite side story in the game
.
Yes on the first one, no on the second
.
Then again
.
That's one thing that Akiyama and Hana do so well in Yakuza 4 and 5. Their back and forth banter is fantastic, if they bring Akiyama back again in a future Yakuza game they gotta bring Hana back as well.
Pocket Fighter turning up again. And he has his theme tune and signature outfit! Its one of the best moments in the game for me!
Yes on the first one, no on the second
Old man Dojima tried to get his way with Yumi and Nishiki put an end to that!
Then again
Saki in Yakuza 3 doesn't have a good life either for a part of the story. But I love the way they complete her character arc at the end of the game.
That's one thing that Akiyama and Hana do so well in Yakuza 4 and 5. Their back and forth banter is fantastic, if they bring Akiyama back again in a future Yakuza game they gotta bring Hana back as well.
Ah I see.
Poor Nishiki, he's one of the most tragic villain I can understand. Until of course he order the kill on Reina, fuck him.
Solid Sora
Member
Man, Yakuza 5 is both the best Yakuza and the worst at the same time. The game is so uneven.
Shadowman16
Member
Content wise I still rate 5 as my favourite. Its just got so much stuff to do. Unfortunately that kinda works against it at times. I'll definitely be interested to see what your opinion on Shinada's chapter is. Probably my second favourite chapter in the game, right after Kiryu's but for different reasons. Kiryu's is all about the action, Shinada's is all about his character and the town he's in.
Yeah, that backstory that 0 and Kiwami gave him really paid off. Fleshed him out nicely.
Yeah, that backstory that 0 and Kiwami gave him really paid off. Fleshed him out nicely.
matrix-cat
Member
Yeah, I did that one last night.
I loved that he named his son 'Sakito' after circuit/saakito
There's at least one other returning character/story from 0, too:
the Munancho Hepetonas cult was a Majima Sub Story in 0. At first I thought they were just doing the same story all over again, but I was delighted to see how it ended up going.
Shadowman16
Member
Yeah, I did that one last night.I loved that he named his son 'Sakito' after circuit/saakito
There's at least one other returning character/story from 0, too:the Munancho Hepetonas cult was a Majima Sub Story in 0. At first I thought they were just doing the same story all over again, but I was delighted to see how it ended up going.
Yeah, that second one was really good as well. Callbacks like this is why I love the series, it continues to build on these minor characters and side plots throughout several games.
Also, not sure if you've really delved into it much yet but the Snack Bar side stories/conversations are well worth doing as well. Plus, the three
Mascot side stories
Still debating if I should wait for english Kiwami 2.
There is absolutely NO way I'm waiting for a year and a half if it's anything like the past game localization.
Then again, I'm quite worried if there's a miracle where it will get released around Jan-May.
That I may be able to wait, but preferably before Y6.
Guess I will just wait for PSX to decide.
There is absolutely NO way I'm waiting for a year and a half if it's anything like the past game localization.
Then again, I'm quite worried if there's a miracle where it will get released around Jan-May.
That I may be able to wait, but preferably before Y6.
Guess I will just wait for PSX to decide.
Shadowman16
Member
Its not getting released before 6 is released. Ask yourself - how would Sega/Atlus manage that? I can't imagine Sega have a big team translating each game - its still a fairly niche game remember. So at the moment its all hands on deck for Yakuza 6 which is coming out in March. To release Kiwami 2 before hand (which keep in mind will have more combat and gameplay refinements than 6) will make 6 look like a confusing step back for the series which might hurt Sega. As would launching 2 games almost on top of each other!
On a lighter note;
http://gematsu.com/2017/10/yakuza-kiwami-2-demo-launches-late-november-japan
HypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHypeHype
Guessing this'll be on the last week of November - as Yakuza demo's always launch one week before the game's release historically. Guessing we'll get a demo similar to the TGS demo that was showed off, probably with less mini games though. Can't wait!
lucebuce12
Member
I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I will not play the demo. I'm gonna play the demo.
Hmm, safe to assume we are one year + away from English localization huh.
Will most likely just get Kiwami 2 this year then.
I can read Chinese pretty fluently, just that I don't like reading them.
i haven't really watch much of 6 besides the first couple of trailers and a bit of that kiryu karaoke (which looks insane and awesome).
EDIT oh you were talking about kiwami 2 demo.
Shadowman16
Member
You'll all break and try the demo If not, well I'm sure I'll post some info about the changes between 6 and Kiwami 2 once I get my hands on it!
Whatever you do, do not look up the English translation to that Karaoke song in 6 (the one that features Kiryu's hilarious thumbs up pose). It seems like such a nice happy song, but when you read the lyrics And its not as if his other two songs are all that cheery either!
At least his duet with a couple of the hostesses are hilarious!
If not, well I'm sure I'll post some info about the changes between 6 and Kiwami 2 once I get my hands on it!i haven't really watch much of 6 besides the first couple of trailers and a bit of that kiryu karaoke (which looks insane and awesome).
EDIT oh you were talking about kiwami 2 demo.
Whatever you do, do not look up the English translation to that Karaoke song in 6 (the one that features Kiryu's hilarious thumbs up pose). It seems like such a nice happy song, but when you read the lyrics
And its not as if his other two songs are all that cheery either!At least his duet with a couple of the hostesses are hilarious!
兄貴、がんばってつかぁーさい。
I like the way Nagumo talks. I heard people from Hiroshima complained his Hirishima accents tho.
Sega should release Nagumo's additional story dlc for 6. It tells us how he
reestablishes Hirose family
Kiyomi
Shadowman16
Member
Seconded. He was probably my favourite character in 6. Kinda reminded me of
Rikyia in some ways with how he practically worshipped Kiryu
I'd imagine it would be expensive to get Miyasako back for new content?
matrix-cat
Member
馬鹿たれ！
Yeah, I love that guy. Yuuta's a good dude, too.
I'm doing the 壁ドン Sub Story right now, and it is a crime that they've disabled the PS4 Share button for the entire game. I would have like a gigabyte of screenshots by now if I could take them. They really have to change that for the Western release.
lucebuce12
Member
Ishin, Y0, and I believe Kiwami as well had sharing restrictions on the JP/Asian versions while the Western versions don't. I expect that to continue with Y6 and Kiwami 2.
Solid Sora
Member
OK, done with Part 2.
I don't know.. the story through the part was fairly entertaining with fun characters, but it was a bit too similar to Y4 with
, and the first two chapters were awful gameplay and pacing wise. They're certainly the lowest point this series reached so far.
That's said I really loved the locations here. The mountain village is a unique and fresh location for the series and the side story of the bear was pretty cool. The hunting mini-game was well-made and fun enough. I'm really liking those new elaborate mini-games/side stories (taxi driving, hunting) and can't wait to see what the other characters will have in this regard.
Tsukimino was a great city and I loved the whole snow festival theme. Some great submissions, too. The invisible walls/cops thing was pretty annoying but other than that loved my time there.
btw, was the victory road thing exclusive to Taiga or did I completely miss it while playing as Kazuma? The way they talked about the finals implied that every playable character has a chance to get there. Would be disappointing if I missed it. :/
Regarding the story...
I guess I have to wait to see the full picture before I judge, but I feel the whole thing is a bit too convoluted. I also feel like the story is too ambitious for its own good and based on what I read here it won't nail the landing.
So next is Haruka... can't wait to see how will this play out.
I don't know.. the story through the part was fairly entertaining with fun characters, but it was a bit too similar to Y4 with
Saejima escaping from prison and being chased by cops etc.
That's said I really loved the locations here. The mountain village is a unique and fresh location for the series and the side story of the bear was pretty cool. The hunting mini-game was well-made and fun enough. I'm really liking those new elaborate mini-games/side stories (taxi driving, hunting) and can't wait to see what the other characters will have in this regard.
Tsukimino was a great city and I loved the whole snow festival theme. Some great submissions, too. The invisible walls/cops thing was pretty annoying but other than that loved my time there.
btw, was the victory road thing exclusive to Taiga or did I completely miss it while playing as Kazuma? The way they talked about the finals implied that every playable character has a chance to get there. Would be disappointing if I missed it. :/
Regarding the story...
That final bit was pretty weird. What's up with Baba's plan? So he wanted to keep Taiga in prison so he changed his mind because now that Majima's dead they need him out? Why did they stop his parole then? Also if that whole 10 years thing was fake,
why did Kosaka believe in it? Did they forge the documents too?
why did Kosaka believe in it? Did they forge the documents too?
I guess I have to wait to see the full picture before I judge, but I feel the whole thing is a bit too convoluted. I also feel like the story is too ambitious for its own good and based on what I read here it won't nail the landing.
So next is Haruka... can't wait to see how will this play out.
Shadowman16
Member
You have an in game camera remember
I didn't realise at the time, but I had a ton of pictures saved to my hard drive from all the camera pics I did in game and never realised I could do anything with them!The full story is explained later, and really its still a bunch of confusing stuff. Wait to you get to Shinada's bit!
Anyway, Victory Road is for all four male characters, so yeah you missed it for Kiryu, you'll need to back track and do that later. I loved this concept, doing a proper story tournament for the arena, but I did not love the idea of clearing the fighting arena 4 times for my completion list!
And yeah, the snowy setting in the city is wonderful, the sculptures to the north of the city are so pretty. Its the only game to evoke a nice feeling of Xmas like Shenmue manages. Which is pretty impressive these days as I fucking hate Xmas!
Solid Sora
Member
Eh shame about the victory road thing. Guess I can't fix that till Premium Adventure :/.
Saejima locations were so pretty and unique, yeah. Hope the main story used them more. Well, at least they were full of cool side content.
I played a bit into Haruka's first chapter and I'm loving it so far! The main surprise was the return to Sotonbori! Walking around the similar yet different streets gave me the feels :"). This series certainly knows how to reward long time players - or in my case, those who are doing a marathon).
lucebuce12
Member
How you likin the dancing and singing?
Solid Sora
Member
Well, Karaoke has always been one of my favorite parts of the series, so you can guess how much I'm having fun rn.
The bit where Haruka straight up do a magical girl uniform transformation was Yakuza in its maximum potential.
I've been playing Yakuza 3 and I just discovered I was almost done with the story. ~.~ Damn this game goes by really fast. Been having a lot of fun with it. Story isn't as good as 0 or 2 but it's still pretty interesting with some really cool characters, though I'll wait till the end to make my final judgment on it.
The Okinawa parts were fairly slow paced but it was refreshing playing Kiryu in a more peaceful setting. Okinawa is a pretty beautiful little city, but it doesn't feel as fleshed out as Sotenbori or Kamurocho to me in terms of content. Though I've heard a lot of content from the game was cut, which was a pretty shitty thing for Sega to do.
Still haven't finished it but enjoying it so far. Looking forward to 4 and 5 as well!
Also is it just me or is Kiryu OP as fuck in this game?
The Okinawa parts were fairly slow paced but it was refreshing playing Kiryu in a more peaceful setting. Okinawa is a pretty beautiful little city, but it doesn't feel as fleshed out as Sotenbori or Kamurocho to me in terms of content. Though I've heard a lot of content from the game was cut, which was a pretty shitty thing for Sega to do.
Still haven't finished it but enjoying it so far. Looking forward to 4 and 5 as well!
Also is it just me or is Kiryu OP as fuck in this game?
I picked up Yakuza 5 off my PS Plus backlog, and I'm most of the way through it. I'm currently in Haruka's chapter of the final section.
I love almost all of it, especially the absolutely ridiculous bits like tear-away suits and fighting-for-the-sake-of-fighting.
And then there's Shinada's chapter.
Did not like the "job interview" sub-mission, where
Overall I'm really impressed with the localization work. There's one thing that needed a little more polish: one of the sub missions in Haruka's chapter where you have to participate in a comedy bit: they really should have loosened the timings because you have to time the response with exactly when the dude finishes his line and I just could not get it right. Fortunately it's just a sub story so I just skipped it, but it was an aggravating hole in the localization.
EDIT: Oh and Haruka's chapter was absolutely my favorite. I'm a sucker for rhythm games and all of her songs were super catchy. Being able to run down the street without getting assaulted was pretty nice too.
I love almost all of it, especially the absolutely ridiculous bits like tear-away suits and fighting-for-the-sake-of-fighting.
And then there's Shinada's chapter.
Did not like the "job interview" sub-mission, where
the "job" is servicing a gay man who basically promises to fuck you till you love him, but it's being played for comedy. LOL GAY MEN RAPE STRAIGHT GUYS! (That's sarcasm). You fight off the dudes to a Yakety-Sax-esque tune. LMAO SEXUAL ASSAULT! (also sarcasm). It's pretty a pretty disgusting stereotype.
Overall I'm really impressed with the localization work. There's one thing that needed a little more polish: one of the sub missions in Haruka's chapter where you have to participate in a comedy bit: they really should have loosened the timings because you have to time the response with exactly when the dude finishes his line and I just could not get it right. Fortunately it's just a sub story so I just skipped it, but it was an aggravating hole in the localization.
EDIT: Oh and Haruka's chapter was absolutely my favorite. I'm a sucker for rhythm games and all of her songs were super catchy. Being able to run down the street without getting assaulted was pretty nice too.
lucebuce12
Member
The kids 😭
Shadowman16
Member
Taichi rocks, favourite kid in the series that isnt Haruka for me. The whole wrestling bit cracked me up, it was such a nice break from the main story where you just got to see Kiryu and Rikyia play about for a short while. I really want to replay that game yet again... hopefully we get a resmaster one of these days.
SpartanForce
Member
Yakuza 5 is kinda growing on me. After a Ex-Hard run, I might even say is the best one. Come at me bros. But I won't hold back any punches.
lucebuce12
Member
SpartanForce
Member
#lucebuce12
lucebuce12
Member
It will never stop bothering me that it's possible for Saejima
Just.... why.
Also I was just kidding around, I actually agree with you on Y5 being one of the better Yakuzas.
to beat Kiryu in a straight up fight.
Just.... why.
Also I was just kidding around, I actually agree with you on Y5 being one of the better Yakuzas.
SpartanForce
Member
I know the gif is just for fun
The story is not shit just
aizawa
Shadowman16
Member
Seijima's a straight up tank. He's really the only character I can see that can stand toe to toe with Kiryu and Majima and come out victorious. That said, I always picked Kiryu for that fight...
lucebuce12
Member
Shadowman16
Member
Yeah. The actual gameplay of the boss fight ranks as one of the best in the series for me. As far as finale's go it was spectacular. Everything from the setting, to QTE's, to the nice long length of the fight. Epic stuff. Just that one thing that kinda raises eyebrows since
its a poor 11th hour twist
I'd still probably rank 5 up there as one of the best games in the series gameplay wise though. The sheer amount of fun content on offer was staggering, especially as a PS3 game where they upgraded the engine, heat moves, number of cities etc. as well. Makes me wonder what the Dragon Engine Yakuza titles will be like a few games from now in terms of content, fighting and heat moves...
Also, been listening to the Kiwami soundtrack loads over the last few days. Hyping me up loads for my upcoming playthrough later this month.
Ok I beat Yakuza 3...and to be honest, I dunno if I'm a huge fan of this story. It's such a dramatic shift to what I've been previously experiencing, and there's a lot of weird things like unresolved plot threads or just plot holes in general. Of course people can say, "oh bu Yakuza 1 was so cliche!" but let's get real...
There's actually some really good parts in the story, mind you. But it feels incomplete and unfinished.
The motivations for a lot of the characters are rather confusing for me as well. The only clear motive I can surmise is Mine's and the fat fuck that got him into the Yakuza. Aside from that, the game really flips flops all over the place with it's major characters and doesn't really explain much.
Aside form that, the game was mostly great. I love pretty much all the new characters, including the kids, despite some poor writing choices here and there.
Still, it was a fun experience, especially with all the stuff you can do in it that you can't do in Kiwami or 0 like golf or the fun Revelation sidequest. Okinawa was also a pretty beautiful place as well.
After playing it, to be honest I'm completely on board with them doing Kiwami 3. Not soley because of the cut content from the English release, but rather to extend the game's story as well as fix some plot points here-and-there to have things make more sense. This game would REALLY benefit from that, even more-so than Yakuza 2 which mostly has aged gameplay as the story is top tier Yakuza series stuff. The foundation for Yakuza 3's story is mostly great stuff, it's just the execution that's questionable for me.
Kiryu dying and COMING BACk for a second time wasn't? I've already had this issue with Yakuza 2's ending, but I was ok with it cause it really felt like it completed Kiryu's arc. Then Yakuza 3 throws it all away by sending Kaoru to America. : /
There's actually some really good parts in the story, mind you. But it feels incomplete and unfinished.
Hamazaki for example gets one of the most awesome debuts between the three new Tojo lieutenants, and has a mysterious connection with the Chinese mafia...but this plotline gets thrown away. Oh and he comes back to "kill" Kiryu which had no meaning because Kiryu survived the encounter.
The motivations for a lot of the characters are rather confusing for me as well. The only clear motive I can surmise is Mine's and the fat fuck that got him into the Yakuza. Aside from that, the game really flips flops all over the place with it's major characters and doesn't really explain much.
I'm also a bit salty that most of the major plotpoints was revealed in a long ass series of exposition cutscenes with Tamiyo. The plotpoints he brought up weren't an issue, but I feel like if they added 4 more chapters to this game they could've avoided this all together. The whole ending felt rushed.
Aside form that, the game was mostly great. I love pretty much all the new characters, including the kids, despite some poor writing choices here and there.
By the end of it, I felt like nothing was really accomplished and I probably could've just jumped right into Yakuza 4 and call it a day, lol.
After playing it, to be honest I'm completely on board with them doing Kiwami 3. Not soley because of the cut content from the English release, but rather to extend the game's story as well as fix some plot points here-and-there to have things make more sense. This game would REALLY benefit from that, even more-so than Yakuza 2 which mostly has aged gameplay as the story is top tier Yakuza series stuff. The foundation for Yakuza 3's story is mostly great stuff, it's just the execution that's questionable for me.
Shadowman16
Member
As much as I'd love a Kiwami 3, I'd expect to just see a slightly remastered version instead of 3-5. So I wouldn't get your hopes up on that too much. That's if its even happens anytime soon since they've got a pretty full slate of Yakuza stuff for the next year +
As for Hamazaki, his story isn't over.
As for Hamazaki, his story isn't over.
Peroroncino
Member
I mean... there's no other choice
if you're playing the game right, get reckt Saejima, amirite?
@Big One
As far as Hamazaki is concerned, his story isn't over yet
edit: shit, I guess I just parroted Shadowman... I need my goddamn coffee.
matrix-cat
Member
The real question is: Could the two tigers Kiryu fought beat the bear Saejima fought?
Shadowman16
Member
Find out this week on Yakuza animal arena battles!
Coming next week: Hiroshima giant Octopus Vs Hiroshima killer Shark. Who rules the Japan's waters?
matrix-cat
Member
I've been looking forward to finding out what the hell was going on in this scene ever since I saw the trailer:
I finally got to it tonight, and oh man. That was the perfect Yakuza scene; soap opera melodrama taken to the most ludicrously extreme degree, that still somehow has me totally caught up in it. Not only is Takeshi Kitano throwing a baby perfectly understandable in the context of the scene, but I ACTUALLY WANTED HIM TO.
You guys are in for such a treat when this game comes out in English.
I finally got to it tonight, and oh man. That was the perfect Yakuza scene; soap opera melodrama taken to the most ludicrously extreme degree, that still somehow has me totally caught up in it. Not only is Takeshi Kitano throwing a baby perfectly understandable in the context of the scene, but I ACTUALLY WANTED HIM TO.
You guys are in for such a treat when this game comes out in English.
Shadowman16
Member
I've been looking forward to finding out what the hell was going on in this scene ever since I saw the trailer:
I finally got to it tonight, and oh man. That was the perfect Yakuza scene; soap opera melodrama taken to the most ludicrously extreme degree, that still somehow has me totally caught up in it. Not only is Takeshi Kitano throwing a baby perfectly understandable in the context of the scene, but I ACTUALLY WANTED HIM TO.
You guys are in for such a treat when this game comes out in English.
That bit just cracked me up. Its just so... Yakuza. And to top it off the boss battle at this point is awesome as well.
kiwami buying guide
http://ryu-ga-gotoku.com/kiwami2/shopguide/
Sega store's preorder items are the best, I think.
http://ryu-ga-gotoku.com/kiwami2/shopguide/
Sega store's preorder items are the best, I think.
Solid Sora
Member
I think a big problem with Y4 and 5 is how they... don't seem to be about anything.
Yakuza 0 is about how Kiryu learned to become a Yakuza and how Majima decided to go crazy. It feels like an essential part of their character arc and who they are in the later games.
Yakuza 1 is about Kiryu making a selfish sacrifice
. It's the darkest chapter in his life and he comes out it
. It's also an essential part of Kiryu's journey and development as a character.
Yakuza 3 feels like an epilogue where we see Kiryu in his new life. He found his purpose in life and he's the happiest he's ever been. Yakuza 3 feels like one last adventure to protect this happiness once and for all.
Yakuza 4 is missing that. In its core, it's just a convoluted series of plot twists and heel turns without any real character stakes. It feels like a random adventure that Kiryu got mildly involved in later in his life rather than an integral part of his journey.
Yakuza 5 tries to be more "important" by including stuff like middle-aged departed Kiryu, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But it feels artificial, forcing the characters out of their well-deserved happy endings and repeating the same story beats once again in an annoying fashion.
I think they should've retired Kiryu by the end of Y3 and continued the series with a completely new cast. It's really hard to work with characters once they completed their development and Yokoyama proved that he's incapable of handling that in Y4 and 5, imo.
Glad 6's gonna be the last game featuring Kiryu and that's the next project gonna have a totally new protagonist. I feel like that should've happened a long while ago, but later better than never.
Yakuza 0 is about how Kiryu learned to become a Yakuza and how Majima decided to go crazy. It feels like an essential part of their character arc and who they are in the later games.
Yakuza 1 is about Kiryu making a selfish sacrifice
and losing everything in return
completly alone, just to find a new purpose in life in Haruka
Yakuza 3 feels like an epilogue where we see Kiryu in his new life. He found his purpose in life and he's the happiest he's ever been. Yakuza 3 feels like one last adventure to protect this happiness once and for all.
Yakuza 4 is missing that. In its core, it's just a convoluted series of plot twists and heel turns without any real character stakes. It feels like a random adventure that Kiryu got mildly involved in later in his life rather than an integral part of his journey.
Yakuza 5 tries to be more "important" by including stuff like middle-aged departed Kiryu, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But it feels artificial, forcing the characters out of their well-deserved happy endings and repeating the same story beats once again in an annoying fashion.
I think they should've retired Kiryu by the end of Y3 and continued the series with a completely new cast. It's really hard to work with characters once they completed their development and Yokoyama proved that he's incapable of handling that in Y4 and 5, imo.
Glad 6's gonna be the last game featuring Kiryu and that's the next project gonna have a totally new protagonist. I feel like that should've happened a long while ago, but later better than never.
SpikedGunner
Member
I mean it's based off an actual game made by SEGA...but yea, I'm soo looking forward to Kiwami 2.