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Yakuza

If there is one game you decide to take a chance on this year, please let it be Yakuza 0 - a game that is as fun and intelligent as it is silly and violent.
Yakuza Game Cover
91%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
97% User Score Based on 67,190 reviews
Critic Score 85%Based on 57 reviews

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Yakuza Game Cover

About

Yakuza is a single player and multiplayer open world hack and slash game with fantasy, drama and historical themes. It was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and was released on February 26, 2020. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Yakuza 0 is a historical open-world game that serves as a prequel to the Yakuza series, taking place in 1988. Play as protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and unravel a murder mystery during a debt collection gone wrong. Step into the shoes of series regular Goro Majima and explore his life as the owner of a cabaret club in this single-player or multiplayer experience.

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97%
Audience ScoreBased on 67,190 reviews
story12.8k positive mentions
grinding701 negative mentions
  • story
    27,434 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Yakuza 0" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, featuring a gripping narrative that intertwines the lives of two protagonists, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, against the backdrop of 1980s Japan's criminal underworld. Players appreciate the balance between the serious main storyline, filled with dramatic twists and character development, and the absurdity of the side quests, which provide comedic relief and enhance the overall experience. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions, making it a standout title in the series and a must-play for fans of story-driven games.

    • “The storyline is fantastic and full of engaging plot twists, which is a major strength of the franchise.”
    • “The story is a perfect mix of drama and weirdness, keeping you hooked from start to finish.”
    • “Yakuza 0 is a masterclass in storytelling, with a narrative that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling all the feels.”
    • “The story is incredibly captivating and certainly had me on the edge of my seat at times.”
    • “The main story is a well-written, gritty tale of infighting and intrigue in the yakuza.”
    • “The story combines absurdly comical side quests and over-the-top action and drama packed main quests to hit all of the right targets.”
  • gameplay
    5,866 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Yakuza 0" is a blend of engaging beat-em-up mechanics and a rich narrative, with players experiencing a mix of intense combat and extensive cutscenes. While many praise the variety of fighting styles and the depth of side activities, some find the gameplay repetitive and the reliance on cutscenes detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game is celebrated for its captivating story and character development, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games, despite some dated mechanics and pacing issues.

    • “The gameplay is fun and intuitive; it is so Japanese that it feels like I'm there when I play.”
    • “You get an incredibly well-written story, loads of minigames and side diversions, plenty of side stories, a great explorable world, and all of that wrapped up in a very tight, balanced, downright fun gameplay experience.”
    • “The gameplay is very rewarding if you're willing to put the time and effort into improving your skills.”
    • “Overall, the game feels more like a movie or TV show, with long dialogues that keep you focused more on the story than the gameplay itself.”
    • “It's a story-heavy game full of cutscenes and other things that take control out of the player and/or interrupt the flow of gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay doesn't match the narrative.”
  • humor
    4,003 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Yakuza 0" is widely praised for its ability to blend absurdity with serious storytelling, creating a unique experience that oscillates between laugh-out-loud moments and emotional depth. Players highlight the game's numerous side quests, or "substories," which are often hilarious and quirky, providing a refreshing contrast to the main narrative's darker themes. Overall, the game is celebrated for its witty writing, memorable characters, and the seamless integration of humor into both gameplay and storytelling.

    • “The game can be extremely funny when it needs to be, extremely depressing when it needs to be, extremely happy when it needs to be.”
    • “This game really is a perfect blend of emotional gut punches, hilariously stupid humor, heartwarming and uplifting segments, and every one of them is just phenomenally well-written.”
    • “The side quests are hilarious, the mini games are addicting, and music ranges from fine to amazing.”
    • “You're not funny!”
    • “- some minigames are stupid, unfunny and annoying as hell: disco dancing, phone dating, the actual minigames…”
    • “Holy shit the mini games... and the humor... any weeb would love this game”
  • music
    3,005 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Yakuza 0" is widely praised for its exceptional quality and variety, featuring a mix of energetic rock, traditional Japanese tunes, and catchy karaoke tracks that enhance the game's emotional and dramatic moments. Players particularly highlight iconic songs like "Baka Mitai" and "24-Hour Cinderella," which have become cultural touchstones, while the soundtrack's ability to shift seamlessly between intense battle themes and lighthearted disco or karaoke tunes adds to the overall immersive experience. Despite some criticism regarding repetitive tracks in certain contexts, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in gaming, significantly contributing to the game's identity and enjoyment.

    • “The game's soundtrack is also fantastic, full of both vocal and instrumental tracks to get your blood pumping while beating the daylights out of thugs.”
    • “With stellar voice acting and a heart-wrenching soundtrack, Yakuza 0 is a must-play.”
    • “The soundtrack is stellar; excellent tracks constantly playing at every moment and some of the best are one-offs you'd only hear for one event.”
    • “You hear a lot of the same music all the time (talking scene music, emotional scene music, fighting a lot of people music etc.), which can ruin the experience a bit.”
    • “One example is a substory where a pimp who's been violently pressuring a girl into prostitution ends up confessing his love for her, and she just suddenly forgives everything and marries him; hearing the same 'emotional scene music' as usual over all this while you're seething with the outcome felt like it invalidated future scenes which used the music due to suspicion it would prove equally redundant.”
    • “The music (while sometimes repetitive) is great.”
  • graphics
    2,241 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Yakuza 0 have received mixed reviews, with many praising the detailed character models and vibrant environments that effectively capture the essence of 1980s Japan. While some players note that the graphics can feel dated, particularly in gameplay compared to modern titles, the overall aesthetic and art style are often described as charming and immersive. Cutscenes are highlighted for their high quality, though some inconsistencies between cutscene and gameplay graphics can detract from the experience for certain players.

    • “The graphics really blew me away with just how insanely detailed the characters are, like the pores on their skin.”
    • “Graphically, Yakuza 0 shines with its attention to detail, realistic character models, and stunning recreations of 1980s Japan.”
    • “The graphics and sound design of Yakuza 0 are a feast for the senses, immersing you in a vibrant world where every punch feels satisfyingly bone-crunching and every goofy character voice is a symphony of comedic gold.”
    • “It is clear that some of the graphics were remade to fit the generation but when you look at a face that looks like a PS4 game and it speaks to a face that looks like a PS3 game, it is immersion-shattering.”
    • “The graphics look late aughts yet the release date is 2018; the controls are clunky, gameplay is primitive, and the story is weird and boring.”
    • “The graphics are a mixed bag (buildings and stuff from PS2/PS3 era, characters in 4K).”
  • emotional
    1,744 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Yakuza 0" is widely praised, with players highlighting its ability to blend intense, heart-wrenching storytelling with absurd humor and engaging side quests. Many reviewers noted that the main narrative, focusing on the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, is deeply moving and often made them cry, while the side stories provide a refreshing contrast with their comedic and heartwarming moments. Overall, the game is described as an emotional rollercoaster that successfully evokes a wide range of feelings, making it a memorable experience for players.

    • “The emotional journey of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the seedy underbelly of 1980s Japan is deeply moving and unforgettable.”
    • “One of the best stories that I've ever played in a video game, it is simply amazing, so well driven, sad at times, makes you care about the characters a lot, made me cry while playing, and it also has a good ending.”
    • “This game has several strengths: a compelling storyline that emotionally engages and resonates with players, well-crafted storytelling that prompts reflection on dialogues and scenes in Yakuza 0, and entertaining side quests that offer enjoyable mini-games.”
    • “Very clumsy, with an incredibly weak and boring story.”
    • “Most cliché and boring story in the book.”
    • “The gameplay improved so much in Kiwami 2, and I'm sure it also got better in the remaster collection. If you can just get through the boring story of Yakuza Kiwami 1 (boring compared to Yakuza 0 and Kiwami 2), the game's still so good! But by all means, don't let me deceive you; by gameplay, I only mean the fighting mechanics.”
  • grinding
    799 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while it can be tedious and time-consuming—especially for completionists aiming for 100%—it is often balanced by engaging side content and a compelling story. Activities like real estate management and cabaret club mini-games are frequently cited as particularly grindy, requiring significant investment of time and effort, which can detract from the overall enjoyment for some players. However, others find the grind rewarding and enjoyable, appreciating the depth it adds to character progression and gameplay.

    • “One of my favorite things about this game is how the main story is so serious and dark while the side quests and side activities are so goofy and silly that it makes doing even the smallest things so fun and not tedious, in my opinion.”
    • “Though I would say only focus on the side quests with actual story and not the grindy stuff.”
    • “The substories are amusing and not tedious to go through.”
    • “The majority of the game is good but grinding the real estate destroyed me mentally.”
    • “The problem I have with the game is the absolutely painful 'grinding' for 100% completion.”
    • “The coliseum is also something I gave up on eventually because it involved way too much farming, as in order to unlock more tournaments and opponents, you need to earn a certain amount of money fighting in the arena, but eventually, the entry level becomes too high to be as enjoyable as it was at the start.”
  • optimization
    641 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of Yakuza 0 has received mixed feedback from players. While many praise its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including older systems, others report significant stuttering and performance issues, particularly during cutscenes and on high-end setups. Overall, the game is generally considered well-optimized for mid-range PCs, but some users have experienced frustrating technical problems that detract from the experience.

    • “Really good optimization (4k 60fps maxed out easily on old PC).”
    • “The optimization is phenomenal with characters and scenery that look almost life-like, and not to mention it stays at a solid 100+ frame rate most of the time.”
    • “Yakuza 0 is very well optimized, and will run on mid-grade machines just fine, but you can crank up the fidelity if you want some really gorgeous eye candy.”
    • “Can't really recommend buying this game if you're an Intel integrated graphics user like me, while having decent performance annoying issues persist like crashing on cutscenes.”
    • “The stuttering issue is real and it's a shame that the devs never cared enough to fix it, but it has workarounds and is mostly bearable.”
    • “My first and only qualm with the PC version is the frame rate stuttering and often freezing renders the game almost completely unplayable for me - even on a high-end PC.”
  • atmosphere
    403 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive recreation of 1980s Japan, characterized by vibrant neon-lit streets, detailed environments, and a rich cultural backdrop that enhances the storytelling. Players appreciate the blend of serious narrative elements with light-hearted side quests, creating a dynamic experience that captures the essence of the era. The soundtrack further complements the atmosphere, making it a standout feature that draws players into the game's world.

    • “The neon-lit alleys, lively streets, and authentic storefronts contribute to an immersive and atmospheric experience.”
    • “From the neon-soaked streets of Kamurocho to the bustling alleys of Sotenbori, every corner of this meticulously crafted world oozes with atmosphere and authenticity.”
    • “The atmosphere of 1980's Tokyo and Osaka is incredible, I've never been to Japan but I feel like I'm really there.”
    • “I don't get the thing that at one point of the story you are facing dead or life situations with a heavy atmosphere and the next thing you know buying underwear from a high school girl is just putting me in disbelief.”
    • “Finally, the atmosphere is ruined by the omnipresence of invisible walls.”
    • “The atmosphere alone can't carry the otherwise bland background.”
  • stability
    319 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and bugs, particularly during cutscenes and when switching display modes. While some users experienced minimal issues and found the game to run smoothly, others faced significant problems, including unreliable save functionality and performance drops. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess" by some, while others noted that despite its flaws, it remains enjoyable.

    • “Absolutely amazing and runs great on PC, too (AMD R5 3600 and RX 5700, so that is expected but still).”
    • “All in all, it's an easy recommendation, especially since this PC port is very optimized and runs great on my laptop, which is rather outdated by now.”
    • “Buy this game, it's well optimized and it runs great, uncapped FPS and I can play at 144Hz with a 1070 and an i7.”
    • “When trying to switch between windowed or fullscreen, the game crashes or downright freezes so terribly that if you don't have super alt F4, then you ain't getting out of it and you're forced to restart your computer.”
    • “I've already lost 10 hours worth of progress due to these glitches and I'm still stupid enough to forget saving.”
    • “The game has no autosave feature, instead, you are forced to save manually in telephone booths, which are plenty, but what if there's a power outage, or if it freezes?”
  • character development
    279 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "Yakuza 0" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly through the arcs of protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. Players appreciate the intricate backstories and growth of both main characters, as well as the well-crafted supporting cast, which enhances the overall narrative experience. The game balances serious themes with humor, making the character journeys compelling and memorable, contributing to its status as a standout title in storytelling and character development within the gaming landscape.

    • “The character development, particularly that of protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, is impeccable, making players genuinely care about their fates.”
    • “It's a masterfully crafted experience that not only delivers an engaging main story with unparalleled character development but also provides an abundance of side content that ensures your adventure feels both vast and fulfilling.”
    • “The story has a grand, cinematic feel yet its format as a game allows so much time for character development that by the end of its narrative you fully understand and sympathize with each character's aspirations and limitations within the framework of the yakuza's overarching influence in 1980s Japan.”
    • “Combat quickly becomes repetitive and character development system is basic and unimaginative.”
    • “Fight is boring, camera is terrible, character development is non-existent, open world is the size of one Hitman map, you constantly have to fight groups of 3 enemies to move anywhere.”
    • “The game world is relatively small, the game doesn't allow for much independent character development, there's no actual driving, and most of the game is spent fighting with your fists and feet.”
  • replayability
    139 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Yakuza 0 is widely praised for its high replayability, offering an extensive amount of content, including side activities, sub-stories, and mini-games that encourage exploration and mastery. Players can easily invest hundreds of hours into the game, with features like New Game Plus and premium adventures enhancing the experience further. Overall, it is considered an excellent entry point into the franchise, providing a rich and engaging world that invites multiple playthroughs.

    • “Yakuza 0 offers high replay value with its wealth of side activities and sub-stories, providing ample opportunities for players to explore the game's vibrant world.”
    • “The main story is enjoyable, Majima's cabaret club is a ton of fun, and there's so many things to do in this game from side stories to minigames, giving a lot of replay value.”
    • “The game offers lots of replayability and you can easily dump 200 hours into it and still feel like you haven't gotten enough of it.”
    • “The replayability is kind of there for the second playthrough, in my opinion.”
    • “This game has a lot of flair, although I wish it was more replayable.”
    • “There is no replayability.”
  • monetization
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many praising the absence of microtransactions and DLC, allowing players to earn and spend in-game currency freely. However, some critics feel that the game's development has shifted towards cash-grabbing tactics, likening it to EA's approach, while others appreciate the immersive world filled with advertisements and activities that enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, players seem to value the lack of intrusive monetization methods, contrasting it with other games that heavily rely on them.

    • “It's like GTA (without the mobile microtransactions) meets JRPGs and I loved every moment of it.”
    • “There is also a leveling up system where you take money you earn in-game (no microtransactions here!!!) and 'invest in yourself' as they say in the game.”
    • “No microtransactions.”
    • “Ryu ga Gotoku Studio has become like EA Games, with their development now solely oriented towards cash grabs.”
    • “When the hackers in online started making everyone's life hell and the microtransactions for GTA$ got out of hand, I quit.”
    • “It doesn't help that this also applies to the vast amount of flavor text and images in this game, where restaurants you can eat in give you insanity-inducing, mouth-watering advertising for their own dishes.”
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85%Critics’ scoreBased on 75 critic reviews
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43h Median play time
60h Average play time
31h Main story
141h Completionist
13-90h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 401 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yakuza is a open world hack and slash game with fantasy, drama and historical themes.

Yakuza is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows and others.

The main story can be completed in around 31 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 141 hours to finish. On average players spend around 60 hours playing Yakuza.

Yakuza was released on February 26, 2020.

Yakuza was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

Yakuza has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Yakuza is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Judgment, Lost Judgment and others.