Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

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In Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Kazuma Kiryu investigates the disappearance of his surrogate daughter Haruka, which leads him to Onomichi, Hiroshima where he uncovers a sinister secret involving her and the local yakuza. As Kiryu, you'll navigate the realistic setting of Onomichi and the latest evolution of Kamurocho, while caring for Haruka's newborn son. This action-adventure game promises an emotional journey about family, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to protect them.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,998 reviews

story550 positive mentions

grinding35 negative mentions

story
1,540 mentions
36 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a poignant and emotional conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu's saga, focusing on themes of family and sacrifice. While some players appreciated the streamlined narrative and character development, others felt it lacked the depth and complexity of previous entries, particularly due to the sidelining of beloved characters from earlier games. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging storytelling, memorable moments, and the emotional weight of Kiryu's journey, despite some criticisms regarding pacing and plot execution.
- “The storytelling and execution are very well made.”
- “It's a great emotional story.”
- “Absolutely fantastic story and has the best ending in the series, transitioning from Yakuza to Like a Dragon.”
- “The story was full of nonsense.”
- “The author also left out one of the main supporting characters that appeared in almost all Yakuza games prior to this one just for the stupid story to work.”
- “I'd give this a 'mixed' review if I could; side activities feel kind of weak in this one and the story feels very odd as a supposed 'conclusion' to Kiryu's story as it basically sidelines most of the regular cast in favor of newcomers played mostly by Japanese celebrities.”
gameplay
297 mentions
30 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Yakuza 6 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its transition to the new Dragon Engine, which offers improved graphics but introduces clunky mechanics and sluggish combat. While some appreciate the engaging story and the fun of the extreme heat mechanic, others criticize the floaty controls, lack of weapon inventory, and repetitive combat, leading to a perception that the gameplay feels less refined compared to earlier titles in the series. Overall, while the game maintains the franchise's signature charm and humor, it is seen as a step down in gameplay quality, leaving fans divided on its execution.
- “The gameplay and graphics are a massive step-up from the remastered games thanks to the new engine, the music is as amazing as ever, and the story is one of the best in the franchise.”
- “With a new engine, new combat system, reworked mechanics, and a more integrated and seamless world, Yakuza 6 is the most impressive Yakuza game yet.”
- “The gameplay is fun and the story is intriguing, with epic moments like always.”
- “The gameplay aspect is a shame honestly, not just because of that visual polish that's very much present, but because this is probably one of my favorite stories in the entire series.”
- “The actual gameplay itself is pretty bad.”
- “Gameplay wise it feels like a massive downgrade from every other Yakuza game, you want gameplay, I recommend getting Yakuza 0, Kiwami 2, Yakuza 5 or Yakuza: Like a Dragon.”
music
233 mentions
31 % positive mentions
64 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The music in "Yakuza 6: The Song of Life" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its emotional depth and thematic appropriateness, particularly in key scenes and boss fights. While some players consider it one of the best soundtracks in the series, others feel it lacks the memorability of previous entries, suggesting that the original licensed music, especially from Tatsuro Yamashita, significantly enhances the experience. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a strong complement to the game's narrative, though opinions vary on its standout quality compared to earlier titles.
- “The graphics, game mechanics, characters, music, everything about this game was beautiful.”
- “The voice acting and soundtrack further elevate the experience, enhancing every emotional beat and epic showdown.”
- “The soundtrack is absolutely excellent and you can tell so much heart and soul was put into the songs.”
- “Weak story, awful floaty combat, worst final boss in the series and a soundtrack that was really forgettable outside of a few gems.”
- “Music is pretty lackluster, unfortunately.”
- “The soundtrack is rather mediocre, which is disappointing since the game came out after 0.”
graphics
190 mentions
52 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics in Yakuza 6 have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting the significant improvements brought by the new Dragon Engine, resulting in stunning visuals and realistic character models. Players appreciate the vibrant environments and detailed animations, particularly in cutscenes, which enhance the overall immersion of the game. While some minor technical issues and optimization concerns were noted, the graphical fidelity is considered among the best in the series, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “The graphics powered by the dragon engine are amazing as always, I just experienced a few minor FPS drops so the optimization isn't as good as in Kiwami 2.”
- “The graphics in this game are absolutely astounding.”
- “The graphics look really gorgeous, Kamurocho never looked more impressive.”
- “The graphics are not good.”
- “The graphic is not clear.”
- “This game has little, if any redeeming qualities to it other than 'pretty graphics'.”
emotional
185 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Yakuza 6: The Song of Life" is widely praised, with many players describing it as the most emotionally impactful entry in the series. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, often leading to tears, particularly during key moments involving the protagonist Kiryu and his relationships, especially with his daughter Haruka. The narrative is characterized as a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to Kiryu's saga, blending humor, drama, and emotional depth that resonates deeply with players.
- “Never has a game made me so emotional. The best possible ending to Kiryu's story had me crying. Just a 10/10 ending. Having a finale for a series this good was always going to be difficult, and this game did it perfectly. Truly an amazing game.”
- “From laughing till my stomach hurts to crying my eyes out, this game made me feel everything.”
- “The story is intriguing, emotional, and entertaining from start to finish.”
- “Bricked my computer any time I closed it; boring story, just move on.”
- “If the characters weren't good, it would be a boring story.”
humor
90 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in Yakuza 6 is a standout feature, blending absurdity with heartfelt moments, often through hilarious side quests and ragdoll physics that lead to comically exaggerated scenarios. Players appreciate the mix of laugh-out-loud moments and emotional depth, with many noting the game's ability to evoke both laughter and tears. While some side stories may not hit the mark, the overall comedic tone remains a defining aspect of the series, ensuring a memorable experience filled with quirky antics and engaging minigames.
- “The game is full of many hilarious and tragic moments, the substories are fully voiced and creative, the new combat system is much more cinematic with brutal heat moves and the minigames are fun and engaging as always.”
- “Kiryu's still the stone-faced badass, but the humor and heart are on point.”
- “Every line uttered by the characters is meant to be serious, but the sheer insanity of the characters and idiocy of the plot makes it so hilarious, I had to stop numerous times to catch my breath from laughing so much.”
grinding
39 mentions
3 % positive mentions
8 % neutral mentions
90 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that grinding in the game can be a mixed experience; while some players find it tedious, particularly in certain minigames and for achieving 100% completion, others appreciate the engaging side content that makes the grind feel rewarding. Many players noted that while grinding is necessary for character upgrades and skills, it can also be enjoyable, especially when tied to the game's compelling story and characters. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a significant but manageable part of the gameplay, with some recommending it for dedicated fans of the series.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The fastest way of gaining experience, eating certain foods at restaurants, is also quite lame, if not downright tedious thanks to the hunger/digestion system, which can also be upgraded.”
- “It felt pretty grindy, though, and with no real indication of when you unlock the new fishing areas, it was hard to feel motivated to keep playing.”
- “While both mini-games are fun, they are extremely grindy, which I guess is the appeal to hardcore fans in the first place.”
optimization
34 mentions
24 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The optimization of Yakuza 6 has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues such as frame drops, long loading times, and stuttering, particularly on PC. While the game showcases impressive graphics powered by the dragon engine, many users noted that it is not as well-optimized as previous entries, leading to a recommendation to limit frame rates and adjust settings for smoother gameplay. However, some players reported a smooth experience with stable frame rates, indicating that performance may vary depending on individual hardware configurations.
- “Yakuza 6’s iteration of the Dragon Engine is perhaps the best, because the Dragon Engine is the first version with maximal graphical enhancements before it was optimized in later entries.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the engine runs smoothly, allowing for some rather hilarious physics sometimes when Kiryu punches a guy 30 meters down the road (a feature, not a bug!), and it provides all the familiar, enjoyable, and often heartwarming experiences of Kamurochō that we've come to love over the course of Yakuza 0 - 6.”
- “I experienced no issues with the performance and everything ran at a smooth 60 fps for the gameplay.”
- “Very poorly optimized and my PC fans are screaming for most of the gameplay.”
- “The game also suffers from poor optimization, with long loading times, frame drops, and glitches.”
- “The PC port has some performance issues; I have a powerful computer, but that is not the case for everyone.”
atmosphere
15 mentions
60 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its vibrant and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of modern Japan through detailed environments, lively NPCs, and a fitting soundtrack. While some areas, like Onomichi, may lack activity, the overall aesthetic and sound design contribute significantly to the game's engaging atmosphere, making it a standout feature despite any technical issues. Players appreciate the well-crafted locations and the ability to explore various mini-games and activities, enhancing the overall experience.
- “From bustling streets filled with lively NPCs to immersive mini-games and authentic shops, every corner of the city exudes a sense of realism that pulls you into its vibrant atmosphere.”
- “They did a really great job of nailing the modern Japan aesthetic in terms of atmosphere, including sound design and music choice.”
- “The atmosphere is great and the locations are detailed enough to make it enjoyable just to wander between mini-games, arcades, pubs, cabaret clubs, etc. Onomichi is also a welcome change in setting for a large part of the game.”
- “Even though it does have some technical issues, the story, gameplay, and atmosphere make up for it.”
- “Haven't done all of the side content but of the side content I've done; it really seems like a very fitting atmosphere for Kiryu's ending.”
- “Those were the most outstanding points, there are some more like the well-written story, the great minigames (spear fishing, baseball), the atmosphere, especially Onomichi just looks beautiful.”
replayability
7 mentions
29 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the shorter campaign length and engaging side content, including improved minigames and fully voiced substories, others feel that the limited character interactions and unlockables may hinder long-term replay value.
- “I really like that this game only takes about 20 hours to beat compared to the 40+ hours of Yakuza 4 and 5, making it one of the most replayable entries in the series.”
- “There's actually a lot of replayability outside of the story.”
- “Probably one of the less replayable games in the series.”
- “It's easy to max it out, but there are only 2 models to chat with, and while the movies you unlock may satisfy our cultured men, there isn't much for replayability.”
- “Returning complex minigames with improved mechanics add more replay value in the long run, and the substories have a massive upgrade with being fully voice acted and animated with cutscenes.”
stability
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
-29 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while it features impressive graphics, players report numerous bugs, poor optimization, and issues like long loading times and frame drops. Control responsiveness can be janky, and ragdoll physics often lead to humorous glitches. Overall, the experience is marred by these stability concerns.
- “The game really looks and runs great.”
- “I haven't experienced any crashes or bugs, which is impressive.”
- “The performance is smooth, making for a seamless gaming experience.”
- “The game also suffers from poor optimization, with long loading times, frame drops, and glitches.”
- “The ragdolls in this game are buggy and lead to some silly occurrences, such as them spinning in the air.”
- “It's very good game; however, the PC port is very buggy.”
character development
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
Character development in the Yakuza series shows a mixed reception, with some characters like Haruka and Kiryu receiving minimal growth, while others, particularly Majima, experience significant arcs filled with romance, loss, and redemption. Despite the strong character designs that reflect deep internal conflicts, many characters, including Saejima and Akiyama, lack personal involvement in the story, leading to limited development. Overall, while the character development is inconsistent, it is often complemented by engaging narratives and satisfying gameplay mechanics.
- “The character designs exude personality and depth, reflecting the complexities and internal conflicts of the human condition.”
- “And Majima's half was just fantastic; there was romance, real character development, loss, redemption, tragedy, a true hero's journey.”
- “Character development is great as well as the story, and the Dragon Engine combat is satisfying in its own way.”
- “It's not helped either by Kiryu not really having much more character development.”
- “It still had very likable characters, like Saejima and especially Akiyama, but the things they do in the story don't actually involve them on a personal level, and there's not much character development for them.”
- “Combat system is a bit of a mixed bag, so is the character development (much like Kiwami 2), but it's overall better and more responsive than it initially seems after you get used to it.”