Yakuza Kiwami

The graphics in "Yakuza Kiwami" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the significant visual upgrades from the original PS2 version, bringing Kamurocho to life with stunning detail. However, some players noted that the graphics feel dated compared to newer titles in the series, like "Yakuza 0," and criticized the reuse of assets and a lack of innovation in visual design. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good and enhance the game's atmosphere, they do not reach the heights of more recent entries in the franchise.

The music in "Yakuza Kiwami" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its energetic and engaging soundtrack, while others feel it falls short compared to "Yakuza 0." Some players appreciate the remixed tracks and catchy themes, particularly during combat, but criticize the lack of variety and memorable pieces, especially in karaoke. Overall, while the music is generally considered good, it is often viewed as a downgrade from its predecessor, leading to recommendations for mods to restore the original soundtrack.

The grinding aspect in "Yakuza Kiwami" is frequently criticized for being excessively tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the "Majima Everywhere" mechanic and the lengthy boss fights that often feel more frustrating than challenging. While some players appreciate the opportunity to engage with side content and level up their skills, many find the grind necessary to fully upgrade abilities to be a slog that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, while the game offers fun moments, the grinding can become a significant barrier to enjoyment for those who prefer a more streamlined experience.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by numerous players who report experiencing profound feelings, often leading to tears during key moments, particularly in the final chapters. Many reviewers emphasize the rich storytelling and character development, noting that playing the prequel, Yakuza 0, enhances the emotional weight of the narrative in Kiwami. While some feel that Kiwami lacks the same depth as its predecessor, it still delivers a compelling and heartfelt journey filled with both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments.

Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many players report smooth performance with high frame rates and minimal crashes, some have experienced stuttering and issues related to screen resolution and auto-saving. Despite these inconsistencies, the game is generally considered well-optimized, especially compared to its predecessor, Yakuza 0, with improvements noted in graphics and performance across various hardware setups.

The atmosphere in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the vibrant, immersive setting of Kamurocho, characterized by its bustling streets and neon lights, while others feel it lacks the emotional depth and gritty tone of the original. Many reviews highlight the city's authenticity and the engaging mini-quests that enhance the atmosphere, but some criticize the remake for a diminished ambiance and pacing issues compared to its predecessor. Overall, while the game retains a unique atmosphere, it is perceived as less impactful than earlier entries in the series.

Character development in the game is generally praised for its emotional depth and engaging storytelling, particularly through side quests that add layers to the characters. While many players appreciate the progression of main characters like Kiryu and the enhancements made from Yakuza 0, some feel that certain antagonists lack sufficient development, leading to a less impactful narrative. Overall, the game is seen as a solid continuation of character arcs, though it may not reach the heights of its predecessor.

Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many players report smooth performance on various platforms, including the Steam Deck and high-resolution monitors, there are notable glitches and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, such as cutscene freezes and softlocks. Some users have found workarounds, like adjusting performance settings, but others still experience frustrating issues that detract from the experience. Despite these problems, many appreciate the game's graphics and overall performance when functioning correctly.

Overall, the game offers significant replayability due to its extensive content and engaging gameplay, particularly in combat scenarios. However, some players feel that the lack of unique upgrades or gimmicks limits replay value beyond specific modes like mods and boss rushes.

The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, as there are no microtransactions or significant DLCs that impact gameplay. However, some players feel that the game relies on excessive substories and pop-up-like encounters, which can detract from the overall experience and give a sense of being a cash grab compared to its predecessor. The use of in-game advertisements and environmental objects adds to the immersive experience, but the forced nature of some interactions has drawn criticism.