Yakuza Kiwami 2: Steelbook Edition

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Yakuza Kiwami 2: Steelbook Edition has a steelbook cover with special artwork.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Yakuza Kiwami 2: Steelbook Edition screenshot

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 30 reviews

story18 positive mentions

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a fantastic remake that improves upon the original with stunning graphics and engaging gameplay, utilizing the Dragon engine from Yakuza 6.
The game offers a wealth of content, including hilarious side quests, mini-games, and a gripping main story, making it one of the best entries in the series.
Players appreciate the return of beloved characters and the introduction of new activities, creating a rich and immersive experience in the vibrant settings of Kamurocho and Sotenbori.

Some players find the combat system easier compared to previous titles, which may detract from the challenge for seasoned fans.
A few reviews mention that certain cutscenes can be boring, leading to moments where the story feels dragged out.
There are reports of physical issues with the game packaging, such as cracks or dents, which can be disappointing for collectors.

story
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
72%
16%
12%
The story in the Yakuza series, particularly in Yakuza Kiwami 2, is widely praised for its depth and engagement, blending a gripping main narrative with colorful and comedic side quests that enrich character development. Reviewers highlight the episodic nature of the storytelling, noting that it balances serious themes with humor, making it one of the best in the franchise. Overall, the combination of well-written plots, immersive gameplay, and vibrant side activities contributes to a highly enjoyable gaming experience.
- “The story is superb, the characters are well thought out, the gameplay is fluid and rewarding, and the character upgrade system makes looking for the next brawl a blast.”
- “Absolutely gripping story from start to finish, even the side quests are incredibly well-written and engaging.”
- “With Yakuza Kiwami 2, you get the most engrossing story in the series coupled with the Dragon Engine introduced in Yakuza 6 with all its visual sheen and seamless transitions.”
- “The game feels smooth and sounds amazing, although there are times when you kind of drown out the story as some cutscenes are boring.”
- “The story is pretty much episodic, and the stories in the games that I mentioned were significantly more enjoyable than the other entries.”
- “The story is pretty much episodic, and the stories in the games that I mentioned were significantly more enjoyable than the other entries.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
13%
38%
Kiwami 2 enhances the gameplay experience by incorporating mechanics from Yakuza 6 while introducing new features, resulting in a more enjoyable and fluid combat system. The character upgrade system and engaging side activities contribute to a rewarding experience, with over 100 hours of content available through substories and mini-games. Overall, the gameplay is described as satisfying and immersive, complemented by a compelling narrative and well-developed characters.
- “Ultimately, Yakuza Kiwami 2 managed to be more fun than Yakuza 6, taking a classic story and giving it new life with subtle improvements to the gameplay introduced in Kiryu’s final adventure.”
- “The story is superb, the characters are well thought out, the gameplay is fluid and rewarding, and the character upgrade system makes looking for the next brawl a blast.”
- “Every single character is very fleshed out; even the non-important ones have clear motives and fighting mechanics, plus overall gameplay is satisfyingly 'punchy'.”
- “The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks the depth that I was hoping for.”
- “Some mechanics are clunky and can lead to frustrating moments during combat.”
- “The pacing of the gameplay can be slow, making it hard to stay engaged.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highly praised, with players enjoying the hilarious side quests, engaging minigames, and a standout main story that adds to the overall comedic experience. The combination of funny moments and enhanced graphics contributes to a delightful open-world atmosphere, making it a standout title in the series.
- “It almost feels like a crime that this is so cheap at only $20; funny that that's how much the original PS2 release would have cost.”
- “The side quests are hilarious, the restaurant system is great, the mini-games are enjoyable (Virtua Fighter 2!), and the main story is possibly the best in the whole series.”
- “Great story, funny moments, and side stories.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics in the latest Yakuza game are highly praised for their significant enhancements over previous titles, showcasing amazing visuals and improved mechanics. Reviewers note that this installment offers the most complete Yakuza experience on PS4, with a beautiful steelbook design complementing the overall presentation.
- “It's a great game with amazing visuals and a great story.”
- “It’s a step up from Yakuza Kiwami in every way (which is also an amazing game); combat, story, and graphics have all been improved, and the steelbook is beautiful.”
- “I mean this is by far the most complete and filled Yakuza experience to come to PS4 to date, so I hope Sega changes their minds and chooses to invest as much time and effort to make the already confirmed Yakuza 3 into more than just a mere overhaul in graphics.”
- “The graphics and mechanics are incredibly enhanced; it's not even funny.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in Yakuza Kiwami is praised as a significant improvement over its predecessor, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, enhancing the overall experience of the game. Reviewers highlight it as one of the standout features of the remake, contributing to its status as the best entry in the series.