Best Yakuza Game to Play First (Guide) September 2023.

Discover the unique appeal of the Yakuza Game series blending crime drama and humor rooted in Japanese culture. Get insights into each game’s narrative and gameplay, making informed choices for your Yakuza journey. From Yakuza 0’s ’80s Japan to the turn-based combat of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, immerse yourself in this captivating gaming universe.

Formerly known as Yakuza in the West, Sega, and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s franchise, now freshly re-branded as “Like a Dragon,” has earned quite the reputation for itself since fighting its way onto our unsuspecting PlayStation 2 consoles back in 2006. With the upcoming release of “Like a Dragon Gaiden” this year, we’ve ranked all Yakuza games from least to best.

The Unique Appeal of the Yakuza Series

The Yakuza series masterfully weaves a captivating mix of intense crime drama and humor, deeply rooted in Japanese culture. This unique blend has captivated fans and perplexed outsiders, showcasing the series’ ability to leave a lasting impact on its audience. Thankfully, Yakuza’s niche appeal has mostly given way to mainstream acceptance, allowing more entries in the long-running saga to receive the blessing of localization.

The Evolution of Yakuza: A Brief Overview

As we approach the November release of the spin-off “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name,” now would be a perfect time to take a trip down memory lane and rank every prior installment in the winding road that is the Yakuza/Like a Dragon timeline. It’s important to note that each of these games brings its own unique flavor to the table and is deserving of a playthrough, even if some are less impressive than others.

Best Yakuza Game to Play First (Updated on September 01, 2023)

10. Yakuza: Dead Souls (Review)

Back when I had no idea about Yakuza, I made a regrettable choice. I let Dead Souls guide me, and it almost turned me away from the series entirely. It was my first Yakuza game experience, and it almost became my last.
Dead Souls is a spin-off that’s quite different from the mainline Yakuza games. It’s a zombie-infested third-person shooter set in an alternate reality. The game features characters like Kazuma Kiryu, Shun Akiyama, Goro Majima, and Ryuji Goda(!), battling against the undead while trying to help terrified residents of Kamurocho. The storyline might seem strange, even for Yakuza standards, but it does have its enjoyable moments despite some limitations in exploration and repetitive combat. It’s better to play this game after you’ve finished the main series games.

9. Yakuza 3 Remastered (Review)

Yakuza 3 introduced some significant elements to the series, like smooth street fights and intense chase sequences. However, what stands out most about this game is its slower storytelling pace and its focus on Kiryu’s involvement with the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa.
Unlike the earlier titles set in the vibrant red-light district, Yakuza 3 takes a more emotional storytelling route. This shift might be attributed to a change in the lead writer for the game. Despite some criticisms of its pacing and initial combat challenges, Yakuza 3 remains a solid game. It even boasts the highest number of substories in any Yakuza game to date – a staggering 119!

8. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (Review)

Yakuza 6 is hailed as the epic conclusion to Kiryu’s central storyline. It marked the debut of the Dragon Engine, elevating the game’s visuals and enhancing the authenticity of Kiryu’s movements. The new engine brought a sense of weight and realism, making Kiryu feel more lifelike as you controlled him.
While some fans, including myself, prefer the previous arcade-style movement, the change isn’t a major drawback. The updated visuals immerse players in the city hubs of Kamurocho and Onomichi. Despite being engrossed in activities like the Clan Creator minigame, exploring these locales feels more engaging. So, once you manage to tear yourself away from the minigame, you’ll appreciate the game’s immersive atmosphere.

Reader’s Choice:

• Where is the Grand Duke (bg3): A Complete Guide.
• Unveiling of AMD’s Long-Awaited 7700 XT and 7800 XT Mid-Range GPUs (AMD vs. NVIDIA).
• Bethesda Empowered by AMD’s Approval for DLSS in Starfield.
• Nintendo (Switch 2), Next-Gen Console: A Christmas 2024 Spectacle?

7. Like a Dragon: Ishin! (Review)

The second spin-off on this list, and the first one I wholeheartedly recommend, is Like a Dragon: Ishin! This game is a complete remake of the 2014 original title with the same name, which was initially launched alongside the PlayStation 4.
Unlike the modern-day setting, Ishin! takes us back to feudal Japan, which is a truly ingenious concept. It retains all the beloved Yakuza elements – drama, minigames, and action. Despite not being sprawling, the various locations convey complexity and vibrancy, especially during the night. Ishin! also offers exciting combat stance choices, like wielding a katana with one hand while firing a revolver with the other.

6. Yakuza Kiwami (Review)

Similar to the previous game, Kiwami also belongs to the impressive remake category. The reimagining of the first PS2 Yakuza game is flawlessly executed from the ground up. It introduces enhancements to the original story, substantial improvements to the fighting mechanics, and the iconic Majima Everywhere feature. Kiwami serves as an excellent starting point for newcomers to the series. Moreover, it frequently goes on sale, making it a budget-friendly option. However, there’s an even better Yakuza starting point, and we’ll delve into that later in this ranking.

5. Yakuza 4 Remastered (Review)

Yakuza 4 brought a surprising twist to the series by introducing four playable protagonists. In addition to the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, players could also step into the shoes of Masayoshi Tanimura, Shun Akiyama, and Taiga Saejima, each with their own story segments.
While the main plot unfolds in a slightly expanded version of Kamurocho, similar to Kiwami, the diverse characters and engaging storyline more than compensate for this minor limitation. For me, Yakuza 4 marked my entry into the Yakuza world after playing Dead Souls, where my passion for this universe truly ignited.

4. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Review)

Oh, here comes the exciting part! We’re diving into something truly special. This time, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio brings us a remarkable remake of Yakuza 2 from the PS2 era (try saying that fast ten times!). The studio skillfully weaves new story elements into the game, alongside expected improvements in gameplay and quality of life, resulting in an impressively immersive experience.
This game highlights one of my favorite Yakuza/Like a Dragon antagonists, Ryuji Goda. It also adds an additional story centered around Majima, bridging the gap between this title and the first Kiwami. This placement on the ranking is well-deserved. And let’s not even get started on the Majima Construction marketing trailers and the exciting included game mode.

3. Yakuza 5 Remastered (Review)

Forget what I just mentioned. Yakuza 5 burst onto the scene like a force of nature, outshining Yakuza 4 completely. It swept in, locked Yakuza 4 in a closet, and devoured the key. Let’s all say it together: Five playable protagonists. Five distinct city hubs. A whopping 78 substories. Mic drop.
Yakuza 5 is a substantial feast with optional side dishes. Some might feel the story is a bit lacking compared to other entries in this list. However, the sheer volume of engaging side content and the main storyline merging into a more cohesive whole make any concerns seem insignificant. Plus, you get the chance to play Haruka for the first time, engaging in dance battles with an empowering rhythm.

2. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Review)

I can vividly recall my initial reaction when I heard about Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Not only was it introducing a fresh protagonist, but it was also shifting to a turn-based combat system – a change that left me both wary and skeptical. As the game’s release date approached, I noticed heaps of praise pouring in from both media and acquaintances. However, despite the positive buzz, I hesitated to give it a try.

Fast forward a year later, and I finally caved in and picked up the game. My motivation was driven by a strong desire to fill the growing void that Yakuza had left within me. To my surprise, almost every aspect of Like a Dragon, including its turn-based combat, turned out to be exceptional. The new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, brought a relentlessly positive and infectious energy that was a refreshing departure from Uncle Kaz’s serious demeanor.

To get the BALDUR’S GATE 3 QUEST’S GUIDE read the following articles

Baldur’s Gate 3 Best Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Baldur’s Gate 3: How to Get and Fix Moonlantern (August 2023), Baldur’s Gate 3: How to Open Locked Chests Without Lockpicking?, Baldur’s Gate 3: Underdark or Mountain Pass Guide to Reach Moonrise Towers (Aug-2023),Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) Free the Artist

The game is brimming with remarkable and absurd substories, endearing characters, and a novel class/job system that shapes the abilities of each party member in battles throughout your heroic journey. With all these factors in play, I would easily support replacing this entry with the final one in the lineup.

1. Yakuza 0 (Review)

Welcome, everyone, to a true gem – Yakuza 0. Transport yourself to ’80s Japan, precisely during the dazzling “bubble economy” period, when Japanese asset values skyrocketed. This game lets you experience both Kazuma Kiryu’s perspective and the more subdued Goro Majima’s viewpoint.

Many credits this title for sparking the surge in Yakuza series popularity in the West.
Yakuza 0 is essentially the earliest plot-wise, set seventeen years prior to Kiwami’s events. It’s the perfect starting point for your Yakuza journey. Packed with accurate period references (including an NPC hilariously mimicking Michael Jackson) and many engaging minigames (like managing a cabaret club or real estate investment), you’ll be thoroughly entertained no matter where your curiosity leads you.

In conclusion, the Yakuza series has come a long way since its debut in 2006. With each game bringing its own unique charm and gameplay elements, fans of the series have been treated to a wide array of experiences, from the serious to the absurd. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, there’s a Yakuza game that’s bound to capture your interest and immerse you in its world.

In What Order Should I Play Yakuza Game? A Guide to Enjoying the Series.

If you’re new to the Yakuza series, you might be wondering how to approach these captivating games that blend crime drama and cultural exploration. With a variety of titles to choose from, it’s natural to have questions about the best way to dive into the Yakuza universe. In this guide, we’ll answer your burning questions and help you decide where to start.

Should I Start with Yakuza 0 or 1?

One common question among newcomers is whether to begin with Yakuza 0 or Yakuza 1. The answer depends on your preferences. Yakuza 0 serves as a prequel, set in the ’80s, allowing you to experience the origins of the series’ characters and storyline. On the other hand, Yakuza 1 (also known as Yakuza Kiwami) is a remake of the original game, updated with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. Both options are viable starting points, but playing Yakuza 0 first can provide valuable context for the series.

In What Order Should I Play Yakuza?

For the best experience, it’s recommended to play the Yakuza games in the order they were released. This way, you can follow the characters, stories, and gameplay evolution seamlessly. Begin with Yakuza 0 and progress through the series chronologically to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characters’ journeys.
Here’s the Release Order for Playing the Yakuza Games:
Yakuza (2005)
Yakuza 2 (2006)
Yakuza 3 (2009)
Yakuza 4 (2010)
Yakuza 5 (2012)
Yakuza 0 (2015)
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016)
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (November 2023)
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)

Can I Play Yakuza 1 Before 0?

Yes, you can play Yakuza 1 (Kiwami) before Yakuza 0. While playing in chronological order enhances the storytelling experience, each game is designed to stand alone with its own plot. If you’re particularly eager to experience the remake of the original game, Yakuza Kiwami, you can dive into it before playing Yakuza 0.

Is It Okay to Play Yakuza 6 First?

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is an excellent game, but it’s recommended to play earlier titles before delving into it. Yakuza 6 is touted as the final chapter in the central Kiryu storyline, and playing it without prior knowledge of the characters and their histories might lead to missing out on important context.

Should I Play Yakuza 1 or Kiwami?

If you’re choosing between Yakuza 1 and Yakuza Kiwami, it’s recommended to go with Yakuza Kiwami. Kiwami is a remake that not only updates the graphics but also enhances gameplay mechanics, making it a more refined version of the original. It’s a great way to experience the beginning of the series with modern improvements.

Is It Fine to Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon First?

Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers a unique entry point for newcomers. With its new protagonist and turn-based combat system, it stands somewhat apart from the rest of the series. While playing other Yakuza games can provide context and familiarity with the series’ world, you can still enjoy Like a Dragon as your starting point.

Is Yakuza 0 a Masterpiece?

Absolutely, Yakuza 0 is often hailed as a masterpiece in the series. Its ’80s setting, engaging storyline, and diverse gameplay mechanics make it a standout title. It’s an excellent starting point that introduces you to key characters and their backgrounds.

In conclusion, the Yakuza series offers a rich and immersive experience that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you choose to start with Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, or even Yakuza: Like a Dragon, each game has its own merits. Playing in chronological order allows for a deeper understanding of the narrative, but you can also jump into specific titles that pique your interest. Whichever path you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable journey through the world of Yakuza.

People Also Ask

Are these games available on multiple platforms?
Yes, many of the Yakuza games have been released on various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Can I start with any game in the series, or should I play them in order?
While each game has its own standalone story, playing them in order can give you a better understanding of the characters and their development.
What sets Yakuza 0 apart from the other games?
Yakuza 0’s unique setting in the ’80s and its engaging storyline make it a standout title in the series.
Is the turn-based combat in Yakuza: Like a Dragon well-executed?
Yes, despite initial skepticism, the turn-based combat system in Yakuza: Like a Dragon has been well-received for its strategic depth.
Are there any plans for future Yakuza games?
Yes, with the upcoming release of “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name,” the series continues to evolve and expand.