Last week there was finally a date announced for the anticipated relase of Yakuza Kiwami on PC, which will drop on February 19th. We’ve taken the opportunity to remind ourselves of why it’s one of the best game series out there.
In the Yakuza series you step into the shoes of a a veritable bad ass, Kazuma Kiryu. You experience his start as a young Yakuza raised in an orphanage who works his way to the top of the Tojo Clan. The gameplay entails beating the shit out of other Yakuza, chatting up girls in hostess clubs, and taking part in various mini games. These include darts, pool, and karaoke. You can also play full versions of Sega arcade classics including Outrun, After Burner, and Virtua Fighter at the Club Sega locations found around the city!
The series takes place in Kamurocho, a fictional representation of Tokyo’s red light district Kabukicho. Starting in the 80’s with a 20 year old Kiryu we get to see his rise through the ranks of the Yakuza through the decades. Along the way we meet a colourful cast of characters. These include the insane one-eyed Majima who is always looking for a fight, and the orphan Haruka who Kiryu raises as his own daughter. We also get to know money lender Akiyama, police detective Date, and Daigo, the heir to the Tojo Clan. Other playable characters include convicted serial murderer Saejima, and adult entertainment writer Shinada. He explores massage parlours, reviews the girls and presents the adult industry in a positive light.
The series is full of excitement, WTF comedy moments, brutal action, and has an incredibly deep and thrilling story full of touching moments – it might even get you to shed a tear! Controversial themes are dealt with in a considered manner too. Everything from human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and murder take place. There’s nuance and shades of grey in how good and evil are treated. The game shows us that gangsters are people too.
The series was originally released for the PlayStation 2 but is best played on PS4 or PC. Start with Yakuza 0.
If we haven’t convinced you to play the game yet, then check out the adult cam chat mini game included in Yakuza 6 (after you’re done chatting to a real girl on Xpanded live cams of course!).
