Yakuza and Tojo Clan bruiser Kazuma Kiryu first debuted on the PlayStation 2 all the way back in 2005. Now a decade later, the long-running series has six released titles to its name, alongside several spin-off video games. It’s interesting that the Yakuza series hasn’t evolved too much in its ten year lifespan, but still manages to captivate players. It’s safe to say the same reasons that made the previous games great make Yakuza 5 a title that must be played by any fan of the franchise. However, those reasons cannot hide SEGA’s blatant rehashing as Yakuza 5 borrows heavily from past games. The strength of the series versus the old tried and true formula of Yakuza form a tough compromise. Yakuza 5 is an excellent adventure for those that already love the series, but may feel like an average title to everyone else.
Every single Yakuza game has over-the-top action and high-octane fights, and these are our picks for the most badass moments from the Yakuza games.
Carve your burning fist through this list featuring the best beat'em ups you can experience on the PlayStation 3.
With RGG in the mainstream spotlight, about to complete their first simultaneous worldwide release, let's take a look back and rank the Yakuza games.
I just could not get into like a dragon I love Yakuza series but when they went with turn based combat it just was not for me. I hope future entries go back to its original roots or at least every now and then have a game where is real Time brawler combat
We do have judgement so at least there are other similar games being made by same developers
I liked most of the Yakuza games I’ve played, and I (mostly) did enjoy the new direction they took with ‘Like a Dragon’ and its new fighting system. It was a welcome change of pace. Its JRPG turn-based fighting system wasn’t perfect, but it was a good first attempt on which they can expand and build. Didn’t like the damage-sponge boss-fights though, which felt more like a chore instead of tactically taking out your opponent.
I’m sorry but no way is like a dragon better than Yakuza 0, 4,5, or 6. It’s different with a lighter hearted tone a lot of times. Plenty of slapstick and jokes. It literally feels like a DLC compared to the main Yakuza games. Unless you simply don’t like action games maybe… but going through the underground arenas, fighting the mini bosses randomly on the streets on different games for money or exp (like the guy in the gold suit for example). Not to mention the mini games, which Like a dragon has some too, but not as good as most other Yakuzas. Maybe it’s because I’ve been playing Yakuza from the beginning. It’s like the metal gear rpg/card collector that was on PSP or Vita. It was a cool game and a lot of fun, but it wasn’t a METAL GEAR. It was fun for what it was. I don’t believe this person actually played through all the Yakuzas. Probably gamepassed like a dragon and dabbled in the others to get an idea.
Yakuza 4 is such an underrated game and zero is what made the series have legit string foot outside of Japan
Like a dragon in my opinion isn't on the same category quality wise. It's story and characters aren't as interesting
Same, been there since the first on PS2, but you're gonna get a lot of disagrees. Many people defending Yakuza 7 weren't fans of the previous games, or only dabbled, and they seem to outweigh diehard fans like you and me. So it's pretty much like trying to shout over a crowd. This is what the Yakuza series is from now on, Judgement is our compromise, but it seems even that is in the air lately given some behind the scenes conflict apparently.
I literally started with 0 in and Kiwami in 2017, then played Kiwami 2 when it dropped. And had 6 sitting and waiting on my shelf until after the collection of 3-5 dropped. Then I ran through 3-6 in one massive continuous marathon. I’m sorry that i think Like a Dragon is one of the best ones and that having the same combat for 8000 games got repetitive and it was a breath of fresh air to get an actual change?
I welcome franchises taking risks and like a dragon was a massive risk that paid off. Like the article states, it fits the Yakuza brand of humor extremely well with regard to enemy types and their attacks/skills. Also, it’s incredibly reductive to call this a “DLC”. How can it just be a DLC when it’s an entirely different genre as opposed to more of the same. If you want to make the “it’s just a DLC” argument, that would apply more to Judgment, which is just more of the traditional Yakuza gameplay.
You maybe just don’t like turn-based gameplay, which is fine. I like all kinds of games. I’m sorry that my view of game genres isn’t so narrow?
There are a few I haven't played so I am replaying and playing through them now on GP.
Same here. I started some of the games in the series when we lived in Japan, but was super busy so I never finished. When I saw the series land on GP., I started from thr first and working my way through them.
I did like Like a Dragon, it kept the feel of the games, but I got bored of the combat about halfway in. It was the easiest RPG I've ever played.
If I remember correctly - Eri, lower defence move for all. Ichiban - Mega bat. Every fight over in seconds.
I'm currently playing Yakuza 0 and so far it's the best game I played this year.
I started it about a month ago and was immediately impressed by the cutscenes, characters, and the story got me hooked quite literally from the beginning. Been playing it on and off lately but definitely one of the best games I've played in a while. It's one of those that make me feel dumb for not jumping into the series sooner, pleasantly surprised.
"However, those reasons cannot hide SEGA’s blatant rehashing as Yakuza 5 borrows heavily from past games."
.................this a joke?
Review is a bit late, isn't it?
@_-EDMIX-_ (I can't reply any more, so I have to leave a new comment. Sorry, but bear with me!)
Oh, absolutely, the game does sprinkle new features. And like I mention in the review, the substories are some of the best around. But going into GTAV from IV and into Skyrim from Oblivion is so much more different then when I went into Yakuza 5 from the fourth game.
Look at what didn't evolve in Yakuza: the graphics and the combat, what I specifically mention in the review. Now those are two key components that just can't be ignored when reviewing a game.
Sure it was originally released in 2012, but in 2015 it has to contend with plenty of good looking games. And even by 2012, we've had games like Red Dead Redemption, Skyrim, Far Cry 3 and Mass Effect 3. All these titles have taken advantage of their previous games and have come out better looking.
As for the combat, it works. It's been working since Yakuza first came out. And it's as fun as ever stomping face as Kazuma, but the fact that it's very much the same. There's a light attack, a heavy attack, grab and the heat actions. A lot of the heat actions also have been around forever. They do have the revelations, but not enough to give a better variety.