What should people know about Yakuza?

2017 is a big year for the Yakuza series! Yakuza 0 was released back on January 24, and now Yakuza Kiwami is coming to the PlayStation 4 on August 29. Now is the perfect time to get into the series. But before people do, they may be wondering what they should know about these games. Cue an extensive explanation!

[Nyxus]

That it's an awesome series, and that it's not like GTA at all (something many people assume when they first see it).

[PhoenixUp]

Yakuza far exceeds Shenmue

[InKnight7s]

Both were Sega games right? Yakuza still of course.

[LOGICWINS]

Yup, I would agree with that. Shenmue is still one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had...but Yakuza blows it out of the water in every respect.

Aren't the Yakuza devs announcing their upcoming non-Yakuza related project this week?

I'm more excited for that than Shenmue 3.

[_-EDMIX-_]

I'd say Yakuza has so many features that are better, but many features are still only found in Shenmue, ie looking at the items or having a home to sleep in etc. Granted some Yakuza games have this in some form, but most don't have this day cycle that you have to go home to sleep before you start other missions.

premium adventure mode in the series is sorta like Shenmue in terms of how they do the day and night cycle, but its a mode that clearly isn't just the main game.

Both are great series, but its clear that Yakuza has a few things missing that I think if put in, would make more sense.

I want a day and night cycle and I want certain missions only at night and certain missions only during the day ala Shenume, GTA etc.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Well yes. Yakuza got a chance to. Shenmue I feel never really got a fair chance. The deal they had with MS I feel really hurt that IP, it didn't help either that only Shenmue 2 was ported to XB.

So new console XB, getting a sequel to a game many didn't play the first of?

I feel PS2 would have made more sense, even with a downgraded port. Yakuza took off where Shenume left off imho.

Had Sega ported Shenmue to PS2 and Gamecube, I feel maybe things would have been a bit different.

[FullmetalRoyale]

You need to know that if you are curious about the series, go out and buy a Yakuza 0. You may thank me later.

[Kurisu]

I might treat myself on pay day. I've never played a Yakuza game, but they seem to gain positive feedback from people who have.

[FullmetalRoyale]

Yakuza 0 was my first experience with the franchise. Seemed like the perfect time to jump in, with it being a prequel.
If you want a game that can go from super dark and dramatic to goofy, and you love a good story, then you should consider Yakuza 0 a must buy.

[Kurisu]

Sounds good to me! Maybe I should work on getting through Persona 4 Golden first though, and save myself some money. But I'll definitely get it at some point!

[FullmetalRoyale]

Hey you do you, man! Just don't forget about it!

[LegoIsAwesome]

That it's amazing? Didn't even know the series exist until the release of Yakuza 0. At that time I have nothing to play to I gave it a try. And wow the story is just amazing. It's so interesting that I didnt even do any side missions or side content of the game.

If you're reading this and you still didn't get to play Yakuza. I recommend you play it. The story is 11 out of 10.

[DivineAssault]

That it kicks ass

[Chumdiddy]

Only recently played Yakuza 1 on PS2 during a run of missed "gems" on past consoles.

I LOVED Yakuza 1. So, I grab Yakuza 2 and the lack of localization killed it for me. I don't mind subtitles but I was given a personality, a voice for the cast in Yakuza 1 so to hear them using a different voice in Yakuza 2 threw me. I never finished it. I sincerely hope for a remastered, localized release of the entire series one day.

For those that never played it, it's great! It's a faux open-world beat'em-up. The story is goofy in a weird and great way, both serious and comical. I recommend the series but play the entire series with Japanese audio or the lack may bother you in games beyond the first.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Never mind a remaster, I think Sega is looking for a full remake like they did with 1!

http://www.dualshockers.com...

[Chumdiddy]

A W E S O M E !!!

[Tankbusta40]

That come next Tuesday I will be playing my 4th Yakuza game since January and haven't gotten sick of it yet! Zero, Ishin, Six and now Kiwami...

All slightly similar, but the story telling is just so superb!!! I wish I would have gotten into the series in the ps3 days so I could have played 3 4 and 5

Also this series is one you can just lose HOURS doing side activities...its amazing how well side quests and mini games compliment such amazing stories.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Well Sega is likely looking to remaster and likely remake some of them.

http://www.dualshockers.com...

I think they will remake 2 and simply remaster 3-5 on PS4.