This review contains spoilers

One of the strongest Yakuza games. In many aspects, it feels like they took what they failed on in Yakuza 3 and improved on it. The plot was strong and I will forever defend the boat.

Kiryu is amazing and depressed in this and the themes of failed father-son relationships run deep with pairs such as Big Lo and Jimmy, Big Lo and Yuta, Kurusu and Little Baby Iwami, and Kurusu and Hirose.

Despite Daigo being nowhere as present in the story as in previous games, this game made him and his relationship to Kiryu seem so much more important. The letter to him being formed as to at first seem like it would be aimed at Haruka and then hitting the player with the reveal that it was to Daigo was truly peak.

Iwami was a really hateable character, and it was a nice change of pace from villains that were humanized a lot in the prior games, which has been a trademark of the series. It felt satisfying to get at him, especially after the act of cowardice he displayed with Haruka.

However, the side cast was somewhat lacking. That might be especially highlighted after playing Yakuza 5, but characters like Kiyomi and Matsunaga don't really get fleshed out and remain pretty one-dimensional. The fake killing of Kiyomi was pretty weird as well. Kiryu's departure would've hit a bit harder if she actually had passed. Not to say it didn't hit hard though.

Regarding the side content, the sub stories were amazing, even more so as they were voiced, and quite adorable. Minigames were a bit sparse though. Karaoke was as enjoyable as ever.

Overall, an amazing story and good side stuff. Love it.

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024


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