Contains Spoilers
TLDR: Play Yakuza 0 first to get an enhanced experience with this game
After sitting on this game for a few weeks, I can still say it's pretty good. Overall rating is a solid 8/10. If I did not play Yakuza 0 prior, I would give it a 6/10.
Story:
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Solid pacing with some heart strings pulled during certain set piece moments. All the love in the world for Haruka btw. I was not the biggest fan of Jingu coming out of left field towards the end of the story, but did not really take away from my enjoyment.
Characters:
To preface, I feel like most characters would've fell flat without Yakuza 0. Nishki, Majima, Reina, Shinji and Sera all had development during Yakuza 0. I would have cared so much less about character deaths or character interactions if jumping straight into this game. Also screw Jingu and wish Nishki was main villain.
Gameplay/Game Design:
Quite the same as Yakuza 0 although Majima Everywhere started to get really annoying towards the endgame. Maybe I'm just bad at the game but I would typically have to use 5-6 consumables to counteract his absurd health bar. I think in general, the random encounters were just annoying during certain stretches. Reminded me of Pokemon sometimes. Also this game felt significantly more difficult compared to Yakuza 0's gameplay.
On a positive note, thoroughly enjoyed all the minigames and comedic relief within the game as per usual.
Setting, Sound Design and Music:
Absolute bangers not much else to it
TLDR: Play Yakuza 0 first to get an enhanced experience with this game
After sitting on this game for a few weeks, I can still say it's pretty good. Overall rating is a solid 8/10. If I did not play Yakuza 0 prior, I would give it a 6/10.
Story:
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Solid pacing with some heart strings pulled during certain set piece moments. All the love in the world for Haruka btw. I was not the biggest fan of Jingu coming out of left field towards the end of the story, but did not really take away from my enjoyment.
Characters:
To preface, I feel like most characters would've fell flat without Yakuza 0. Nishki, Majima, Reina, Shinji and Sera all had development during Yakuza 0. I would have cared so much less about character deaths or character interactions if jumping straight into this game. Also screw Jingu and wish Nishki was main villain.
Gameplay/Game Design:
Quite the same as Yakuza 0 although Majima Everywhere started to get really annoying towards the endgame. Maybe I'm just bad at the game but I would typically have to use 5-6 consumables to counteract his absurd health bar. I think in general, the random encounters were just annoying during certain stretches. Reminded me of Pokemon sometimes. Also this game felt significantly more difficult compared to Yakuza 0's gameplay.
On a positive note, thoroughly enjoyed all the minigames and comedic relief within the game as per usual.
Setting, Sound Design and Music:
Absolute bangers not much else to it