This game is incredible. Maybe that's bias speaking as this was my entry point into the series but even after playing the other games, this still reigns supreme in my eyes. There's a reason this game is generally considered the gold standard for this franchise, it excels on all fronts.

Story wise, we get one of most concise but engaging plots in the series, cleanly split in half between Kiryu and Majima, who go on seemingly unrelated excursions until they slowly start to converge. Both protagonists are very different to how we've seen them in prior games. Kiryu is more violent and hot-headed here, but gradually edges closer towards the character we see in future games. Conversely, Majima isn't as eccentric as he is in previous games though we get some deep insight into his backstory that completely recontextualises his character and expands upon what we already know from Yakuza 4. Both of their plotlines are equally engaging and for the first time in the series, the multiple threads of the story come together seamlessly by the end. The game ensures that you care about every character you're meant to care about and it makes the emotional beats land extremely well. Unlike in previous games where such moments fell flat either due to characters being underdeveloped or a reliance on overused tropes or ridiculous plot devices. Yakuza 0 avoids that by simply being well written, with plot twists that are built up well and don't feel like asspulls.

The side content is also stellar, the substories are some of the funniest and more goofy in the series, the karaoke selection is some of the best, both the Real Estate and Cabaret Club business minigames are really fun and this is all helped by the unique '80s atmosphere the game has.

All in all, Yakuza 0 is the most consistently solid overall package the series has to offer. It has no real lows in my mind but tons of the franchise's highest highs. My favorite game RGG has ever made without a doubt and one of my favorite games of all time.