Not without it's faults but widely overhated and another example of why Yakuza is continuously a top tier gaming experience. Okinawa setting does wonders here, allowing for a new, more laid back story and environment that makes this game feel like it's own thing compared to the prior games - for the first time, Kamurocho feels cramped, crowded, and unappealing, as Kiryu's perspectives begin to shift. And while the story occasionally veers too far into being convoluted, it's refreshingly small scale and personal, making the stakes feel just as large as before.

Gameplay is more dated then jank, still solid stuff but clearly a product of being an earlier game in the series, but it forces you to actually get good at the game despite the constant blocking from enemies. If any big problems here it's all in the villain group here who are wasted, along with a potential game changer of a reveal that doesn't go anywhere interesting. Outside of that, this is another winner for Yakuza.