I have far, far too many thoughts about this game and really don’t even want to try to put it into words. Maybe I’ll re-write a review later after the high has worn off, but… this might be one of my favorite games of all time. It’s certainly my favorite of the series, and a high point in terms of gameplay (subjectively), story, writing, characters, production, and creativity.

This game and cast were so fucking good I almost don’t want to play the older games—I can’t go back to to being solo Kiryu and his stoic face. I also can’t imagine what Yakuza 8 will end up being or what story it’ll tell, but I’m eagerly awaiting the day we find out.