Shamaboy11
Spyro 2 is always held as the best one in the trilogy, and this recent replay was me trying to see if I will finally get it. Unfortunately, it did the complete opposite and further amplifies why this game is the weakest one in the trilogy in my eyes.
Spyro himself is still such a joy to move around with, and the world visually is very creative. However, while the level design is still good, it’s still a step backwards from Spyro 1 due to focusing less on exploration or pure platforming. It is now scattered with mini-games that are either mindlessly easy or end too quickly to leave any impression on me. These meaningless variety that this sequel offers somehow makes me feel more fatigued towards it than Spyro 1. As repetitive as that game gets, it doesn't have any fat to it for me to get tired of replaying it each time.
The fatigue is also not helped by the unrewarding backtracking that feels so utterly pointless that I have asked why it’s even a thing. I don’t mind backtracking as long as it feels substantial, like unlocking new playable characters, which also gets you access to brand new sections with tons of gems to collect or decent mini-games that Spyro 3 offers. However, in Spyro 2, you only gain new abilities to collect a few gems and play a dull mini-game. That's all there is to it…
I will definitely say that the world and characters are a big step from Spyro 1, but it's like going from nothing to stale white bread. Outside of Moneybags and Hunter, I didn't care much about the other characters that just exist, like Elora, or they're supposed to be an effective villain but aren't, like Ripto, who acts more like a grumpy guy than a legitimate villain. The story just feels like autopilot to me, despite its clear improvements.
I know that I sound very harsh in this review, and that is partly true. I need to make it clear that Spyro 2 is still overall a solid game that I mostly have a fun time with. I would still revisit it over most other collectathon platformers, but for a game that is universally considered the best one by many fans, I just don't see it personally. In my eyes, the supposed perfect middle ground feels more like a watered-down version of its younger & older siblings (Spyro 1 & 3).
Spyro himself is still such a joy to move around with, and the world visually is very creative. However, while the level design is still good, it’s still a step backwards from Spyro 1 due to focusing less on exploration or pure platforming. It is now scattered with mini-games that are either mindlessly easy or end too quickly to leave any impression on me. These meaningless variety that this sequel offers somehow makes me feel more fatigued towards it than Spyro 1. As repetitive as that game gets, it doesn't have any fat to it for me to get tired of replaying it each time.
The fatigue is also not helped by the unrewarding backtracking that feels so utterly pointless that I have asked why it’s even a thing. I don’t mind backtracking as long as it feels substantial, like unlocking new playable characters, which also gets you access to brand new sections with tons of gems to collect or decent mini-games that Spyro 3 offers. However, in Spyro 2, you only gain new abilities to collect a few gems and play a dull mini-game. That's all there is to it…
I will definitely say that the world and characters are a big step from Spyro 1, but it's like going from nothing to stale white bread. Outside of Moneybags and Hunter, I didn't care much about the other characters that just exist, like Elora, or they're supposed to be an effective villain but aren't, like Ripto, who acts more like a grumpy guy than a legitimate villain. The story just feels like autopilot to me, despite its clear improvements.
I know that I sound very harsh in this review, and that is partly true. I need to make it clear that Spyro 2 is still overall a solid game that I mostly have a fun time with. I would still revisit it over most other collectathon platformers, but for a game that is universally considered the best one by many fans, I just don't see it personally. In my eyes, the supposed perfect middle ground feels more like a watered-down version of its younger & older siblings (Spyro 1 & 3).
2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this experience. Animal Well is a tightly designed metroidvania that focuses on clever puzzles that will test your knowledge of each item that you obtain, as well as your surroundings. The cherry on top is the amazing atmosphere that really draws you into this world excellently crafted by Billy Basso.
My only few complaints are that I find the fast travel system so tedious that I barely use it, which made going around the map back and forth just tedious eventually & the player's hit feedback could be better in certain moments that I don't want to spoil to rob your experience, but that is my overall advice. Play this game as blindly as you can, similar to The Outer Wilds, which I have heard a lot of comparisons to (although I haven't played that yet). I am definitely glad to have played this and it will likely be in my top games of the year.
My only few complaints are that I find the fast travel system so tedious that I barely use it, which made going around the map back and forth just tedious eventually & the player's hit feedback could be better in certain moments that I don't want to spoil to rob your experience, but that is my overall advice. Play this game as blindly as you can, similar to The Outer Wilds, which I have heard a lot of comparisons to (although I haven't played that yet). I am definitely glad to have played this and it will likely be in my top games of the year.
2022
Dave the Diver's charm shines through, despite its simple gameplay loop of diving into a vast ocean to catch a wide variety of different sea creatures to keep a sushi restaurant in business in order to upgrade our tools. It's carried by charming visuals, endearing characters, and a well-paced introduction of new mechanics that have kept me so absorbed and very relaxed at the same time with this game.
Yahtzee Croshaw made a good point in his Zero Punctuation episode about this game having a ton of charisma, but some people, including him, have criticized the game for diverting from the main gameplay loop to introduce new features. I understand where they're coming from, but I personally disagree. I believe the game introduces new elements at the right moments, so it doesn't feel overwhelming when they all come together. Moreover, the core gameplay loop is not overshadowed by the new features. I don't think the game loses its focus or becomes bored of itself in order to encourage us to engage with the new stuff. It does become easier, but I would argue that the game wasn't very challenging to begin with.
Overall, this is definitely the best game that I missed out on back in 2023. I wish I had played this sooner, but I guess it's better to be late than never. Play this game already if you can!
Yahtzee Croshaw made a good point in his Zero Punctuation episode about this game having a ton of charisma, but some people, including him, have criticized the game for diverting from the main gameplay loop to introduce new features. I understand where they're coming from, but I personally disagree. I believe the game introduces new elements at the right moments, so it doesn't feel overwhelming when they all come together. Moreover, the core gameplay loop is not overshadowed by the new features. I don't think the game loses its focus or becomes bored of itself in order to encourage us to engage with the new stuff. It does become easier, but I would argue that the game wasn't very challenging to begin with.
Overall, this is definitely the best game that I missed out on back in 2023. I wish I had played this sooner, but I guess it's better to be late than never. Play this game already if you can!
1998
The Spyro trilogy is likely my most replayed video game trilogy ever since my introduction to this Purple Dragon back in 2018 and has captured my heart for 3D platformers and the genre as a whole. I think now it's high time to write my thoughts on it, which I don’t normally do for older games that I have already replayed so many times before I started to write reviews on Backloggd, but this is going to be the exception, and let's start out with Spyro 1.
For Insomniac Games' first designed 3D platformer, I'm kind of impressed with how much they have nailed it on their first attempt when it comes to exploration that consistently rewards your curiosity or enemy design that isn't very deep, but synergizes so well with Spyro's core movement. You have a good reason to flame or charge at enemies as each of them drops gems, which that alone makes the enemies in Spyro more meaningful than most other collectathon platformers and complements the simple combat very well.
This all makes the pure platforming such a joy to glide and charge around through, thanks to the strong level design. The big drawback that makes people hold this game back (besides the boss fights) is the lack of variety, but for me personally, as long as the core gameplay loop is enjoyable and addictive, I'm all in. Spyro 1 nails this perfectly even if it becomes super repetitive. The cherry on top is the vibrant presentation and a soundtrack by Stewart Copeland that is truly legendary.
Spyro 1 reminds me a lot of the first Ratchet & Clank game. It is evident that both games were the developers' first attempts, yet they managed to avoid the common pitfalls seen in other first entries such as Mega Man 1, Sonic 1, or even Crash 1. I can see why some may consider Spyro 1 their favorite, but for me, it ranks as my second favorite in the trilogy.
For Insomniac Games' first designed 3D platformer, I'm kind of impressed with how much they have nailed it on their first attempt when it comes to exploration that consistently rewards your curiosity or enemy design that isn't very deep, but synergizes so well with Spyro's core movement. You have a good reason to flame or charge at enemies as each of them drops gems, which that alone makes the enemies in Spyro more meaningful than most other collectathon platformers and complements the simple combat very well.
This all makes the pure platforming such a joy to glide and charge around through, thanks to the strong level design. The big drawback that makes people hold this game back (besides the boss fights) is the lack of variety, but for me personally, as long as the core gameplay loop is enjoyable and addictive, I'm all in. Spyro 1 nails this perfectly even if it becomes super repetitive. The cherry on top is the vibrant presentation and a soundtrack by Stewart Copeland that is truly legendary.
Spyro 1 reminds me a lot of the first Ratchet & Clank game. It is evident that both games were the developers' first attempts, yet they managed to avoid the common pitfalls seen in other first entries such as Mega Man 1, Sonic 1, or even Crash 1. I can see why some may consider Spyro 1 their favorite, but for me, it ranks as my second favorite in the trilogy.
2011
At first glance, Pushmo appears to be a simple tile puzzle game, but it's much more challenging than it seems when playing the game. It starts off easy with the tutorial, but once you're on your own, the 250+ short puzzle challenges will really test your skills. I was taken aback at first, but came around to find it this game’s biggest strength. It really does test my skills in solving tile puzzles consistently and therefore keeps me engaged from start to finish. It would’ve been the opposite if the game was a breeze from the get-go with the tile puzzles.
However, Intelligent Systems thought that it was a bright idea to allow players to skip levels when they are stuck on them for a while, and I don't like this at all as it diminishes the challenge of the game. The only punishment for players is not getting the main collectible in that particular level, but that doesn't feel like a huge punishment at all. Besides that, my other complaint is that the tutorial was a bit slow to get through with these lessons that you have to do.
Nonetheless, this was a pleasant surprise to experience, having way more meat and challenge to it than it looks at surface level. Definitely play it if you are looking for a solid tile puzzle game to sink your teeth into for a while on the 3ds.
However, Intelligent Systems thought that it was a bright idea to allow players to skip levels when they are stuck on them for a while, and I don't like this at all as it diminishes the challenge of the game. The only punishment for players is not getting the main collectible in that particular level, but that doesn't feel like a huge punishment at all. Besides that, my other complaint is that the tutorial was a bit slow to get through with these lessons that you have to do.
Nonetheless, this was a pleasant surprise to experience, having way more meat and challenge to it than it looks at surface level. Definitely play it if you are looking for a solid tile puzzle game to sink your teeth into for a while on the 3ds.
2020
Lucky Mountain Games, Curve Digital, and Sumo Nottingham have created a superb arcade racer that pays homage to the beloved Sega racing games of the past. While I haven't played those games myself, I must confess, I can still confidently say that it is a well-crafted and fun as hell experience in its own right with tight controls, good track design, and the colorful low poly visuals that give the game a ton of personality.
My only major complaint with this game is that the voice lines in races were really annoying or so repetitive that I had to eventually turn them off. It's a shame because I genuinely enjoy the announcer's voice. For just 20 dollars, I strongly recommend getting this package, and it's an incredible deal if it goes on sale. If you're seeking an arcade racer that can be enjoyed without investing too much time into it, this is the game for you.
My only major complaint with this game is that the voice lines in races were really annoying or so repetitive that I had to eventually turn them off. It's a shame because I genuinely enjoy the announcer's voice. For just 20 dollars, I strongly recommend getting this package, and it's an incredible deal if it goes on sale. If you're seeking an arcade racer that can be enjoyed without investing too much time into it, this is the game for you.
2020
Rogue Legacy 2 excels at its core rogue-lite gameplay loop when it comes to platforming, combat, and the progression system. It is very fun and addictive at first. The hand-drawn visuals and fantastic music further elevate the experience. Unfortunately, it suffers from a similar issue as Crash 4 or Super Mario Odyssey, where it unnecessarily prolongs the gameplay loop or progress. In fact, I would argue that it's even worse because you have to endure this excessive grinding in order to beat the game. After a while, I found myself growing fatigued of playing this game, despite its excellent gameplay loop.
However, it is important to point out that I still believe that Rogue Legacy 2 is solid overall because of its well-crafted core gameplay loop that remains strong even when it's padding itself. Unlike Skul: The Hero Slayer, which reveals many fundamental rogue-lite gameplay issues as it starts to drag on, this game manages to keep itself together, but this only amplifies my frustration as it could have easily removed the unnecessary grinding. If it weren't there, I would've had no problem considering it one of the top games in its genre alongside Dead Cells & Hades.
I would strongly recommend this game only if you're ready to invest a considerable amount of time into reaching your main goal. I'm gonna put it down because I want to move on with playing other games, but I can see myself crawling back to this game eventually.
However, it is important to point out that I still believe that Rogue Legacy 2 is solid overall because of its well-crafted core gameplay loop that remains strong even when it's padding itself. Unlike Skul: The Hero Slayer, which reveals many fundamental rogue-lite gameplay issues as it starts to drag on, this game manages to keep itself together, but this only amplifies my frustration as it could have easily removed the unnecessary grinding. If it weren't there, I would've had no problem considering it one of the top games in its genre alongside Dead Cells & Hades.
I would strongly recommend this game only if you're ready to invest a considerable amount of time into reaching your main goal. I'm gonna put it down because I want to move on with playing other games, but I can see myself crawling back to this game eventually.
My first dive into the Bloodstained series, and it's definitely a worthy successor to Castlevania. Inti Creates did an outstanding job with Curse of the Moon. It is a love letter to the classic NES Castlevania games in every way but its name, while still managing to stand out as an amazing game on its own and not feel stuck in the past. Even if you haven't experienced the old-school Castlevania games, you will still likely enjoy this one.
The soundtrack made by Michiru Yamane (legendary Castlevania composer) & Ryusuke Fujioka is music to my ears that elevates this package. The cherry on top is the cool secrets to unlock that made me want to replay the game 2 more times, which does not take long to beat. It helps me not get tired of it. If this winning streak continues with Ritual of the Night and Curse of the Moon 2, I might not miss Castlevania if Konami continues to leave it in the dust.
The soundtrack made by Michiru Yamane (legendary Castlevania composer) & Ryusuke Fujioka is music to my ears that elevates this package. The cherry on top is the cool secrets to unlock that made me want to replay the game 2 more times, which does not take long to beat. It helps me not get tired of it. If this winning streak continues with Ritual of the Night and Curse of the Moon 2, I might not miss Castlevania if Konami continues to leave it in the dust.
Although it begins strongly, it regrettably loses its appeal because half of the forms are not enjoyable to use, there is too much grinding even for rogue-lite standards, and the boss battles lack excitement. The world is intriguing, and I appreciate the idea of playing as the villain to defeat the heroes, but the story itself lacks the charm to keep me engaged.
I didn't find it painful at all, and I actually had some fun with it. However, I couldn't bring myself to complete a run for this one compared to Dead Cells or Hades. It's an okay game.
I didn't find it painful at all, and I actually had some fun with it. However, I couldn't bring myself to complete a run for this one compared to Dead Cells or Hades. It's an okay game.
2014
Metro 2033 serves as a perfect example of how to effectively railroad players along a linear path in a game, mainly due to being so engrossed in the world that this game has created. This makes the characters I interact with feel very believable and hear people having conversations or arguing with each other as I traverse from one tunnel to another. It truly convinces me that the world of Metro is constantly in motion and that these people actually inhabit these tunnels.
It is really crucial to highlight that this aspect contributes to my engagement with the story and world-building. Although there are occasional instances of rushed pacing, I argue that it ultimately improves the overall gameplay experience because combat & stealth sections are well-paced and the game knows when to utilize chaotic moments to feel earned instead of constantly blasting itself like a bad CoD campaign.
The icing on the cake is the excellent presentation that, despite a few outdated character models, has aged gracefully to add more to the immersive atmosphere of Metro. Playing Metro 2033 and other FPS games recently has taught me that I can appreciate linear gameplay when it's well-paced, features a compelling world and characters, or is simply fun. This game has the right amount of length, not too short or too long. I highly recommend this game!
It is really crucial to highlight that this aspect contributes to my engagement with the story and world-building. Although there are occasional instances of rushed pacing, I argue that it ultimately improves the overall gameplay experience because combat & stealth sections are well-paced and the game knows when to utilize chaotic moments to feel earned instead of constantly blasting itself like a bad CoD campaign.
The icing on the cake is the excellent presentation that, despite a few outdated character models, has aged gracefully to add more to the immersive atmosphere of Metro. Playing Metro 2033 and other FPS games recently has taught me that I can appreciate linear gameplay when it's well-paced, features a compelling world and characters, or is simply fun. This game has the right amount of length, not too short or too long. I highly recommend this game!
2018
Upon booting up this game, despite learning about its reputation, I anticipated a Devil May Cry 2 or Mega Man X6 equivalent within the Yakuza series with this third installment. However, after playing it, I was pleasantly surprised and kind of enjoyed it. As I continue my Yakuza journey, I expect this to be the weakest entry, but if the worst Yakuza game I've played is still a 6-7/10, it's impressive how consistent this franchise is.
The story and characters continue to give me so much joy, whether it's during lighthearted or intense moments that the main storyline executes so well, keeping my attention and investment. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the same excitement for the substories this time around, unlike in Yakuza 2. There were a few cool ones that caught my attention, but those were the exceptions.
I gotta say, the combat in this game, to me, is enjoyable despite the jank. The only thing that bugs me is how obsessed the enemies are with their blocking move. It can really drag out some fights. But other than that, I still enjoyed smacking down enemies, stringing together combos, and leveling up. Even though I've played Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and both versions of 2 before, I still had a blast with the combat in this game.
The graphics in this game have definitely aged, with blurry textures that are noticeable when it comes to things like clothing, backgrounds, or some character models. The one aspect that I do appreciate about the presentation is how the lighting and skyboxes look depending on the time of day (shoutouts to Kamurocho at night), but you can tell it's a PS3 game.
It feels kind of anticlimactic now that I have played this game, and my thoughts are not really aligning with its infamous reputation. I'm not going to argue if it deserves that or not, but from my point of view, it wasn't as bad as I expected. It turned out to be an alright game that I really enjoyed, despite its flaws. Hopefully, Yakuza 4 will be a smoother experience, regardless of how I feel about Yakuza 3.
Here are my other Yakuza reviews:
Yakuza Kiwami 2
https://www.backloggd.com/u/Shamaboy11/review/1444016/
Yakuza Kiwami
https://www.backloggd.com/u/Shamaboy11/review/1130270/
The story and characters continue to give me so much joy, whether it's during lighthearted or intense moments that the main storyline executes so well, keeping my attention and investment. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the same excitement for the substories this time around, unlike in Yakuza 2. There were a few cool ones that caught my attention, but those were the exceptions.
I gotta say, the combat in this game, to me, is enjoyable despite the jank. The only thing that bugs me is how obsessed the enemies are with their blocking move. It can really drag out some fights. But other than that, I still enjoyed smacking down enemies, stringing together combos, and leveling up. Even though I've played Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and both versions of 2 before, I still had a blast with the combat in this game.
The graphics in this game have definitely aged, with blurry textures that are noticeable when it comes to things like clothing, backgrounds, or some character models. The one aspect that I do appreciate about the presentation is how the lighting and skyboxes look depending on the time of day (shoutouts to Kamurocho at night), but you can tell it's a PS3 game.
It feels kind of anticlimactic now that I have played this game, and my thoughts are not really aligning with its infamous reputation. I'm not going to argue if it deserves that or not, but from my point of view, it wasn't as bad as I expected. It turned out to be an alright game that I really enjoyed, despite its flaws. Hopefully, Yakuza 4 will be a smoother experience, regardless of how I feel about Yakuza 3.
Here are my other Yakuza reviews:
Yakuza Kiwami 2
https://www.backloggd.com/u/Shamaboy11/review/1444016/
Yakuza Kiwami
https://www.backloggd.com/u/Shamaboy11/review/1130270/
2019
A pretty good simple platformer that exudes a certain charm of 3DS eShop games that you would discover as hidden gems, but just like these games, it’s very short and not much depth to it. My only other complaint is that some gimmicks are annoying and that the touch screen controls aren’t the smoothest for this game. Nevertheless, I appreciate that it is not confined to the Apple Arcade and is available on the Switch, which is where I would suggest playing it on unless there are no other alternatives for you.
2015
Upon revisiting JC3 years later, my perspective has shifted significantly. I no longer view it as a disappointing follow-up to JC2. I have come around to loving it due to stuff like the wingsuit, which makes traversal very fun, as well as the endless arsenal of weapons that are both enjoyable & satisfying to use when conquering bases or villages.
I have also found the side challenges to be engaging now, which is a stark contrast to years ago. This newfound appreciation is likely due to my increased enjoyment of the gameplay loop & unlocking meaningful upgrades. All of this is complemented by the presentation, which still holds up nearly 9 years later with the soundtrack being surprisingly good & crunchy sound design.
Even though I have developed a greater appreciation for this game, it unfortunately also highlights why it falls short in comparison to JC2 in my eyes. The main issues lie in the map design and story missions, which are such downgrades. The story missions lack the consistent bombastic moments that JC2 threw at you and the map seems to not have been designed with them in mind.
Medici looks beautiful but lacks any personality that Panau oozes with & having such diverse environments prevents it from feeling repetitive, which Medici does unfortunately suffer from. There are so many locations in JC2 that I can still recall years later, but after only recently replaying JC3 again, I can barely remember any locations because they all just blend.
However, these flaws didn't completely derail my revisit journey, which has made me realize that the game is truly great, contrary to my initial mixed feelings when it was first released. I can see why it's considered the best one in the series for many people, although for me, JC2 still holds the top spot in the series. Nonetheless, that shouldn't discredit the stuff that JC3 has done right, and I still give it a strong recommendation if you are looking for a simple but fun open-world game.
I have also found the side challenges to be engaging now, which is a stark contrast to years ago. This newfound appreciation is likely due to my increased enjoyment of the gameplay loop & unlocking meaningful upgrades. All of this is complemented by the presentation, which still holds up nearly 9 years later with the soundtrack being surprisingly good & crunchy sound design.
Even though I have developed a greater appreciation for this game, it unfortunately also highlights why it falls short in comparison to JC2 in my eyes. The main issues lie in the map design and story missions, which are such downgrades. The story missions lack the consistent bombastic moments that JC2 threw at you and the map seems to not have been designed with them in mind.
Medici looks beautiful but lacks any personality that Panau oozes with & having such diverse environments prevents it from feeling repetitive, which Medici does unfortunately suffer from. There are so many locations in JC2 that I can still recall years later, but after only recently replaying JC3 again, I can barely remember any locations because they all just blend.
However, these flaws didn't completely derail my revisit journey, which has made me realize that the game is truly great, contrary to my initial mixed feelings when it was first released. I can see why it's considered the best one in the series for many people, although for me, JC2 still holds the top spot in the series. Nonetheless, that shouldn't discredit the stuff that JC3 has done right, and I still give it a strong recommendation if you are looking for a simple but fun open-world game.
2023
Happy to own this game in my possession now on PS5, and I am once again reminded why this game is considered a masterpiece as I replay it. I found myself unable to stop playing, despite having already beaten it last year.
The satisfying rhythm combat, endearing writing, and great music are seamlessly combined with stunning visuals that will stand the test of time. It's a special video game where everything comes together to make one of the best games of 2023 that Tango Gameworks should be proud of making it.
I'm so happy to see this game on other platforms for more people to play it. I can't recommend this enough!
The satisfying rhythm combat, endearing writing, and great music are seamlessly combined with stunning visuals that will stand the test of time. It's a special video game where everything comes together to make one of the best games of 2023 that Tango Gameworks should be proud of making it.
I'm so happy to see this game on other platforms for more people to play it. I can't recommend this enough!
2017
I’m happy to say that my experience with Yakuza Kiwami 2 has deepened my appreciation for this series even further as I continue on with my journey to play each main entry. Kiwami 2 presents a remarkable story with strong themes, lovable characters, numerous memorable moments, and the best antagonist in the series so far. This game's bombastic nature kept me hooked from start to finish, leaving me thoroughly engaged and completely satisfied.
Exploring around Kamurocho & Sotendori is really enhanced by the Dragon Engine, which has made it visually stunning and made most interiors seamless to enter through, really adding to the immersion. The overall presentation is simply wonderful, and the music is absolutely excellent.
However, what really got me hooked on exploration was the fact that it's the first game where I actually took the time to do a good chunk of the sub-stories. They give each established character a spotlight or make the overall themes of the game more impactful. They also did a great job of balancing the tone, so that these sub-stories don't feel disconnected from the main story by managing the goofiness, sincerity, and serious moments, which previous games didn't quite achieve.
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with this game is the combat. It’s far from being awful, there have been some improvements, such as much smoother control on the battlefield when it gets hectic and the option to swiftly switch melee weapons using the D-pad. However, the combat system feels like it took 2 steps forwards, 1 step back because the satisfaction of punching up foes doesn't quite measure up to Yakuza 0 or Kiwami 1. Additionally, the stats system for improving Kiryu's stats or acquiring new moves feels overly complicated and uneven.
Despite that setback, Yakuza Kiwami 2 remains another excellent addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Now to Yakuza 3….
Exploring around Kamurocho & Sotendori is really enhanced by the Dragon Engine, which has made it visually stunning and made most interiors seamless to enter through, really adding to the immersion. The overall presentation is simply wonderful, and the music is absolutely excellent.
However, what really got me hooked on exploration was the fact that it's the first game where I actually took the time to do a good chunk of the sub-stories. They give each established character a spotlight or make the overall themes of the game more impactful. They also did a great job of balancing the tone, so that these sub-stories don't feel disconnected from the main story by managing the goofiness, sincerity, and serious moments, which previous games didn't quite achieve.
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with this game is the combat. It’s far from being awful, there have been some improvements, such as much smoother control on the battlefield when it gets hectic and the option to swiftly switch melee weapons using the D-pad. However, the combat system feels like it took 2 steps forwards, 1 step back because the satisfaction of punching up foes doesn't quite measure up to Yakuza 0 or Kiwami 1. Additionally, the stats system for improving Kiryu's stats or acquiring new moves feels overly complicated and uneven.
Despite that setback, Yakuza Kiwami 2 remains another excellent addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Now to Yakuza 3….