This feels like an apology for how Yakuza 6 left us, and I know that was their first time with a new engine but Yakuza 6 really felt like chore to playthrough and it highlighted how much of a downgrade it was from the previous engine in terms of combat. Gaiden aims to be more like Judgment with its 2 fighting styles and while it isn't Lost Judgment as the foundation if you recall Judgment was still a fun time. And yeah, for $50 you're getting what is essentially Kaito Files but with more content and is reasonably priced.

There's just something so welcoming seeing Kiryu return to his usual self, like a cool cousin you haven't seen in a while. And getting to play as him again really cemented that feeling. I think this games narrative is very short but its so engaging man. Things really just keep moving with each chapter and there's only 5 of them. For it being an in-between as the prequel to 7 and the start of 8 it really gets me excited to play Infinite Wealth when that comes out drastically soon.
Overall, if you like Kiryu in any shape or form, definitely do not skip out on this, if you're hesitant about the 50 dollar price tag, don't be, you're getting your moneys worth with this one. All we can do now is wait for Infinite Wealth to completely blow us out of the water.