Note: while I did not install any major gameplay mods to change how the game plays, I did install a Quickstep restoration mod that makes it function more in line with the original PS3 release compared to the Remaster, so keep that in mind. Also, despite playing and loving Kiwami 2 before this, I will not be making any kind of comparisons between the two since I feel it would be unfair given how both games were made in very different periods with one not having as experience or mechanics to improve and fix upon. With that out of the way.....
Going into this, I was told by a few people that this game isn't viewed as highly as other games in the series, especially when it comes to its combat and frustrating AI. However, I wasn't sure if it was because I was on the Normal difficulty or I went out of my to do so many of the substories that I became a bit overprepared and overpowered many of the main stories enemies, but I never really seem to have much issue with the game, in fact, I ended up loving it more than anything.
- The story is a definite improvement from 1 and 2, not only from its pacing where nothing felt like it was added to be filler, to the additions of new characters and old characters that felt very natural (Though I felt the addition of Joji Kazama felt a bit silly). Also, I absolutely loved the stuff with Kiryu and him spending time with the kids at the Orphanage. It's probably some of the most sweet and wholesome moments and it gives a new side to Kiryu's character that make him that more compelling of a character. It honestly made me wish we got a spin-off that is just a slice-of-life story of Kiryu spending time and helping out Morning Glory and giving the kids valuable life lessons like what Yakuza 3 showed.
- While I did notice a downgrade in combat compared to what I just experienced in Kiwami 2, it really wasn't enough for me to complain about how it plays, and I did get used to it quickly. I did notice enemies were more defensive, though it never felt overwhelming and there weren't many fights that gave me a lot of trouble, especially since I know how to use and manage healing items now.
- The substories, as usual, are still top notch and I was making sure I took time to do as many as I could during certain points in the story. I was surprised by just how many of them were continuations of sub-stories from Yakuza 2 and I especially like the new ones the game introduced, especially the Revelation sub-stories with its hilarious scenarios. Not every sub-story was great though since I really wasn't a fan of the Hostess sub story, didn't bother doing any of the Hitman missions, and I was pretty annoyed that the game never tells you about the Haruka's trust side quest until I found out at the very end of the game in Kamurocho. But even then, this wasn't enough for me to hate them at all.
- For a title released a few years into the PS3's life, I think it still holds up pretty well. The animations do look a bit unnatural but the models and environments do look pretty nice and the cutscenes look pretty good as well. The soundtrack is also very good and got a kick out of some of the songs.
Overall, while I don't think it's a perfect game, I ended up loving it way more than I was expecting. I can definitely tell there is plenty of changes made to how Yakuza handles in both gameplay and story and it's gotten me more curious as to how the series moves forward. Overall, a fun and satisfying game that gives you plenty to do, and showcases a great evolution in the Yazkua series.
If this is what people consider to be the low point in the series, then I think I'm in for quite a treat for these next few games.
Going into this, I was told by a few people that this game isn't viewed as highly as other games in the series, especially when it comes to its combat and frustrating AI. However, I wasn't sure if it was because I was on the Normal difficulty or I went out of my to do so many of the substories that I became a bit overprepared and overpowered many of the main stories enemies, but I never really seem to have much issue with the game, in fact, I ended up loving it more than anything.
- The story is a definite improvement from 1 and 2, not only from its pacing where nothing felt like it was added to be filler, to the additions of new characters and old characters that felt very natural (Though I felt the addition of Joji Kazama felt a bit silly). Also, I absolutely loved the stuff with Kiryu and him spending time with the kids at the Orphanage. It's probably some of the most sweet and wholesome moments and it gives a new side to Kiryu's character that make him that more compelling of a character. It honestly made me wish we got a spin-off that is just a slice-of-life story of Kiryu spending time and helping out Morning Glory and giving the kids valuable life lessons like what Yakuza 3 showed.
- While I did notice a downgrade in combat compared to what I just experienced in Kiwami 2, it really wasn't enough for me to complain about how it plays, and I did get used to it quickly. I did notice enemies were more defensive, though it never felt overwhelming and there weren't many fights that gave me a lot of trouble, especially since I know how to use and manage healing items now.
- The substories, as usual, are still top notch and I was making sure I took time to do as many as I could during certain points in the story. I was surprised by just how many of them were continuations of sub-stories from Yakuza 2 and I especially like the new ones the game introduced, especially the Revelation sub-stories with its hilarious scenarios. Not every sub-story was great though since I really wasn't a fan of the Hostess sub story, didn't bother doing any of the Hitman missions, and I was pretty annoyed that the game never tells you about the Haruka's trust side quest until I found out at the very end of the game in Kamurocho. But even then, this wasn't enough for me to hate them at all.
- For a title released a few years into the PS3's life, I think it still holds up pretty well. The animations do look a bit unnatural but the models and environments do look pretty nice and the cutscenes look pretty good as well. The soundtrack is also very good and got a kick out of some of the songs.
Overall, while I don't think it's a perfect game, I ended up loving it way more than I was expecting. I can definitely tell there is plenty of changes made to how Yakuza handles in both gameplay and story and it's gotten me more curious as to how the series moves forward. Overall, a fun and satisfying game that gives you plenty to do, and showcases a great evolution in the Yazkua series.
If this is what people consider to be the low point in the series, then I think I'm in for quite a treat for these next few games.