In the most recent issue (#3) of video game magazine ‘A Profound Waste of Time’, Gita Jackson speaks with game critic Kazuma Hashimoto about the appeal of the Yakuza series in the West. In this conversation, Hashimoto commends the series’ willingness to portray genuine displays of emotion from otherwise stoic, tough men. He even mentions how some of these scenes have brought him to tears while playing.

I still get misty eyed, sitting here at my desk, if I think too long about Ichiban Kasuga’s pure expressions of compassion and love. At the end of a game where you’ve watched Kasuga develop deep personal friendships with each member of his party, he makes an emotional appeal to the antagonist, who he still loves as a brother. Not in the ‘Yakuza family’ way, but as a true brother, with his whole heart. You can feel the pain in his voice, this man in his 40s, pouring his heart out on the street for someone who has brought him so much grief. I was bawling before the credits rolled – then I bawled some more.

Of course, I find the turn based combat hilarious and engaging, the game world a pleasure to explore, and I can play back up while my friend Nanba sings Baka Mitai, so...five stars?

(I played this via PlayStation Plus, so I feel the need to reiterate: Viva physical media! Own what you love.)