Yakuza

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 5, 2006
Yakuza Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 142 Ratings

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  • Summary: (Known in Japan as "Ryu Ga Gotoku") In a society where respect and honor holds great importance, there is an even higher regard for these traits within the one organization that is most feared by all: the Yakuza. Kiryu Kazuma – a former rising star in the Yakuza who is rebuilding his life(Known in Japan as "Ryu Ga Gotoku") In a society where respect and honor holds great importance, there is an even higher regard for these traits within the one organization that is most feared by all: the Yakuza. Kiryu Kazuma – a former rising star in the Yakuza who is rebuilding his life after serving a 10-year prison term for murder – suddenly finds himself caught in a spiraling underworld plot involving a mysterious girl known as Haruka and a missing $100 million. Kazuma must use his fists and his wits to stay alive as he unravels the complex web of truth and lies that surrounds the notorious Yakuza. Yakuza delivers a balance of action and adventure with its immersive storyline and stylish fighting mechanics created specifically for the game. Players can string together attack combinations to take out multiple enemies in sidewalk showdowns, while defending the Yakuza territory and reputation by picking up weapons to crush opponents. Kazuma can also "educate" delinquent debtors through visceral shakedowns by grabbing and smashing them against walls and tables, then delivering final skull-shattering blows when the Heat Gauge is maximized. With a customizable status gauge, players can increase strength, stamina, and skills through combat. [Sega]… Expand
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Yakuza Gameplay Movie 8

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 58
  3. Negative: 2 out of 58
  1. Play Magazine
    95
    A long and riveting story, plenty of freedom and a fantastic battle system have earned it a spot on my all-time Playstation 2 top 10 list. [Sept 2006, p.52]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. PSM Magazine
    85
    With its compelling characters and story, Yakuza is still a remarkable game. [Oct 2006, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. eToychest
    83
    The action comes fast, the plot is exciting, and you couldn’t ask for a better brawler near the end of the PlayStation 2's life cycle.
  4. GameCritics
    80
    Yakuza is the best example I’ve seen in a long time of just how much a great story can elevate a good game.
  5. DailyGame
    75
    A good story, decent length and immersive gameplay make the game shine, but lots of loading, vague subquests and camera control hold it back somewhat.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    68
    A good game that never seems in danger of being great. It’s like exploring a slice of life in another culture; you’re not quite sure what you’re going to get but you keep trying to get something.
  7. Times Online
    20
    Roam around Tokyo, find some bad guys, see some load screens, a couple of cut-scenes, some more load screens, press some buttons in fight mode and so on.

See all 58 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Istike55
    Dec 12, 2015
    10
    Incredible game with incredible story. Nowhere near to 10 point but because of the "professional review" I increase the overall. I lookingIncredible game with incredible story. Nowhere near to 10 point but because of the "professional review" I increase the overall. I looking forward to play the next installments.… Expand
  2. TIMOFEIKA
    Feb 12, 2023
    10
    English dub. That's it English dub. English dub? English dub! Too bad they didn't have the English dub in yakuza 2.
  4. hugoboy
    May 26, 2011
    10
    this game does not have a name or the packaging like god of war or devil may cry that easily acttracts gamers and so it's often overlooked.this game does not have a name or the packaging like god of war or devil may cry that easily acttracts gamers and so it's often overlooked. And who can blame us,i mean who really cares about yakuzas (i know i don't) but after a friend recommended it to me i finally got the game and i was so glad i did. The story in this game can only be found in a great movie or a best seller novel for it's that damn good.it involves love,betrayer,honour and even tragedy.after taking the fall for his best friend,our hero gets out of prison only to find out his girlfriend is missing,betaryed by bestfriend and yakuza world in chaos.he must protect a mysterious little who would lead him to the truth. With awesome characters,great combat system,free roaming gameplay and great looking cut scenes i must say yakuza is a master piece. A game for only hardcore gamers,casual gamers be warned… Expand
  5. MaxT.
    Sep 29, 2006
    9
    Best game I've played in along time, fraction to easy.
  6. frederik1478
    Sep 6, 2021
    8
    A good stepping stone to a fantastic game series but you can feel that it's the first one, it's still holds of even if the Combat is veryA good stepping stone to a fantastic game series but you can feel that it's the first one, it's still holds of even if the Combat is very stiff and you are gonna hit the air more times then you like, and the English dub is good and hilarious, I would recommend that you start with this game if you want to play the franchise… Expand
  7. AndrewL.
    Sep 14, 2007
    8
    This game has so much potential that was not utilized. The story and characters are great. There is entirely too much cursing and the beat This game has so much potential that was not utilized. The story and characters are great. There is entirely too much cursing and the beat downs you administer to others quickly get old. I like how when you get approched by a thug he says a curse word that can only be described as sounding like a chicken cluck. The game is plagued with bad camera angles that do not make the game unmanageble but do make it annoying. The weapons system is not unlike streets of rage in that you use a weapon so many times than it is disgarded, but I think the game could benefit from permanent weapons. Despite all the things I have said it is still a good game and is very enjoyable. It however just lacks the refinement required to make it a great game.… Expand
  8. The_D4RknesS
    Jun 29, 2022
    2
    **** game and i still give it a 4 because the fights were fun but that's all because the rest of the game is just walking around the small map**** game and i still give it a 4 because the fights were fun but that's all because the rest of the game is just walking around the small map chat and watch cutscene, when I bought it in 2010 I thought this crap would be a beat em up. the graphics and map interaction was great… Expand

See all 27 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PS2 Game of 2006
22
#22 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
17
#17 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006