Yakuza 2

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2008
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. GameSpy
    70
    Despite its technical problems, Yakuza 2's story really kept us coming back for more. It's fantastically paced, constantly dropping teasers to keep you interested in what's going to happen next.
  2. Gamer.nl
    70
    Yakuza continues where the last episode stopped, but barely adds new elements. The city is a lively place, the story strong enough and the fighting system is more than ok. Unfortunatly these three elements don't connect very well thus making it a very incoherent gaming experience.
  3. WonderwallWeb
    70
    A fitting farewell to the PS2 showing the console really at its best.
  5. AceGamez
    70
    There is a great story and a fine game in Yakuza 2, let down mainly by old technology and some stylistic choices that wouldn't have mattered half as much when it was first released in the East.
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  6. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    70
    One of the last “AAA” Mohicans for PlayStation 2 brings Japanese mafia to the screen. Splendid fights, gripping story and a living city will keep you involved for at least 20 hours of intense gameplay. [Nov 2008]
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  7. D+PAD Magazine
    70
    Many will be put off by Yakuza 2's lengthy cutscenes, or bored by the lack of variety in the gameplay; but for those for which the game clicks, it is a title that will be hard to forget. The boldness of its narrative and the confidence of its mechanics make Yakuza 2 a slice of Japanese gaming that is well worth experiencing.
  8. Games Master UK
    68
    A masterclass in videogame storytelling, but there's little left for the player to do. [Nov 2008, p.81]
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  9. games(TM)
    60
    Fetch quests interrupted by relentless, contrived fight sequences may have worked once, but in the altered landscape of 2008 Yakuza 2 really feels like it should be offering more. [Nov 2008, p.123]
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  10. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    60
    Not bad, but it's something of an acquired taste. Best to try it before you fork out. [Nov 2008, p.103]
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PS2 Game of 2008
14
#14 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2008
6
#6 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 100 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 100
  3. Negative: 6 out of 100
  1. LegendaryBurger
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    The Yakuza series has earned the habit of earning 10/10's it is the best storyline game in the world and universe and with Yakuza 2 they haveThe Yakuza series has earned the habit of earning 10/10's it is the best storyline game in the world and universe and with Yakuza 2 they have improved the gameplay with new gameplay mechanics and with Japanese dubs cuz the english dubs werent that good… Full Review »
  2. Sonnington
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    This game is hashtag dope. If you ever wanted to be a Japanese gangster. This is the game for you. The combat is great and the storytelling isThis game is hashtag dope. If you ever wanted to be a Japanese gangster. This is the game for you. The combat is great and the storytelling is just amazing.… Full Review »
  3. frederik1478
    Sep 10, 2021
    8
    Improvement on Yakuza 1 Combat system but the boss fights has become more annoying, the story is thrilling an interesting and the main villainImprovement on Yakuza 1 Combat system but the boss fights has become more annoying, the story is thrilling an interesting and the main villain guy is the best in the franchise, one of The few Yakuza games with strong women characters, I would recommend pcsx2 because buying it used this way too expensive… Full Review »
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