Yakuza 4

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 15, 2011
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
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  1. My Gamer
    May 2, 2011
    72
    Ultimately, the game holds only a moderate amount of appeal for those outside the series' existing fans. The game is fairly unique, in its focus on story and interaction over combat. However, at its core Yakuza 4 stands alongside Grand Theft Auto, Mafia II and Red Dead Redemption. It's a game where you can do bad things and watch a story unfold in a unique game world. If what I've described sounds great…then you'll enjoy Yakuza 4. If not…check out any of the other games I've mentioned.
  2. 3DJuegos
    Apr 4, 2011
    71
    Although Yakuza 4 is a significant step up from Yakuza 3 and the game has some fun gameplay and cool moments, it still lags behind the genre's leaders. A game for fans of the series.
  3. Level7.nu
    Apr 18, 2011
    70
    A very big sand box action game with lots of side missions and great atmosphere but with too much reused content from Yakuza 3.
  5. Metro GameCentral
    Mar 27, 2011
    70
    Arguably gaming's most authentic crime story, as well as an excellent roaming beat 'em-up and (thug) life simulator.
  6. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Mar 24, 2011
    70
    A thoroughly daft, slightly fugly and resolutely old-school action-RPG. [Apr 2011, p.104]
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  7. Gamekult
    Mar 17, 2011
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  8. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Mar 17, 2011
    70
    But for hardcore Yakuza fans, the schizophrenic game design is secondary; it's the engrossing characters and storyline that matter most. [April 2011, p.80]
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  9. Gamereactor Sweden
    Mar 16, 2011
    70
    Yakuza 4 offers a both long and compelling story with 4 exciting main characters. It's a little sparse on interaction though, and often feels more like a movie than an actual game.
  10. Edge Magazine
    Mar 15, 2011
    70
    Yakuza 4 is ultimately too set in its ways to welcome anyone new to the family, and too laden with cutscenes to let its nuances. [Apr 2011, p.99]
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  11. Game Chronicles
    Mar 26, 2011
    69
    If you're the type of gamer who only gets one or two games each year then Yakuza 4 will certainly keep you busier than anything else coming in 2011. I'm just not sure that the four-part story is strong enough and the gameplay diverse enough to drive all that content.
  12. IGN
    Mar 11, 2011
    65
    Yakuza 4 has some fun gameplay, cool moments and tons to do. However, it also has a really dated vibe and a cumbersome story. For me, the weak tale and repetition in actions and leveling drag the experience down and make it something that's just "Okay."
  13. Giant Bomb
    Aug 8, 2011
    60
    It often seems like Yakuza 4 is conspiring against itself, holding its own cool features back behind technology and game design. It's not that Yakuza 4 is a bad game, but rather that too many of the game's eccentricities don't work in its favor.
  14. GameOver.gr
    Mar 12, 2011
    60
    There are a few memorable characters and some interesting story elements -especially for those who love and follow the franchise- but the gameplay improvements are subtle, while poor storytelling renders Yakuza 4 worse than its predecessors.
  15. Eurogamer Sweden
    Mar 11, 2011
    60
    Yakuza 4 isn't as compelling as the third game, nor does it introduce a lot of new, interesting features. But it's still a fun romp, and sometimes when I walk down the streets in Kabukicho it feels like I'm back in Shinjuku, and that's a rare feat. Not for everone, but fans of the series could do worse.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best PS3 Game of 2011
41
#41 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
29
#29 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 283 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 218 out of 283
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 283
  3. Negative: 25 out of 283
  1. Jwhite
    Mar 17, 2011
    10
    Now's the time to play the most underrated game of all time. This is one of the few games that can tell a great story, worry not if you're aNow's the time to play the most underrated game of all time. This is one of the few games that can tell a great story, worry not if you're a newcomer, the games story can be enjoyed throughly even if you haven't played a previous game. Check out a few game play videos and see how brutal the combat really us. Aren't you tired of shooting people in the face already? Wouldn't you rather beat someone down with a Pylon? Not convinced yet, then read this:http://kotaku.com/#!5772702/ping+pong-for-perverts-courtesy-of-video-games. Yeah there's a mini-game where you play ping pong with a hostess and get bonus points for looking at her breast without getting caught....You've been missing out. Buy it… Full Review »
  2. EmoneyHokuto
    Mar 16, 2011
    10
    i really think sega out did themselves with this sequel. almost every aspect from 3 has been improved and expanded upon. City, NPCs,i really think sega out did themselves with this sequel. almost every aspect from 3 has been improved and expanded upon. City, NPCs, characters, voices presentation wise have been improved significantly. weather effects like rain have been added. day and night cycle. combat feels and plays alot smoother, but yes sometimes its hard to lock on but its a minor problem. the story and pacing are alot better and flows very well. playing as 4 characters back to back makes the game feel less like a grind or repetitive. each character has a unique personality and back story. i cared what happened to each character. even the Kiryu (main character of the whole series) has been improved with more insight on his back story and even more fighting techniques and attacks. one of the weak parts of 3 in my opinion of the redundant sub stories. there are less sub stories in 4 but they feel significant and not redundant. for note the game is 99% true to its original Japanese content. the only cut content are the opening song because of licensing issues, and a trivia game called Answer x Answer. barely noticeable this game is brimming with content. so go buy it now.… Full Review »
  3. JonnyTheGreat
    Mar 16, 2011
    10
    For the last time, these game critics can't do their job. IGN gave this game a 65%...Seriously? IGN? You guys need to fire this guy, GregFor the last time, these game critics can't do their job. IGN gave this game a 65%...Seriously? IGN? You guys need to fire this guy, Greg Miller. Quote "There's a ton of stuff to do. You could spend dozens of hours on the side quests. However, I won't because the game mechanics just feel old." It seems that Greg decided to write his little review right after rushing through the story mode, leaving out the side quests and mini-games. I mean come on, you get paid to review games. At the very least, TRY to actually complete the game and experience the whole package offered by the game. How do you judge a game when you didn't even finish half of what the game really is (and which is what makes it unique as no other game in the market offers anything similar)---that is, exploring the vibrant open world on the streets of Tokyo and experiencing all the fun witty mini-games and Japanese wacky humor-packed side missions. Greg's review is like when someone bought a novel, then just glanced through the summary on the back of the book and thinks he's done reading the book. To give this game a score of 65% is insulting, not only to the game developer and the people reading the review, but also the reviewer himself. You know that this game deserves better. 65% means this game is just as bad as crappy games like Def Jam: Icon, Kane & Lynch, Zombie Apocalypse and Hamsterball. Really?… Full Review »
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