Yakuza 5

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Dec 8, 2015
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 294 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 245 out of 294
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 294
  3. Negative: 26 out of 294

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  1. YakuzaIsTheGoat
    Mar 6, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing game, so much stuff to do! Every character has a red heat special to their character and a cool attack special to them as well, such as Akiyama's air combo mechanics, Saejima's leg swinging mechanics, Shinada's My Meteor Tackle and Kiryu's buff thingy.

    Haruka is also a playable character in this game which has a special gameplay mechanic, it makes you play a rhythm game instead of street battles, Princess League is a cool thing too.

    Every character has their own side story and trainers that both are fun to play and get new attacks from. If you're looking for the ultimate Yakuza experience this is a great choice, however, the game can be tedious at times. Too many street encounters at every corner and if you can't outrun then you have to walk at the pace of a snail to get through without getting attacked.

    Great story, Great Gameplay, Mountains of content, S H I N A D A .    … Expand
  2. Strifefair600
    Feb 23, 2023
    0
    No just no do not get me wrong I’m probably one of the biggest RGG fan boys out there but this game well it just sucks and it makes me sick to see this is one of the highest rated yakuza games on the site yakuza on ps2 is better than this game ok first off everything feels like a chore and the game is too long I was on the brink of skipping this game and playing yakuza 6 next we have theNo just no do not get me wrong I’m probably one of the biggest RGG fan boys out there but this game well it just sucks and it makes me sick to see this is one of the highest rated yakuza games on the site yakuza on ps2 is better than this game ok first off everything feels like a chore and the game is too long I was on the brink of skipping this game and playing yakuza 6 next we have the encounters there are too many I can’t get to a way point without at least 5 encounters with enemies and also making us play as haruka it just sucked the only thing good about this game is the ost oh and the combat sucks… Expand
  3. shin777
    Jun 6, 2022
    0
    Game is 10/10, but Sega is so bad company not translating their games even after remastering them
  4. JimPickens
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    Yakuza 5 is a good, but by god you really have to play this game isolated from the rest, do not marathon these games like I did, because Y5 will wear you out fast.

    Yakuza 4 had 4 main characters you played as, so of course, Yakuza 5 has 5. Returning characters include Kiryu, who you actually get to play as right out of the gate, amazing how they thought NOT doing that was a good idea in    Yakuza 5 is a good, but by god you really have to play this game isolated from the rest, do not marathon these games like I did, because Y5 will wear you out fast.

    Yakuza 4 had 4 main characters you played as, so of course, Yakuza 5 has 5. Returning characters include Kiryu, who you actually get to play as right out of the gate, amazing how they thought NOT doing that was a good idea in Y4, Saejima from the last game, Akiyama also from the last game, and weirdly enough Haruka, who's sections are rhythm based rather than action, and newcomer... Shinada? I think that was his name, he does not leave a lasting impact, less so than even Tanimura did and I usually just end up referring to him as Baseball Man.

    So you may be wondering how Y5 manages to flesh out each characters story in just 20-30 hours, well they don't because Y5 is 50 hours... my god. Yes Yakuza 5 is very long compared to the other games and like I said, if not approached correctly can burn you out very easily, however the game tackles several combat styles, including rhythm game based, and does it frequently enough that you're not likely to get bored or burnt out unless you play it directly after 4 like I did.

    Kiryu is a taxi driver under a false name, Saejima goes hunting, Haruka dances, Akiyama helps Haruka with her uncover some mystery or something, and Shinada... Talks to Daigo, that's all I really remember about Shinada's story. They're all fairly interesting, save for Shinada, and the game really started strong opening with Kiryu, but it does kind of loose steam by Haruka, I found her idol nonsense really dull, I like Haruka a lot, and I'm invested in her character, but man I do not care about all these idol crap and her dumb rivals and her manager who got splatted, I do not care, it's not bad or poorly told, but just uninteresting whenever Akiyama isn't around. But it pales in comparison to Shinada, oh my god talk about boring, some 30-something washed up jock tries desperately to relive his glory days playing baseball with some guy who's name I sincerely could not be f*cked to remember, the only vaguely interesting part is with Daigo who's disappearance a major plot point in this game. I found the overall story to also be somewhat uninteresting, I only really have vague recollections of what happened, which is bad since I played it recently and remember even Yakuza 0 far more vividly, which I played in 2018. I could not give you a plot synopsis if I tried and I don't even remember who the antagonist is, and apparently neither does google because the first image result for "Yakuza 5 bad guy" is Kiryu, who I'm pretty sure is not the antagonist.

    As much sh*t as I've just given the game, Kiryu and Saejima's stories are pretty good. Kiryu hiding out from the Tojo Clan living as a taxi driver under the name Taichi Suzuki after being forcibly removed from his kids lives by Haruka's new idol manager under threat, is inevitably drawn back into the life of a Yakuza and returns to Kamurocho for the umpteenth time to punch guys real hard. It's fun and sets up the story well, lots of intrigue and mystery around the disappearance of Daigo and the waring families. It also delivers one of the best scenes ever in the conclusion in which Kiryu responds to the assumption he never kills people with "Who told you that?". Saejima goes back to prison and has some weird astral projection dream sequence where he goes to a cabarate club, he and his new buddy Baba, who's overall story and involvement with the plot is genuinely really interesting and fun. His friendship with Saejima is also great. The best part of Saejima's story however is that one part where you beat up a bear, no I will not elaborate further, go play it.

    Combat is fairly similar to Yakuza 4, no major changes, it feels good and satisfying and despite the length of the game, never has a chance to get boring as you swap between fighting styles enough to keep you invested even though Kiryu, Akiyama and Saejima's styles are of course repeated from the last game, they're just as fun all the same.

    I understand I've been pretty negative here, but Yakuza 5 is a good game, but it's a long game, I didn't do any Sub Stories and I still clocked in at around 50 hours, for a Yakuza game, that is a lot to deal with. The game's story feels less disjointed than Yakuza 4's and the way it handles it's multiple characters is far superior, starting you with the main character, what a concept I know. To wrap things up, Yakuza 5 is good, damn good, but heavily flawed, absolutely worth your time, just make sure you don't go immediately from 4 to 5, that's too much Yakuza.    … Expand
  5. soki98
    Jul 6, 2021
    0
    easily the worst yakuza game long and tedious and boring and would make u wanna give up the game at many points
  6. QuineZz
    Mar 1, 2021
    10
    Actually, this is one of the the best Yakuza game in the series. Everything is perfect. For Yakuza fans, highly recommended.
  7. ChunkDump
    Dec 21, 2020
    8
    didnt get to play this until recently on the PS4 pro and the story is another great sequel starting the 6th installment at the time of me typing this review. ha seems like Kiryu isnt aging a bit. like fine sake.
  8. Daniel0809
    Sep 19, 2020
    7
    Obviously it's all the same but exciting. I dont the fighting in this game, locking onto an enemy is very difficult.
  9. Xenogears88
    Feb 26, 2020
    10
    I typically take 10/10 reviews with a grain of salt, but in this case, it is well deserved. I am a big fan of the Yakuza series and have played every entry in the main series thus far. With that being said, I consider Yakuza 5 to be the embodiment of everything that makes the Yakuza series great. It never takes itself too seriously, and is by far the most over-the-top entry in the series.I typically take 10/10 reviews with a grain of salt, but in this case, it is well deserved. I am a big fan of the Yakuza series and have played every entry in the main series thus far. With that being said, I consider Yakuza 5 to be the embodiment of everything that makes the Yakuza series great. It never takes itself too seriously, and is by far the most over-the-top entry in the series. With Yakuza, as much as I love the games and as great as the story is, there are times when get tired of the fight to fight to fight nature of the storyline, and look to mini-games to mix up the tedium. This is where Yakuza 5 shines. Each character has their own unique mini-game(s) that are enjoyable and help keep the game fresh. While I can see that some may be turned off by Haruka's story, being that it is rhythm game oriented, I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt that, for what it was, they did a great job.
    If you are a Yakuza fan, you will be doing yourself a disservice by not playing this masterpiece.    … Expand
  10. VicMiyamoto
    Jun 4, 2019
    7
    My less favorite Yakuza game. It has a great gameplay and great soundtrack, but the history feels weird and having a lot of characters doesn't help too much like in 4, you got plenty of cities, but some of them almost nothing to do, the history lost sight of what created and the end didn't explained very well. Still, a very fun game to play.
  11. nahkmiyan
    May 1, 2019
    10
    no words to desribe how good this game is. just play it and it'll pull you in. you will be amazed at the detail put into it.
  12. PS_Vita_Dude
    Feb 6, 2019
    10
    With a great story, great characters, awesome gameplay, tons of mini-games, and tons of side-quests which feature great stories of their own. Yakuza 5 proves to be one of the best PS3 titles of all time and it also continues the story of one of the best video game series of all time.
  13. jutendouji
    Nov 8, 2018
    10
    In my opinion, the best in the series. Not only because of the crazy story and minigames to be found, but the fact that you get to play as 4 different characters, in completely different places, with their own intricate stories and side-stories, is awesome. Saejima's and Haruka's story are really amazing in their own right, completely unique in terms of scope and execution. This game is aIn my opinion, the best in the series. Not only because of the crazy story and minigames to be found, but the fact that you get to play as 4 different characters, in completely different places, with their own intricate stories and side-stories, is awesome. Saejima's and Haruka's story are really amazing in their own right, completely unique in terms of scope and execution. This game is a masterpiece.… Expand
  14. Chiyou
    Mar 8, 2018
    9
    The Yakuza story just keeps getting better, the amount of stuff they cram into these games is insane.. I would suggest not trying to platinum the game, the story itself is quite a ride and will take you a long time. Yakuza 5 packs more in it than any other Yakuza game i can think of. I loved every one of the characters, I wasn't fond of Shinada's fighting style but his character was anThe Yakuza story just keeps getting better, the amount of stuff they cram into these games is insane.. I would suggest not trying to platinum the game, the story itself is quite a ride and will take you a long time. Yakuza 5 packs more in it than any other Yakuza game i can think of. I loved every one of the characters, I wasn't fond of Shinada's fighting style but his character was an awesome addition. Hope to see him and Takasugi again.… Expand
  15. eyelidsz
    May 22, 2017
    9
    The Yakuza team knows how to create intriguing games, and Yakuza 5 is no exception. Y5 features 5 playable characters, each crafted with a unique personality and plotline. The story isn't my favorite in the series, but the presentation is once again superb. There is no lack of intensity, suspense, drama, or humor. Optional mini-games and side stories are available as well. Yakuza 5 is anThe Yakuza team knows how to create intriguing games, and Yakuza 5 is no exception. Y5 features 5 playable characters, each crafted with a unique personality and plotline. The story isn't my favorite in the series, but the presentation is once again superb. There is no lack of intensity, suspense, drama, or humor. Optional mini-games and side stories are available as well. Yakuza 5 is an overall great experience.… Expand
  16. Editman3
    Dec 5, 2016
    8
    It was well worth the wait with so much content the story and characters is what's keeping me back from giving it a 10/10
    Pros:
    Content Mini-games Character Activities Great Production values Great Soundtrack Cons: Story :( The story is not as strong as Yakuza 1,2,and 3 there were little to no great moments in this game the dialogue is so cheesy with Yume (Dream) constantly said    It was well worth the wait with so much content the story and characters is what's keeping me back from giving it a 10/10
    Pros:
    Content
    Mini-games
    Character Activities
    Great Production values
    Great Soundtrack
    Cons:
    Story :(
    The story is not as strong as Yakuza 1,2,and 3 there were little to no great moments in this game the dialogue is so cheesy with Yume (Dream) constantly said over and over again plus with constant who's behind it all on top of that it lacked intertwining with the 5 stories together.
    There were no interesting side character's in this game I wish they could put a little effort in the story but go out and buy it if you still have a PS3. :3    … Expand
  17. Nel
    Nov 28, 2016
    7
    Enjoeyd this game, you play a few different characters, and it can seem to be a little bit tedious at times. There is lots of stuff to do in the game everything from sports to singing. The game wasn't as good as the other Yakuzas, but it was still a great game, but lacked the story compared to the previous once.
  18. houyi111
    Oct 13, 2016
    9
    My first Yakuza game and i love it!!!!! the combat/gameplay is so good and stylish. most of the story is enjoyable, exciting and surprising. however, the ending part is just too convolution and makes less sense to me, especially the final reveal of the boss identity. the shianda substory is nice on its own but he is just, imo, contribute nothing to the main story and feel forced to go toMy first Yakuza game and i love it!!!!! the combat/gameplay is so good and stylish. most of the story is enjoyable, exciting and surprising. however, the ending part is just too convolution and makes less sense to me, especially the final reveal of the boss identity. the shianda substory is nice on its own but he is just, imo, contribute nothing to the main story and feel forced to go to kamurocho to find "answers",, his final boss fight is just stupid, i dont understand his ranting on baseball and how it connects to the assassin situation. i got it that in yakuza world people are fighting for the most weird reasons, but he is not a "yakuza" and everything about him is pathetic and force, though i do enjoy his baseball story just not the yakuza part story..... the game is huge with tons of things to do and platinum this game took me about 200 hours (during which i encountered zero bugs) !!!! after finished the game i cannot wait to play yakuza 0 and 6, i also want to play the spinoff Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! " which looks superfun! hopeful they release the english version of the spinoff game.... the one reason i cannot give this game a 10/10 is the awful, awful pop-in, i realized it may exist in a lot of jrpg games but i cannot stand people just magically appear and disappear 3 meters from my character!!! wth... i hope they fix this problem in the upcoming titles… Expand
  19. peite
    Sep 27, 2016
    9
    The most beautiful Yakuza game on PS3 and takes about 80+ hours to finish since it's as big as Yakuza 3 + 4. If you're just going to play one Yakuza-game I would recommend this even though it could be a bit boring not knowing anything about the characters; they are still kind of shallow stereotypes which makes it best to skip the rest and concentrate on this sparking wonderful game. (SinceThe most beautiful Yakuza game on PS3 and takes about 80+ hours to finish since it's as big as Yakuza 3 + 4. If you're just going to play one Yakuza-game I would recommend this even though it could be a bit boring not knowing anything about the characters; they are still kind of shallow stereotypes which makes it best to skip the rest and concentrate on this sparking wonderful game. (Since I haven't played the English version I don't know how the translation keeps it up but do you have a choice?!)… Expand
  20. eskatonia
    Sep 19, 2016
    9
    Ok first of all, this game is not for everyone. It has slow pacing in parts and long cut scenes. If you're ok with that then grab it. It has more content than any PS3 game I've ever played, a tight fighting system that lets you get in ridiculously over the top (in a good way) battles versus mass groups of sword wielding Yakuza (over 50 against just you), and so so many mini-games. ItOk first of all, this game is not for everyone. It has slow pacing in parts and long cut scenes. If you're ok with that then grab it. It has more content than any PS3 game I've ever played, a tight fighting system that lets you get in ridiculously over the top (in a good way) battles versus mass groups of sword wielding Yakuza (over 50 against just you), and so so many mini-games. It also does an amazing job of creating the atmosphere of the real Japanese locations, and has a warped sense of humour in many of the side missions, it definitely doesn't take itself too seriously.

    Basically if you're at all interested in modern Japanese culture or liked the slightly surreal aspects of the Saint's Row series you'll probably love this. I wouldn't worry about not playing the previous ones, just check Wikia if you're confused about any characters, Yakuza 4 was the first I played and loved it despite not really knowing who everyone is. Yakuza 5 has five cities compared to one in Yakuza 4, more variety of side missions (Taxi and racing added) and an improved graphics engine and fighting system. The best in the series so far (that's been released in english anyway).    … Expand
  21. Coreyhardie
    Jul 30, 2016
    10
    A frickin masterpiece! Great story, massive improvements over the last game, 5 characters, 5 cities, the soundtrack sadly the weakest of the series but it still has plenty of stand out tracks, any minor gripe I have is nothing compared to how massive this game is, it is the greatest PlayStation 3 game I have ever played, I can't wait for yakuza 0!
  22. KingGamer
    May 11, 2016
    10
    The yakuza series is one of the most overlooked series and highly underrated. I feel critics seem to have it out for sega. I give this game a 10. It offers variety and introduces a lot of new game modes not seen in previous entries. You hunt, race and play as Haruka Kazuma's adopted daughter. It mixes old and the new very well so your never bored or feeling like your playing the same tiredThe yakuza series is one of the most overlooked series and highly underrated. I feel critics seem to have it out for sega. I give this game a 10. It offers variety and introduces a lot of new game modes not seen in previous entries. You hunt, race and play as Haruka Kazuma's adopted daughter. It mixes old and the new very well so your never bored or feeling like your playing the same tired old game with a new story.… Expand
  23. RyuFujiwara
    Apr 27, 2016
    9
    Estamos ante una de las sagas mas infravaloradas fuera de asia. Yakuza 5 es "más de lo mismo" pero mejorando algunos detalles de jugabilidad y siendo más ambicioso en su puesta en escena, en esta ocasión visitaremos cinco ciudades.
    La historia si no conoces la cultura japonesa te verás fuera del juego muchas veces. Punto que me sorprende ya que Shenmue, que tan de moda está ahora, es una    Estamos ante una de las sagas mas infravaloradas fuera de asia. Yakuza 5 es "más de lo mismo" pero mejorando algunos detalles de jugabilidad y siendo más ambicioso en su puesta en escena, en esta ocasión visitaremos cinco ciudades.
    La historia si no conoces la cultura japonesa te verás fuera del juego muchas veces. Punto que me sorprende ya que Shenmue, que tan de moda está ahora, es una historia muy asiatica con valores que no se ven en Occidente. Ahora todo el mundo es fan de Shenmue pero en su dia lo jugabamos 4 gatos, recuerdo las bajas notas del juego y la poca aceptacion que tuvo entre el publico de dreamcast al que bautizaron como "simulador de paseos". Si eras un fan de verdad de Shenmue y no has probado esta saga... Ya estas tardando :)
    A los que buscan un GTA.. no os acerqueis al juego.    … Expand
  24. TheT800Warrior
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    This game is one of the best games i have ever played in my entire life it has an amazing story along with awesome game play and so much variety of things to do . there are so many mini games some that i still have yet to try . there are five beautiful cities to explore as well as five very interesting characters to play as . i highly recommend this game to anyone . the amount of contentThis game is one of the best games i have ever played in my entire life it has an amazing story along with awesome game play and so much variety of things to do . there are so many mini games some that i still have yet to try . there are five beautiful cities to explore as well as five very interesting characters to play as . i highly recommend this game to anyone . the amount of content you get for the price is an absolute steal . i have put 52 hours into the game and i still cant stop playing there is just so much to do.… Expand
  25. manchitas0103
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    awesooomeeee exclusive for the ps3...recently i have been played and i love it
    SEGA did jewels as alien isolation i think that the ps3 era continue :)))
  26. cadash06
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    It took a long time to be released in the West, making the fans wait so much (I am still waiting Yakuza Kenzan). Well, better than never! The game is unique, great story, lots of things to do. You must play it.
  27. Rammimajeed1996
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    I REALLY LOVE THIS GAME!!! Wonderful Story with crime and Drama, the gameplay is sooooo improved from other yakuza games!! :D WE WANT THIS IN PHYSICAL RELEASE COPY IN STORES!! PLEASE
  28. Kuzya
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    One of the best games i ever played. If you want to experience something new and unique, then this game is made for you. The story is interesting and full of suprises. Even if you not a "Yakuza" fan, try this this game and you will love it. I spent over 170 hour and not regret any minute.
  29. Underpants158
    Dec 30, 2015
    8
    What is this game?!: A game set in Japan where you play as 5 different characters that all have their unique stories that tie together for an ultimate conclusion. Gameplay wise it is a beat-em-up with a variety of mini games that and cutscenes that stop the game from ever feeling monotonous.

    Pros: -Great characters and interesting storylines. -If you like cutscenes and exposition    What is this game?!: A game set in Japan where you play as 5 different characters that all have their unique stories that tie together for an ultimate conclusion. Gameplay wise it is a beat-em-up with a variety of mini games that and cutscenes that stop the game from ever feeling monotonous.

    Pros:
    -Great characters and interesting storylines.
    -If you like cutscenes and exposition (like I do) then this might be up your alley. Cutscenes can go on for half an hour. I thought MGSV would have been the game with the longest amount of cutscenes this year but I was wrong. I also would have thought MGSV would have had the most complicated story this year but again I was wrong.

    The Neutral:
    -The fighting is... alright. It is combo based and if you're like me you will get stuck in animations because you unleash your combo too fast and the enemy has already dodged out of the way. You basically have two types of enemies. Fodder enemies and boss enemies. Fodder being just bodies on screen for you to destroy and feel like a badass in the vain of dynasty warriors. Then you have bosses who are all pretty much the same with a lot of health and a propensity to dodge that is infuriating at times.
    -The mini-games are crap. The only thing they do well is to keep the game fresh and since you never have to do any of them for more than 5 minutes and there is a sheer variety of the them that they integrate into the story you may never notice how mundane they are.

    Cons
    -HARUKA! You play as a young girl striving to be a pop idol. You play her character for 4-5 hours and there is no fighting just talking and dancing. When I finished her segment and got to beat street thugs up again it nearly brought a tear to my eye.

    Overall: I was very surprised to like this game as much as I do. There is a whole list of faults but I played and beat it in under a week. 35 hours! It was addicting. I never got tired out from playing it. Advancing the story kept me going. All gameplay aspects are done better in other games but the combination of them all made this a very enjoyable game.    … Expand
  30. Zzzolapa
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    A must have for any fan!. I'm near the end of the game and I can totally say Yakuza 5 is the best Yakuza game available in the west, it has a great and profound story with great and very likeable characters, better gameplay, lots and lots and lots of mini-games, sidequests, substories, etc.
    If you're looking to get 100% or close, you can spend easily +100hs playing this game.
    And    A must have for any fan!. I'm near the end of the game and I can totally say Yakuza 5 is the best Yakuza game available in the west, it has a great and profound story with great and very likeable characters, better gameplay, lots and lots and lots of mini-games, sidequests, substories, etc.
    If you're looking to get 100% or close, you can spend easily +100hs playing this game.

    And finally, even though this game came out 3 years ago in Japan, it still looks very good and its one of the best PS3 games I've ever played. If you still have a PS3... buy it now.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PS3 Game of 2015
1
#1 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2015
2
#2 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. RPG Site
    Mar 29, 2016
    90
    Sure, the story starts to impede on the enjoyment especially towards the end of the game, but everything up to that point is nigh-on excellent. In the end, while it is a bit held back by the technical limitations of the PlayStation 3, Yakuza 5 builds a strong foundation with what is given and provides a substantial showcase for what the next entry will be capable of.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Mar 4, 2016
    90
    It’s a shame that such an amazing game is trapped inside PS3 and therefore is condemned to frequent technical issues caused by the lack of power and will never gain the popularity it deserves. [02/2016, p.46]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 3, 2016
    85
    More is really more. Full of things to do, places to visit and people to meet. [Feb 2016]
See all critic reviews »