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. Ossy_King_99
    Dec 26, 2015
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. One of the best PS3 games out there and definitely the best last game for PS3 users. If you don't have a PS4 yet, I highly recommend buying this, finishing it then moving on to PS4.
    Yakuza 5 is like 4 different games mixed in one, Kiryu's section is basically Crazy Taxi minus the craziness, Saejima's is like the hunting segments from GTAV. Haruka's is like a    An absolute masterpiece. One of the best PS3 games out there and definitely the best last game for PS3 users. If you don't have a PS4 yet, I highly recommend buying this, finishing it then moving on to PS4.
    Yakuza 5 is like 4 different games mixed in one, Kiryu's section is basically Crazy Taxi minus the craziness, Saejima's is like the hunting segments from GTAV. Haruka's is like a project DIVA game and finally Shinada's section is like a baseball game. You basically get 5 different games in one glorious package......all i can say is.........
    BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT!    … Expand
  2. s1nk0
    Dec 18, 2015
    10
    Probably the best Yakuza game to date. I've played pretty much all of them and Yakuza 5 is the most fun I've had. Great fun mini-games including an actual, playable arcade with some actual Sega games, better combat system, surprisingly compelling side quests and memorable characters. I'm still only in Chapter 1 but so far I'm enjoying the game so much, glad it finally made state side.Probably the best Yakuza game to date. I've played pretty much all of them and Yakuza 5 is the most fun I've had. Great fun mini-games including an actual, playable arcade with some actual Sega games, better combat system, surprisingly compelling side quests and memorable characters. I'm still only in Chapter 1 but so far I'm enjoying the game so much, glad it finally made state side.

    The only downside is it's only on the PS3. I can understand the aging graphics because it was released back in 2012, but this only makes me want an HD re-release on the PS4 more.

    But overall, great entry to the Yakuza franchise and definitely a must play if you're a fan! Can't wait for Yakuza 0!!    … Expand
  3. Akalooti
    Dec 11, 2015
    10
    We all know not all reviews are fair and based on reality and every site or magazine have a way to see the game and review it! But when great games like yakuza and beyond two souls and any cinematic game have low reviews because the editors don't like the style of it they should quit!
    And the worst thing when the big site that collects the reviews and his only job is appearing the average    We all know not all reviews are fair and based on reality and every site or magazine have a way to see the game and review it! But when great games like yakuza and beyond two souls and any cinematic game have low reviews because the editors don't like the style of it they should quit!
    And the worst thing when the big site that collects the reviews and his only job is appearing the average for the gamers to know if the game are good or not!? Fail like Metacritic!? So please save what you have of your dignity and do your work without cheating with the ugly low budget games!    … Expand
  4. Mousa341
    Dec 11, 2015
    10
    (93 + 90 +90 +80 + 70 + 90) / 6 = 85.5 !!!!! Not 82 Please Metacritic Come On!!! that's not fair!!!!!
    Please Check your Average System!!!!
    this Game deserve at least 9 , One of the Best Games in PS3 history
  5. simon7109
    Dec 11, 2015
    10
    Best Yakuza game avaiable in the west.
    If you like the Yakuza series, pls buy it right now to support the series so we can get more Yakuza.
    Yakuza 0 is coming and I believe we can get Yakuza 6 if they sell enough from this.
  6. SoftwareLibre
    Dec 23, 2015
    10
    One of the greatest last games for the PS3 and one of the greatest series on the Playstation platform. The Yakuza series is a very special franchise of games that are combine adventure, RPG and Open World elements. Unlike the western title suggests, this is not really about the Japanese underworld, but about the complexity of human nature and relationships.
    As a series targeted at a    One of the greatest last games for the PS3 and one of the greatest series on the Playstation platform. The Yakuza series is a very special franchise of games that are combine adventure, RPG and Open World elements. Unlike the western title suggests, this is not really about the Japanese underworld, but about the complexity of human nature and relationships.
    As a series targeted at a japanese audience, for us Westerners it allows us a glimpse into Japanese culture, which seems so different yet appealing. As the player you can explore some of the things that are part of Japanese day and nightlife almost as if you were a tourist. In Yakuza 5, you get to experience various locations from the perspective of 5 different characters, of which you 4 will be familiar to you if you have played at least Yakuza 4, which I strongly recommend. The game focuses on exploration and brawling except for one character, namely Haruka, a girl who is important in the series and finally gets a playable part in this game. Her story about becoming an idol is rhythm-based and a stark contrast to the brawling-heavy parts of the male characters. And it works very well, it's fun to do dance battles on the street and performances, even something as boring sounding as hand-shake events are quite enjoyable.
    I have to admit that I am currently not even halfway through with the game, and I put in more than 70 hours of play time. This is because the game is so good that you really want to play all the side missions and optional content. From this point, the price of 40$, even for a digital download seems like a steal, because you can easily spend more than 25 hours to explore each individual character's storyline. If you still have a PS3 and are even only remotely interested in deep story lines and japanese culture, try this one out, it's worth every penny. I like that despite that the series revolves around the japanese underworld, the main characters are very good-hearted people who you want to accompany every minute and see them grow and succeed.    … Expand
  7. 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.
  8. Bansai
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    Messiah in a digital form. A game that can be serious at times, and sometimes totally corny in a GOOD way. Great story, even better characters, tight gameplay, simply said, must have!
  9. DexCaulfield
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    Words cannot possibly describe the incredible experience I had with Yakuza 5. The story is one of the best in the franchise packed with memorable characters and strong emotions. The last time I felt this way when playing a video game was with Metal Gear Solid 4. Like Metal Gear, Yakuza 5 is very talkative and full of long cutscenes, however I enjoyed every second of it. It never getsWords cannot possibly describe the incredible experience I had with Yakuza 5. The story is one of the best in the franchise packed with memorable characters and strong emotions. The last time I felt this way when playing a video game was with Metal Gear Solid 4. Like Metal Gear, Yakuza 5 is very talkative and full of long cutscenes, however I enjoyed every second of it. It never gets boring, you'll never feel like skipping any of them because they're so damn interesting and really nice to look at.
    Yakuza 5 is not only about the story, though. It's an open world adventure with tons of things to do. Aside from a great number of substories (78 in total), each playable character also has their own unique side story called 'Another Drama'. These are completely optional (not required for beating the game) and include various gameplay elements otherwise not used in the game such as racing, taxi driving, hunting, baseball and finally being a pop idol (doing concerts, giving interviews, attending TV shows, etc.). Each of these can take over 10 hours to complete so it adds a great value to a game that's already incredibly huge. I could go on and on about all the things Yakuza 5 has to offer- bowling, pool, air hockey, snowball fights, visiting hostess clubs and dating girls, fighting in an underground ring, looking for various masters to teach you different skills, casinos, darts, karaoke....and so on and so forth. You can easily spend over 100 hours with the game without ever getting bored.
    All in all, Yakuza 5 is easily the best game in the franchise and one of the greatest games on the system. It's an experience you definitely shouldn't miss!    … Expand
  10. joaovbs96
    Dec 12, 2015
    10
    This game is just amazing. It's clearly the best one of the series, basically a must play. Story focused, tons of mini-games, and much much more. I just love this game, it's in my top 3 favorite games, hands down.
  11. Drasticxx
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    One of the biggest games in content out there for only $40. You're getting a great story for 5 different characters that play out differently EACH, with each character having different and TONS of side things to do. Seriously, were talking over a hundred hours worth of content here, with no DLC bullcrap, which is VERY rare these days, and that's one of the things that I love about theOne of the biggest games in content out there for only $40. You're getting a great story for 5 different characters that play out differently EACH, with each character having different and TONS of side things to do. Seriously, were talking over a hundred hours worth of content here, with no DLC bullcrap, which is VERY rare these days, and that's one of the things that I love about the Yakuza series.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. TheMythrilMyth
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    Yakuza 5 is a huge improvement than from earlier Yakuza games. The combat is as tight as it's ever been and has added new features. The new engine is awesome and the story is deep, heartfelt and most of all, fantastic! There's so much content that it's called "The game that keeps on giving". Truly worthy of best PS3 game of 2015.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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!
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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 :)))
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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 »