Yakuza: Dead Souls

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 13, 2012
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 95
  3. Negative: 13 out of 95
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. BaronMonaco
    May 21, 2016
    7
    Dead Souls was a new spin-off for the Yakuza series, a series that is shamefully not very popular in occident (it's a hit in Japan) despite a large number of qualities. For this episode they decided to add zombi in the formula, lets see how it went.

    Technically the game is pretty average, with nice characters but poor textures and a framerate that will suffer a lot when there is a large    Dead Souls was a new spin-off for the Yakuza series, a series that is shamefully not very popular in occident (it's a hit in Japan) despite a large number of qualities. For this episode they decided to add zombi in the formula, lets see how it went.

    Technically the game is pretty average, with nice characters but poor textures and a framerate that will suffer a lot when there is a large number of enemies on the screen (15 or more) but without any bugs. Still under the 2012 criteria.

    Concerning the gameplay I've got pretty mixed feelings, from one side we have the classic Yakuza formula that just make you want to live in Kamurocho dating, eating, playing various games (ping-pong, pool, darts, golf, etc.) and where you can loose yourself for hours and on the other side we've got the shooting, yes shooting in opposite with the traditional fist fighting from the others games in the series, that is the most common thing you'll ever experienced with no challenge at all. So considering the kind of gamer you are, you should already have an idea if this game is meant for you.

    Like in the previous Yakuza games there is a lot of side quests to do , with some of them particularly funny, and if you want to finish all of them the game will last about 45 hours which is very good for the genre. Unfortunately there's still a lot of dialogues without voice-overs that could have made the game more immersing. The main story line is pretty close from the Resident Evil franchise with some yakuza elements in addition (duh), it's far from a masterpiece (and from the rest of the series) but if you like zombie movies you'll feel like watching one of them, with the traditional "prototypes" to spice up the cast.

    In conclusion, I'm not sure but I think it was an attempt to develop the franchise in occident with this universal enemy but in the end, it gave the worst episode of the franchise with an already known story, and a dull combat system. Two faults you'll not encounter in the other Yakuza games (including the two others spin-off that take place in feudal Japan and are very good, I advise them if you know japanese or aren't afraid to do the game with an internet guide).This game is not broken and there's still a lot of fun to have with all the things you can do and so if you've already played and liked a Yakuza game then you should pick this one up, but if you're not familiar with it, please start by another episode (they are all great) to truly understand why this series has a such faithful community.    … Expand
  2. RUST
    Mar 13, 2012
    7
    Had the good fortune of finding a cheap import retailer and I've been waiting to share my opinion. Dead souls does nothing in spectacular fashion, it belittles the series I have come to know and love, it makes no sense, the concept is basic and bare boned and the design is hardly inspired. That said, there is something about Dead Souls that makes it one of the most enjoyable entries in theHad the good fortune of finding a cheap import retailer and I've been waiting to share my opinion. Dead souls does nothing in spectacular fashion, it belittles the series I have come to know and love, it makes no sense, the concept is basic and bare boned and the design is hardly inspired. That said, there is something about Dead Souls that makes it one of the most enjoyable entries in the series. Should you buy it at full price? Hell no! Trust me when I say this will be in all good bargain bins by the time Winter rolls in, and at a discount or rental price Dead Souls can turn out to be money well invested.… Expand
  3. H1s6n
    Jul 4, 2016
    7
    I recommend this game only for YAKUZA's (Ryu Ga Gotoku) series , anyhow its very great game
    the story is amazing and the long of game is great too and there're many good things to do
    the only bad thing is dropping frams while playing
  4. Coreyhardie
    Jul 30, 2016
    7
    At first I thought this game was stupid but after playing it gain recently I like it solid story, soundtrack and bosses, the gameplay is fun though it can get old after a while and some mechanics are clunky with frame rate drops, but I still like it.
  5. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Aug 2, 2022
    7
    Fans of Yakuza will like this zombie-themed spinoff despite some flaws. The game has everything you'd expect from the series. Unfortunately, the shooting controls are quite clunky. But the story is involving and there's tons of side-missions and content. Just like the Dead Rising games, it's good silly fun. Overall, I would rate Dead Souls with a 7.4 out of 10.
  6. MrIslamic
    Jan 27, 2021
    5
    This game is so boring, they went from the deep and satisfying combat from the previous games and replaced it with watered-down Dead Rising style combat.
  7. FrankCreeper
    Jul 28, 2023
    7
    A funny spin-off ofthe franchise with his all fantastic character of the series.
    The gun play is very mediocre...but with charisma of the main's characthers its still funny to play.
    Its really good and fun to shoot zombie randomly on the game

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2012
42
#42 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 55
  3. Negative: 1 out of 55
  1. Thunderbolt
    Mar 6, 2013
    60
    By including zombies and guns, Sega have provided something new to its cumbersome, juggernaut of a franchise; but it’s been done much better elsewhere.
    Read full review
  2. Gamer.nl
    Jun 9, 2012
    60
    A zombie-outbreak in the Yakuza makes for a fresh change of pace. Unfortunately that really says it all, because Dead Souls misses the nuance and class of previous installments. It's not even the presentation or story, but mostly the game mechanics that disappoint. Shooting zombies is what you'll be doing most in Dead souls and by the end of the game you'll long for the 'regular' Yakuza experience.
    Read full review
  3. RPGamer
    May 24, 2012
    50
    The problem with Yakuza: Dead Souls is that it's a game full of wasted potential. The story is fun and the atmosphere is excellent, but the broken controls and awkward camera make this game more frustrating than fun.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »