Yakuza Kiwami 2

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 427 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 364 out of 427
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 427
  3. Negative: 36 out of 427
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  1. IchigoTargaryen
    Sep 28, 2018
    10
    Yakuza Kiwami 2 is one the greatest open world games every made. As with all the Yakuza games, it is open world done right as it's map is not a massive one that you'll find in most open world games but is smaller and jam packed with things to do as there is no wasted space in the game and makes the cities of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, the game's two setting's, feel truly alive and lived in.Yakuza Kiwami 2 is one the greatest open world games every made. As with all the Yakuza games, it is open world done right as it's map is not a massive one that you'll find in most open world games but is smaller and jam packed with things to do as there is no wasted space in the game and makes the cities of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, the game's two setting's, feel truly alive and lived in. I have known about the franchise since it's PS2 days but always overlooked it as I thought it was simply Japan's inferior version of the GTA franchise, it wasn't until January of this year when I was given Yakuza Kiwami that I discovered how very wrong I was and since have played every Yakuza game available to PS4 and can't get enough. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is by far the best entry in franchise to date and shows publishers what a remaster can and should be. Running off the new Dragon Engine, which was created for Yakuza 6, the game runs smoothly allowing you to run in and out of buildings with mostly no load screens when your just exploring the city. The graphics are top notch from the many buildings and bright neon lights of Kamurocho to the more calm and subtle Sotenbori. The combat is more akin to Yakuza 6 than to the first Kiwami as you do not have combat styles, but has a deep upgrade system that adds plenty to Kiryu's and Majima's skillset. You can also equip up to three weapons you can pull out in battle and three pieces of gear to help bolster your defense and give you more resistance to knives and guns. The mini games are as always fun and enjoyable from Karoke, to a weird one where you take pictures of models, two golf minigames, and even classic SEGA arcade games that will keep you occupied for several hours. It also brings back the Clan Creator minigame from Yakuza 6, adding some new features to it and has it's own storyline that is quite enjoyable. The story is pretty much the exact same as the original PS2 game but adds a brand new story featuring fan favorite Goro Majima and serves as a sort of epilogue of his Yakuza 0 story, although you don't unlock the first chapter of his story until you complete chapter 5 of Kiryu's story. Both Kiryu's and Majima's stories are some of the best the franchise has seen thus far and will have you laughing, clinching your fists, sitting on the edge of your seat, and maybe even teary eyed. The game also has side quests called sub stories that are all worth completing, as some are some of the craziest and weirdest stories you'll ever see in a game, and completing them reward you with new allies, gear, weapons, experience and more. You can complete this game in about 20 hours if you focus strictly on story and don't do much exploring, but you'll see very soon that would be a waste as there is easily another 50+ hours of side content for you to enjoy. This is one of the best games of this console generation and I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for something with a great story and brilliant characters.… Expand
  2. Ishi123
    Nov 3, 2022
    0
    The combat rework in this game makes it impossible to play. Bosses can't be hit, they will dodge and block every single attack you throw at them, then they'll stunlock you and hit you across the room. It is literally not possible to play this game.
  3. Gamegroundup
    Jun 15, 2019
    10
    This is truly a one of a kind game. Kiwami 2 was easily the best one within the series. The level of detail in background and how it literally reminds me of Tokyo and Osaka, the similarities are so surreal. The deep story and intense battle and combat actions are mesmerizing. You just feel like your in the game and the fights just never gets old. I have put in countless hours and amThis is truly a one of a kind game. Kiwami 2 was easily the best one within the series. The level of detail in background and how it literally reminds me of Tokyo and Osaka, the similarities are so surreal. The deep story and intense battle and combat actions are mesmerizing. You just feel like your in the game and the fights just never gets old. I have put in countless hours and am still producing and finding new things in there. Definitely have to give my standing ovation for the producers and developers that made this game happen. Its going to be an original, a classic for the future to come and if you haven't played it you need to do it now!… Expand
  4. guizuoka
    Aug 29, 2018
    10
    Having never played the original Yakuza 2 for the PS2 (my entering point in the series was Zero, then Kiwami, then a leap to 6 and now this one), I have to say this is the best experience I've had with the series so far. In my personal opinion, the story is the best of all the ones that I've played and, although more streamlined when compared to Zero and Kiwami, I felt the combatHaving never played the original Yakuza 2 for the PS2 (my entering point in the series was Zero, then Kiwami, then a leap to 6 and now this one), I have to say this is the best experience I've had with the series so far. In my personal opinion, the story is the best of all the ones that I've played and, although more streamlined when compared to Zero and Kiwami, I felt the combat experience to be the most responsive yet (you "feel" every punch and kick you throw during battles). Exploration is also even more rewarding this time, with a perfect mix between new attractions and the revamped fan-favorites that have been a staple of the series. Because of its accessibility, I'd say this is certainly a Yakuza not only for long-time fans of the series, but also for newcomers alike.… Expand
  5. Spideyfan4Life
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    I have played Yakuza 0, Kiwami, and now this.. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is one of the best games I've ever played in a series so far of 10/10 games for me. I can't wait to play Yakuza 3 and give my review of it and possibly continue the 10/10 trend this series has spoiled me with so far.
  6. Ricardo23
    Aug 31, 2018
    8
    A very nice gameplay and wonderful story. Totally recommended. Narrative and combats are a great mix in this title.
  7. MainMenuGames
    Sep 3, 2018
    8
    Overall, Kiwami 2 was a solid experience. Its story was a little wobbly at times, but it wraps up in such a way that its hard to leave unsatisfied. And sure, there are some issues here and there, but it still stands as a fun time to be had. Check out mainmenugames.com for more.
  8. ShadowPeter
    Sep 1, 2018
    10
    The series created by Toshihiro Nagashi (who was the supervisor of Shenmue I), began to gain much fame and visibility after the launch of Yakuza 0, having managed to achieve success like never before seen in the history of the franchise. But who knows Yakuza certainly will not be surprised because, except for the Yakuza: Dead Souls, it is a series that has been progressively deliveringThe series created by Toshihiro Nagashi (who was the supervisor of Shenmue I), began to gain much fame and visibility after the launch of Yakuza 0, having managed to achieve success like never before seen in the history of the franchise. But who knows Yakuza certainly will not be surprised because, except for the Yakuza: Dead Souls, it is a series that has been progressively delivering titles with more and more quality. In August of last year, SEGA decided to announce the remake of Yakuza 2 for PlayStation 4, Yakuza Kiwami 2.

    After the events of Yakuza Kiwami, Kazuma Kiryu is obliged to speak to the Tojo Clan due to certain events, in order to alert the serious consequences that were approaching and to propose a plan of action. 248/5000
    Well, in relation to story mode, it is just like the other Yakuza; can transmit that feeling of anger, that desire to cry because of some emotional moments and always with those exceptional Japanese voices. Not to mention that it is stuffed with epic battles and "dynamic intros" to fill the eye. As you can see, it's still a Yakuza. Kiwami 2 uses the same Yakuza 6: The Song of Life graphics engine, and although I am not very favor with the 30 FPS, I must admit that eye candy and super stable frame rate can make me forget it.

    Kamurocho, as always, could not miss Kiwami 2. What is also back is the city Sotenbori that was already present in Yakuza 0 and 5. The gameplay and system upgrades are exactly the same as the Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, little or almost nothing has changed. And we have more Heat Actions (and some old ones returned) in relation to the 6 and I have to confess once again, that despite being somewhat violent, I didn't restrain the laughter in some Essences. Now during the fighting we can pick up and store certain weapons from the streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori so that we can use them on other occasions. Speaking of news, we have a new mode, called Majima Xonstructions, which is something similar to the Clan Creator of Yakuza 6, with the difference that we have to defend certain materials of the delinquents. We can always spend Yens to do Scounting or improve materials or vehicles to strengthen our base.

    One of the weaknesses of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life was that the fights at the Coliseum and gambling had been withdrawn. Well, they're back in this Yakuza Kiwami 2. This despite the case of games in casinos only have Blackjack and Poker and the case of the Japanese game betting, we have only the Oicho-kabu and Koi-koi. We have a way in which we photograph women in moments that are a bit perverted, but still have their fun. In the Club SEGA we have the UFO Catcher, Virtual-On, Virtua Fighter 2 and a mini-game... in the bathroom. All this is part of Japanese culture. Also we have as always the Mahjong, Karaoke, and another mini-games.

    This time the Kazuma Kiryu will not be a Hostess Clubs customer, but rather, a manager. And as such, the player will have to pay attention to the requests and mental health of the Hostesses when they have clients, so that the club will have fame and money. And in Kiwami 2 we have a little extra, in which we can play with the wackiest hero in the Yakuza series, Goro Majima. This is a small scenario that explains certain events between Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2. Since Majima always uses a knife in his right hand during fights by definition, the player cann't pick up objects and the list of Heat Actions he can perform is very limited compared to Kiryu. But even so, it's a powerful and fun character to play.

    We also have the Bouncer Missions, which are challenges in which we have to "clean" the enemies of the streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori. About the soundtrack, I can only say that it is as wonderful as the rest of the series. The game is also full of funny side quests to entertain the players. It is impossible not to love Kiwami 2, even with its tiny flaws such as Pool and Bowling absences. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best Yakuza ever.

    Verdict: The Yakuza Studio always manages to surprise in each Yakuza and this Kiwami 2 was a sublime work of the producer.    … Expand
  9. Mr_Fake_Leather
    Sep 3, 2018
    8
    A ton of fun but very much a massive expansion to 6, still it improves on it in many ways with a solid main campaign and a ton of side missions, some as large as some smaller games.
    That said this while there is a bigger gap from 6-K2 than from 0-K1 this is still very much a Yakuza 6.5 rather than a 7 so I'm hoping that Shin makes a much bigger jump.
    I also hope they dial back the RPG    A ton of fun but very much a massive expansion to 6, still it improves on it in many ways with a solid main campaign and a ton of side missions, some as large as some smaller games.
    That said this while there is a bigger gap from 6-K2 than from 0-K1 this is still very much a Yakuza 6.5 rather than a 7 so I'm hoping that Shin makes a much bigger jump.
    I also hope they dial back the RPG elements as it's a little to easy to find yourself overpowered or underpowered, it's honestly something most of the more open action games need to do.    … Expand
  10. Kenmei
    Sep 10, 2018
    9
    If someone were to ask me what the most complete Yakuza experience was, I'd point them in the direction of this game. While Yakuza 0 might be the best game in general, this was the game that Sega used to clean up alot of the problems that came with the upgrades they made to Yakuza 6, while delivering a good story and some of the best substories in the series in general.
    I'm glad they    If someone were to ask me what the most complete Yakuza experience was, I'd point them in the direction of this game. While Yakuza 0 might be the best game in general, this was the game that Sega used to clean up alot of the problems that came with the upgrades they made to Yakuza 6, while delivering a good story and some of the best substories in the series in general.
    I'm glad they cleaned up alot of things from 6 to Kiwami 2. The combat has a better feel to it, with weapons playing a much larger role this time around after they were almost banished into obscurity in the last game. The story is still very good, and still extremely over the top, especially towards the end. I'd certainly suggest saving this for your 3rd game in the series, since that's what it was designed to be with the small mini reboot the series saw for Kiryu's storyline. And it's good to see the progression from Yakuza 0 to Kiwami 2 and just how well they handled what could have been just a simple remaster, instead making it into a full fledge brand new game. While there are definitely some sticking points, most of the problems I had with the game are minor in the grand scheme of things. And with this being Kiryu's last truly new experience in the Yakuza series before a new character is eventually introduced in Yakuza 7, he goes out in a very strong note and one that I would definitely recommend to series fans, who have at least played Yakuza 0.    … Expand
  11. Kai82
    Sep 22, 2020
    10
    A highlight of the series. It has a great story interwoven with excellent characters. The character motivations and developments are clear, understandable and interesting. The overall story becomes better and better with new twists and revelations. You clearly know what motivates the characters and why they do the things their ways. But lets start at the beginning. The Yakuza games areA highlight of the series. It has a great story interwoven with excellent characters. The character motivations and developments are clear, understandable and interesting. The overall story becomes better and better with new twists and revelations. You clearly know what motivates the characters and why they do the things their ways. But lets start at the beginning. The Yakuza games are open world games with RPG elements. They may have the smallest open world but are filled to the brim with content. After the result of Yakuza Kiwami Kiryu thought that his troubles were behind him. But the past catches up to him as he is draw again into power struggles, plots and agendas. This time it gets even more deadly as a full scale conflict is on the horizon. First I want to praise the characters. Kazuma Kiryu is a fitting protagonist and gets a lot of development for a stoic character. Kaoru Sayama is the addition to him as they have to work together. Goro Maijima is always enjoyable. Ryuji Goda is a fitting adversary and earned my respect. There are more great characters but it would spoil them if I point out certain things. Like I said the story is great. The more you know the better it gets. Incomprehensible actions become relatable as you will walk in their shoes. I first thought it was a weak story that explained things not enough but like the characters themselves you just see a facade first and later you see truth behind it. The twists are excellent as you uncover much (sad) backstories and the events of the past will shape the present (and future). Then there are the side activities. All Yakuza games are filled to the brim. You can play the vidogames Virtua Fighter 2, Virtual On Cyber Troopers, play Poker, Blackjack, Koi Koi, Mahjong, Oicho Kabu, Shogi, Karaoke, Darts, Baseball (batting cage), Golf, Toylets games, participate in a fighting ring (MMA style) and more. There are two bigger sidequests with their own story line. The Cabaret Club minigame returns from Yakuza 0 It is again one of my favorites. You are the manager of a Cabaret Club and challenge rivals while improving your cast and acquire new members. Then there is Maijima Construction where you will be hired by Goro Maijima. Here you play matches in overhead view. You select a team and must protect your construction side. Each character has its own stats and abilities. You can of cause acquire new ones. It is a good challenge. There are also tons of sidequests. Some are really entertaining, funny or ridiculous. There is an additional separate content where you play as Goro Maijima for a while. I enjoyed it and the ending is nice. They improved the graphics a lot and while it will not reach the level of system-sellers it look good for me. Soundtrack was never a complaint in the series so far. Overall it is the best Yakuza game with Yakuza 0. Was well worth my time and money.… Expand
  12. Tazcat2011
    Dec 12, 2018
    9
    Yakuza Kiwami 2 is another stellar entry in the series. Combat is fluid and you can spend a lot of time playing the mini games. The side stories once again shine and I laughed out loud at some of the craziness Kiryu finds himself involved in.

    On a side note, Slant magazine’s woke review underscores that they don’t understand the humor of this series or Japanese culture. Ignore them.
  13. Davis119
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    A 10/10 no questions asked. I payed 44,99 Euros and I don't regret a single Cent. The story, the minigames and everything in between is simply beautiful. I did basically everything you could possibly do in this game (except Shogi and Mahjong since learning these games would take an eternity) and it's simply one of the best games for such a price. Do NOT skip out on this game I promise youA 10/10 no questions asked. I payed 44,99 Euros and I don't regret a single Cent. The story, the minigames and everything in between is simply beautiful. I did basically everything you could possibly do in this game (except Shogi and Mahjong since learning these games would take an eternity) and it's simply one of the best games for such a price. Do NOT skip out on this game I promise you a marvelous experience all around, you will NOT regret buying this game.… Expand
  14. vigoroth0402
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    Another strong Yakuza game that will undoubtedly fall under the radar. Unfortunately, Yakuza games do not get the publicity they should, and as such many miss out on this series. The plot is great, the engine runs like a charm, the characters are gripping and engaging. This is one of the few stories that you truly find yourself invested in and wanting to finish, but not really wanting theAnother strong Yakuza game that will undoubtedly fall under the radar. Unfortunately, Yakuza games do not get the publicity they should, and as such many miss out on this series. The plot is great, the engine runs like a charm, the characters are gripping and engaging. This is one of the few stories that you truly find yourself invested in and wanting to finish, but not really wanting the fun to end.… Expand
  15. TheDungus
    Oct 12, 2020
    4
    The combat in this game is laughably bad, the dodge goes nowhere and there isn't a lock on, I beat the first fight with the main bad guy and that's when I began to realize just how bad the combat system sucked. for one the blocking was unreliable due to the lack of a lock on, the dodging couldn't get me far away enough to evade most of his attacks, and you can't cancel attacks by blockingThe combat in this game is laughably bad, the dodge goes nowhere and there isn't a lock on, I beat the first fight with the main bad guy and that's when I began to realize just how bad the combat system sucked. for one the blocking was unreliable due to the lack of a lock on, the dodging couldn't get me far away enough to evade most of his attacks, and you can't cancel attacks by blocking or dodging so half of your attacks would get ignored and he'd kick your ass. One more thing before the fans of this game murder me, the fights with multiple enemies also suck. imagine the blocking and dodging issues I had with the boss, but 5 times worse, at least the grunts don't have as much heath. other than that I can't really say much for the story as this is the first Yakuza game I've tried. I've heard that the plot is good so I won't give it less than a 4/10 but I won't see much of that story because I refuse to play any more of this game, the bad combat was funny at first but then it got annoying… Expand
  16. Zeydlitz
    Sep 3, 2018
    6
    This game could be the most perfect Yakuza game, but for some reason authors add a piece of crap: 26 bouncing missions with 3 diffictulies on each. So full completion is impossible without HUGE and stupid grind.
  17. pongkrit03
    Sep 3, 2019
    7
    Coming from Yakuza 0 and 1, I think the high praise in Yakuza 2 is exargerated. I love Yakuza 0 very much, I gave it 10/10. For Yakuza 1, despite an old remastered game, I still gave it a 8/10. However, Yakuza 2, even though it uses Dragon Engine, which make it has the best graphic. I don't feel like it. The main problem is because the MAIN STORY is WEAK , boring. Side quests are also theComing from Yakuza 0 and 1, I think the high praise in Yakuza 2 is exargerated. I love Yakuza 0 very much, I gave it 10/10. For Yakuza 1, despite an old remastered game, I still gave it a 8/10. However, Yakuza 2, even though it uses Dragon Engine, which make it has the best graphic. I don't feel like it. The main problem is because the MAIN STORY is WEAK , boring. Side quests are also the same, uninspring and short. Story has been strongest selling point of Yakuza series thus far, but for Yakuza 2, in my opinion it is the weakest of all 3. Mini games ?, well, there is new mini games called Majima Construction, which is decent fun. However, the cabaret club is basically copy paste from Yakuza 0 with a little new trifle gimmick. It is a shame. Other minigames are not my liking. I love dancing game in Yakuza 0 and I am disappointed that I didn't see it here. Battle styles has been removed. You only have 1 style, rather than 3, which makes combat seems repettive.

    On a bright side, now the level system is involved eating, which I find it makes sense. I like it this way. Heat gauge is also easier to use. Moreover, they added Majima episodes in here.

    In sum, Yakuza 2 is a letdown for me. It is still a good game, but for new comers, I highly recommend to play Yakuza 0 instead. If you already played Yakuza 0 and 1. I don't think you need to buy this one . In term of main story, Yakuza 2 is just ok, but could not compare with Yakuza 0 and 1 at all. The fact I give at as high as 7/10 is because it has quantity and improved graphic, and has cabaret club, otherwise, the score may be lower to 6.    … Expand
  18. TheMegaGodz
    Feb 27, 2020
    8
    A good sequel with some interesting new additions and updates to the gameplay. Not quite as good as the first game, but definitely an enjoyable experience.
  19. HTGamer
    Feb 29, 2020
    7
    Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a nice entry to the series, but is let down by technical downgrades, a horrible combat system and an unfocused story. For reference, I'm a new fan to the series, and have played Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 to date.

    If the Yakuza series has one strong selling point common to every entry, it's the writing and the fully fleshed out characters. Yakuza    Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a nice entry to the series, but is let down by technical downgrades, a horrible combat system and an unfocused story. For reference, I'm a new fan to the series, and have played Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 to date.

    If the Yakuza series has one strong selling point common to every entry, it's the writing and the fully fleshed out characters. Yakuza Kiwami 2 doesn't disappoint in that regard. Series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma is one of the best videogame characters ever, with an overwhelming aura of charisma and a heart of gold. Returning characters such as Terada, Goro Majima, Haruka, Daigo Dojima, Makoto Date and Kaoru Sayama round up the main cast. New additions are limited to Ryuji Goda (the main antagonist), Jin Goda (Chairman of the Omi Alliance) and their various lieutenants.

    The set up is great, but the actual plot is a mess of conspiracies, revenge tales and out-of-nowhere plot twists. I'll try to give an idea while also keeping spoilers in check. It starts out with Kiryu expressing the need to establish Daigo Dojima as the new Chairman of the Tojo Clan, but the plot soon forgets about Daigo altogether in favor of a love story between Kiryu Kazuma and Kaoru Sayama in the 2nd half of the game's plot. In fact Daigo is alive but isn't even mentioned in the game's final scenes, so what about Daigo being the future of the Tojo Clan, huh?

    Gameplay is the same as it's always been on the Yakuza series. Kiryu navigates an open map (not open world, just a small map) crammed with tons of content in every corner, and fights goons in random battles to gain experience points. But the actual combat system, while functional, is a huge step down from that of Yakuza 0 and especially Yakuza Kiwami. There are no fighting styles to choose from. Combat has been oversimplified, and the challenge is nowhere to be found. I played the entire game on Hard difficulty, and don't think I lost more than 2 battles (and even those were in the beginning while still adjusting to the game). By comparison Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami were much more challenging on the same Hard difficulty. Another combat system complaint: the weapons are OP and, combined with the game's overall low challenge level, make boss battles a joke. I battled my way to the top of the Coliseum arena just by brainlessly mashing buttons, and only the last 2 Coliseum fights are difficult (or rather, seriously unbalanced). Last combat system complaint: the tiger boss fight at the Osaka Castle stage. It was meant to make Kiryu look like a beast, but it feels so out of place it's just laughable.

    Yakuza Kiwami 2 is full of mini-games scattered throughout the map. You can enjoy games such as Virtua Fighter, darts, golf, as well as some "activities" designed to make westerners feel uncomfortable (Toylets, anyone?). The Cabaret Club returns from Yakuza 0, as well as the Clan Creator from Yakuza 6. The Cabaret Club is a fun addition (just like it was on Yakuza 0), but the Clan Creator left me bored.

    On the technical side, Yakuza Kiwami 2 makes use of Sega's new Dragon Engine (which debuted with Yakuza 6 and is featured on Judgment and presumably Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon), but the graphics ain't much better than those of Yakuza 0/Kiwami. The Dragon Engine brings more physics to the fights (debris is flying around when tossing enemies on destructible objects), but the new engine comes with some serious drawbacks: a) resolution drops from 1080p of Yakuza 0/Kiwami down to 900p coupled with tons of visual noise, and b) frame rate drops from 60 fps of Yakuza 0/Kiwami down to 30 fps and even lower. This way the game is very unpleasant to look at and the sub-30 fps bring lots of judder and uneven motion. However, I must admit the game is still playable, there is no noticeable input lag.

    Overall, I think Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a game with lots of potential but has some serious flaws which affect the experience. Nevertheless, it's still a Yakuza game, and I think everyone has to at least try out Yakuza 0 and the first Yakuza Kiwami. The sequel should be experienced only by Yakuza fans, it's not good enough for making a first contact with the series.    … Expand
  20. TatsMcGee
    Sep 16, 2018
    9
    Game Genre

    Third Person Action Adventure Open World Story The strength of all Yakuza games is the story and this game’s story takes it to another level. Kiwami’s story was good but not really live up to Yakuza 0’s story. Really thinking about it, Yakuza 0’s story is probably better just because with 0 throughout the entire game I was engaged. The quote on quote “problem” with    Game Genre

    Third Person
    Action Adventure
    Open World

    Story

    The strength of all Yakuza games is the story and this game’s story takes it to another level. Kiwami’s story was good but not really live up to Yakuza 0’s story. Really thinking about it, Yakuza 0’s story is probably better just because with 0 throughout the entire game I was engaged. The quote on quote “problem” with Kiwami 2 is the has a lot of lulls in the middle and it started to lose towards the middle-end of the game. Towards the end, the story does start to pick up but then during the final chapter, the train is off the rails. What happens is just **** crazy and I loved every second of it.

    Favorite Character

    Majima continues to be the best part of the Yakuza series. He’s not in a ton of scenes but every time he makes an appearance, his performance just steals the show. He is a special character and is one of my favorite characters in all of video games.

    Puzzles

    One thing that the Yakuza franchise lacks is puzzles.

    Gameplay

    The gameplay is very basic. Its a very small but condensed open world and the combat is a very simple beat em’ up. The combat is one of the weaker parts of the game but the nice thing is, each game is loaded with mini-games. These mini-games range from arcade games to bowling, to baseball to running cabaret club. There are a ton of options for keeping yourself busy.

    Bosses

    This is a crux of the Yakuza formula. Bosses there are a number of bosses in the Yakuza franchise and in each game, you will typically go back and fight the same one a number of times. Each time you fight them, they get a little stronger. The boss battles are funish, they at least shake up the game’s formula a little bit.

    Mission/Level Design

    Every chapter is pretty much set up the same way, start at Point A and then go to point B which takes under a minute to get there. Talk to some people or fight some people (sometimes both), then move to point C, D, just keep going until you reach the chapters final boss.

    Music/Sound Design/Voice Acting

    I don’t remember much about the music so it’s not too noticeable. There is voice acting but its all in Japanese, it seems like the voice actors are good but I don’t Japanese so it’s hard for me to say.

    Recap: The Good

    Story

    Majima

    Mini-Game Variety

    Recap: The Bad

    N/A

    Recap: The Okay

    Bosses

    Combat Music    … Expand
  21. TheFoxCoops
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    Every single Yakuza game is a masterpiece in its own right, and this one is no exception. Next to Yakuza 0, this is one of my favourite entries of the legendary series.

    If you're a Yakuza fan, this is a must-own!
  22. Daniel0809
    Jun 8, 2020
    8
    Great game. Im getting hooked on all the yakuza series . I started with judgment and thats all it took for me to be hooked .
  23. ZzjimbozZ
    Jun 22, 2020
    9
    Story 9/10
    Gameplay 9/10
    Graphics 9/10

    My favourite yakuza games of the series
  24. daikengo
    Sep 15, 2020
    7
    그래픽은 아주 좋아졌는데, 알맹이는 극1과 달리 거의 그대로라 좀 실망했던 기억이 있다. 솔직히 본편은 고다 류지 빼면 남는게 없다. 하지만 마지마를 플레이할 수 있는 추가 시나리오는 대단히 매력적.
  25. vvv123
    Sep 4, 2021
    8
    Great game, the story really picked up and there were a lot of twists towards the end, which is best to understand if 0 and Kiwami are played first. Its easier to run from enemies in 0 though, which was a bit annoying in Kiwami 2.
  26. TheOldestOak
    Nov 14, 2022
    10
    The Yakuza aka Like a Dragon series is incredibly good and I recommend these games go literally anybody.
  27. MPK92
    Aug 31, 2023
    9
    Incredible remake effort by RGG. Looks great, music is awesome as usual with this series. The Dragon Engine combat is more finely tuned from Yakuza 6. Engrossing story, interesting characters. Great side content. Great maps to explore and fight in.
  28. tbouniverse
    Sep 11, 2018
    10
    This is one of the best sequels I have ever played. I thought Kiwami was amazing but the quality of this just overwhelmed me to say the least.

    - The combat system is completely overhauled to allow seamless fighting, where you feel the weight of each punch and kick. - People singing praises of this game's story aren't kidding, it really is amazing and compelling. Its like watching an    This is one of the best sequels I have ever played. I thought Kiwami was amazing but the quality of this just overwhelmed me to say the least.

    - The combat system is completely overhauled to allow seamless fighting, where you feel the weight of each punch and kick.

    - People singing praises of this game's story aren't kidding, it really is amazing and compelling. Its like watching an intense movie plot.

    - Characters bring life into the story. Ryuji is the best antagonist in all the Yakuza titles I've played thus far and possibly in my video gaming experience, I really grew to like him as I played. Kawara has a heartfelt backstory that really lets you sympathize. Sayama is a great companion/ love interest.

    - Having just finished Majima's saga, I am a happy customer. We learn why Majima left Tojo to start a construction company between Kiwami and Kiwami 2.

    - The Cabaret Club minigame returns from 0 as good as ever. I spent several solid hours on this storyline. Clan creator AKA Majima Construction has improved from its amazing start in Yakuza 6 and is very addictive. Don't even get me started on the Sub-stories, play for yourself.

    - Music score is once again top-notch.

    - Can't wait for 3-5 Remasters and the new detective spinoff, Judge Eyes.    … Expand
  29. Kinokee
    Jul 7, 2019
    7
    As a fan of the series I really wanted to like this game. However, the sub stories are nothing new - literally the same things from other games with the same characters. The bouncing missions were inflated to add extra grind but don't contribute anything else, and the new engine combat is worse than the previous. There a boxes in this game where you have to attack them to retreive weapons.As a fan of the series I really wanted to like this game. However, the sub stories are nothing new - literally the same things from other games with the same characters. The bouncing missions were inflated to add extra grind but don't contribute anything else, and the new engine combat is worse than the previous. There a boxes in this game where you have to attack them to retreive weapons. But you cannot break this box by facing it and attacking - because the attacks will auto aim to enemies - even if they're quite far away. There's been a lot of times where I'm standing around punching circles around a stupid box because the targeting will not let me break it.
    This also leads to times in combat where I cannot combo the same enemy or predict where they will be and hit them there. Because the targeting swaps around to different targets as I'm hitting them. It's not smart either, as half my attacks miss all their targets now. There IS a lock on feature, where you can lock on to your enemy. But stronger enemies who you may actually want to use this on have a dodging sort of move which will break your lock, and worse so your attacks can just carry you past the enemy so you're not hitting them anymore and then you break your own lock-on.
    The running in the game is frustrating, just trying to turn a simple corner you walk and bump into every stupid wall and recoil like an idiot. I don't walk like that in real life, why does this dude do that? The walking controls are straight out of the PS1 days. Times and controls have evolved since then.
    Also using heat actions sucks. They're cool but half the time I try and use them the triangle disappears and I don't do the right thing and end up dying in the process. It's stupid and frustrating and I hate the combat in this game when they try and make things more difficult because the game controls end up fighting against you.

    Some of the mini games have been improved though, and finishing the completion list is relatively easy, although it's also inflated with pointless grind. Making you do things like hit some 200+ home runs mindlessly for a few hours for no reason other than to get points to buy items.    … Expand
  30. NeuraBr
    May 6, 2020
    10
    Game lindo e com um montão de coisas para fazer, vale muito a pena. Me surpreendeu em seu estilo gráfico e ótimos mini games.
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS4 Game of 2018
45
#45 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
94
#94 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 69
  3. Negative: 0 out of 69
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 4, 2018
    80
    Not having played Yakuza 6 yet, at first I was disappointed with the Dragon engine, which offers only painful 30 frames per second. New tech has its advantages though, as you may enter most of shops, restaurants etc. without annoying loading, which is a significant step forward from the first Kiwami, as are the physics engine, animation system and enhanced control over combat. Overall it is a very good game, but not as brilliant as Yakuza 0, especially in terms of the story. [10/2018, p.70]
  2. ZTGD
    Sep 27, 2018
    90
    It’s an odd feeling to be back in Kamurocho after wishing a bittersweet farewell to the Dragon of Dojima. Even though Kiwami 2 doesn’t quite achieve the emotional highs of the Song of Life, the polished gameplay as well as one of the finest antagonists the series has to offer makes it a must play for Yakuza fans, whether they played the original on the PS2 or not.
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  3. GameCritics
    Sep 24, 2018
    85
    Minor flaws aside, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a great reimagining, reworked with love and pride by a team who clearly understand what makes their games shine. Even though there are loads of Kiryu’s adventures to choose from at this point, this one stands apart as one of the best. It may not dethrone 0 as the definitive Yakuza experience, but it’s still an excellent entry in its own right and has essentially become the gold standard by which all remakes should be measured.
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