Yakuza Kiwami

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 673 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 512 out of 673
  2. Mixed: 95 out of 673
  3. Negative: 66 out of 673
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. hazartas
    Jan 7, 2018
    10
    Do yourself a favor and just buy this game right now. It's a great remake of the original Yakuza on PS2. It's the sequel of Yakuza 0 which is GOTY of 2017. You will love this game!
  2. ultimatesoll
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    Latest Yakuza game finally came to the west after it’s localization thanks to Sega. This game is remake of original Yakuza (“Ryu Ga Gotoku” in Japan) game which released in 2005.

    The very first Yakuza game was badass, fun to play and had awesome scenario. But 2017 version offering much more than that. Highly detailed next-gen graphics, new camera view, enhanced framerate which is    Latest Yakuza game finally came to the west after it’s localization thanks to Sega. This game is remake of original Yakuza (“Ryu Ga Gotoku” in Japan) game which released in 2005.

    The very first Yakuza game was badass, fun to play and had awesome scenario. But 2017 version offering much more than that.

    Highly detailed next-gen graphics, new camera view, enhanced framerate which is perfectly run at 60fps and re-mastered Kamurocho area will bring your memories from past as well as great experience.

    Kiwami has offering new gameplay for our main hero: Kazuma Kiryu. Like in “Yakuza 0”, the character has 4 main gameplay set which you can upgrade throughout the game.

    The in-game sound is awesome, all stage tunes are good and supporting the action. All VAs had great job on this remaster.

    Boss battles, fighting locations, secret locations, secret missions, upgrades, fun parts, cut-scenes, main characters, side characters..they all great. Yakuza 1 is clearly my favourite Yakuza game in entire series in terms of story telling and ending.

    Finding secret “side-missions”, Nishiki’s (who is Kiryu’s old friend) campaigns (which is not included in old version but added to this version), cage matches and lots of action surely make you happy during your walkthrough.

    Literally Sega is making one Yakuza game each year and localize them after a period. Yakuza Kiwami released in Japan long ago but glad we have this game on our market now. Not to mention Yakuza 2 Remake (Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 Kiwami) will be on stores in Japan at the end of the year.

    Brawls in Kamurocho streets will never end!

    Have fun and play on.    … Expand
  3. scruffy_77
    Dec 7, 2017
    10
    Just brilliant... the story of these games are brilliant, the game is brilliant and perhaps I should mention it is brilliant. I am just sad I have to wait until March for Yakuza 6. A masterpiece!
  4. OrochiamruSama
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    As A long time yakuza fan,yakuza 0 was the best game ever for me and kiwami is the perfect sequel for it,if you want games with the best story and huge amount of content, yakuza games are for you
  5. 17_jrpg
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    Yakuza Kiwami returns the first game of the series back to life in a way that is completely rebuilt from ground up for the PS4. This open world action-adventure game with role-playing elements follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, whose life changes because of the incident that occurred in the Dojima Family office. In Kiwami, the original story gets an extension thatYakuza Kiwami returns the first game of the series back to life in a way that is completely rebuilt from ground up for the PS4. This open world action-adventure game with role-playing elements follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, whose life changes because of the incident that occurred in the Dojima Family office. In Kiwami, the original story gets an extension that adds a new depth of story which tells us about friendship, love, respect, loyalty, sacrifice, greed, betrayal and revenge. New additions to the story further explain certain parts of the story that may have been unclear in the original.

    In Kiwami, they also improved gameplay. Battle system from the original game has been enhanced by adding the battle styles from Yakuza 0. Now you can choose one of four battle styles: Brawler (balance), Rush (speed), Beast (power) and Dragon (ultimate). Each style has its own benefits and weaknesses, so it's up to you to choose the battle style that suits you best or that you currently need in a particular fight. All four battle styles are unlocked and you can train them all to the maximum by using experiece points (EXP) earned from battles and solving side quests (substories and romance with hostesses). To power up the Dragon style you have to fight with Goro Majima everywhere in Kamurocho. They have also improved other aspects of gameplay by adding new substories, two new ladies to romance, MesuKing: Battle Bug Beuaties, and much more nightlife spots. All this gives the player to enjoy even more in Kamurocho.

    Sega has done a very good job with this remake and has demonstrated to other video game developer how to make a real remake of old game. I'm glad they decided to make a remake of the original Yakuza game which is one of my favorite games on PS2. I hope that Sega will also do a good job with Yakuza Kiwami 2, and I also hope that they will decide to make Yakuza Kiwami 3 as well because I only did not play Yakuza 3.    … Expand
  6. Shincy
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    As many players gave comment how good the main story is, I would like to highlight sub-stories are very entertaining, as funny/weird/bizarre as it sound, many of them are realistic situation in Japan.
    It is of the few games that I really enjoy to read those conversation, and the voice/conversation/test of the game is what really gave soul to characters and the game.
  7. Gandalf44
    Sep 8, 2017
    10
    This game is incredible. The Value is excellent. If you love a good story, lots of drama, turns, twists, and plots that rival game of thrones, then you might love this game. Im a developer, and i really, really appreciate what Sega has done with this series. I hope they take this game style and gameplay, and bring it to other genres and themes. If the developer is reading this, you'veThis game is incredible. The Value is excellent. If you love a good story, lots of drama, turns, twists, and plots that rival game of thrones, then you might love this game. Im a developer, and i really, really appreciate what Sega has done with this series. I hope they take this game style and gameplay, and bring it to other genres and themes. If the developer is reading this, you've earned a fan for life!… Expand
  8. hasan_oddeyes77
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    omg this game is so good i liked the story-characters -music very much and i am so excited to play yakuza 0 thank you Sega for this masterpiece wooooooooow
  9. monokuma888
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    This game is great, and I reached this conclusion after a few hours of playing. I've had the game for a few weeks now and I've periodically picked it up here and there. For me, that is how I have gotten the most out of Yakuza Kiwami. I play for a few hours, set it down for a few days, and finally come back to it again. This is my first Yakuza experience and after having gotten more thanThis game is great, and I reached this conclusion after a few hours of playing. I've had the game for a few weeks now and I've periodically picked it up here and there. For me, that is how I have gotten the most out of Yakuza Kiwami. I play for a few hours, set it down for a few days, and finally come back to it again. This is my first Yakuza experience and after having gotten more than half way through it, I was prompted to buy Zero because this franchise is amazing. Just an amazing brawler that is extremely underrated. It's ridiculous that it took me this long to get into the series, but now that I am, it is a pleasure to play.… Expand
  10. Timbone
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    Yakuza Kiwami gives me faith in video games. I know its a updated version of an PS2 game. But they nailed it. The storyline keeps you involved and wanting to know more. The fighting in the game is tight. Kiryu is so cool. You want to take down mobs of Yakuza as him. He's stylish but also a total badass. I love that Majima is the complete opposite of him. Being a badass in his own right butYakuza Kiwami gives me faith in video games. I know its a updated version of an PS2 game. But they nailed it. The storyline keeps you involved and wanting to know more. The fighting in the game is tight. Kiryu is so cool. You want to take down mobs of Yakuza as him. He's stylish but also a total badass. I love that Majima is the complete opposite of him. Being a badass in his own right but being more crazy than Kiryu. This was the first game of the Yakuza series I ever played and I loved it so much, I went out and got ever Yakuza game there is. I think Yakuza is what is keeping Sega alive. It wasn't super successful when it came out on PS2 but these last couple of years, Yakuza has gained so much popularity with American fans and I love that. Give this game a try.… Expand
  11. Spideyfan4Life
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    The beginning of The Dragon Of Dojima Kiryu Kazuma! This game is yet another masterpiece in a legendary series.
  12. Muoliver
    Dec 9, 2018
    10
    It's a rich game in content. Gorgeous special effects and give continuity to the series in a amazing form after Yakuza 0. If you enjoy beat 'em up games, this game is for you!
  13. Arcticsurface
    May 9, 2019
    10
    Just too **** good, even though its the remake of a game made in 2005, its still so amazingly fun i have no words to explain it, my god Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio you are so good!

    50 out of 10 is my score.
  14. bullshark
    Feb 21, 2022
    10
    When I thought there was another Yakuza game couldn't stand next to 0, there comes Kiwami. This game gets props bc its essentially that which started it all, but with big combat and quality-of-life improvements over Yakuza 0. The story is gripping, both the original and additions, the writing and humor fantastic, and acting amazing. There's always something new to do even when you beat theWhen I thought there was another Yakuza game couldn't stand next to 0, there comes Kiwami. This game gets props bc its essentially that which started it all, but with big combat and quality-of-life improvements over Yakuza 0. The story is gripping, both the original and additions, the writing and humor fantastic, and acting amazing. There's always something new to do even when you beat the main game. Majima Everywhere is way better than Mr. Shakedown. A must play!… Expand
  15. Mazhi
    Oct 4, 2020
    10
    Creo que no le puedes pedir más a un videojuego. Una revisión perfecta del ya perfecto clásico de PS2.

    Ambientación inmejorable, submisiones divertidísimas, una historia excelente, y un montón de cosas que hacer para entretenerte entre las misiones prnicipales. Si no lo has jugado no sé a qué esperas.
  16. GameReviewStars
    Feb 18, 2020
    10
    Very good story and serious cast but also has very funny moments! The gameplay is very easy and entertaining.
  17. EnsarO
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    Nishiki...
    This game is so epic. I liked it. You must play it.No Eng Dub, no Ten years in the joint.
  18. Bloodhammer99
    Oct 23, 2020
    10
    Yakuza Kiwami's gameplay feels very smooth, fluid, varied, satisfying, polished and extremely fun, its the most satisfying combat in a game ever along with yakuza 0, the combat is honestly perfect, it's not complicated like a fighting game, it doesn't need to be and shouldn't be, it's simple but very satisfying and skill based. The game doesn't have a high skill ceiling or anything (as itYakuza Kiwami's gameplay feels very smooth, fluid, varied, satisfying, polished and extremely fun, its the most satisfying combat in a game ever along with yakuza 0, the combat is honestly perfect, it's not complicated like a fighting game, it doesn't need to be and shouldn't be, it's simple but very satisfying and skill based. The game doesn't have a high skill ceiling or anything (as it shouldn't since its a singleplayer game) but u can easily identify an experienced player from a beginner, furthermore the fact it has 3 playstyles (4 if you count dragon) that can be switched to at any time adds a lot of depth and stratagy to the combat which wasnt in the series before 0. Grabbing thing from the environment to beat the **** out of people with is really fun and so are the heat actions and kiwami moves, that are a great addition that makes boss fights more fun, only found in this entry. The combat is so well design that if done right combat encounters can look like well choregraphed fight scenes. This game also has the most memorable and most fun bosses in the series along with 0, atleast for me. I played this after playing the amazing yakuza 0 and i can easily say this game is better. Im glad that it retains the 3 kiryu playstyles from it, I personally like kiryus playstyles more than those of Majima so i enjoyed the gameplay here more than 0s, along with this there there are no tedious escort missions like in 0 and the beat em up stages here are just as good in my opinion and there are more of them too. I love the setting and aesthetic. The story here is very well paced, its a pretty simple story but its very entertaining. This game is easily the most replayable yakuza game, its the yakuza game with the most gameplay and the story is easily skipped too since its mostly told through cutscenes (that are way easier and faster to skip than dialogue) with barely any dialogue, story is usually a pain to skip on repeat playthoughs in yakuza games due to the fact there is a lot of dialogue but thats not the case with kiwami, skipping the story also results in bad pacing in yakuza 0, this is also not the case here. Furthermore even though this game is on the shorter side it still has the same amount of gameplay as the rest of the games, its a better balance than the other games imo which have a bit too much story. Another great thing about this game is that it has some really fun side stuff, like the fights in the colosseum. It has the best side stuff in the series imo. Some people may argue that having the dragon style locked behind majima everywhere is a negative but it personally didnt bother me due to the fact that 3 playstyles is more than enough variety for a 15 hour game and fighting majima is fun, besides you can play though the game with the dragon style via new game plus afterwards. This game also allows you to save without having to go to a phone booth which is a nice albeit minor addition. I rate games based on enjoyment and this one is easily a 10/10, amazing gameplay, great story, great side stuff. Masterpiece. A steal for just 20$.… Expand
  19. Own-san07
    Jul 1, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest game I ever play Great characters amazing and simple and emotional story and very enjoyable gameplay
  20. GameforGamers
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    first if you are wondering whether you should play this game or not? the answer is definitely you should play it.

    Sega just prove again that they can always be trusted to deliver great quality when it comes to the Yakuza series. it's rare in gaming industry to see a franchise stay strong and keep getting better and better every time, that's what Yakuza series provide a franchise where    first if you are wondering whether you should play this game or not? the answer is definitely you should play it.

    Sega just prove again that they can always be trusted to deliver great quality when it comes to the Yakuza series.
    it's rare in gaming industry to see a franchise stay strong and keep getting better and better every time, that's what Yakuza series provide a franchise where every game is a masterpiece on it's own.

    yakuza kiwami combine the deep storytelling , and the wacky fun side activities, instead of going for a massive empty openworlds like some other franchises, yakuza goes for a small world full of activities and where everywhere you go there is something fun to do, and the world almost feels real.

    i personally give this game the perfect score of 10/10, an i recommend it to everyone    … Expand
  21. Scorpion_kjf
    Sep 8, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Another game I end up loving .the story is excellent.we just kiryu as the main characters and his story here is very good.the city is similar to Yazuka 0's. And then story start similar to zero too .no majima to play ,but he continued to surprise you to fight you over and over,and over until you got sss rating.most of the game with him.yazuka's fighting style are all different and fun to use.the beat up of yakuzas thugs ,goons that keep jumping you can get tire some.kiryu's story is good one.the music is great.alot of sidemissons ,like 60 .i was only able to like 45 of themi couldn't find the rest without looking a walk-through.but overall the game is great really fun .more classic sega games in acrade.you can date one of the girl at shine or another club .the saying are very fun.so 10 out of 10… Expand
  22. VioIrdsGX
    Apr 18, 2023
    10
    This is the first remake of Yakuza, I started playing it in 2022 after finishing Yakuza 0, I also liked it and the first time I just saw the game it was the alternative since I don't have a PlayStation 2 and the first Yakuza game , so this game was one of the great opportunities to familiarize the history of the famous Dragon of Dojima (KIRYU-CHAN), this game had changes than in theThis is the first remake of Yakuza, I started playing it in 2022 after finishing Yakuza 0, I also liked it and the first time I just saw the game it was the alternative since I don't have a PlayStation 2 and the first Yakuza game , so this game was one of the great opportunities to familiarize the history of the famous Dragon of Dojima (KIRYU-CHAN), this game had changes than in the original version but I'm not so familiar with the PS2 version, sorry, so In chronological order, this should be played after Yakuza 0 and its story met my expectations.… Expand
  23. julic
    Sep 15, 2022
    10
    la mejor saga anime que exiten en los videojuegos es super divertido y sus peleas entre bandillas
  24. TheOldestOak
    Nov 14, 2022
    10
    The Yakuza aka Like a Dragon series is incredibly good and I recommend these games go literally anybody.
  25. ebbest
    Jun 23, 2023
    10
    after 50 hours of side quest and main quest, i can say that it's an incredible game in every way
  26. Killerpummkin
    Aug 9, 2023
    10
    Unbeatable atmosphere, hilarious submissions, an excellent story and plenty of things to do in between the main missions. If you haven't played it, I don't know what you're waiting for.
  27. tbouniverse
    Feb 24, 2018
    9
    This is the first Yakuza title I have ever played.

    The story is deep and intense. It combines elements of friendship, love, sacrifice, betrayal, greed and revenge to tell a very heartfelt story. I felt a sense of dread many times throughout the story and rightly so quite often. Outside the story, you can spend upwards of 50 hours doing side-quests with an endless supply of fun    This is the first Yakuza title I have ever played.

    The story is deep and intense. It combines elements of friendship, love, sacrifice, betrayal, greed and revenge to tell a very heartfelt story. I felt a sense of dread many times throughout the story and rightly so quite often.

    Outside the story, you can spend upwards of 50 hours doing side-quests with an endless supply of fun activities you will enjoy. Trust me, this is something you will really get into.

    Playing through it, I was floored by how enjoyable the fighting was. Majima Everywhere and its progression is very well done as you learn new skills that you need to quickly dispatch more powerful enemies. Completing all side-quests culminates in a VERY cool boss fight.    … Expand
  28. Kai82
    Aug 30, 2020
    9
    Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original game or more like a great enhancement and overhaul. The Yakuza games are best described as open world action adventures with RPG elements. While they have maybe the smallest open world in this category it is filled to the brim with content. It is the story of Kazuma Kiryu who on the eve of becoming the leader of his own family branch takes theYakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original game or more like a great enhancement and overhaul. The Yakuza games are best described as open world action adventures with RPG elements. While they have maybe the smallest open world in this category it is filled to the brim with content. It is the story of Kazuma Kiryu who on the eve of becoming the leader of his own family branch takes the blame for a crime his best (childhood) friend and sworn brother Akira Nishikiyama committed. He returns after serving ten years in prison sentence to find the world and people he knew have changed drastically. The overall story is breathtakingly good. Be it the overall plot and power struggles in the Yakuza or his personal story involving his friend / brother Nishikiyama and their mutual childhood friend Yumi who has vanished. I felt always invested and Nishikiyamas arc is so well written as are his moral dilemmas. Then I must mention Goro Maijima. He returns to help Kiryu. He checks if Kiriyu is still the near unbeatable fighter from back then by fighting him and beating him up at first. He then put up challenges and fights to bring him back in shape. It is as much entertaining and hilarious as you can imagine as you progress. Then there are the side activities were the Yakuza series is unmatched. You can play: Bowling, Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, Darts, Cee-Lo, Koi Koi, Karaoke, Mahjong, Pocket Races, Pool, Shogi, Mesu King (collecting card game) and more. There are on top of this tons of side quests with interesting characters and situations (mostly). Then there are the RPG elements. You can level up your abilities, find and equip accessories and learn new abilities. Content-wise it delivers an excellent amount and good quality but Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwawi 2 have even more and better content. The only down side is the graphic. While not terrible it is not up to date. It does not matter for me but others can view this as a no go. Overall an excellent game but not as good as Yakuza 0. Yakuza 0 enhanced and declined this game for me at the same time. It added to the character and story with giving more background and motivations. It is however the benchmark I will compare all other games with. Worth playing even when it is a bit weaker.… Expand
  29. badgerryan19
    Aug 31, 2017
    9
    Yakuza Kiwami returns as the first game in the series worked from the ground up and oh boy is it a blast. Along side Yakuza 0 this is starting to pick up some big momentum towards Yakuza 6. Heck there could be two Yakuza games in my top 10 games of the year so far. Great game. I do feel like 0 is just a tad better though, but besides the point the game has great characters, writing, storyYakuza Kiwami returns as the first game in the series worked from the ground up and oh boy is it a blast. Along side Yakuza 0 this is starting to pick up some big momentum towards Yakuza 6. Heck there could be two Yakuza games in my top 10 games of the year so far. Great game. I do feel like 0 is just a tad better though, but besides the point the game has great characters, writing, story ridiculous fun action. Do yourself a favor and get this and Yakuza 0 if you haven't.… Expand
  30. sweed1234
    May 29, 2020
    9
    Great game but not as good as the others. This is a remake of the first original hence why it's not as amazing as recent titled. Still a solid game which I loved.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best PS4 Game of 2017
42
#42 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
84
#84 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Apr 27, 2018
    85
    Yakuza Kiwami is a fine example of how a remaster should be done. Graphical changes and fixing some story plot holes are pretty well done. Majima everywhere is sometimes a nuisance, but all in all, it's a solid addition for an already great game.
    Read full review
  2. GameCritics
    Nov 17, 2017
    65
    Overall, Yakuza Kiwami isn’t a bad game despite several issues that drag it down. No, its real problem is that Yakuza Zero is a significantly superior product in every way that matters. Fans of the original release will likely dig the modernization, but for any newcomers thinking of jumping in, I’d recommend starting with the infinitely better prequel.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Nov 16, 2017
    75
    Yakuza Kiwami is so much more than just a remake of the first game in the series. Sega rebuilt the original from scratch using a much more powerful engine, with the help of completely new artists, and enriched the script with tons of references to subsequent Yakuza releases. It’s not a perfect game but it does a great job at tying up loose ends from Yakuza Zero. [11/2017, p.50]
See all critic reviews »