This review has no spoilers for Yakuza Kiwami 2, but it does contain spoilers for Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 takes everything that was great about its predecessors and, somehow, upgrades them in almost every way. The story and characters are the best in the series so far, the combat is endlessly satisfying, the abundance of minigames and side-stories is better than ever, and the music is in peak form. Though there are some technical hiccups here and there, Kiwami 2 is simply the best Yakuza yet.
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Developer: Sega
Price: $49.99
Platforms: PS4 (reviewed)
MonsterVine was provided with a PS4 code for review
The Yakuza franchise has experienced quite a boom in popularity in the last year and a half. With the release of Yakuza 0, Kiwami, and 6, the series seems to have finally found its well-deserved footing in the Western market. Kiwami 2, a remake of the PS2’s Yakuza 2, is not only the latest title in the series, but possibly the best.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 takes place a year after the events of the first Kiwami. Kiryu and Haruka are living a more quiet life outside of Kamurocho, the Tojo Clan is being well-led by Kiryu’s successor Terada, and Majima suddenly owns a construction company, because of course he does. As Kiryu and Haruka visit the cemetery to remember their loved ones, an incident occurs that drags Kiryu back into the bloody world of the titular Yakuza. For newbies, there’s a thorough video summary of previous titles that can be watched at the beginning of the game. While I’d definitely recommend starting with Yakuza 0, this recap certainly makes it easier for newcomers to jump in.
Throughout Kiwami 2, Kiryu goes up against the fearsome Ryuji Goda of the Omi Alliance, as he fights to preserve the peace that he worked so hard to earn in Kiwami. As Kiryu makes new enemies and allies, he slowly discovers secrets about the Yakuza that will change both clans forever. As overdramatic as it may sound, I can say with confidence that Kiwami 2 has the best story of the last three Yakuza titles to release, which is saying quite a lot.
“Kiryu is in top form himself, while Majima (who has his own smaller campaign) is as wonderfully crazy as ever.“
The major stand-out characters would have to be Sayama, the no-nonsense cop that Kiryu grows close to, and Ryuji, a dark mirror of what Kiryu could have been if he was raised without his steadfast moral code. The semi-professional relationship that forms between Kiryu and Sayama is surprisingly well-written, as the two characters feel genuinely confused about how they should treat one another. Goda is even more interesting, as his blunt and explosive persona works as a fantastic foil to Kiryu’s honorable and stoic personality. Kiryu is in top form himself, while Majima (who has his own smaller campaign) is as wonderfully crazy as ever. He and Kiryu also work together for a good chunk of the game, which definitely brings out the best of both characters.
Though the story is dramatic and enjoyable throughout its entirety, it does have a couple moments of questionable pacing. There’s a subplot involving tattoos that occurs right in the middle of the main story, which halts the story’s pace and feels almost entirely unnecessary. If it was a side-story I wouldn’t mind, but it’s part of the main story.
One of the major additions to Kiwami 2 is a three-chapter story that focuses on everybody’s favorite goofy psychopath: Goro Majima. This story goes over Majima’s escapades since the original Kiwami while giving players a firsthand look at how the Tojo Clan has changed between games. Most importantly, Majima’s story ties up some loose ends that his character has had since Yakuza 0. Having to return to Sotenbori in an attempt to solve a murder mystery, Majima encounters Makoto, his love interest from the aforementioned game. What follows is an incredibly moving conclusion to the two characters’ arcs, making the story a must-play for fans of Yakuza 0.
The breadth of side-content is incredible, as it is in every Yakuza title. From moving side-stories about love and friendship to goofy missions involving pervy grandmas, there’s no end to the amount of strange but endearing civilians with stories to tell. There are plenty of new minigames as well, like complete ports of SEGA classics like Virtual-ON and Virtua Fighter 2, and what could be one of the most realistic golf simulators I’ve ever played. Maybe you prefer underground fight clubs, or games like Mahjong and Blackjack. There’s even a minigame based around Kiryu peeing, which is about as weird as a game can get. There’s something for everyone, and for once, that isn’t an exaggeration.
“Kiwami 2 also features an exciting and memorable soundtrack, which leans more into energetic jazz than previous entries.”
Kiwami 2 runs on Yakuza 6’s Dragon Engine, which means seamless battle transitions and more destructible environments. Breaking bikes over a thug’s head and throwing them through a convenience store window is like a corny action movie in the best way, as each punch, kick, stab, and smack is more satisfying than the last. The ridiculously over-the-top Heat Actions are the cherry on top, as there’s nothing goofier than making Kiryu throw an enemy at a pole crotch-first. There are lots of new moves and skills to unlock as you gain experience throughout the game, which is excellent at keeping the combat from growing stale.
Kiwami 2’s settings are absolutely gorgeous. Kamurocho and Sotenbori feel distinct and different from one another, despite both being brightly-lit city districts. While characters look fine for the most part, I found some cutscenes to have some awkward facial animations, which made the characters look creepy and over expressive. Strangely, it isn’t an issue that’s present throughout the entire game, but you’ll certainly find some cutscenes look better than others. Kiwami 2 also features an exciting and memorable soundtrack, which leans more into energetic jazz than previous entries.
The Final Word
Its exceptional characters, added story mode, and visceral gameplay make Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best Yakuza yet. Outside of some odd facial animation and a few moments of wonky pacing, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an endlessly enjoyable experience that continues to cement Yakuza’s reputation as one of the best series on modern consoles.
– MonsterVine Rating: 5 out of 5 – Excellent
