Much like Yakuza 1, I was fascinated with the things the original PS2 version was attempting to comparison to Kiwami 2. To already add the praise to the already never-ending-list-of-everything-Yakuza 2-PS2-does-so-well list, I very much enjoyed the much improved combat compared to the first game.
The lock-on, while still far from perfect, does it's job way better than it's predecessor. On top of that you have a new selection of moves Kiryu can perform, some of which can be only unlocked through special methods,
like the Komaki Knockback and Firearm Reversal can be acquired from Komaki or a quickstep cancel from a certain video at a video booth that is really OP and allows you to soft-lock enemies by unleashing an endless Rush combo or punish their asses while they attempt to do a combo of their own.
All in all, the combat in the PS2 Yakuza 2 is certainly the best part in comparison to Kiwami 2, when the remake follows a playstyle of that of the sixth entry in the series with a completely different moveset, the original feels snappy, responsive and fast.
Certainly one of the best Yakuzas gameplay-wise.
For the rest, nothing much changes from the remake. The story is a joy to watch and a slight step up from it's predecessor and the sidestories are nice distractions from the main storyline, even if finding them is a bit of a chore and can be permanently missed unless you have a guidebook. There are some fun activities to mess around with in both Kamurocho and Sotenbori,
but alas exploring cities isn't as very much fun as in, say Yakuza 0. The series at that point isn't there yet.
In the end, I greatly enjoyed Yakuza 2. An absolute step-up from the first Yakuza in almost every aspect. I wouldn't say it is the BEST Yakuza game but it is a high tier game nonetheless and that's fine.
The lock-on, while still far from perfect, does it's job way better than it's predecessor. On top of that you have a new selection of moves Kiryu can perform, some of which can be only unlocked through special methods,
like the Komaki Knockback and Firearm Reversal can be acquired from Komaki or a quickstep cancel from a certain video at a video booth that is really OP and allows you to soft-lock enemies by unleashing an endless Rush combo or punish their asses while they attempt to do a combo of their own.
All in all, the combat in the PS2 Yakuza 2 is certainly the best part in comparison to Kiwami 2, when the remake follows a playstyle of that of the sixth entry in the series with a completely different moveset, the original feels snappy, responsive and fast.
Certainly one of the best Yakuzas gameplay-wise.
For the rest, nothing much changes from the remake. The story is a joy to watch and a slight step up from it's predecessor and the sidestories are nice distractions from the main storyline, even if finding them is a bit of a chore and can be permanently missed unless you have a guidebook. There are some fun activities to mess around with in both Kamurocho and Sotenbori,
but alas exploring cities isn't as very much fun as in, say Yakuza 0. The series at that point isn't there yet.
In the end, I greatly enjoyed Yakuza 2. An absolute step-up from the first Yakuza in almost every aspect. I wouldn't say it is the BEST Yakuza game but it is a high tier game nonetheless and that's fine.