There is a lot that could be said about this game, so I will try to keep it simple.

This is a game that I respect more than I like. It´s such a bold to alter the core mechanics of your game so much after doing the same thing for almost 20 years, even though it misses more that it doesn´t.

The combat, unfortunately, is only mediocre at best. So much just doens´t work, from the ui, to tha absurd amount of skills you get (even though you will only use the same 4 ones the whole game), that weird thing where characters will run away from a enemy after landing a hit which only makes the combat even slower and not to talk about how absurdly unbalanced the game is. With all this said, I think this system with some changes could actually make for a pretty interesting (and unique) turn based system. (Here´s hoping the sequel nails the landing)

The story is a mess. An absoulte mess. Not bad, but there´s so much shit going on oh my god. Not to talk about the obligatory Yakuza long ass exposition cutscenes which are even longer in this game (chapters 6-10 are unbearable)

Other than this, this might be the best Yakuza game. Ichiban is one of the best characters ever (Zhao too, my beloved), the substories are some of the funniest in the franchise and the music is just insane.

Overall, an enormous leap by RGG studios, that even though it misses a lot, it still is more than worth it to sit through.

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024


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