This is one of those games I like/low-key love despite its faults.
From where it all started, seeing this series in retrospect is pretty interesting. This is a game that was uncertain if it were getting a sequel. Lots of characters come and go, deaths as common as a sunrise, etc.
I think the story is cool. It's more unique compared to future Yakuzas that it focuses almost exclusively on the gang politics. To put it in simpler terms, the "Crime" overtakes the more character driven "Drama" in this Crime Drama. May not gel well with some people who're there for the story and characters, but if the game wants to be a gangster movie, I'll accept it as such.
Gameplay is not perfect but it works. Kiryu's controls are stiff but its also very simple to wrap your head around. Heat drops fast but its also easy to gain fast.
One combo not working? Do a different combo. Enemy dodging your strikes? Grab him. Enemy snuck up on you? Dodge.
Kiryu can get some of the best techniques with little to no grinding by game's end. Not perfect combat, but it has its own logic to it that can be mastered funnily enough. Majima is an asshole.
Sidequests are pretty simple. Compared to other Yakuzas, a lot of them are pretty bare but some I felt very "real".
Yakuza 1 is a simple game. Mostly straightforward story, simple beat em up and a pretty cool setting.
From where it all started, seeing this series in retrospect is pretty interesting. This is a game that was uncertain if it were getting a sequel. Lots of characters come and go, deaths as common as a sunrise, etc.
I think the story is cool. It's more unique compared to future Yakuzas that it focuses almost exclusively on the gang politics. To put it in simpler terms, the "Crime" overtakes the more character driven "Drama" in this Crime Drama. May not gel well with some people who're there for the story and characters, but if the game wants to be a gangster movie, I'll accept it as such.
Gameplay is not perfect but it works. Kiryu's controls are stiff but its also very simple to wrap your head around. Heat drops fast but its also easy to gain fast.
One combo not working? Do a different combo. Enemy dodging your strikes? Grab him. Enemy snuck up on you? Dodge.
Kiryu can get some of the best techniques with little to no grinding by game's end. Not perfect combat, but it has its own logic to it that can be mastered funnily enough. Majima is an asshole.
Sidequests are pretty simple. Compared to other Yakuzas, a lot of them are pretty bare but some I felt very "real".
Yakuza 1 is a simple game. Mostly straightforward story, simple beat em up and a pretty cool setting.