Even though this game is a prime example of laziness on Atlus' part I still love it anyway. The social events are CUTE, definitely better than I thought they'd be overall and the gameplay is of course lots of fun as well. What surprised me the most was how much I ended up liking most of the remixes, with the standouts being Heartful Cry, Brand New Days, Want to be Close, Mass Destruction, i could go on. Memories of You though... whatever they were cooking, it BURNT. 🔥🔥 The only major issue with this game was the overwhelming lack of Burning Men's Soul, which,
2024
Good morning. The tears won't stop falling since I woke.
In my timezone it's currently March 5th, 2024. This one's for you.
In my timezone it's currently March 5th, 2024. This one's for you.
This review contains spoilers
The Yakuza franchise is one which I have a strong attachment to, having played Yakuza 0 for the first time 5 years ago at a turning point in my life, (and having played approx. 2 hours of Kiwami 2 months prior) then went on to finish out the series along with Kiryu's story the year prior after the Yakuza Remastered Collection finally launched, so it was no secret that I was looking forward to this game quite a bit.
Back in 2022, when it was first announced that Kiryu was making a return as a main character, I was befuddled. "How would they make this work well?" Yet, I trusted in RGG due to their insane track record from Yakuza 5 beyond. I'm happy to say that trust was not misplaced in the slightest. This along with Yakuza: Like A Dragon may equate to my favorite video game duology of all time, if you'd elect to refer to them as such. [Trilogy, including Gaiden(?)]
Anyway, let me start off with the premise. A Yakuza game taking place.... overseas? I was ecstatic, the series was finally crossing borders, and the end result was something incredible. Not only does the locale feel alive thanks to Aloha-Links and Sujimon, it also feels complete. Every area feels well accounted for and feels like it serves a significant purpose despite the overall size of the map.
Then.... the GAMEPLAY. It turns out all RGG had to do in order to make it 10x better was add the ability to walk. Insane. Of course, yes, walking is great and all, but what else can you do...? Strategically position yourself in order to inflict the most damage possible. And although this game follows in the tradition of higher level=instawin, it manages to feel fresh and new every new road tread, and thanks to the sheer amount of jobs available at your disposal, it never feels worn down or boring.
THE MUSIC... holy shit. 132 tracks and they're all bangers, I thank Chihiro Aoki and her cohorts every day for blessings like "The Four", "Kooky", even down to the main Kiryu Yokohama battle theme. Long battle after long battle... straight jammin', they kept coming out with better and better themes each and every time until that crescendo at the end. Looking at you in particular, The Four.
And finally... what would a Yakuza game be without its story? My feelings on this aspect are complicated, because the only part of the story I couldn't fully comprehend at first was the ending. All throughout, learning more and more about Kiryu's illness and the gangs of Hawaii kept my interest tight, yet without Chitose and Tomizawa, some scenes would definitely be left wanting. They bring so much life to the gang, so seeing their personalities unravel throughout the runtime was one of the simplest joys. On Ichiban's part... the voice direction and acting was as incredible as ever. (I used the Japanese dub throughout so I can't speak for the English version). Ichiban truly is metamorphosing into everything Nishiki could've been had the stresses not piled up on him, or his way down the dark path he tread wasn't set in stone. Him finally meeting his mom and giving her Masumi's ashes was one of those moments where you just know he's a keeper, what a LAD. (literally, lmao)
On Kiryu's side of the story... during the last 6 chapters, he seemed to take a noticeable priority over Ichiban, and I can't help but feel Ichi didn't get to shine in the spotlight enough for my personal tastes when all was said and done, but... this was where this game truly began to feel like a celebration of the series and its legacy. The memoirs, the life links... taking one last trip down memory lane for Kiryu's sake made the ending fall into place SO much more than it normally would have. The game pulls a large paradigm shift if you weren't expecting it, especially towards the end. As the story began to wind down, it became crystal clear to me that this came wasn't meant to put Kiryu Kazuma to rest once (eighth?) and for all. It was meant to allow him to naturally find a reason to live. After Ebina was bested, Kiryu says it clearly... there was so much more he could've done. As for the role of Fourth Chairman, he feels certain that he failed the Tojo Clan, allowing exceptions like Ebina to be born. Those who languish all the Yakuza have done, those whose lives have been irreversibly impacted by their deeds. Kiryu was more than willing to throw away his life for the sake of stopping this man as well as rescuing Lani, a little girl who when she came to mind, he couldn't help hut envision only Haruka and her parallel struggles. No, this game was never meant to spell out the final scrawlings on Kiryu's tombstone... but to renew his life. It was meant to start Kiryu on the path to a peaceful life, one in which he can live as Kiryu Kazuma, hopefully overcome cancer, and find peace. I just think that's kinda beautiful.
If there's a swan song to be had, I hope it'll come next game in the form of Kiryu living contentedly with his family, and perhaps working to rehabilitate those whose whole lives were made in the Yakuza, just as Ichiban wishes.
Finally, I can't write a review without mentioning the final Eiji scene. 10/10. I can't even bring myself to CARE that it felt to abrupt, or about the fact that proper build-up was somewhat lacking. It was heartful and heartbreaking all at once. Only Ichiban could promise so easily that which Arakawa couldn't do for him in one scene so earnestly and manage to be believable. This was undoubtedly RGG's way of making up for Masatos's untimely death. I couldn't be happier with it.
Back in 2022, when it was first announced that Kiryu was making a return as a main character, I was befuddled. "How would they make this work well?" Yet, I trusted in RGG due to their insane track record from Yakuza 5 beyond. I'm happy to say that trust was not misplaced in the slightest. This along with Yakuza: Like A Dragon may equate to my favorite video game duology of all time, if you'd elect to refer to them as such. [Trilogy, including Gaiden(?)]
Anyway, let me start off with the premise. A Yakuza game taking place.... overseas? I was ecstatic, the series was finally crossing borders, and the end result was something incredible. Not only does the locale feel alive thanks to Aloha-Links and Sujimon, it also feels complete. Every area feels well accounted for and feels like it serves a significant purpose despite the overall size of the map.
Then.... the GAMEPLAY. It turns out all RGG had to do in order to make it 10x better was add the ability to walk. Insane. Of course, yes, walking is great and all, but what else can you do...? Strategically position yourself in order to inflict the most damage possible. And although this game follows in the tradition of higher level=instawin, it manages to feel fresh and new every new road tread, and thanks to the sheer amount of jobs available at your disposal, it never feels worn down or boring.
THE MUSIC... holy shit. 132 tracks and they're all bangers, I thank Chihiro Aoki and her cohorts every day for blessings like "The Four", "Kooky", even down to the main Kiryu Yokohama battle theme. Long battle after long battle... straight jammin', they kept coming out with better and better themes each and every time until that crescendo at the end. Looking at you in particular, The Four.
And finally... what would a Yakuza game be without its story? My feelings on this aspect are complicated, because the only part of the story I couldn't fully comprehend at first was the ending. All throughout, learning more and more about Kiryu's illness and the gangs of Hawaii kept my interest tight, yet without Chitose and Tomizawa, some scenes would definitely be left wanting. They bring so much life to the gang, so seeing their personalities unravel throughout the runtime was one of the simplest joys. On Ichiban's part... the voice direction and acting was as incredible as ever. (I used the Japanese dub throughout so I can't speak for the English version). Ichiban truly is metamorphosing into everything Nishiki could've been had the stresses not piled up on him, or his way down the dark path he tread wasn't set in stone. Him finally meeting his mom and giving her Masumi's ashes was one of those moments where you just know he's a keeper, what a LAD. (literally, lmao)
On Kiryu's side of the story... during the last 6 chapters, he seemed to take a noticeable priority over Ichiban, and I can't help but feel Ichi didn't get to shine in the spotlight enough for my personal tastes when all was said and done, but... this was where this game truly began to feel like a celebration of the series and its legacy. The memoirs, the life links... taking one last trip down memory lane for Kiryu's sake made the ending fall into place SO much more than it normally would have. The game pulls a large paradigm shift if you weren't expecting it, especially towards the end. As the story began to wind down, it became crystal clear to me that this came wasn't meant to put Kiryu Kazuma to rest once (eighth?) and for all. It was meant to allow him to naturally find a reason to live. After Ebina was bested, Kiryu says it clearly... there was so much more he could've done. As for the role of Fourth Chairman, he feels certain that he failed the Tojo Clan, allowing exceptions like Ebina to be born. Those who languish all the Yakuza have done, those whose lives have been irreversibly impacted by their deeds. Kiryu was more than willing to throw away his life for the sake of stopping this man as well as rescuing Lani, a little girl who when she came to mind, he couldn't help hut envision only Haruka and her parallel struggles. No, this game was never meant to spell out the final scrawlings on Kiryu's tombstone... but to renew his life. It was meant to start Kiryu on the path to a peaceful life, one in which he can live as Kiryu Kazuma, hopefully overcome cancer, and find peace. I just think that's kinda beautiful.
If there's a swan song to be had, I hope it'll come next game in the form of Kiryu living contentedly with his family, and perhaps working to rehabilitate those whose whole lives were made in the Yakuza, just as Ichiban wishes.
Finally, I can't write a review without mentioning the final Eiji scene. 10/10. I can't even bring myself to CARE that it felt to abrupt, or about the fact that proper build-up was somewhat lacking. It was heartful and heartbreaking all at once. Only Ichiban could promise so easily that which Arakawa couldn't do for him in one scene so earnestly and manage to be believable. This was undoubtedly RGG's way of making up for Masatos's untimely death. I couldn't be happier with it.
This game feels like one of the most passion-project, "needed to happen" sequels of all time and yet it was entirely unplanned while being developed under a one year time limit. If that isn't the Zelda team at their peak, I sure as hell don't know what is.
I'm so glad I played this game organically because I can tell the ending wouldn't have messed me up as much as it did if I hadn't, and although when I played the 3ds version 8 years ago, I still liked the ending a lot, I relied heavily on a walkthrough for a, frankly, simplified version of the gameplay present in the original. If their was ever a Nintendo game that falls under the umbrella of "masterpiece" to me, especially considering the minute time utilized to concieve of, create, and release it? This would be that game.
I'm so glad I played this game organically because I can tell the ending wouldn't have messed me up as much as it did if I hadn't, and although when I played the 3ds version 8 years ago, I still liked the ending a lot, I relied heavily on a walkthrough for a, frankly, simplified version of the gameplay present in the original. If their was ever a Nintendo game that falls under the umbrella of "masterpiece" to me, especially considering the minute time utilized to concieve of, create, and release it? This would be that game.
Infinite Wealth is going to tear me apart.
I haven't played through Intermission just yet but I can say this: Rebirth and Reunion(?) Are gonna be some of the best games ever made. They nailed the "remake" aspect of this game to a T, it expands upon the original in ways I never imagined it would and then some. I feel so lucky to have been able to play it for the first time while Rebirth's release is just around the corner because zamn.... having the game fresh on my mind going is gonna make it hit 10x harder I can already TELL. It is insane how faithful this game stays to the original experience while simultaneously turning that around and adding its own flair to what was already their. Here I was, a fool, believing enemy battle uniqueness would be lost in the transition from ATB RPG to a more standard ARPG formula but nope, they each feel like they bring that same novelty to the table, and I'm left in shock every time. The characters TOO man, they're all so much more fleshed out than they were at this point in the OG, (comes with the territory of turning a 7 hr section into a 35 hr experience, sure, but they filled that time with moments that only amplified my enjoyment these already fascinating characters) then the allusions to later events in the original for the purpose of setting up an overarching message...... Bro.
There are three games that will make up my early part of next year and those are P3R, Infinite Wealth, and Rebirth ONLY.
There are three games that will make up my early part of next year and those are P3R, Infinite Wealth, and Rebirth ONLY.
Lloyd W Bannings HOLY SHIT they COOKED when they were dreaming up this man
2001
James Sunderland's no good, very bad day.
This is logging for both Our Confession and Last Note without accounting for the rest of the story.
I was pleasantly surprised with both stories, much much moreso than half of Tsubasa and Hane. I never expected Last Note in particular to give closure to a character I believed never to be far far out of the realm of possibility towards being brought up again so boy that was a ton of bricks and a half. I've seen a few people describe it as "Ange's Saikoroshi" and I.... honestly feel that's an apt description, especially in terms of content. It manages to handle similar themes but in that same Umineko vein I'd come to expect from the series.
Our Confession was really cool, being that it was another possible fragment blatantly shown off... but what really made it tick for me was the meta conversation between /those two/ at the end. Not quite as thought provoking or emotional as Last Note, but still a worthwhile addition and read.
It's absolutely insane to me that after 4 and a half years after finishing Umineko I just so happened to finish Saku's side stories on October 4th after my reread and somehow that WASN'T a premeditated decision. Not only that, the 4 year anniversary since Ciconia Phase 1 (and Saku) was released as well. Only one conclusion can be drawn from this fact: Ryukishi if you don't give us news I will die I need it inject it into my veins my guy I'm fading ... slowly, slowly
I was pleasantly surprised with both stories, much much moreso than half of Tsubasa and Hane. I never expected Last Note in particular to give closure to a character I believed never to be far far out of the realm of possibility towards being brought up again so boy that was a ton of bricks and a half. I've seen a few people describe it as "Ange's Saikoroshi" and I.... honestly feel that's an apt description, especially in terms of content. It manages to handle similar themes but in that same Umineko vein I'd come to expect from the series.
Our Confession was really cool, being that it was another possible fragment blatantly shown off... but what really made it tick for me was the meta conversation between /those two/ at the end. Not quite as thought provoking or emotional as Last Note, but still a worthwhile addition and read.
It's absolutely insane to me that after 4 and a half years after finishing Umineko I just so happened to finish Saku's side stories on October 4th after my reread and somehow that WASN'T a premeditated decision. Not only that, the 4 year anniversary since Ciconia Phase 1 (and Saku) was released as well. Only one conclusion can be drawn from this fact: Ryukishi if you don't give us news I will die I need it inject it into my veins my guy I'm fading ... slowly, slowly
PEMDAS BATTLER DE PUTA
This is to cover a 2 year long replay of the initial 4 episodes and despite how long it took me to reach this point, I haven't had this much fun with a replay likely ever. It's the reason why I was actually able to finish (or at least part of it), despite everything. I almost never finish the replays that I start up for a myraid of reasons, but welp... that Umineko brainrot hits hard when it decides to 🥲
I don't know when I'll get around to the dreaded yet necessary Chiru reread so it may be a two year journey in the making too... however that seems somehow unlikely at this point. Umineko is without question a brilliant story to me. One that I will take with me throughout the rest of my life, it has given me an innumerable amount of moments of genuine happiness. Everytime I reflect on its core, its heart, to use Umineko's coined, trademark terms... I realize that it goes so far beyond 'just another story' for me and has irreversibly made it's mark on my life and way of thinking, much for the better, I'd argue.
When I first read Umineko, I was a dumb kid who, while surprisingly putting my fair share of thought into it for the time, couldn't have nearly understood the full scope of its impact on me and its message until much, much later. Even after the credits rolled on episode 8, and I was left with naught but a tear streaked face and pure admiration, it took many more reexaminings of it for me to take away what I've finally managed to wrest from deep beneath the initial surface level inlet of understanding I had grasped from my initial read alone.
I love this story so much, and honestly... I feel with certainty I can proclaim "this game will have a happy ending" miles before that scene rears its ugly head
I don't know when I'll get around to the dreaded yet necessary Chiru reread so it may be a two year journey in the making too... however that seems somehow unlikely at this point. Umineko is without question a brilliant story to me. One that I will take with me throughout the rest of my life, it has given me an innumerable amount of moments of genuine happiness. Everytime I reflect on its core, its heart, to use Umineko's coined, trademark terms... I realize that it goes so far beyond 'just another story' for me and has irreversibly made it's mark on my life and way of thinking, much for the better, I'd argue.
When I first read Umineko, I was a dumb kid who, while surprisingly putting my fair share of thought into it for the time, couldn't have nearly understood the full scope of its impact on me and its message until much, much later. Even after the credits rolled on episode 8, and I was left with naught but a tear streaked face and pure admiration, it took many more reexaminings of it for me to take away what I've finally managed to wrest from deep beneath the initial surface level inlet of understanding I had grasped from my initial read alone.
I love this story so much, and honestly... I feel with certainty I can proclaim "this game will have a happy ending" miles before that scene rears its ugly head
Do I hear greatest segue sequel out there...?
Going once... going twice...
SOLD to the game with Kevin Graham & cohorts
Going once... going twice...
SOLD to the game with Kevin Graham & cohorts
Disjointed,, to a fault
I was ready to blow my brains out before the story was finally over, it was unbelievably dull I'm sorry Squeenix lmfao
Major props to Gen Kobayashi (TWEWY character design) though, very sleek and simple designs...sometimes that's just all you need
I was ready to blow my brains out before the story was finally over, it was unbelievably dull I'm sorry Squeenix lmfao
Major props to Gen Kobayashi (TWEWY character design) though, very sleek and simple designs...sometimes that's just all you need
2022
Really cool!!! Can't help feeling a tad underbaked as a result of its short run time but hey, neato game indeed..
Garry is da coolest I just wish the man knew not to look a gift handkerchief in the mouth
Garry is da coolest I just wish the man knew not to look a gift handkerchief in the mouth
2023
HIGH-KEY the greatest game in the series, what a ride Capcom has been through over the past four years remaking all the good Resident Evil games... since they've run out of ones most people enjoy I assume this train has finally trekked through its final locale lol
For serious though this game is just brimming with insanely good ideas to make the game feel fresh to veteran players, once the credits rolled I was just thinking to myself "well damn now all the people who've yet to play the original can go do that now!" Because they just feel like two separate entities VIBES wise. It's amazing how they straight up said we're gonna make one of the most groundbreaking games of its time in 2005 and then pretty much do it again but better. Although the adjective groundbreaking may not apply so much nowadays... they went insane on this game.
For serious though this game is just brimming with insanely good ideas to make the game feel fresh to veteran players, once the credits rolled I was just thinking to myself "well damn now all the people who've yet to play the original can go do that now!" Because they just feel like two separate entities VIBES wise. It's amazing how they straight up said we're gonna make one of the most groundbreaking games of its time in 2005 and then pretty much do it again but better. Although the adjective groundbreaking may not apply so much nowadays... they went insane on this game.