Full review over at my website: https://www.nepikigaming.com/reviews/yakuza-0/
''This was my first endeavour into the Yakuza franchise, and what a sublime experience it was, providing me with a feeling like there is nothing else like it on the market. And this feeling all has to do with multiple strong points that synergize really well with each other. The game had a constantly engaging story that wasn’t just written really well, but also had plot twists around every corner that did not feel forced at all. It is further complemented by the colourful characters that are not only part of the story, but also of the substories that show the more characteristic side of the franchise. And really, I cannot understate how much character this game has, from the super-serious moments to the hilariously awkward cutscenes that blend seemingly well together. Not to mention the lively cities of Kamurucho and Sotenbori, filled with activities such as minigames around every corner, or thugs looking for a fight in the solid beat ’em up gameplay style with many beautiful gory heat actions. Going for completion did make me look more critically at minigames, specifically for the western audience as the western board games have very poor in-game explanations to them, but I don’t feel the issues I had with the minigames were enough to hinder the overall pleasure I had completing this game. I just wouldn’t quickly do it all over again, but given that I am very hyped now to explore more of this franchise, that will happen… sooner or later.''
''This was my first endeavour into the Yakuza franchise, and what a sublime experience it was, providing me with a feeling like there is nothing else like it on the market. And this feeling all has to do with multiple strong points that synergize really well with each other. The game had a constantly engaging story that wasn’t just written really well, but also had plot twists around every corner that did not feel forced at all. It is further complemented by the colourful characters that are not only part of the story, but also of the substories that show the more characteristic side of the franchise. And really, I cannot understate how much character this game has, from the super-serious moments to the hilariously awkward cutscenes that blend seemingly well together. Not to mention the lively cities of Kamurucho and Sotenbori, filled with activities such as minigames around every corner, or thugs looking for a fight in the solid beat ’em up gameplay style with many beautiful gory heat actions. Going for completion did make me look more critically at minigames, specifically for the western audience as the western board games have very poor in-game explanations to them, but I don’t feel the issues I had with the minigames were enough to hinder the overall pleasure I had completing this game. I just wouldn’t quickly do it all over again, but given that I am very hyped now to explore more of this franchise, that will happen… sooner or later.''