I've started playing Yakuza 0 as of late, and while that's all fine and dandy, it's not the only Yakuza game that's been on my mind currently, and of course I'm alluding to the original title, this one. In fact, this game in specific has refused to leave my headspace ever since I initially played it back in July.
Whether it be a relisten to the soundtrack, shilling this game to my friends, reading or watching reviews, I somehow just cannot get enough of Yakuza 1. The aesthetics of PS2 Kamurocho, thriving with atmosphere. The amazing depiction of the city showing the dirty underbelly of the streets, containing drunkards, the homeless, and of course yakuza. That reverb drum beat sound upon entering a battle as those head bumping, sample heavy tunes begin to intensify, getting your blood pumping. Impactful and crunchy sounds blare out of the speakers as the quick, but brutal heat action animations flash onscreen in your fight for survival. Taking a breather in an almost Resident Evil type save room, organizing your inventory and slowly healing. knowing that in this moment you're safe from the brutality of the yakuza world.
Accompanied by the somewhat slow at times but immersive exploration and combat segments you invest into the city of Kamurocho, chock full of secrets, personality, alleyways, and stores. Maybe take a moment off-course from your main quest and do a substory, many of which have fully animated and voiced cutscenes. Every single pixel of Yakuza is seeping with detail and ambition, and despite being a rather short game, feels like a complete experience.
Even four games later, I still can't let go of Yakuza. While I do agree with the general sentiment that Yakuza 2 is the better game, and hell it's my favorite over this one, but the original has always left me wanting to return back to it someday, and I plan on letting that happen again. If you couldn't tell by now, I sort of consider both Yakuza 1 and 2 some of my favorite pieces of media ever, and I doubt that could ever change. These two games get dismissed by people so frequently despite their great qualities, and I feel it's about time that they get the recognition they deserve.
Whether it be a relisten to the soundtrack, shilling this game to my friends, reading or watching reviews, I somehow just cannot get enough of Yakuza 1. The aesthetics of PS2 Kamurocho, thriving with atmosphere. The amazing depiction of the city showing the dirty underbelly of the streets, containing drunkards, the homeless, and of course yakuza. That reverb drum beat sound upon entering a battle as those head bumping, sample heavy tunes begin to intensify, getting your blood pumping. Impactful and crunchy sounds blare out of the speakers as the quick, but brutal heat action animations flash onscreen in your fight for survival. Taking a breather in an almost Resident Evil type save room, organizing your inventory and slowly healing. knowing that in this moment you're safe from the brutality of the yakuza world.
Accompanied by the somewhat slow at times but immersive exploration and combat segments you invest into the city of Kamurocho, chock full of secrets, personality, alleyways, and stores. Maybe take a moment off-course from your main quest and do a substory, many of which have fully animated and voiced cutscenes. Every single pixel of Yakuza is seeping with detail and ambition, and despite being a rather short game, feels like a complete experience.
Even four games later, I still can't let go of Yakuza. While I do agree with the general sentiment that Yakuza 2 is the better game, and hell it's my favorite over this one, but the original has always left me wanting to return back to it someday, and I plan on letting that happen again. If you couldn't tell by now, I sort of consider both Yakuza 1 and 2 some of my favorite pieces of media ever, and I doubt that could ever change. These two games get dismissed by people so frequently despite their great qualities, and I feel it's about time that they get the recognition they deserve.