[12/28/23]
I'm starting to realize that I enjoy some of the more personal stories from Kiryu over some of the larger scale events like the whole Tojo v. Omi fight in 2 and whatever the hell was going on in 5. I dunno, I kinda forgot because it was too damn long.
A lot can happen in the 30 since Kiryu's story started, huh? So many characters have aged, and it's bittersweet. At least Kamurocho is as flashy as ever. The combat makes more sense here than in Kiwami 2, Onomichi is alright, and I'm finally used to the XP system here. Only took me 5 games since it's premature debut since I played them chronologically.
For a game focused on being the supposed end of Kiryu's story, it feels weird that it's actually that and doesn't really focus on other Yakuza mainstays. When Akiyama is the most prevalent returning character that isn't Date or Haruka, you know something's up. This journey is more focused on Kiryu as time catches up to him, and for a game subtitled "The Song of Life", it's fitting that family is the big focus of the game.
Anyway, I think this game is good in the same sense Yakuza 3 is good. Gameplay isn't the strong suit, but after two relatively bombastic adventures, something that gives Kiryu instead of the Dragon of Dojima time to breathe will always be welcome. I just don't think this is as good as an ending for Kiryu's story as it could have been. I hope Infinite Wealth or even Gaiden makes up for it.
I'm starting to realize that I enjoy some of the more personal stories from Kiryu over some of the larger scale events like the whole Tojo v. Omi fight in 2 and whatever the hell was going on in 5. I dunno, I kinda forgot because it was too damn long.
A lot can happen in the 30 since Kiryu's story started, huh? So many characters have aged, and it's bittersweet. At least Kamurocho is as flashy as ever. The combat makes more sense here than in Kiwami 2, Onomichi is alright, and I'm finally used to the XP system here. Only took me 5 games since it's premature debut since I played them chronologically.
For a game focused on being the supposed end of Kiryu's story, it feels weird that it's actually that and doesn't really focus on other Yakuza mainstays. When Akiyama is the most prevalent returning character that isn't Date or Haruka, you know something's up. This journey is more focused on Kiryu as time catches up to him, and for a game subtitled "The Song of Life", it's fitting that family is the big focus of the game.
Anyway, I think this game is good in the same sense Yakuza 3 is good. Gameplay isn't the strong suit, but after two relatively bombastic adventures, something that gives Kiryu instead of the Dragon of Dojima time to breathe will always be welcome. I just don't think this is as good as an ending for Kiryu's story as it could have been. I hope Infinite Wealth or even Gaiden makes up for it.