Note: I have played both the English dub and the fan-made Restoration patch that restores the Japanese voice acting and retranslates the game.
While the game does have it's fair share of jank that takes some time to get used to, I do genuinely enjoy Yakuza for what it is and most people over-exaggerate its flaws.
The original game does have its fair share of aspects that are better than in its remake, Yakuza Kiwami. I think the story pacing is better, there's way less bloat than in the remake.
Although Kiryu with no upgrades isn't that fun, the upgrades and Komaki's teachings really will help you enjoy the game a lot more, especially the move that let's you kick from the back and the throws after a finishing blow. But overall, I really enjoyed how simple and straightforward this game is compared to the future entries and I don't believe Kiwami will ever replace it no matter how much SEGA tries to push it.
While the game does have it's fair share of jank that takes some time to get used to, I do genuinely enjoy Yakuza for what it is and most people over-exaggerate its flaws.
The original game does have its fair share of aspects that are better than in its remake, Yakuza Kiwami. I think the story pacing is better, there's way less bloat than in the remake.
Although Kiryu with no upgrades isn't that fun, the upgrades and Komaki's teachings really will help you enjoy the game a lot more, especially the move that let's you kick from the back and the throws after a finishing blow. But overall, I really enjoyed how simple and straightforward this game is compared to the future entries and I don't believe Kiwami will ever replace it no matter how much SEGA tries to push it.