Yakuza 4 was initially released for the PlayStation 3 in March of 2010 in Japan and March of 2011 in North America. Just like every Yakuza game released on the PlayStation 3, a remaster of Yakuza 4 was released worldwide for the PlayStation 4 on October 29, 2019. As the fourth entry in this long running series, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios felt the need to expand both the game world and character roster for this release, therefore leading to the largest shake-up in the history of the Yakuza series - the introduction of four playable characters. These four characters—Masayoshi Tanimura, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and Kazuma Kiryu—have their own unique fighting styles, backstories, substories, motivations, revelations, and minigames that makes them each feel unique. While all of these characters inevitably end up exploring the expanded Kamurocho, now with an expansive rooftop and underground area to explore, they each embark on their own separate journeys that eventually collide to form a single complex narrative. A narrative that not only functions as a sequel to the events of Yakuza 3, but also deals with the consequences of actions taken in Yakuza 0, the aftermath of Yakuza 1, and the failure of Kiryu as the Fourth Chairman and protector of the Tojo Clan.
As previously mentioned, Yakuza 4 introduces four distinctive playable characters. While the gameplay for each character stays true to the series' core - visceral hand-to-hand combat, engaging story-driven narrative, and a plethora of side activities for each character to interact with - all four protagonists are unique and have their own particular fighting style that is worth diving into.
The first character players are introduced to, and my personal favorite out of the four, is Shun Akiyama. Akiyama is introduced as a wealthy loan shark who owns and operates the credit company Sky Finance with his dutiful secretary Hana and the cabaret club Elise. With his laid-back and charismatic personality, Akiyama is an instantly likable character who will grow on the player as his backstory is revealed and his relationship with the citizens of Kamurocho and his secretary comes to light. Akiyama employs an agile and fluid fighting style, excelling in fancy footwork thanks to a wide range of kicks and hard hitting Heat Actions. Akiyama’s speed, however, has the drawback of lacking damage output when compared to the other playable characters, and his limited defense makes him vulnerable to attacks from larger foes. Without spoiling the plot, Akiyama's story arc involves financial mystery, complex relationships, love, betrayal, murder, and his journey to uncover the truth behind various conspiracies in Kamurocho. Akiyama's character brings a breath of fresh air to the Yakuza series, making him a beloved and memorable addition to the game's ensemble of characters.
The second character players are introduced to is Taiga Saejima, a formidable and stoic individual who has been on death row for the last twenty-five years. Saejima’s history and infamy within the Tojo Clan is deep, having been a member of the Tojo Clan's Sasai Family, being a sworn brother of Goro Majima, and the lone assassin of eighteen Ueno Seiwa Clan members in a brutal attack in 1985. As is likely apparent from his size, Saejima’s fighting style is all about brute force, relying on his immense strength to pummel enemies into submission. Thanks to Saejima’s massive size and bulk he is able to deliver high damage dealing punches and incredibly powerful grapples and throws. Nevertheless, his slow movements and attacks can be challenging to handle and will leave him open to attack if the player is careless with positioning. Saejima's storyline in Yakuza 4 revolves around his quest for redemption and uncovering the truth behind the Ueno Seiwa Clan Massacre. His journey takes him through a series of challenges, confrontations, and self-discovery, as he seeks to atone for his past actions and make amends for the betrayal he endured. His character is a symbol of resilience, strength, and the pursuit of redemption within the Yakuza world.
Masayoshi Tanimura is the third character players gain control of in Yakuza 4 and, thanks to his background and occupation, brings a unique perspective to the game's narrative. Tanimura is a detective in Kamurocho who specializes in dealing with non-Japanese residents, particularly the Chinese community. Tanimura is characterized by his strong sense of justice and empathy, which sets him apart from the typical Yakuza protagonist. While it is fair to say that most of the protagonists in the series show some sort of empathy in the several sub-stories that center around helping individuals and all of them seek justice, it is the way Tanimura goes about seeking justice and who he shows empathy towards that makes him unique. Unlike most in Kamurocho and throughout Japan, Tanimura has a deep and empathetic connection with the non-Japanese citizens of Kamurocho. Whether they be Chinese, Vietnamese, or some other Asian country, Tanimura helps these individuals navigate the complexities of life in a foreign land and aids them in finding a place in the world. His interactions with the Chinese community in particular reveal his commitment to offering support and protection to those who are often marginalized or face discrimination. After the betrayal of Koreans in Yakuza 2, this is nice to see and something that is expanded upon in later entries in the series (i.e. Yakuza: Like a Dragon). When it comes to fighting, however, Tanimura adopts a counter-based approach that turns enemy attacks against them. While he's a skilled defensive fighter, his slower attack animations and limited offensive damage makes him the weakest of the four in my opinion. His counter-based fighting style is interesting, but is counterintuitive when compared to the other three fighters on the Yakuza 4 roster. Tanimura's story throughout the game intertwines his quest for justice with his dedication to aiding the vulnerable in Kamurocho. As a character who goes beyond the typical Yakuza archetype, Tanimura's journey is one of compassion, moral integrity, and the pursuit of justice within the context of a city filled with crime and corruption. His unique role in the narrative adds much needed depth and diversity.
Finally, Kiryu Kazuma functions as the games final playable character and is introduced in the aptly named chapter “Reunion.” While Kiryu’s role in Yakuza 4 is more limited compared to previous games, Kiryu's presence remains essential to the Yakuza universe. After shadows of his past literally wash up on his doorstep, Kiryu once again becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, crime, and personal challenges as he grapples with his responsibilities within the Tojo Clan. Kiryu’s fighting style in this installment remains mostly unchanged from prior entries and is really Yakuza 4’s best all around fighter. With a variety of attacks and agility at his disposal, Kiryu is as powerful as he has always been and can dismantle an onslaught of enemies with little issue. While his fighting style can feel less specialized than the other protagonists, it doesn’t detract from the joy of once again playing as the Dragon of Dojima after several hours with the other three protagonists of Yakuza 4. Kiryu's story in this installment revolves around his realization that he can no longer avoid his responsibilities as a Tojo Clan leader. He ultimately must decide whether his life as father-figure at Morning Glory Orphanage or his duties as the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan are more important. This subtle character development, mostly thanks to the events of Yakuza 3, reflects his commitment to upholding the values and honor of the Yakuza world, even when he's not at the forefront of the action.
Ultimately, the choice of character will depend on your preferred playstyle, and each protagonist brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the game's combat system and overall story. I personally prefer the fast kicks, swift movements, and suave of Akiyama, but others swear by the counters of Masayoshi Tanimura.
On a visual and auditory level, the remaster doesn't aim to compete with the latest triple A titles but excels at what Ryu Ga Gotoko Studios does best - capturing the essence of the Yakuza universe. This of course means providing an incredibly detailed and vibrant Kamurocho that feels alive and authentic. You are able to hear and see the sights and sounds of Kamurocho come alive as you pass the cabaret clubs, convenience stores, and karaoke bars that line its streets. There is never a dull moment in Kamurocho and this is obviously apparent from what appears on screen and what comes out of the speakers when playing this game. Yakuza 4, much like every Yakuza game, is able to immerse players in its gritty atmosphere unlike any other game is able to do. This is one of the hallmarks and selling points of the franchise and something that Yakuza 4 does in spades.
The main story of Yakuza 4 is just as engrossing as any other in the series. It oozes mystery and neatly connects past events long forgotten to bring the last three entries in the series full circle. The main story, however, is far from all that is available for players to experience. There is a never ending supply of side activities, minigames, and sub-stories to engage with that only become more and more wacky and fun with each game in the Yakuza universe. Whether you're singing your heart out in karaoke, playing darts, or diving into sub-stories that range from heartwarming to absurd, there's never a lack of something to do in any Yakuza title.
However, not everything about Yakuza 4 is perfect. Traversing the crowded streets of Kamurocho's Chinatown can be an exercise in frustration, with cramped spaces and an overwhelming number of NPCs to try and avoid. Furthermore, certain boss fights in this game can become overwhelmingly difficult. One in particular is a recurring boss fight against Saito, a prison guard that appears in Saejima’s part of the story. After playing nearly every game in this franchise at this point, I can say that Saito is by far the worst boss fight in any Yakuza game and I despise anytime his face is on screen.
Overall, Yakuza 4 Remastered offers an engaging narrative with a diverse cast of characters and a deeply immersive world. While the gameplay has its hiccups, it delivers intense brawls and plenty of side activities to enjoy. The visuals and sound design contribute to the game's atmosphere, and its replayability, supported by an array of minigames and sub-stories, ensures you'll never run out of things to do in Kamurocho.
As previously mentioned, Yakuza 4 introduces four distinctive playable characters. While the gameplay for each character stays true to the series' core - visceral hand-to-hand combat, engaging story-driven narrative, and a plethora of side activities for each character to interact with - all four protagonists are unique and have their own particular fighting style that is worth diving into.
The first character players are introduced to, and my personal favorite out of the four, is Shun Akiyama. Akiyama is introduced as a wealthy loan shark who owns and operates the credit company Sky Finance with his dutiful secretary Hana and the cabaret club Elise. With his laid-back and charismatic personality, Akiyama is an instantly likable character who will grow on the player as his backstory is revealed and his relationship with the citizens of Kamurocho and his secretary comes to light. Akiyama employs an agile and fluid fighting style, excelling in fancy footwork thanks to a wide range of kicks and hard hitting Heat Actions. Akiyama’s speed, however, has the drawback of lacking damage output when compared to the other playable characters, and his limited defense makes him vulnerable to attacks from larger foes. Without spoiling the plot, Akiyama's story arc involves financial mystery, complex relationships, love, betrayal, murder, and his journey to uncover the truth behind various conspiracies in Kamurocho. Akiyama's character brings a breath of fresh air to the Yakuza series, making him a beloved and memorable addition to the game's ensemble of characters.
The second character players are introduced to is Taiga Saejima, a formidable and stoic individual who has been on death row for the last twenty-five years. Saejima’s history and infamy within the Tojo Clan is deep, having been a member of the Tojo Clan's Sasai Family, being a sworn brother of Goro Majima, and the lone assassin of eighteen Ueno Seiwa Clan members in a brutal attack in 1985. As is likely apparent from his size, Saejima’s fighting style is all about brute force, relying on his immense strength to pummel enemies into submission. Thanks to Saejima’s massive size and bulk he is able to deliver high damage dealing punches and incredibly powerful grapples and throws. Nevertheless, his slow movements and attacks can be challenging to handle and will leave him open to attack if the player is careless with positioning. Saejima's storyline in Yakuza 4 revolves around his quest for redemption and uncovering the truth behind the Ueno Seiwa Clan Massacre. His journey takes him through a series of challenges, confrontations, and self-discovery, as he seeks to atone for his past actions and make amends for the betrayal he endured. His character is a symbol of resilience, strength, and the pursuit of redemption within the Yakuza world.
Masayoshi Tanimura is the third character players gain control of in Yakuza 4 and, thanks to his background and occupation, brings a unique perspective to the game's narrative. Tanimura is a detective in Kamurocho who specializes in dealing with non-Japanese residents, particularly the Chinese community. Tanimura is characterized by his strong sense of justice and empathy, which sets him apart from the typical Yakuza protagonist. While it is fair to say that most of the protagonists in the series show some sort of empathy in the several sub-stories that center around helping individuals and all of them seek justice, it is the way Tanimura goes about seeking justice and who he shows empathy towards that makes him unique. Unlike most in Kamurocho and throughout Japan, Tanimura has a deep and empathetic connection with the non-Japanese citizens of Kamurocho. Whether they be Chinese, Vietnamese, or some other Asian country, Tanimura helps these individuals navigate the complexities of life in a foreign land and aids them in finding a place in the world. His interactions with the Chinese community in particular reveal his commitment to offering support and protection to those who are often marginalized or face discrimination. After the betrayal of Koreans in Yakuza 2, this is nice to see and something that is expanded upon in later entries in the series (i.e. Yakuza: Like a Dragon). When it comes to fighting, however, Tanimura adopts a counter-based approach that turns enemy attacks against them. While he's a skilled defensive fighter, his slower attack animations and limited offensive damage makes him the weakest of the four in my opinion. His counter-based fighting style is interesting, but is counterintuitive when compared to the other three fighters on the Yakuza 4 roster. Tanimura's story throughout the game intertwines his quest for justice with his dedication to aiding the vulnerable in Kamurocho. As a character who goes beyond the typical Yakuza archetype, Tanimura's journey is one of compassion, moral integrity, and the pursuit of justice within the context of a city filled with crime and corruption. His unique role in the narrative adds much needed depth and diversity.
Finally, Kiryu Kazuma functions as the games final playable character and is introduced in the aptly named chapter “Reunion.” While Kiryu’s role in Yakuza 4 is more limited compared to previous games, Kiryu's presence remains essential to the Yakuza universe. After shadows of his past literally wash up on his doorstep, Kiryu once again becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, crime, and personal challenges as he grapples with his responsibilities within the Tojo Clan. Kiryu’s fighting style in this installment remains mostly unchanged from prior entries and is really Yakuza 4’s best all around fighter. With a variety of attacks and agility at his disposal, Kiryu is as powerful as he has always been and can dismantle an onslaught of enemies with little issue. While his fighting style can feel less specialized than the other protagonists, it doesn’t detract from the joy of once again playing as the Dragon of Dojima after several hours with the other three protagonists of Yakuza 4. Kiryu's story in this installment revolves around his realization that he can no longer avoid his responsibilities as a Tojo Clan leader. He ultimately must decide whether his life as father-figure at Morning Glory Orphanage or his duties as the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan are more important. This subtle character development, mostly thanks to the events of Yakuza 3, reflects his commitment to upholding the values and honor of the Yakuza world, even when he's not at the forefront of the action.
Ultimately, the choice of character will depend on your preferred playstyle, and each protagonist brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the game's combat system and overall story. I personally prefer the fast kicks, swift movements, and suave of Akiyama, but others swear by the counters of Masayoshi Tanimura.
On a visual and auditory level, the remaster doesn't aim to compete with the latest triple A titles but excels at what Ryu Ga Gotoko Studios does best - capturing the essence of the Yakuza universe. This of course means providing an incredibly detailed and vibrant Kamurocho that feels alive and authentic. You are able to hear and see the sights and sounds of Kamurocho come alive as you pass the cabaret clubs, convenience stores, and karaoke bars that line its streets. There is never a dull moment in Kamurocho and this is obviously apparent from what appears on screen and what comes out of the speakers when playing this game. Yakuza 4, much like every Yakuza game, is able to immerse players in its gritty atmosphere unlike any other game is able to do. This is one of the hallmarks and selling points of the franchise and something that Yakuza 4 does in spades.
The main story of Yakuza 4 is just as engrossing as any other in the series. It oozes mystery and neatly connects past events long forgotten to bring the last three entries in the series full circle. The main story, however, is far from all that is available for players to experience. There is a never ending supply of side activities, minigames, and sub-stories to engage with that only become more and more wacky and fun with each game in the Yakuza universe. Whether you're singing your heart out in karaoke, playing darts, or diving into sub-stories that range from heartwarming to absurd, there's never a lack of something to do in any Yakuza title.
However, not everything about Yakuza 4 is perfect. Traversing the crowded streets of Kamurocho's Chinatown can be an exercise in frustration, with cramped spaces and an overwhelming number of NPCs to try and avoid. Furthermore, certain boss fights in this game can become overwhelmingly difficult. One in particular is a recurring boss fight against Saito, a prison guard that appears in Saejima’s part of the story. After playing nearly every game in this franchise at this point, I can say that Saito is by far the worst boss fight in any Yakuza game and I despise anytime his face is on screen.
Overall, Yakuza 4 Remastered offers an engaging narrative with a diverse cast of characters and a deeply immersive world. While the gameplay has its hiccups, it delivers intense brawls and plenty of side activities to enjoy. The visuals and sound design contribute to the game's atmosphere, and its replayability, supported by an array of minigames and sub-stories, ensures you'll never run out of things to do in Kamurocho.