There's nothing quite like the Yakuza franchise. The long-running crime series is far more than just "Japanese GTA," as some may disparagingly dub it: Yakuza weaves a compelling and fascinating tale of friendship, betrayal, and honor, while just so happening to also feature over-the-top combat and some of the funniest writing ever seen in AAA gaming.
Recently, Yakuza Kiwami, a remake of the first game in the series, has come to the Nintendo Switch, marking the franchise's first release on Nintendo's famous handheld. Somewhat surprisingly, Kiwami is "selling like hot cakes" on the Switch, with Ryu Ga Gotoku head Masayoshi Yokoyama describing the company's initial sales projections for the port as "conservative." Unexpected or not, this is great news for the franchise, not only for the obvious financial reasons, but also because it proves there's a passionate market for the Yakuza franchise on Nintendo's current hardware. As both RGG and Nintendo move forward with their respective business strategies, they should keep in close contact.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii May Move the Needle, But It Doesn't Need To
LAD: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to innovate with Majima's swashbuckling adventures, but there's equal merit to the features it's bringing back.
More Yakuza Games Deserve a Release On the Nintendo Switch 2
The Yakuza Games Are a Natural Fit for the Switch
It should go without saying that the Switch is great for a lot of different gaming experiences, but it is better suited to some genres than others. So-called "cozy" titles like Stardew Valley can work well on the system, as they are easily segmented and compartmentalized, either by way of certain in-game tasks or an in-game schedule. Many RPGs, like those in the Persona franchise, are great on Switch for similar reasons: the handheld design makes it easy to engage in quick gameplay sessions, which is fitting for lengthy games with micromanaging elements or grinding.
Though Yakuza is fundamentally different from the aforementioned examples in several ways, it is still a great match for the Switch thanks to the same broad-strokes design elements. Yakuza is defined by its various minigames, which are often engaging and extensive, as well as smaller, self-contained side stories removed from the central plot. Countless open-world games and RPGs lean into a sense of grand adventure at every turn, but Yakuza likes to slow down as much as possible, giving players a chance to catch their breath, even if only for a few minutes.
These design choices, coupled with the quaint nature of the series' small-scale maps, synergize nicely with bite-sized gaming sessions, which the Switch is perfect for. On the Switch, players can delve into the immersive world of Yakuza for just a half-hour or so, make some progress, see some self-contained stories, and leave satisfied. The handheld form-factor may also elevate the intimate story and world design for many players.
The Switch 2's Hardware Evolution Could Make for Much Better Yakuza Ports
Though Yakuza Kiwami's Switch release has been successful and well-received, the port isn't without its problems. The pain points of the re-release are the Switch's usual suspects: graphics and performance. The long-outdated hardware of Nintendo's best-selling device isn't a concern for everyone, of course, but for those who value things like a consistent FPS and high resolution, other Yakuza games on the Switch could be a tough sell.
Luckily, Nintendo has a new and improved version of the Switch on the way. Assuming the Switch 2 manages to retain the form factor of its predecessor while providing better visuals, performance, and processing power, it could wind up being the ideal way to play more high-fidelity games in the Yakuza franchise, like Yakuza Zero and Like a Dragon. As RGG moves forward with releases like Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, it should definitely keep the Switch successor in mind.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 81%
- Released
- August 29, 2017
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ / Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Simulated Gambling, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega, Deep Silver
WHERE TO PLAY
Take the fall for a murder and emerge from prison 10 years later to yakuza clans on the brink of a war that hurtles you on an intense journey of love, humanity, and betrayal, fueled by your fists and unyielding resolve, set against a bustling red-light district in modern-day Japan.
Dynamically switch between 4 fighting styles (brutal "Brawler", speedy "Rush", overpowering "Beast", legendary "Dragon"), while utilizing makeshift weapons scattered around the streets to takedown hordes of enemies in realistic fights that are exhilarating and fun for anyone to pick up and play.
After breaking some faces, take a break from the main story to enjoy the immersive nightlife activities scattered throughout the city like karaoke, the casino, cabaret club, arcade, batting cages and more as you encounter colorful characters from all walks of life.
- Engine
- Dragon Engine
- Franchise
- Yakuza
- PC Release Date
- August 29, 2017
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- October 24, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 18 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
