Feb. 18, 2023
By Esteban Ramirez
Staff Writer
Yakuza 0 is a compelling action-adventure game and a prequel to the Yakuza series. It was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. The game takes place in a fictionalized recreation of Japan’s Kabukichō and Dōtonbori named Kamurocho and Sotenbori, respectively, in 1988 during the bubble era. It is available on Playstation, Steam and Xbox.
Kamurocho and Sotenbori are colorful districts that are easy to recognize and get lost in. They are filled to the brim with character as well as restaurants, stores, unforgettable karaoke and games including blackjack, darts, mahjong and billiards.
Yakuza 0 is a prequel, so if you choose to play the later games, it is interesting to see how they evolve.
In Yakuza 0, users play as Kiryu Kazuma and Goro Majima in the battle for ownership of Kamurocho’s empty lot, a plot of empty land at the very center of the district. Involving a huge cast of characters from different crime families and organizations, each with their own selfish or more virtuous motivations in their pursuit of power. The story gives users all the pieces of the puzzle fairly early and slowly unravels to reveal a hidden player. While Kiryu and Majima are not directly connected at first, their actions move the same plot forward. It is easy to respect certain antagonists users face, but not all can be redeemed. The game is a prequel, but it is a perfect starting point for new players to the series as well as long-time fans.
Kiryu and Majima are vastly different in both their role and combat. Each character has three fighting styles and a hidden style unlockable from completing their respective businesses. The heat bar is located under the health bar, and as users attack enemies, it rises, increasing speed and damage, but it can be spent to use powerful cinematic heat moves that deal high damage.
Kiryu’s Brawler and Majima’s Thug are the first styles users will play with. Brawler is a straightforward mix of damage and speed, portraying Kiryu’s stubborn nature through counterattacks and relentless brute force. Moves in this style are taught by Bacchus. Thug is the Brawler equivalent but instead portrays Majima’s use of underhanded tactics like a swift poke to the enemy’s eyes and wild acrobatics. Being much more agile, special moves in this style are taught by battling Komeki, who in later games teaches Kiryu his signature style.
While users can run through the game, it has phenomenal side content that is also highly engaging.
Kiryu’s Rush and Majima’s Breaker styles are a tradeoff of damage for more speed. Rush has long and fast combos, each hit dealing less damage. His block turns into a weave, and he gains several swift dodges that can be used mid-combo. Breaker lets Majima breakdance and spins around in a fight, utilizing his agility and wild nature to a terrifying degree.
Kiryu’s Beast and Majima’s Slugger styles are heavier stances. Beast has slow movement, but insane damage, and allows Kiryu to swing any object in his vicinity for massive damage. Slugger showcases Majima’s proficiency with weapons, specifically a baseball bat he finds on the ground. He swings wide and creates serious damage but often clashes into walls, and when he misses an attack, it puts users in a position to be easily countered.
The combat is absurdly fun, utilizing heat at the right moment to take down larger enemies. Additionally, weaving in and out of stances to fit your position is exciting. Fights can make users feel like an immovable wall, a feeling that is utilized in later games in the series.
While users can run through the game, it has phenomenal side content that is also highly engaging. Substories are optional mini-stories that can be stumbled upon through exploration. They are plentiful and really funny, as they put the otherwise very serious main characters in laughable situations and are perfect to play. Some memorable stories include finding the secret password for a shady business purely to satisfy Kiryu’s curiosity, singing and dancing on a bridge, helping to create the new tax, playing with little remote-controlled cars and receiving a chicken named Nugget for bowling three strikes in a row.
Kiryu and Majima both have their own business to earn money. Kiryu works in real estate, buying buildings and investing for payout. Majima works as the manager of a cabaret club. He is in charge of customer service and learns hand signals through trial and error. The substories play into the businesses, as characters may appear to offer their help. One of these characters is the chicken named Nugget, who manages real estate. Both businesses have their own story, with five villains to go up against. As users progress, completion unlocks each character’s hidden fighting style.
Yakuza 0 is massive, but for the most part, it lets users play at their own pace and does not overwhelm them with missions to accomplish. While the completion of some substories is tedious and the story takes a bit of time to pick up, these come nowhere near the strengths. I give this game a 10/10, and for just $20, it is worth trying.
Kiryu dances at the disco.
SCREENSHOTS BY ESTEBAN RAMIREZ
