The Yakuza series has become one of the most recognizable franchises in Japanese gaming. For years, it remained a relatively niche experience outside Japan, but that changed as more players discovered its memorable characters, dramatic storytelling, entertaining side activities, and detailed urban environments. The release of Yakuza 0 in the West introduced a new generation of gamers to Kazuma Kiryu, Goro Majima, and the unpredictable world of the franchise.
One of the biggest strengths of the series is its ability to combine serious crime drama with unexpected comedy. Its stories explore loyalty, friendship, betrayal, family, and the complicated lives of people connected to Japan’s criminal underworld. At the same time, players can enjoy karaoke, arcade games, restaurants, side quests, and countless unusual activities throughout the cities.
With several mainline entries, remakes, and spin-offs available, choosing where to begin can feel challenging. Some games are better for newcomers, while others offer a satisfying conclusion to long-running character stories. Here are five of the best Yakuza games that demonstrate why the franchise has earned such a loyal following.
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5. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2018)
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life brings an important chapter of Kazuma Kiryu’s story to a close. After the events of previous games, Kiryu attempts to move forward with his life while continuing to protect the people he cares about. However, a serious incident involving Haruka leaves her in a coma and introduces new challenges for the legendary Dragon of Dojima.
Concerned about Haruka and her young son, Haruto, Kiryu begins investigating what happened. His search takes him beyond the familiar streets of Kamurocho and into Onomichi, a coastal town that provides a different atmosphere from the crowded entertainment districts featured in earlier games.
One of the most noticeable changes is the combat system. Instead of switching between several fighting styles, Kiryu uses a more unified approach to hand-to-hand combat. The Dragon Engine also improves environmental interactions, character animations, and the overall presentation of the world.
Yakuza 6 places considerable emphasis on character development and emotional storytelling. Its narrative explores Kiryu’s responsibilities as a father figure and the sacrifices he makes for the people around him. While some long-time players may miss certain features from earlier entries, the game provides a memorable experience and a meaningful conclusion to Kiryu’s central journey.
4. Yakuza Kiwami (2016)
Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original Yakuza, bringing the beginning of Kazuma Kiryu’s story to modern platforms. The game follows Kiryu after he takes responsibility for a crime he did not commit, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. When he returns to society, he discovers that the situation surrounding the Tojo Clan has changed dramatically.
The story introduces players to the central characters, rivalries, and relationships that shape the wider franchise. It also establishes Kamurocho as one of gaming’s most recognizable urban settings. Although the original game had an engaging crime drama, Yakuza Kiwami improves the experience with updated visuals, redesigned combat mechanics, and additional story content.
Combat is one of the remake’s strongest improvements. Kiryu can switch between different fighting styles, allowing players to approach encounters in several ways. These styles provide flexibility when facing groups of enemies or stronger opponents.
Goro Majima also plays a much larger role through the Majima Everywhere system. His unpredictable appearances create entertaining encounters and give players additional opportunities to improve Kiryu’s abilities. His unusual personality adds humor to a story that otherwise deals with serious criminal conflicts.
For newcomers, Yakuza Kiwami is an excellent way to experience the original chapter of Kiryu’s journey. However, players who want to understand the earlier events chronologically may prefer to begin with Yakuza 0.
3. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2018)
Yakuza Kiwami 2 continues Kiryu’s story with a modern remake of Yakuza 2. Built using the Dragon Engine, the game updates the original experience with improved graphics, smoother combat, more detailed environments, and additional content.
The story begins after Kiryu has stepped away from his previous responsibilities, but his attempt to enjoy a quieter life does not last long. A conflict involving the Tojo Clan and the rival Omi Alliance threatens to create serious trouble. Kiryu becomes involved in the growing tension and faces Ryuji Goda, a powerful opponent known as the Dragon of Kansai.
One of the game’s biggest strengths is its presentation. Kamurocho and Sotenbori feel more detailed and immersive, with improved lighting, environmental interactions, and seamless transitions between exploration and combat. These changes help make the cities feel more alive.
Kiwami 2 also includes additional content featuring Goro Majima. His story provides more background about events surrounding the main narrative and gives returning players another reason to explore the game.
The remake offers a stronger overall experience than the original PlayStation 2 release in several areas. Its improved combat, expanded content, and memorable rivalry between Kiryu and Ryuji make it one of the most enjoyable entries in the franchise.
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2. Yakuza 5 (2012)
Yakuza 5 is one of the most ambitious entries in the series. Rather than focusing entirely on Kiryu, the game follows five playable characters across five different Japanese locations. This approach gives the story a broader perspective and introduces several gameplay styles.
The five protagonists are Kazuma Kiryu, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, Haruka Sawamura, and Tatsuo Shinada. Each character has a separate storyline, and their individual experiences gradually connect as the larger narrative develops.
The variety of locations is another major attraction. Players can explore different districts and cities, each offering its own atmosphere, activities, and side stories. The expanded environments make the game feel considerably larger than many earlier entries.
Yakuza 5 also introduces gameplay activities that distinguish it from the rest of the franchise. Kiryu can experience taxi-driving missions, while Haruka’s sections focus on the entertainment industry and idol performances. Saejima’s story includes hunting-related activities, and Shinada brings a different perspective through his background in baseball.
Combat remains an important part of the experience, but the different protagonists give encounters a fresh feeling. Each character has their own fighting style and abilities, encouraging players to adjust their approach as the story progresses.
Although the large number of characters and storylines can make the narrative feel lengthy, Yakuza 5 rewards players who enjoy detailed storytelling and varied activities. It is particularly appealing to fans who want to spend more time exploring the franchise’s world.
1. Yakuza 0 (2016)
Yakuza 0 is widely considered one of the strongest starting points for newcomers. As a prequel to the original Yakuza, it takes place in the late 1980s and introduces the earlier lives of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima.
The story moves between two major locations: Kamurocho in Tokyo and Sotenbori in Osaka. Both cities are filled with restaurants, entertainment venues, shops, arcades, and optional activities. Their detailed environments help recreate the atmosphere of Japan during the economic boom of the 1980s.
Kiryu’s story begins when he becomes involved in a murder investigation connected to a seemingly ordinary piece of land. His circumstances quickly become complicated as powerful criminal organizations become interested in the property. Meanwhile, Majima faces his own difficult situation while managing a cabaret club and dealing with people who control his future.
The two protagonists offer noticeably different gameplay experiences. Kiryu relies on powerful fighting techniques, while Majima uses a more unpredictable approach. Each character also has multiple combat styles that can be upgraded throughout the game.
The storytelling is another major reason for the game’s popularity. Yakuza 0 balances emotional moments with intense confrontations and entertaining side stories. Some missions explore serious subjects, while others introduce ridiculous situations that demonstrate the franchise’s distinctive sense of humor.
Side activities provide plenty of reasons to spend time away from the main story. Players can enjoy karaoke, arcade games, business management, dancing, and numerous optional encounters. These activities help make the cities feel like places worth exploring rather than simple locations for completing missions.
For players discovering the franchise for the first time, Yakuza 0 offers an excellent introduction to its characters, humor, combat, and storytelling. It also provides background that makes several later entries more meaningful.
What Makes the Yakuza Series Special?
The Yakuza franchise stands out because it combines different gaming experiences without losing its identity. Its central stories often involve crime, loyalty, family, and personal sacrifice, while its optional activities provide a lighter and more humorous contrast.
The characters are another major strength. Kiryu’s sense of responsibility, Majima’s unpredictable personality, and the supporting cast help create a world that feels connected across multiple games. Returning locations and familiar faces also reward players who follow the series over time.
Exploration plays an important role as well. Kamurocho and Sotenbori are filled with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and side quests. Even when the main story becomes intense, players can take a break and discover something unexpected around the next corner.
The franchise also reflects the wider gaming culture through its references, arcade experiences, and optional activities. Players interested in other seasonal gaming experiences can explore Fortnitemares 2020 to discover another example of how popular games introduce themed content and special events.
This combination of serious storytelling and entertaining gameplay gives the Yakuza franchise a distinctive identity. It is one reason the series has continued attracting players across different platforms and generations.
Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?
Yakuza 0 is generally the best starting point for players who want to experience the story chronologically. It introduces Kiryu and Majima, establishes important relationships, and provides useful background for several later entries.
Yakuza Kiwami is another suitable option for players who prefer to begin with a remake of the original game. Those who have already experienced earlier entries can move on to Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 5, and Yakuza 6 to follow Kiryu’s continuing journey.
The best choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer chronological storytelling, the original release order, or a particular gameplay experience. Each title offers something different, so there is no single starting point that every player must follow.
Final Thoughts
The Yakuza series has developed into a remarkable franchise by combining memorable characters, emotional storytelling, detailed cities, and entertaining gameplay. From the introduction provided by Yakuza 0 to the emotional conclusion of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, each entry contributes something valuable to the wider experience.
Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 modernize the original stories, while Yakuza 5 expands the series with multiple protagonists and locations. Whether you are new to the franchise or returning to explore its earlier adventures, these five games provide an excellent introduction to what makes Yakuza special.
The best approach is to choose a title that matches your preferred playing order and enjoy the combination of dramatic storytelling, intense combat, and unexpected humor that defines the series.