TL;DR
Yakuza 6, the epic conclusion to Kiryu Kazuma's saga, has finally landed in the West! This PS4 exclusive delivers a refined, narrative-driven action-adventure experience that, while heavy on cutscenes, offers a deeply satisfying and comprehensive journey. Perfect for fans awaiting other SEGA classics, Yakuza 6 provides an immersive world filled with drama and action. Discover why this installment is considered the series' most polished outing and if it's the perfect distraction until Shenmue 1 & 2 arrive – read our full review!
(Watch our video review of Yakuza 6, featuring gameplay footage. Click the video above!)
After a two-year wait since its Japanese release, Yakuza 6 has arrived in the West. With the recent announcement of remastered versions of SEGA’s cult classics, Shenmue 1 and 2, for PS4 and Xbox One slated for release “during 2018” (suggesting a potential delay for Shenmue 3), the timing for this flagship title couldn’t be better. While some may disagree, we’ve long considered the Yakuza-series a standard-bearer in the interim, as we await the next Shenmue. The game mechanics share significant similarities.
Kiryu Kazuma serves a prison sentence to atone for past actions. During his absence, chaos erupts around the orphaned children at his orphanage, “Morning Glory.” The Tojo clan faces a change in leadership, and the organization begins to fracture. This installment marks a distinct and dramatic conclusion to Kiryu’s saga, released exclusively for PS4. We have thoroughly enjoyed the journey that has unfolded over the years.
Yakuza 6 functions largely as an interactive narrative within an action-adventure framework. Cutscenes are frequent and lengthy; anticipate a less active role for the controller during the initial hour. While these interludes can be skipped, doing so will result in the loss of substantial story context.
A mafioso and a baby.
Despite minor imperfections, this is, as previously stated, the most refined and comprehensive gaming experience within the Yakuza series. It serves as a worthy title to occupy players during 2018 as they await Yu Suzuki’s Dreamcast classics, Shenmue 1+2.
