Yakuza 0 commemorates the tenth anniversary of this popular Japanese game series centered around the Yakuza. At its core, the title is best described as a sandbox-style action-adventure game, distinguished by its intricate narratives, compelling characters, and diverse array of mini-games.
A mature individual operating a radio-controlled vehicle offers an unconventional portrayal of the mafia.
Yakuza 0 marks the series’ debut on the Playstation 4, following its previous exclusivity to earlier Playstation generations. Roughly a year prior, we reviewed Yakuza 5, released in Europe for the PlayStation 3. Yakuza 0 serves as an “origin story,” providing an introductory journey into the Yakuza underworld, making it an accessible entry point for both newcomers and veterans of the series.
Comparisons to Rockstar’s GTA are inevitable, although parallels with another influential SEGA title, Shenmue, are arguably more fitting. The Dreamcast classic recently secured Kickstarter funding for a third installment on PS4. Yu Suzuki’s title predates the modern GTA formula, which has become the standard for sandbox games. The original GTA (or Grand Theft Auto) was a top-down action game, akin to Super Cars with shooting mechanics. The latest installment, GTA V, remains unmatched in its scope and execution. Rockstar’s game has surpassed 75 million units sold, a milestone few titles achieve. Yakuza 0 can be considered a more streamlined and narrative-focused alternative to GTA, albeit lacking the moral ambiguity (e.g., the ability to arbitrarily rob individuals) and the extensive, varied gameplay of Rockstar’s blockbuster.
Set in the 1980s, Yakuza 0 embraces the era’s aesthetic with neon signage, CRT televisions, and a world devoid of smartphone-obsessed inhabitants. The graphics are competent, with well-rendered facial models and detailed textures that enhance the sense of realism. However, the game’s roots in an earlier console generation are evident (Yakuza 0 also saw a PS3 release in some regions). While the game achieves a smooth 60 fps frame rate, this comes at the expense of minor graphical compromises, including aliasing, some noise in cutscenes, and less detailed environments due to resolution constraints and anti-aliasing implementation. PS4 Pro owners benefit from slightly improved details and a marginally higher resolution, but the primary advantage is a remarkably stable 60 fps frame rate. The difference is not substantial, ensuring a pleasant, if not visually groundbreaking, experience on standard PS4 consoles.
Yakuza 0 features numerous cutscenes that advance the narrative.
The audio experience is enhanced by the inclusion of the original Japanese voice acting with English subtitles, which complements the characters’ performances and serious demeanor. Japanese culture differs significantly from Western norms, and while shared interests exist in electronics and, to some degree, gaming, the storytelling is intricate, the characters multifaceted, and the narrative is infused with surprises and an appreciation for activities such as ramen consumption and karaoke. These elements contribute to the unique and exotic gaming experience that defines the Yakuza series. The mini-games are often eccentric and engaging (with a two-player mode accessible from the menu), though their appeal may not be universally shared by modern Western audiences. They range from harmless diversions like disco dancing, karaoke, fishing, and playing classic SEGA arcade games to more suggestive content, such as collecting cards featuring pin-up models and watching women’s wrestling. Yakuza 0, characteristically, features extensive exposition through lengthy dialogues, which can be demanding but provides crucial context for the player’s objectives. The soundscape is generally adequate, with credible city ambiance and surround effects that are not particularly prominent.
Opportunities for engaging in hand-to-hand combat are abundant.
Yakuza 0 is relatively accessible and easy to follow. Its structure may be perceived as somewhat linear for a sandbox title. Action sequences are interspersed with mini-games and character development opportunities, allowing players to spend earned Yen on various items. It offers an enjoyable action-adventure experience set in a distinct environment. The initial hours may feel slow due to the extensive dialogue sequences that establish the main storyline, but immersion into the world, characters, intrigues, and combat is soon achieved. Consequently, players can easily lose themselves in the 1980s-era Tokyo setting and follow the journey of the newly initiated Yakuza member Kiryu.
We eagerly anticipate future installments and hope that the next title will be developed exclusively for PS4 (or PS5, when it eventually arrives).
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