Yakuza 0

This game is just great
I haven't played any good game like this in months
Simply said this game is peak.

I tried coming into the Yakuza series first with Like a Dragon, but quit after I grew tired of the story and the gameplay. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had to give the series a shot again with the action roots it came up with.

I'm glad I did. 3 hours into Like a Dragon the protagonist was having a 40-minute cry session cutscene about being betrayed with his new homeless friends. 3 hours into Yakuza 0 I was throwing a dude out of a bathroom window in a fight (that I was controlling) to defend my adoptive father's honor. So I'd say if you want to give the action side of this series a try, this is probably the best possible first stop.

It has to be said though that if your issue in the past has been the amount of time given towards exposition as opposed to gameplay, that's just kind of how the series is. The difference here is that the story actually feels engaging and worth experiencing, as it feels like much more of a gritty crime story with a protagonist who I actually enjoy watching. I might not be up for playing every other Yakuza game, but I'm glad I got this one.

As a new fan of the Yakuza series, I've become addicted, because of 0. If you want an example of what I consider amazing storytelling, this is it. Please don't be like me, and sleep on this series. Check it out, as soon as you can. The memes don't do it justice!

I cannot fathom or put into words how much of god damn experience this game is, it's so hard to describe how beautiful everything in this game is.

generally one of the most amazing series i got to start, i loved every single moment of this game. i would 100% reco to anyone get into this

i really recommend it, it might seem a little boring at the start but it gets so good throughout the story.











be prepared to get your ass kicked in the sera boss fight too

I stopped playing this for whatever reason about a year ago and after finishing it myself now, I'm kicking myself for not sticking with it. What a fantastic and gripping story, full of twists that keep you hooked throughout. Also, besides the story, you could easily put over 200 hours into the plethora of side content offered. That's on top of the 80 hours I put mainly just into the story line. Overall, one of the best story games you can get, that also offers engaging side content and full filling combat.

Great game, engaging story, fun combat.

I haven't played any Yakuza game prior to 0, but I can safely say it's an absolutely incredible game. The combat feels simple but has some depth to it, the story is generally pretty good. There's a lot of side content that you can sink your teeth into: I'm writing this review after just going through the game a second time to get all the achievements, and it took me under 13 hours while skipping all the cut-scenes and not doing most side content. That said, you should really play Yakuza for more than just the fighting. The side quests are all masterfully laid out throughout the game so that you'll probably end up running into about 70% of them by sheer happenstance, the catalog of mini-games are a great pace breaker and provide for some much needed variety, and there's almost always something new for you to do.

After beating the game, you effectively get a 'free roam' mode to just do stuff, and I spent probably over 100 hours just in that mode doing everything I could. Not all of those hours were a great time, some activities around the city can be a real drag to do for too long, but unless you decide to commit yourself to 100%ing this beast of a game, you don't need to be in any rush to prove yourself as a slugger in the baseball game, thug it out in riichi mahjong for like 5+ hours, or be a brawler in the underground Colosseum game mode. While although you can indulge yourself in these games, they're meant to be breakers of pace for the story, so that it doesn't drag on too much. If you ever find yourself becoming mad like a dog at some of the arcade games, you can just step away and go do something else instead. The world that Yakuza 0 provides you obviously isn't completely immersive, but the depth of the city as a whole makes it alive.

Basically, this game's good. Play it. If you don't like it within the first 2 hours, it probably won't be for you. I should mention that the game is very cutscene-heavy at first, especially at the start, as it eases you into the gameplay loop gradually.

I had fun with this title It nice to see my boy Majima before he becomes the mad dog that we love, my only complaint is how unfun the climax battle are and how they definitely hate Majima way more than Kiryu.

Shoutout to all the hours I left Makoto terrified and alone in that warehouse while I discussed the fine art of bonsai with Yuki

Absolute masterpiece of a game. I was hooked from the thrilling and captivating story, to the wacky and hilarious side-stories and mini-games, the final chapter alone had me on the edge of my seat for hours. Playing with both Kiryu and Majima was an absolute treat and learning of there struggles as well as them as well as there discovery of the new and strange things. I laughed at times and cried at times with these characters. and Im very glad that i took the time and sat down to play what i believe is one of the best games of all time. 10/10

Expected funny combat game with disco and karaoke, ended up with depression 10/10

Yakuza 0 took me by complete surprise. I went into this wanting to give the Yakuza series a second chance, after having dropped Kiwami a few chapters in on PS4 and I never would have guessed, that I'd find a game with such a captivating and intense story, insanely loveable characters (Majima is the very defintition of a goat character) and just the right amount of over the top drama.

Just some of the mostly (unless you want to progress a lot of the substories) optional mini-games and the overall flow and balancing of the combat system weren't quite to my liking (enemy variety, stun-locks, blocking system, the jankiness of it all), but I don't want to get too deep into it. Towards the end, combat was just more frustrating than engaging to me. But the animations and finishers on the other hand were always a definitive highlight!

Other than that, I enjoyed all of it thoroughly. Particularly the main story and the real estate business mechanic on Kiryu's side had me very invested (pun intended). I'm now going to proceed to play the rest of the Yakuza games, in hopes of being up-to-date someday.

While I'm totally hooked now and admit to have seen the light, I'm at the same time already worried, that the later games won't reach the same heights as this superb prequel. Hoping to be proven wrong!

amazing game, story made me cry a few times, and has overall a great ending.
i loved it so much, i will for sure be continuing to play the rest of the series ♥

Fun game but it crashes like crazy

A lot of people praise this game for it's great story, absurd amount of detailed mini-games, and hilarious side quests - all very true. For me, one of the most amazing things is how they didn't license any 80's music for disco and karaoke. Instead, they literally just made a dozen or so original tracks for the game which are legitimately so good, they could easily pass as being pop hits from the 80's.

This is the game that started my love for the series and got me to buy the entire series.
The story of Yakuza 0 is incredible, having a mix of a serious story then going into wacky substories. the contrast between them helps the intense scenes feel that much more intense.
The combat is probably the best in the entire series. having multiple styles of attack, you can change from a heavy brutal attack to a swift light attack in an instant.
If you are going to play one game in the series, play this one. then try to not buy the rest of them

This game will blow your mind, its not complex and there is a lot to do but at the same time most of it is optional, Whenever i start up the game i make sure i watch the intro cinematic because that will straight up give you a taste of what your in for. My only gripe it has a lot of old school mechanics and can be repetitive such as encounters and no autosave but i didnt mind it because the story was so good, This was my first entry into the Yakuza franchise and because of this i have bought and will play all of them from here.

The gameplay is solid, the fighting is top notch, the story and substories are uniques.

But sadly, after I played for a few hours, I decided that I'm not into the Yakuza series.
I'm not saying this is a bad game, it's actually incredible, but it's just not for my taste.

But hey, don't worry, I need to finish this game and see if my mind's gonna change.

Don't take this comment as your judgment to buy this game, try it for yourself and see if you like it or not. Stay wise 👍

Step 1: Buy Like A Dragon
Step 2: Put 100 hours into it.
Step 3: Buy LAD Infinite Wealth
Step 4: Put 10 hours in
Step 5: Buy the complete Yakuza Collection
Step 6: Start with Yakuza 0
Step 7: No life every Yakuza game

10/10
Buy everything RGG makes. They deserve far more money for these stories.

Yakuza 0 is a masterpiece with incredible story, voice acting, and characters, i just start playing this game and its amazing! and you have 4 different styles! to choose from and 2 playable characters and fun sub stories, overall

10/10

My Favorite Game So Far!

Newcomer to the series in 2024 - Review: 8/10

From emotional & dark cutscenes that pique more interest than most television/movies to Majima walking outside to meet & befriend Mr. Libido, formerly known as Walking Erection & Lust Machine, this is probably the best game I’ve ever played. Bought the entire series after the first few hours, 11/10

I had little knowledge of the Yakuza series and this was the first game I played. The characters are phenomenal, the story is good, and all the cut-scenes for the story make the game a true experience. The world created inside this game was one I really got lost into. What a great worthwhile experience to have played this game

I've tried many times to get into this franchise. I love Japan and everything that comes with it, but this game just isn’t for me. Still, with 7+ games released, it’s undeniable that this franchise has something special to keep pulling players in.

So much to do its overwhelming but still an incredible game and edition to the series!

This game simply should not exist, this game is quite simply divine intervention to save the Yakuza series from a pre-mature death and it worked. It single-handedly rewrote the fate of the franchise and made a masterclass of dramatic double layered storytelling while doing that.

It cannot be stated enough how important Yakuza 0 is for SEGA at large.

Majority of the fandom probably agrees that this is one of the best Yakuza game in the franchise. Characters are really great (except oda), storytelling on point, also the only game that features majima lord of the night. Hell yea. 10/10.

Also this is my first game in Yakuza series, def a great start if you're also new since Kiwami(s) will mention / feature characters back in 0

Yakuza 0 is one of those games that puts story before all else, but it absolutely delivers. It's probably the best video game story I've ever experienced; I really can't think of anything above it. The plot starts a little slow, but it's no long before you're hooked until the end (specifically, chapter number 4 is where you want to learn more). In the second half of the game, you go through so many twists and turns that it's impossible not to anticipate what happens next. Everything is so unpredictable yet so logical.

Now, story can't single-handedly carry a game, so it's a good thing that Yakuza 0's gameplay is also fun. It's not exceptionally good (certainly not as mind-blowing as the story), but it gets the job done and never gets boring. The combat has enough customization to keep your brain stimulated and not just button mash through the entire game, but I will say that I hoped for a little more variation in the gameplay modes. Almost all of it is just fighting thug enemies. There's a single mission where you don't do that (the one where you shoot other Yakuza while driving on a highway), but that's not enough. While there are several extra game modes in the hub world like rhythm games, RC car racing, and more, it would be better if the main story had its own new modes so that you didn't have to actively take a break from the story to play something new.

Overall, playing Yakuza 0 felt like watching an award-winning movie that includes a pretty fun game to go along with it. It's hard not to like that.

Really fun, good story. Would recommend.

It's been only 3 hours but I'm already mesmerized by the awesome combat mechanics and storytelling.

This was the first game I played from the Yakuza franchise, and I was blown away. The Story is brilliantly written, there's plenty of sub-stories to play, the combat is very smooth and satisfying and there's ton of extra activities to do ranging from Bowling, Darts, Karaoke, Baseball and more. If you haven't played any Yakuza game before, definitely give this one a try, you won't regret it. KIRYUU CHANN <3

The maps are dispersed throughout Kamurocho and Sotenbori to give players the most immersive urban playground experience possible. The streets are filled with neon lights and bustling stores, and the cities are alive with countless NPCs. The map itself is full of business ventures, minigames, and side stories. With a range of strange, humorous, and occasionally poignant tales, the side quests enrich the sense of community and connection in these cities. Yakuza 0's side endeavors, which range from running a cabaret club to a real estate business, provide incredible levels of involvement that make every moment in its world valuable.At the core of Yakuza 0's genius are two legendary characters, Kiryu and Majima, each with their own unique personalities and fighting styles. In this prequel, Majima, a character that fans have come to know as chaotic and unhinged, reveals a different side of himself, while Kiryu is introduced as a young, principled yakuza member. Their paths, motivations, and character arcs are laid out in a way that makes the events of Kiwami all the more meaningful, creating a foundation that enriches the entire series. There are several twists and turns in this excellent story that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Not only does the game take you by surprise, but it also delivers emotional blows that stick with you long after you put down the controller. Every high-stakes scene and silent pause in Yakuza 0 is accompanied by a genre-bending mix of lively, dramatic, and occasionally emotional songs. For good reason, the karaoke minigame is a favorite among fans; it's impossible to resist the sheer delight of witnessing Kiryu and Majima perform songs in the style of 1980s J-pop with unabashed fervor. The karaoke songs, such as Bakamitai for Kiryu and 24-Hour Cinderella for Majima, are memorable highlights that give the game a lighthearted, enjoyable tone. They are catchy and campy in the best way possible. Because of the outstanding choreography and animations, every punch, kick, and weaponized object feels powerful in Yakuza 0's extremely dynamic combat. With three interchangeable fighting styles, Kiryu and Majima each have distinct fighting styles that add intensity and freshness to every battle. The range is amazing, ranging from Majima's nimble Breaker style to Kiryu's powerful Brawler. Each battle gains a visceral edge thanks to the Heat Actions, which let players unleash vicious finishers that make you both cheer and grimace. Each move feels as strong as it looks thanks to the fluid, fluid animations that accompany the combat choreography, highlighting the series' signature style of extravagant, cinematic fighting. In order to provide players with the most immersive urban playground possible, the maps are spread across Kamurocho and Sotenbori. Innumerable NPCs give the cities a sense of life, and the streets are crowded with neon lights and busy shops. There are a ton of side stories, minigames, and business endeavors on the map itself. The side quests enhance the feeling of connection and community in these cities with a variety of oddball, funny, and sometimes moving stories. From managing a cabaret club to operating a real estate company, Yakuza 0's side projects add amazing levels of involvement that make every moment in its world worthwhile. Yakuza 0 is a remarkable addition to the Yakuza series and a great place for new players to start. It embodies the essence of what makes the franchise so adored, with an enduring plot, nuanced characters, amazing soundtrack, fierce fighting, and a colorful, well-designed setting. Yakuza 0 is one of the best games in the series, if not all of gaming, because every aspect of the game is so well-made that it brings the experience to almost flawless perfection.

At first I pirated the game because I didn't even know really know all to well what a Yakuza was. Now this is my favorite franchise ever and I'm going ahead and buying all the games. That's also why it says I have so little hours on steam. I actually have 85+

I never imagined that this silly game could make me shed a tear, well done Yakuza 0, well done. that and consume me as much as it did.

first yakuza game, which certainly has lead me down to a hyperfixation that will last me a good time. five hours in and i truly think i'm the dragon of dojima now. i'm literally kazuma kiryu. tiger drop negates all damage, but that certainly did not negate the emotional damage i felt after finishing the game.

You either give up within first few hours of Yakuza 0 or you enjoy every single second of it and buy all Yakuza games on Steam. There's no in-between.


9/10

I originally played this on Playstation before moving my entire gaming library over to PC, so once again, I began my arduous journey to "plat" the entire Yakuza franchise.

Compared to the console version, the biggest downside is definitely the bugs. Saving sometimes doesn't work, and when you switch characters your items glitches out. Do NOT close your game, just save into a new slot, usually that fixes it. And make sure you see the "Save Complete" message on the bottom right. Another glaring glitch is when trying to complete Space Harrier and Fantasy Zone; the rapid fire doesn't work. You can search for some work-arounds online, but nothing really replicates the proper rapid fire on the console version. The best thing about PC version? Not needing to complete the story once to unlock Legend difficulty.

As for the game itself, this is probably still RGG Studio's best work. The action combat, while not perfect, is very satisfying. Graphics are sharp (as long as you don't look at the background in some scenes), and as a pseudo-open world, sandbox style game, its substories are well memorable and enjoyable. The world actually feels lived in, compared to the vast emptiness and repetitiveness in many games in this genre. The soundtrack is my personal favorite. Pledge of Demon and Two Dragons in particular are hype. Most mini-games are enjoyable, some are controller-destroying frustrating (pool). You WILL get lost for days in the Cabaret Czar Management.

Story-wise, again this is RGG's best written story. And yet, it's probably best to not think too much over it, and no, I'm not talking about the goofy, shoot-rockets-with-your-pistol ridiculousness. Some of the antagonists' motivations and actions are... contradictory, to put it nicely.

Character writing, though, is excellent and compelling. Kiryu and Majima are definitely two of the greatest characters ever; Kiryu might be the greatest protagonist in gaming history. Yakuza 0 gives the player a very nice introduction to these two legendary characters, among others, and serves as a nice base to follow their growth in subsequent games.

I highly recommend starting here on your Yakuza journey, especially for the emotional payoff in the next few entries. This is the best game RGG Studio has ever put out, and is a great hook for the rest of the series.

PS: CyricZ guide on GameFAQs is necessary if you want to 100% the game.

My favourite real estate simulator. It has a weird Yakuza subplot, but that can mostly be ignored.

Truly the game everyone told me it would be. This is my first in the series, and I'm hooked. Getting Like a Dragon next. Such a great game.

truly the game ever. 10/10. i came into this expecting a silly fun time and was emotionally devastated.. i would do anything for kiryu

Spectacular, it's one of those games you enjoy like a fucking little kid. It reminded me why I like to play, how life itself looks like with the dramas and misfortunes that you have but also the ridiculousness, the absurdity that makes you laugh in this one. The only thing is that you might be saturated with so much you can do, but the story is a madness that has reached my heart. It is one of those that I will always remember

absolutely one of the greatest games ive ever played. top tier story, characters, and settings
lord if i could play this again for the first time i would

Amazing game with an incredible story! Best 5 bucks I have ever spent.

In 2024, this game crashes way too much when connected to my TV and controller, especially for a game that doesn't have an autosave feature.
It's a really fun game with so much to do, but losing hours of progress periodically makes it unplayable.

Fun game, great story, one of the few bad things is that the lock on mechanic is kind of awful. If you don't hate action and story based games, and don't hate humor either(it's not used too much, just sprinkled here and there), then i completely recommend. 10/10.

Amazing story, engaging gameplay. Made me cry at least 3 times.

An absolute gift from the heavens for the mind, body, and soul (and ears)
This game has an incredible story with incredible gameplay and even more incredible music to back it up
11/10

The duality of this game is genius, one moment it's goofy, hilarious, and the next will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. The main story surpassed my expectations by miles, you go through a roller-coaster of emotions and get hit by the ending (and the theme song) like a bullet train. Yakuza 0 is fun and enjoyable on so many levels and I wish I can play this game for the first time again, it has become one of my favourite games and I'm now completely hooked on the series.