Yakuza 0

A fun martial arts game with a good story and some brilliant quests. Overall though it does suffer from its limitations.

Yakuza 0, as with the rest of the series, is a game that will either instantly grip newcomers or alienate them with its often times absurd and unique approach to game design. For those that stick around, however, Yakuza 0 will shine as an example of some of the best of gaming. It is heartwarming, emotionally gripping, tense, atmospheric and of course, absolutely crazy. It blends the swagger of the Yakuza in a neon-lit district of Tokyo with the emotional core of crime stories and a fun and often times brutal combat system. Everything from the soundtrack to the main narrative of Yakuza 0 is done perfect. Neither the serious nor the comedic is outweighed by one another, resulting in one of the most emotionally whole games available.

I loved everything about this game. The serious, emotional story pulled me in, but the absurd side content is what made it unforgettable. One minute I’m tearing up at Majima’s arc, and the next I’m running a cabaret club or breakdancing in the street. It’s easily one of the best in the series, and honestly, it’s hard not to recommend this to anyone.