Game Review: Yakuza 0

 

                      


The Yakuza series, with its size and number of games, can overwhelm many of us. However, once we get past the initial phase of fear and dive into its world, we see a title that is simply brilliant. For those unfamiliar with the series, the best way to describe it is a beat-em-up where fists, bicycles, signs, or other everyday objects found on the streets of Kamurocho are truly everywhere. And the whole experience is complemented by an amazing storyline, with each chapter gripping us completely. Moreover, not without reason, many refer to the whole series as a "soap opera for men," and just like any good soap opera, it has its beginning, and here, "Yakuza 0" is the place where we should start our adventure with it. 

When starting the game, you sign up for a vast and captivating melodrama created in such an excellent cinematic style that I believe many games should take Yakuza 0 as an example. Because whether it's on the big screen or in games, it's often not just what you say, but how you do it, and here we have a perfect example. The way the story is presented, the cutscenes, animations, and voice acting make us feel at the center of events where even the smallest thing and gesture can matter.

Indeed, at times, you might get lost in the sheer amount of information you're bombarded with, as it's challenging to remember all the family hierarchies that make up the criminal world, along with their names. However, this doesn't hinder the enjoyment of the story. So, let's talk about the story, which is the strongest aspect of Yakuza 0.

                

The storyline of the game "Yakuza 0," set in the 1980s in a neon-drenched and conflict-ridden Japan, transports us to the heyday of the Japanese mafia - the yakuza, and it is undoubtedly one of the strongest points of this title. In the game, we take turns playing as two characters - Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, with the former being the main character, or rather the more central character, if you will. Kiryu, a young yakuza member, is a character with strong principles, unwavering justice, and morality that prevents him from killing. His calm demeanor hides a deeply hidden strength, ready to face the twists of fate. Following in his footsteps, we experience events that will lead to a magnificent transformation into someone we all later know as the "Dragon of Dojima."

Here, as an ordinary, seemingly insignificant gangster at first glance, he gets framed for murder. Instead of going to prison, he embarks on a journey to clear his name and find the true killer, which, as it turns out, is not only not easy but also turns his whole world upside down. The entire path to redemption, along with the transformation, is so well executed that each chapter of the story keeps us in suspense, and we continually crave more. I never thought that Yakuza would be able to evoke such intense emotions in me, and in moments like the scene with Kiryu and his friend Nishki (I'm avoiding spoilers, but those who reach this point will know exactly what I mean), I was almost in tears.

               

On the other hand, there's Goro Majima, known as a madman, a lunatic, or simply the "Mad Dog" in internet memes, or at least that's what I thought it would be like. However, in this installment, we see a completely different side of him, in a sense, calmer and more calculated. We learn that he is a character with a slightly more complicated past than we might have imagined. As a former yakuza member who lost his position, he now tries to regain his place in the criminal community by running a local club and accumulating a sufficient amount of money. However, everything changes when he receives a contract to kill a man named Makoto Makimura, which is supposed to be his ticket to freedom. Throughout the game, we follow the development of the story, uncovering layers of intrigue, conspiracies, and dangers that threaten our protagonists. Kiryu gets drawn into the mystery of the "Empty Lot," which turns out to be a crucial element for various factions vying for power.

This mysterious piece of real estate becomes the central point of the game because it stands in the way of completing a city revitalization plan, where the one who completes it will not only have immense influence but also profits, as it always comes down to money. As it turns out, the man supposedly killed by our hero died right on that piece of land, further tying Kiryu to the place. Without giving away more spoilers, unfortunately, I can't say much more about this location because any further mention might reveal too much and spoil the game for someone. On the other hand, in the town of Sotenbori, Majima plays a significant role in the convoluted "Empty Lot" story. His determination and inner conflict drive him to take action. What starts as Majima's personal mission gradually influences the fates of many characters, creating tension and emotions on the path to uncovering the truth.


        

As the story progresses, we become increasingly invested in the fates of Kiryu and Majima, experiencing their triumphs, failures, and character development firsthand. The game immerses us in the intriguing and emotional worlds of these two characters, revealing their deepest secrets and showcasing their struggle for survival in the brutal underground. The game's creators have meticulously constructed a story that grabs the player's attention from the very beginning and holds it throughout the gameplay. The dialogues are intelligent, filled with tension and emotion, keeping us eager to find out what happens next. The creators skillfully use plot twists and mysteries that keep players on edge until the very end. Each storyline is carefully developed, and their interconnection creates a coherent whole. Whether we witness dramatic confrontations or humorous situations, the story of Yakuza 0 keeps our interest at its peak.

What's also at the highest level is the gameplay, specifically the combat system, where our characters have three different and unique fighting styles that we can switch between on the fly, depending on the situation. There's no denying that the best part of combat is the "heat actions," which are special attacks that we can perform after filling and then utilizing one of the three blue meters beneath our health bars (heat meters). Additionally, when we fill it, we become stronger, faster, and simply better, but this takes a backseat when, with the press of a single button, we can do things like taking a bicycle and smashing it into an already downed enemy, then jumping on top of them, taking nails and putting them in an enemy's mouth, and then hitting them, or even picking someone up and smashing their head into the asphalt.

These are the elements that not only provide satisfaction but also define the world we are in and set the tone. On the other hand, avoiding attacks, defending, and taking a more strategic approach to combat can also be enjoyable and build tension, especially during boss fights where we can't rely on a single button but rather search for openings and moments to execute combinations. The only drawback of the entire system can be the occasional quick-time events, where you have to press the right button on the controller in a very short amount of time. I must admit that I often skipped or pressed the wrong button because I was so engrossed in beating up enemies that when these events appeared in the midst of combat, I couldn't focus on them (they add depth during boss fights and are better placed than during regular gameplay). Many times when the situation looked bleak, and I was surrounded by numerous enemies, instead of being scared, I had Duke Nukem's quote in my head, "I came here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all out of gum."

Both Kiryu and Majima perform excellently in combat, and fighting with them is pure pleasure. However, I must mention one more downside, albeit a very small one, which appears practically at the end of the game when we have to go through "corridors," and at their ends, there are enemies with firearms. I understand that firearms are dangerous and can deal immense damage, but each hit knocks us over, making it frustrating when we have to run towards two enemies taking turns shooting at us, which can consume one or two health-replenishing items.

                
                

Furthermore, the world presented in Yakuza 0 is incredibly detailed and believable. 1980s Tokyo has been faithfully recreated with great attention to detail. While exploring the city, you can spot numerous shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and other characteristic locations that create an authentic atmosphere of urban life during that period. The game's creators also paid attention to details related to Japanese culture, such as traditional tea ceremonies that you can encounter during interactions with some characters.

All of this makes the world of Yakuza 0 incredibly realistic and allows us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the era in which the action takes place. It's also worth noting the game's audiovisual presentation, which is top-notch. The music perfectly captures the atmosphere of the 1980s and the Japanese underworld. Both the original soundtrack and licensed songs from that era create an incredible atmosphere and further draw us into the game's world. I won't even mention karaoke, where I've sung "breaking the law" so many times that I can't say that phrase without Kiryu's voice in my head.

Speaking of karaoke, it's a good time to talk about the things you can do outside the main storyline, and there are plenty of them. Want to play baseball? Sure thing. Want to play older Sega games at arcades? No problem! Maybe you like arcade claw machines with plush toy prizes? Go right ahead! Or how about an underground fighting ring in the style of Fight Club? We have that too! There's practically something to do at every turn, making the entire city feel alive. Don't be surprised if, after a few hours, you no longer need the map and can navigate the streets and alleys from memory.

                



Thank you for the comprehensive review of the game "Yakuza 0." It seems that you are highly impressed with this title, which is understandable given its rich story, great characters, authentic world, and the variety of side activities. Your observations about the attention to detail in the game, as well as its graphics and city design, are notable. Here's a translation of your summary:

"Yakuza 0 is a game that stands as a true gem in the world of gaming. Its engaging story, excellent characters, diverse side activities, authentic game world, and high level of execution make it a production worthy of the highest praise. For fans of the Yakuza series, it is an extremely satisfying experience, and for new players, it serves as a wonderful entry point into this unique series. Yakuza 0 will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and be remembered as one of the best games we've ever played.

Pros:
Graphics and city design
Engaging story full of unexpected twists
Combat system and boss encounters
Attention to detail
Side quests and activities

Cons:
Managing Majima's Club
Quick time events

My Rating: 9/10