Game review: "Yakuza 6: The Song of Life" – Kazuma Kiryu’s Final Chapter Ends with Heart and Style

 

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life marks the conclusion of Kazuma Kiryu’s long-running saga, bringing the story of the stoic “Dragon of Dojima” to a heartfelt and often emotionally charged conclusion. After years of street brawls, criminal politics, and melodramatic twists, this installment takes a more grounded, mature approach to its narrative, while still retaining the over-the-top action and eccentric charm that the series is known for.

With the debut of SEGA’s Dragon Engine, Yakuza 6 delivers one of the most visually striking and immersive entries in the franchise. The cities of Tokyo’s Kamurocho and Hiroshima’s Onomichi are brought to life with stunning detail, from the bustling neon streets to the quiet seaside alleys, making the world feel lived-in and authentic.

Story: Emotional, Grounded, and Engaging

The narrative kicks off with a personal tragedy: Kiryu’s adopted daughter, Haruka, is critically injured in a hit-and-run accident while protecting her newborn son, Haruto. This immediately sets a high emotional stake, motivating Kiryu to uncover the truth behind the incident. The story takes players from Kamurocho’s crowded, chaotic streets to the serene, picturesque town of Onomichi, where the narrative slowly peels back layers of criminal intrigue, familial loyalty, and moral ambiguity.

For the first time in a long while, the series focuses heavily on a single protagonist’s emotional journey, giving the story a strong sense of intimacy. While longtime fans may be disappointed by the absence of iconic characters like Majima or Saejima for most of the game, this decision allows Kiryu’s arc to shine as the centerpiece. The supporting cast in Onomichi, a mix of new Yakuza figures and locals, feels authentic and deeply human, creating a sense of camaraderie that makes Kiryu’s journey feel personal and grounded.

The plot, while mostly serious and well-paced, occasionally veers into the absurd or melodramatic in the final act. However, for the majority of the game, Yakuza 6 tells a crime story that feels far more believable than the sometimes exaggerated drama of its predecessors, which works well for a finale that’s meant to resonate emotionally.

Gameplay: Streamlined but Satisfying

Yakuza 6’s combat system has been simplified compared to previous entries. Gone are the multiple combat styles and complex skill trees of Yakuza 0 or Kiwami, replaced with a more accessible system that emphasizes raw impact and cinematic flair. Kiryu’s punches and kicks carry real weight, and the Extreme Heat mechanic allows for over-the-top finishing moves that are both satisfying and visually spectacular.

While combat may feel shallow to veterans of the series, it is intuitive enough for newcomers to pick up quickly. Players often find themselves using similar strategies grab an enemy, toss them into others, and finish with environmental takedowns but the chaotic use of objects like chairs, trash cans, and bicycles keeps encounters dynamic and fun. The Dragon Engine also enables larger enemy counts and smoother physics interactions, which makes street brawls feel more lively and unpredictable.

A notable addition is the new experience system, where players earn tokens for every activity from combat to eating in restaurants and use them to upgrade Kiryu’s stats, unlock new skills, and improve Heat moves. This streamlined approach gives players freedom in how they develop Kiryu, encouraging experimentation and rewarding exploration. Eating at restaurants, for example, becomes more than just a narrative flourish it’s an opportunity to gain experience and optimize Kiryu’s abilities for future battles.

World and Side Content: Immersive but Varied

The game’s two main locations, Kamurocho and Onomichi, contrast beautifully. Kamurocho is dense, vibrant, and full of familiar distractions: arcades, karaoke bars, mahjong parlors, and hostess clubs. Onomichi, by contrast, offers a slower pace, serene streets, and a quieter, more intimate environment that suits the story’s emotional core.

Despite this, Onomichi is comparatively underpopulated with activities. For long stretches, players may feel limited to the main story and a handful of side quests, which can make exploration feel constrained. Fortunately, Kamurocho makes up for this with a wealth of side content, including retro SEGA arcade games, karaoke, social interactions, and the quirky Troublr system, which sends Kiryu alerts about nearby people in need, introducing dynamic side missions that enrich the city’s world-building.

One of the game’s standout side features is Clan Creator, a tower-defense-style mini-game where players recruit and direct Kiryu Clan members in battles against rival gangs. While clever and strategic in theory, it sometimes feels disconnected from Kiryu’s hands-on combat style, and may not appeal to purists. Nevertheless, it provides a fun distraction and a source of in-game rewards.

Visuals and Audio: A New Standard for the Series

The Dragon Engine shines both in cutscenes and gameplay. Pre-rendered cutscenes are cinematic and fluid, while in-engine sequences feel equally alive, thanks to expressive character animations and detailed environments. The seamless transition between exploration and combat, without loading screens, enhances immersion, allowing players to feel continuously engaged with the world.

The soundtrack complements the visuals well, with memorable themes for both story and battle sequences. While it may not surpass the iconic scores of earlier Yakuza games, it succeeds in enhancing the mood and tension of each scene. From quiet emotional beats to high-stakes confrontations, the music supports Kiryu’s journey effectively.

Technically, the game is not without flaws. Frame rate dips occur in crowded areas or during chaotic fights, and occasional screen tearing may distract some players. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall visual fidelity and are understandable for a first-generation release on the Dragon Engine.

Verdict: A Fitting Conclusion with Minor Flaws

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a remarkable conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu’s saga. Its story is emotionally engaging, well-paced, and more grounded than previous installments, while the Dragon Engine breathes new life into the series’ signature urban environments. Combat, though simplified, remains satisfying, especially when combined with cinematic Heat moves and dynamic environmental interactions.

Side content is abundant and creative, from the 52 substories to unique mini-games and social interactions, which together provide dozens of hours of gameplay beyond the main narrative. However, the simplification of mechanics, fewer combat styles, and limited activity in Onomichi may leave veterans craving more depth.

Overall, Yakuza 6 strikes a careful balance between honoring longtime fans and inviting newcomers into the series. It’s not perfect, but as a finale to one of gaming’s most beloved protagonists, it delivers an emotional, visually stunning, and highly entertaining experience.

Rating: 8/10

Pros:

+Emotionally engaging, well-paced story focusing on Kiryu and Haruka

+Stunning, detailed world design thanks to Dragon Engine

+Cinematic Heat moves and satisfying environmental combat

+Extensive side content, including substories, Troublr missions, and mini-games

+New experience system encourages exploration and stat customization

+Immersive audio and visual presentation, especially in cutscenes

Cons:

-Simplified combat lacks depth for series veterans

-Limited side activities in Onomichi make exploration feel sparse

-Some beloved recurring characters appear only briefly

-Frame rate dips and occasional screen tearing on older consoles

-Clan Creator mini-game feels disconnected from Kiryu’s personal combat style

My gameplay: