Game Review: "Yakuza Kiwami 2" – The most polished return to the past, even if it isn’t the perfect starting point

 

Over the years, the Yakuza series has earned a reputation as a franchise “for those in the know.” These aren’t games you stumble into by accident they reward patience, context, and a willingness to embrace a strange blend of hard-boiled crime drama and outright absurdity. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a perfect example of this philosophy. A remake of the series’ second entry from 2006, rebuilt on the modern Dragon Engine introduced in Yakuza 6, it represents a massive leap forward compared to Kiwami 1. At the same time, it is a game that very clearly expects players to be familiar with what came before.

This is not the best place to start your journey with the series. It is, however, one of the clearest demonstrations of just how far Yakuza has evolved over the years.

Story – A full-throttle gangster opera

Yakuza Kiwami 2 picks up directly after the events of the first game. Kazuma Kiryu is attempting to live a quiet life alongside Haruka, far removed from the world of the yakuza. Naturally, that peace doesn’t last. The murder of a key figure within the Tojo Clan drags Kiryu back into the criminal underworld, this time on a much larger scale that extends beyond Kamurocho to Sotenbori in Osaka.

The story escalates quickly, introducing the possibility of an alliance between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, bombings, internal betrayals, police conspiracies, and the series’ trademark “one more, even bigger threat.” On paper, it sounds chaotic and at times, it absolutely is but unlike Kiwami 1, the narrative here ultimately comes together in a surprisingly satisfying way.

Yes, the plot is melodramatic. Yes, it occasionally veers into outright absurdity. But Yakuza Kiwami 2 understands exactly what it wants to be. It’s a gangster soap opera in video game form, one that takes itself completely seriously while never being afraid to go completely off the rails.

Ryuji Goda – An antagonist worthy of the series

The greatest strength of the story is unquestionably Ryuji Goda. He stands as one of the best antagonists in the entire franchise and serves as a stark contrast to the narrative shortcomings of Kiwami 1. Ryuji is introduced early, remains a constant presence throughout the game, and functions as a true ideological and physical counterweight to Kiryu.

Where Kiryu is calm, disciplined, and driven by honor, Ryuji is impulsive, violent, and emotionally charged. Their dynamic echoes classic hero–rival relationships, almost in a Batman–Joker sense. Interestingly, Ryuji doesn’t dominate the screen time, but his looming presence is always felt, and the inevitability of their final confrontation gives the entire story momentum and weight.

Majima – Less chaos, more meaning

For Majima fans, it’s important to set expectations: this is not Majima as portrayed in Yakuza 0. He appears less frequently, interacts with Kiryu far less, and plays a more secondary role in the main narrative. Surprisingly, this works in the game’s favor.

Majima receives a separate, three-chapter story arc that isn’t mere fan service. It’s a short but emotionally powerful tale, fully animated, featuring new characters and one of the most impactful scenes in the entire series. Gameplay-wise, it’s simple. Narratively, it’s absolutely essential.

Dragon Engine – Powerful, but not without controversy

Kiwami 2 runs on the Dragon Engine, marking a significant technological leap over Kiwami 1. The cities feel more realistic, animations are smoother, and transitions between interiors and exteriors often occur without loading screens. Kamurocho and Sotenbori feel alive in a way the series had never quite achieved before.

That said, the engine isn’t without flaws. Ragdoll physics can be over-the-top, enemies occasionally bounce unnaturally off walls, and large-scale fights can become chaotic to the point of sacrificing player control. It’s a trade-off between spectacle and precision.

Combat – Simpler, but far less frustrating

Unlike Kiwami 1, Yakuza Kiwami 2 abandons multiple combat styles in favor of a single, fully developed Dragon of Dojima style. Kiryu feels powerful from the very beginning, and progression focuses on refining abilities and stats rather than unlocking core mechanics.

Combat is simpler and often easier, especially given how generously the game provides weapons and healing items. Bosses no longer regenerate health in the aggravating way seen in Kiwami 1, and encounters feel more fair and cinematic. The challenge takes a slight hit, but the overall flow and satisfaction improve dramatically.

Side content – The series’ golden balance

Kiwami 2 strikes an excellent balance between the quantity and quality of side content. Substories are absurd, hilarious, and often surprisingly heartfelt. From confronting a fake Kiryu, to rescuing a “child” that turns out to be a cat, to photo shoots featuring real-life models this is Yakuza at its best.

The Cabaret Club Grand Prix returns and once again threatens to devour dozens of hours. Clan Creator is a solid, if somewhat easy, strategy diversion. Minigames like baseball, golf, karaoke, and darts are polished and engaging, though fans of Yakuza 0 may notice the absence of a few beloved activities.

Verdict

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the most refined remake in the franchise. It isn’t a perfect game, and it’s certainly not the ideal entry point for newcomers, but as a continuation of Kiryu’s story, it works exceptionally well. It takes the best elements of Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 6, removes the most frustrating aspects of Kiwami 1, and blends them into a cohesive, emotionally engaging experience.

Score: 8/10

Pros

+A strong, well-rounded story with an outstanding antagonist

+Dragon Engine significantly improves immersion

+Combat is more fair and satisfying than in Kiwami 1

+Excellent side quests and minigames

+Great balance between main story and optional content

+A fantastic Majima side story

Cons

-Not a good starting point for new players

-Dragon Engine can feel imprecise and chaotic

-The game is occasionally too easy

-Fewer Kiryu–Majima interactions than in Yakuza 0

-Some systems and minigames feel underdeveloped

My Gameplay: