Yakuza PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 5, 2006
Yakuza Image
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Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: (Known in Japan as "Ryu Ga Gotoku") In a society where respect and honor holds great importance, there is an even higher regard for these traits within the one organization that is most feared by all: the Yakuza. Kiryu Kazuma – a former rising star in the Yakuza who is rebuilding his life a after serving a 10-year prison term for murder – suddenly finds himself caught in a spiraling underworld plot involving a mysterious girl known as Haruka and a missing $100 million. Kazuma must use his fists and his wits to stay alive as he unravels the complex web of truth and lies that surrounds the notorious Yakuza. Yakuza delivers a balance of action and adventure with its immersive storyline and stylish fighting mechanics created specifically for the game. Players can string together attack combinations to take out multiple enemies in sidewalk showdowns, while defending the Yakuza territory and reputation by picking up weapons to crush opponents. Kazuma can also "educate" delinquent debtors through visceral shakedowns by grabbing and smashing them against walls and tables, then delivering final skull-shattering blows when the Heat Gauge is maximized. With a customizable status gauge, players can increase strength, stamina, and skills through combat. [Sega]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 58
  3. Negative: 2 out of 58
  1. Play Magazine
    95
    A long and riveting story, plenty of freedom and a fantastic battle system have earned it a spot on my all-time Playstation 2 top 10 list. [Sept 2006, p.52]
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  2. GameZone
    85
    Diving into the Japanese criminal underground in Yakuza makes for an interesting, violent and stylish adventure that blends fighting and exploring a living world a complete joy.
  3. GameSpot
    74
    Yakuza vividly portrays modern Japan and its organized crime families, but it pulls its punches before delivering a truly great action game or a completely satisfying story.
  4. Game Revolution
    42
    Load times slow things down, and long digressive missions and lame mini-games seem to prolong what should be a short, violent romp.

See all 58 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. hugoboy
    10
    this game does not have a name or the packaging like god of war or devil may cry that easily acttracts gamers and so it's often overlooked. And who can blame us,i mean who really cares about yakuzas (i know i don't) but after a friend recommended it to me i finally got the game and i was so glad i did. The story in this game can only be found in a great movie or a best seller novel for it's that damn good.it involves love,betrayer,honour and even tragedy.after taking the fall for his best friend,our hero gets out of prison only to find out his girlfriend is missing,betaryed by bestfriend and yakuza world in chaos.he must protect a mysterious little who would lead him to the truth. With awesome characters,great combat system,free roaming gameplay and great looking cut scenes i must say yakuza is a master piece. A game for only hardcore gamers,casual gamers be warned… Expand
  2. Mithyus
    10
    Kazuma and his story are entangling and amazing from start to end, and while the gameplay plays as a lesser element, it still does a pretty decent job.… Expand
  3. AndrewL.
    8
    This game has so much potential that was not utilized. The story and characters are great. There is entirely too much cursing and the beat downs you administer to others quickly get old. I like how when you get approched by a thug he says a curse word that can only be described as sounding like a chicken cluck. The game is plagued with bad camera angles that do not make the game unmanageble but do make it annoying. The weapons system is not unlike streets of rage in that you use a weapon so many times than it is disgarded, but I think the game could benefit from permanent weapons. Despite all the things I have said it is still a good game and is very enjoyable. It however just lacks the refinement required to make it a great game.… Expand
  4. SalarymanDaishi
    7
    The camera is a bit wonky and the dub coupled with a westernized script is so full of F-bombs that the cool and collected yakuza sound more like foulmouthed, drunken suburban teens. Other than that, though, the game delivers an excellent story, memorable characters, and plenty of optional stuff to discover in a sandbox of Tokyo's seedier district.… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

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