Yakuza

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

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

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 140 Ratings

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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(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 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
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Yakuza Gameplay Movie 8

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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. PSM Magazine
    85
    With its compelling characters and story, Yakuza is still a remarkable game. [Oct 2006, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. eToychest
    83
    The action comes fast, the plot is exciting, and you couldn’t ask for a better brawler near the end of the PlayStation 2's life cycle.
  4. GameCritics
    80
    Yakuza is the best example I’ve seen in a long time of just how much a great story can elevate a good game.
  5. DailyGame
    75
    A good story, decent length and immersive gameplay make the game shine, but lots of loading, vague subquests and camera control hold it back somewhat.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    68
    A good game that never seems in danger of being great. It’s like exploring a slice of life in another culture; you’re not quite sure what you’re going to get but you keep trying to get something.
  7. Times Online
    20
    Roam around Tokyo, find some bad guys, see some load screens, a couple of cut-scenes, some more load screens, press some buttons in fight mode and so on.

See all 58 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. hugoboy
    May 26, 2011
    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.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. Devin
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    One of the best games I've played this year. If you like story driven games akin to RPG's but without all the micromanegment and One of the best games I've played this year. If you like story driven games akin to RPG's but without all the micromanegment and the visceral fighting in action games Yakuza certainly delivers. Notwithstanding, the fighting gameplay and envirtonment are pretty basic, but their good enough to drive the game. The story is what really shines. It one of the few games that you actually build an emotional attachment to the characters.… Expand
  4. EnsarO
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy
    Ten Years In The Joint Made You A F*cking P*ssy

    Overrated game    … Expand
  5. LironesAlviento
    Aug 20, 2020
    8
    Quizas uno de los juegos de PS2 que a día de hoy (2020) me pongo a jugar y me sigue pareciendo entretenido, no es un GTA5, pero es muy divertido.
  6. DarkwingSchmuck
    Apr 2, 2022
    8
    Yakuza is a mix of Shenmue and Final Fight with a terrific narrative and a ton of fun side activities. While the game's battle system wouldYakuza is a mix of Shenmue and Final Fight with a terrific narrative and a ton of fun side activities. While the game's battle system would be refined in sequels, it's a bit imbalanced in this game while boss fights are more tanky endurance matches than a fun challenge. Despite its flaws, Yakuza is still a very enjoyable game and a solid start for what would become a fantastic franchise.… Expand
  7. SalarymanDaishi
    Dec 21, 2010
    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 moreThe 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
  8. The_D4RknesS
    Jun 29, 2022
    2
    **** game and i still give it a 4 because the fights were fun but that's all because the rest of the game is just walking around the small map**** game and i still give it a 4 because the fights were fun but that's all because the rest of the game is just walking around the small map chat and watch cutscene, when I bought it in 2010 I thought this crap would be a beat em up. the graphics and map interaction was great… Expand

See all 26 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PS2 Game of 2006
25
#25 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
17
#17 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006