Yakuza 2

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2008
Yakuza 2 Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

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  • Summary: Yakuza 2 plunges you once more into the violent Japanese underworld where respect and honor holds great importance. In intense brutal clashes with rival gangs, the police, and the Korean mafia, you will have opportunities to dole out more brutal punishment. Play as Kazuma Kiryu, the heroYakuza 2 plunges you once more into the violent Japanese underworld where respect and honor holds great importance. In intense brutal clashes with rival gangs, the police, and the Korean mafia, you will have opportunities to dole out more brutal punishment. Play as Kazuma Kiryu, the hero from the original Yakuza and explore Tokyo and now Osaka. Wander through the back alleys of Japan's underworld while trying to prevent an all-out gang war. Endless conflicts and surprise plot twists will immerse you in a dark shadowy world where only the strongest will survive. Yakuza 2 is created by noted producer Toshihiro Nagoshi with novelist Seishu Hase, the same creative forces behind Yakuza. Yakuza 2 authentically re-creates the city streets and illicit haunts of Japan's nightlife district, with memorable characters, cinematic style, free-roaming adventure, a gripping story, beautiful but deadly fighting, and deep gameplay. [Sega]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Gamervision
    90
    Even taking the shortcomings into account, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better game than Yakuza 2 on the PS2 this year. I’m impressed with Sega being able to churn out a game of this quality, and wish they would do it more often.
  2. IGN
    85
    While Yakuza 2 isn't vastly improved or even all that different from the first game (that will likely happen when the PS3 continuation finally hits), but what it does offer is a fantastic story that is actually interesting, sports characters that you can grow to love or hate, and plenty of twists to keep all those disparate parts fresh. Go buy this game. Seriously.
  3. PSX Extreme
    83
    A highly entertaining experience from start to finish. The story really drives the game forward extremely well, and it’s helped along by good pacing, top-notch voice acting, and a complex script that will throw you for a loop several times along the way.
  4. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    80
    Arriving very late to Europe, Yakuza 2 is already showing signs of age. But despite some technical problems, it can make a good use of an interesting story, a brutal combat system and an exciting environment. [Oct 2008]
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  5. Cheat Code Central
    78
    The story in Yakuza 2 is definitely something that will stay with you, and must be experienced for fans of gangster culture, Japanese history, or anyone who appreciates a well-told and deep narrative.
  6. GameSpy
    70
    Despite its technical problems, Yakuza 2's story really kept us coming back for more. It's fantastically paced, constantly dropping teasers to keep you interested in what's going to happen next.
  7. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    60
    Not bad, but it's something of an acquired taste. Best to try it before you fork out. [Nov 2008, p.103]
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See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. LegendaryBurger
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    The Yakuza series has earned the habit of earning 10/10's it is the best storyline game in the world and universe and with Yakuza 2 they haveThe Yakuza series has earned the habit of earning 10/10's it is the best storyline game in the world and universe and with Yakuza 2 they have improved the gameplay with new gameplay mechanics and with Japanese dubs cuz the english dubs werent that good… Expand
  2. aryacooloff
    Feb 27, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece. Even those who have played the remake should play this version. My favorite ps2 game of all time.
    Great soundtrack, combat,    Masterpiece. Even those who have played the remake should play this version. My favorite ps2 game of all time.
    Great soundtrack, combat, graphics and plot. Filled with interesting side missions and cool new moves to learn. Why havent you played it yet?    … Expand
  4. krikkrikic
    Aug 22, 2009
    10
    hard core brawler
    best main chararacter(he got dragon in his hearts and on his back and he is pulling teeth with pliers to some bad people)    hard core brawler
    best main chararacter(he got dragon in his hearts and on his back and he is pulling teeth with pliers to some bad people)
    emotional perfect story
    unbeliveable good looking game
    awsome soundtrack and hard and ex hard difficulty mods
    even my girlfriend loves it and she plays kingdom hearts and dog island and other cute games
    conclusion buy this game becouse its worth even more then its costs help as get yakuza 3 oversea    … Expand
  5. Sonnington
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    This game is hashtag dope. If you ever wanted to be a Japanese gangster. This is the game for you. The combat is great and the storytelling isThis game is hashtag dope. If you ever wanted to be a Japanese gangster. This is the game for you. The combat is great and the storytelling is just amazing.… Expand
  6. jcn93
    Mar 12, 2021
    9
    UNDERRATED.
    Just give this game a try. The combat really takes the cake, and there's a variety of interisting side missions.
    If this is your    UNDERRATED.
    Just give this game a try. The combat really takes the cake, and there's a variety of interisting side missions.
    If this is your first Yakuza game (LIKE ME), it may be difficult to get into the story in the beggining, but it keeps getting interesting.    … Expand
  7. ViddyKiddal
    Sep 26, 2008
    8
    A very cinematic game with lots of long cutscenes but luckily the story is very entertaining. The fighting is fun with the ability to reallyA very cinematic game with lots of long cutscenes but luckily the story is very entertaining. The fighting is fun with the ability to really lay the smack down on your foes by beating them with weapons or smashing their faces against cars, vending machines, etc. Definitely worth playing if you like beat'em ups but should be avoided if you hate reading subtitles.… Expand
  8. frederik1478
    Sep 10, 2021
    8
    Improvement on Yakuza 1 Combat system but the boss fights has become more annoying, the story is thrilling an interesting and the main villainImprovement on Yakuza 1 Combat system but the boss fights has become more annoying, the story is thrilling an interesting and the main villain guy is the best in the franchise, one of The few Yakuza games with strong women characters, I would recommend pcsx2 because buying it used this way too expensive… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PS2 Game of 2008
12
#12 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2008
6
#6 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2008