Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

If there’s any justice in the world Yakuza 6 would sell millions of copies. It’s smart, sharp, often surreal, and always hugely entertaining. The game maintains the series’ penchant for reproducing the experience of being in a Japanese city to exacting details, and then overlays a brilliant, labyrinthine, wildly funny B-grade yakuza drama over the top. It’s the kind of game you just “live” in, and the perfect example of open world game design done right.

This game is so much better than all previous iterations and every aspect of this title is so well executed that the game as a package is, well, unmissable. Great mini games, fantastic humor, an awesome story, exhilarating combat and a plethora of technical improvements. We could go one forever about the things that Yakuza does right. The bottom line is this; Yakuza 6 is hands down the epitome of the franchise and a great excuse to get into this franchise if you haven't before.

Yakuza 6 has so much to offer and every moment of it is a joy, even if you can’t always read what they’re saying.

A rip-roaring conclusion to Kiryu's tale and the best entry in the Yakuza series to date, Yakuza 6 is a triumph that effortlessly cements its place in the pantheon of all-time JRPG greats.

What Yakuza 6 meant to me as someone who has followed the series from the very beginning is a true culmination of 12 years worth of characters and story. It’s an absolute emotional rollercoaster ride, packaged together with some of the best content the series has offered to date and polished to an absolute shine. “The Song of Life” may very well represent the final chapter in the legendary chronicles of the Dragon of Dojima. However, as is the case with every great legend, his story will live on, having left an indelible mark in gaming history as one of the most memorable and important characters to have ever graced the medium.

We love Yakuza´s story, its locations that seem "alive" and its many minigames (including classic Sega arcades such as Puyo Puyo, Virtua Fighter 5 or Super Hang On). The song of Life is the perfect ending for this saga.

One of my favorite things about Yakuza 6 is that it delivers surprises at such a steady clip.

It’s a pretty solid Yakuza tale, and it builds upon the progression and combat systems from the previous games pretty well. The side stories are fun and weird (sentient cleaning robots?), and there’s still a hefty number of side activities to explore. It’s a great looking game with some minor technical issues, and will likely provide the average player with dozens of gameplay hours.

Yakuza 6's intimate story, combined with a cinematic presentation, pays tribute to Japanese gangster movies while the overhaul of the combat and RPG systems leads to the hero's organic development.

Yakuza 6 is a good game. Nice story and fun gameplay are what it does best. There were some unnecessary changes in gameplay, overall, maybe not the best Yakuza, but still tons of fun and stuff to do.

After 13 years SEGA brings us the final chapter of the Yakuza series. Albeit it doesn't offer many new things than change drastically its established formula and its world maps and activities feel a little bit reduced when compared to the previous entries, Yakuza 6 is an awesome game with fantastic visuals and a great and deep narrative that concludes the story of Kazuma Kiryu in a terrific way.

A fitting swan song for Japanese gaming's finest protagonist, balancing drama with bonkers fun. [May 2018, p.68]

Offering closure on a long-running saga while also entertaining on so many fronts, Yakuza 6 may feel smaller in scale at times, but that still doesn't stop it from being a mighty fine game.

Although the game sports a few bothersome hiccups, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life ultimately serves as a near-perfect send-off for the Dragon of Dojima after years of delivering bloody knuckles and scarfing Smile Burgers.

Every part of the game was a delightful surprise and I’ve found myself absolutely addicted to the game, even post-story. Every time I come back to Yakuza 6, I find something else absolutely charming about it.

Yakuza 6 is a fitting end to a great saga, with fantastic combat and lots to do outside the main story.

Good graphics, new and improved battle system, engaging plot... SEGA has made, once again, a superb title that moves away from some of the conventions of the franchise (such as the experience gathering and progression system, the possibility to save anywhere...) but keeps the essence of what makes Yakuza, Yakuza.

When the title credits roll, you’ll be hard pressed not to feel bittersweet to know this is the end of Kiryu’s long tale. Where the series goes next is anyone’s guess, but it’s hard to imaging it without our scarlet-shirted protagonist. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is not only a great game, but a fitting closure for the long and turbulent story of Kiryu Kazuma.

A touching finale for Kazuma Kiryu, Yakuza 6 manages to surprise and delight in equal measure.

We could not have thought of a better way to end Kiryu Kazuma's adventures. More than a simple GTA clone, Yakuza 6 is a generous game which will provide you with a hundred hours of an amazing gaming experience. You will never be bored with the never-ending amount of content available in this game. Moreover, Japanese culture enthusiasts will have a great time hanging out in a very well modeled versions of Hiroshima and Kabukicho. A must have.

A wonderful crime thriller that embraces everything that made the series great, refining it further with new technology – it blew me away. I’m not ashamed to say that the closing minutes of Kazuma Kiryu’s final chapter brought me to tears, acting as the culmination of a story in which I’ve lost myself for more than a decade.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life tells a truly gripping tale – a story that blows most games out of the water. Combine that with a refined combat system and a new engine capable of making the game's world feel more alive than ever, and you've got a stellar Yakuza title. Although the experience does feel a little stunted in places outside of the main plot, this is still a fitting final chapter. Yakuza 6 is a gloriously dramatic send off for one of the greatest characters in modern gaming.

I could go on and on about how utterly incredible Kazama Kiryu is as a character, and how the Yakuza series has broadened my horizons when it comes to Japanese games. If you've played Yakuza in the past, I think you'll get a tremendous amount of enjoyment out of this game.

It’s taken me a long time to experience the Yakuza series, but Yakuza 6 makes me so thankful that I finally have. The insurmountable badass Kazuma Kiryu is surrounded by a fantastic cast of characters and some gripping drama—it’s just a shame that the “game” portion of this video game isn’t quite what it could be. Still, this is a superb adventure from beginning to end, and further proof of the magic that Japanese developers can weave when they put their minds to it.

Song of Life is Kiryu’s story and focusing on something larger would only be a disservice to one of gaming’s most fully realized characters. It’s only fitting that he bows out in Ryu ga Gotoku Studio’s most mature and focused game.

Yakuza 6 isn't just one of the best entries in the series to date, it's also one of the most fulfilling experiences you'll find in 2018. A game bursting with content and character alike, it takes its rightful place alongside some of the best releases of the year not just on substance or style, but on its ability to balance all its attributes yet pace it in a way that's both manageable and inviting.

It's definitely a more condensed experience than the content-stuffed Yakuza 5 or 0, but the trade-offs are worth it. Whether you've been following this series for years or only have minimal experience with it, Yakuza 6 is an entry worth playing.

For the past few years players had the chance to enjoy the beautiful story of Yakuza. Unfortunately, this story comes to a close with Yakuza 6. While you assume the role of Kiryu for the last time, the beautiful ending is in sight.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life wraps up the story of Kazuma Kiryu with the same sense of style and attention to quality the series has always maintained. By alternating erratically between deadly serious crime stories, and wildly goofball side activities, Yakuza strikes an entertaining sweet spot that few other series manage. Players should set aside a lot of time before engaging with Yakuza, because like the mob, this is a game that will keep pulling you back in.

Technically and dramatically impressive conclusion of a unique Japanese epic.

One step back and two steps forward; Yakuza 6 changes up some of the core elements for Kiryu's last adventure and give new life to a series that's become a cult classic for JRPG fans.

There is still something that drags him into the past, such as the atavistic static nature of the characters waiting for our input, but the leap in quality is clear, in every single aspect of the game.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life drew me into Kiryu Kazuma’s world and I’m now eager to discover more about this endearing figure by playing through the previous games, which I think stands as a testament to how good this truly is and how captivating the story that unfolds manages to be.

The story is interesting enough, but I didn't find it nearly as engaging as in some of the prior games. Onomichi is a nice enough location to visit, but the game has you spend too much time there for what it has to offer. And I miss the fighting styles of Yakuza 0 and the strategic element they added to the fights. If you're new to the series, you'll have fun with the game, but fans of the series will probably be left feeling like they expected more out of Yakuza 6.

Yakuza 6 is a strong entry in the series (although it takes a back seat to Yakuza 0), and a very fitting wrap up to Kazuma Kiryu’s storyline. All in all, this is a smaller, more refined game than we are used to with a few missing pieces (likely a result of the new game engine that is still being perfected). It manages to deliver almost as much fun and insanity as its predecessors in a smaller amount of real estate.

There's murder, intrigue, babysitting, and thoughtful contemplation on what it means to be a man and a father in these changing times.

The overall story does come up short when stacked against the incredible Yakuza 0, but it’s still a joy to take Kiryu out for a stroll in the most meticulously-crafted and comically-dangerous rendition of Japan ever offered.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a beautiful game, plays smooth, and has a story that is genuinely compelling and driven by top notch dialogue and dynamic characters. The fighting is complex but easy to learn, and the game provides tons of great content in the form of mini-games, town exploration, and side storylines. There is lots to look at and take in as you play, and the game packs a lot of good into a nearly flawless package.

Yakuza 6 sure has some weaknesses. But it also is a fitting finale for an underappreciated franchise, where storytelling, compelling minigames and above all, beautiful visuals craft one extraordinary experience.

Maybe it isn't Kazuma's biggest adventure, but it's the most espectacular and personal. Yakuza 6 is the swan song fans of the franchise can't miss.

Like its predecessors, Yakuza 6 is a beautiful, engaging and deep title. Nonetheless, after seven main chapters, countless spin-offs, remastered versions and remakes, a slight whiff of deja vu is almost inescapable. Having said that, The Song of Life is a great conclusion to an unforgettable saga.

Yakuza 6 does not invent anything new compared to the previous installments, and the lack of many iconic characters from the saga shouldn't be understimated, but despite this, the final chapter of Kazuma Kiryu's adventures remains one of the best Yakuza installments ever.

The Yakuza series is again founded on three main pillars in The Song of Life: myriad activities and mini-games, deep combat, and wonderful storytelling that ends the era of Kazuma Kyriu and serves to draw the new horizon toward which Sega will go.

Despite the few shortcomings, Yakuza 6 is a worthy successor for the franchise and an absolutely fantastic experience that will keep most enthralled from the beginning to the end, with a whole lot of extremely welcome detours due to the wealth of side stories and additional content.

Yakuza 6 succeeds because its core story is so compelling. Every seemingly disconnected part serves a purpose: Without fights, it’d just be a movie; without cutscenes, it’d just be a series of contextless fights; without exploration, it’d be an on-rails punching simulator. All of those unexpected pieces and the (oh-so-long) cutscenes interact to make an equal parts story- and punching-driven game that is heart-wrenching. This is so much more than that game about a crime guy that I had expected.

Yakuza 6 is undeniably one of the best entries in the long-running series. Memorable side quests and engaging mini-games offer countless diversions and emotional encounters. The combat becomes routine, but the personal struggle of Kazuma Kiryu brings a satisfying and remarkable conclusion for the legendary Dragon of Dojima.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is an excellent entry in the SEGA series: the game's absolutely solid, spectacular and convincing in many of its mechanics, it's got an impeccable direction and lots of content, subquests and collateral activities.

Song of Life is one of the best installments in the Yakuza series, mostly because Sega finally switched to quality over quantity mentality. The game no longer weights you down with hundreds of boring little side quests that make you run around so much you end up forgetting what was going on in the main storyline. [Issue#228, p.54]

Yakuza 6 is a fitting end to the journey of Kazuma Kiryu that will not disappoint long-time fans, while also providing an accessible journey to newcomers. Though it does not reach the heights of previous entries in its narrative and optional content, it does deliver a touching tale with a strong thematic core that has even stronger combat chops.

For the most part, though, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life gives fans of the series what they want, plus a new level of polish and smoother gameplay. And if you’re new to the series, this is one of the better titles to start with, and you’ll catch on to what you’re supposed to do pretty quickly.

The sixth Yakuza does not bring a huge open world. It brings a great hall full of amazing toys that you will not want to leave. [Issue#284]

There are a lot of seemingly dissonant notes in The Song of Life, but from this chaos arises one of the best written open world games of this generation, a great technological foundation for upcoming Yakuzas and a beautiful farewell to Kazuma Kiryu. [05/2018, p.38]

Yakuza 6 is a weird, fun, bizarre but most importantly, fitting conclusion to an epic saga of one video game character. The game is fun in all the best ways possible but bear in mind that it can feel a bit dated sometimes.

With Yakuza 0 overflowing with complexity and quality material, you would have expected Yakuza 6 to go for an even larger and more spectacular final story of its main character’s ark. Surprisingly, the developers chose to trim the fat and return to the starting origins of the show. While it does feel like a step backwards in some cases, it does allows for a far more dramatic experience and believable storyline where you can actually feel the intent of the characters and get invested in them and their lives. A solid, well crafted ending to one of Sega’s greatest stars.

It's smaller and more focused than usual but Yakuza 6: The Song of Life retains the heart, charm and drama the series loves to dish out. Combat can still feel clumsy but it's rarely troubling or tough. There's a seamless quality to the new engine which helps keep pacing up whilst the story beats and tone remain well executed. It's a welcome installment, if a little lacking in some respects.

A fitting end for the tale of Kazuma Kiryu. With so much to see and do on top of an engrossing crime drama, it's well worth the trip. [Apr 2018, p.77]

I feel that the way SEGA completed Kiryu's saga was done with so much class, and the investment I felt throughout was constantly there. While the changes to the combat were somewhat of a letdown, I won't deny that every other aspect of the finale wowed me and left me an emotional train wreck. Long time fans of the Yakuza series will likely find The Song of Life to be a satifying conclusion.

An interesting combination of brutality and tenderness.

Yakuza 6 is not a game for everyone, but you can't deny it a certain charm. I followed a very cool storyline for many hours and I have happily frittered some time away playing various mini-games. The combat becomes repetitive after a while, but, all in all, this is a really great game.

Yakuza 6: The song of life is the finest entry in the series yet. Although impressing with its open world aspect, we do miss some of the content from previous games.

Yakuza 6 The Song of Life is clearly one of the best works in the series offering a great finale for Kazuma and greatly improved visuals thanks to the Dragon Engine and one of the best casting of characters in the entire series.

This is the biggest Yakuza addition until thus far, but it does not really know how to amaze us like Yakuza 0 did. We appreciate the way Kiryu's story comes to an end. Even after many chapters this game still surprises us.

Yakuza 6 is a beast of a game, and it sends Kiryu off in style. The graphical upgrades are mouth-watering, and the seamless interior exploration makes an already immersive world even more engrossing.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a game I keep going back to. Even after finishing the main quest I want to keep playing and exploring the world of Yakuza. It also inspired me to get into the larger series, and as a result I just installed Yakuza 0 to start playing.

The Yakuza games have always balanced brutality with tear-jerking sentimentality: it’s a curious mix, but they commit so wholeheartedly to both that they somehow pull it off. It’s no surprise when the final act launches a full-blooded assault on your heartstrings. Yakuza 6 may not be subtle, but few players will be left dry-eyed as the curtain on this tale is finally drawn.

Yakuza 6 applies themes of fatherhood and masculinity as coping mechanisms for intense interpersonal drama. While it surrenders the sweeping ambition that defined Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 5, it feels sharper, more focused, and more honest about its intentions.

The Dragon Engine is certainly a welcome upgrade, creating a gorgeous Karumocho and Onomichi. But this visual change does not come without sacrifices, which can be seen in the other aspects of the game, equally or more important: combat, exploration and secondary content.

The sixth installment in the Yakuza franchise diligently completes its task: it brings the series to a new dawn of modernity and allows the fans to say goodbye to the legendary Dragon of Dojima. Even with some small flaws in the script and less epic boss figths, The Song of Life is a thrilling experience and one worth buying.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life has an incredibly bittersweet ending, and the narrative twists and turns that brought me there, left me feeling satisfied with the close of Kazuma Kiryu’s story.

Yakuza 6 delivers the series' signature poignant story, and is probably the best Yakuza has been narrative and production-wise. However, the game's trademark diversions have been trimmed back.

The story, content and gameplay are unquestionably of a good standard, but it was not what we wanted from the final game of Kiryu Kazuma, who we were so fond of during these 12 years. In our opinion it was reasonable to expect something more, especially in the combat system that instead of going forward took a step back, especially if compared with Yakuza 0, which on that front (but not only that) was the pinnacle of the series. The purchase is still recommended in an essential way, especially if you are a historical fan, in the meanwhile we'll waiting to find out what'll be the future of the brand without Dragon of Dojima.

Fighting and exploring is more free than ever, and the story, while wanting in certain areas, introduces a few great characters. Some activities and side missions lack a punch, but how many games do you get to wear a giant orange on your head?

Yakuza 6 is a solid entry in the franchise. It's carried by a strong story and excellent visuals that make up for the fact that it's a fairly bare-bones Yakuza title that has less content than other titles in the series. Fans of the franchise should find a lot to like in Yakuza 6. It's not the best entry for a newcomer due to it being the end of Kiryu's story, but it's a solid and enjoyable game.

Yakuza 0 is simply the better game overall, leaving Yakuza 6 as just a great game. Of course, a number of games aspire to be "great", so Yakuza hitting that benchmark even on an off year is a testament to the development team and the strength of the franchise. Yakuza 6 is well worth your time, but remember to manage your expectations.

The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you’ve kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu.

While Yakuza 6 takes a small step backward in its combat, sidequest content and presentation, its attention to detail with its engrossing, dynamic story paired with its near-infinite replayability makes this a thoroughly enjoyable, if only slightly disappointing, chapter of Kazuma Kiryu's life.

Yakuza 6's narrative builds to one of the finest climaxes in the series - perhaps, in fact, the best of the lot...When the dust settles, the series fan is given something that no previous Yakuza game, bound as it has been to an inevitable sequel, has ever offered: closure. [Apr 2018, p.108]

Even though it's a bit of a disappointment, there's no denying that Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a solid entry in Sega's epic series. Both fans and newcomers alike will find a lot to love about Kiryu's latest (and possibly final) kick ass adventure.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life offers amazing storytelling and world-building, but when it comes to gameplay mechanics and technique Yakuza 0 and Kiwami 2 are way ahead.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life presents the most detailed virtual chunk of Japan the series has managed to date, and its story provides a satisfying end to the Kizama Kiryu saga. However, as far as gameplay goes, Yakuza 6 doesn’t make enough of an effort to break new ground, making it weaker overall than last year’s Yakuza Zero.

Yakuza 6 has an ambitious narrative, alternating between lighthearted and dramatic. Unfortunately, it doesn't give its characters enough love and care to truly pull off the pathos.

The Dragon of Dojima returns for one more adventure, with the stakes higher and more personal than ever in this touching farewell to a Yakuza legend. With a tale that closes the book on a long-running saga, Kiryu’s farewell results in a story that is as satisfying to watch as its gameplay is as underwhelming to consume.

Its fluid action and bustling open world full of character will draw you in, while the deeply engrossing narrative will keep you hooked until the emotionally fuelled finale. [Issue#199, p.70]

I wish I could say Kiryu’s sendoff was the best Yakuza game of the bunch, but last year’s Yakuza 0 still stands out. Yakuza 6 succeeds, though, despite its shortcomings. It’s definitely the best looking, most technically impressive Yakuza game. And The Song of Life is its most heart warming (and heart wrenching!) story.

Kiryu's final chapter is a beautiful one that has its heart in the right place, but feels slightly let down quite likely due to the new engine not allowing the developers the time they required to flesh out other areas such as the battle system and sections of Kamurocho. Despite slipping in parts, though, Yakuza 6 recovers with a compelling and intricately woven narrative featuring an appealing cast, rounded off with the side distractions expected of an entry in this series.

A slightly underwhelming end to the legend of Kazuma Kiryu, but the changes in gameplay and graphics do hold a lot of promise for the future.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life brings a satisfying end to Kazuma Kiryu's story, but it's not quite the send off I expected. Between its convoluted systems and cut content, it didn't feel like the saga ended with a roar, but with a whimper.

Given more development time, this could have been the definitive entry in the series, but what we’re left with is good enough.

For a story-driven game, there are just too many inconsistencies in its story. Yet despite this, Yakuza 6 comes with undeniable charm.