Yakuza 5 Remastered is a sprawling and ambitious entry in the Yakuza series, featuring five playable protagonists across five distinct Japanese cities. The game excels in delivering deep and varied combat mechanics for most characters, with Kiryu and Saejima's gameplay receiving particular praise for their satisfying and versatile fighting styles. The narrative explores themes of dreams, sacrifice, and perseverance, with Kiryu's arc standing out as the strongest and most emotionally engaging. Shinada's story is noted as a highlight for its grounded and human approach, while Haruka's rhythm game segments offer a refreshing change of pace.
However, the game's massive scale sometimes leads to pacing issues and an uneven story, with some arcs feeling disconnected or underdeveloped. The finale is considered less impactful than expected, and completionist side content can be tedious and overwhelming. Despite these flaws, the game remains a must-play for fans of the franchise, delivering an enjoyable mix of story, combat, and side activities.
Players praise the varied combat mechanics, especially Kiryu's versatile moveset and Saejima's newfound power. The inclusion of five cities and multiple protagonists offers extensive content and exploration opportunities. The storyline, while uneven, contains emotionally resonant moments, particularly Kiryu's and Shinada's arcs. The rhythm game segments featuring Haruka are seen as a fun and addictive diversion. Graphically, the remaster improves visuals significantly over the original, enhancing immersion. Side content such as hunting, taxi driving, and mini-games enrich the gameplay experience, providing a wide range of activities.
Common criticisms include the game's bloated length and pacing issues, with some story arcs feeling slow or disconnected. Saejima's prison sequence and certain side quests are regarded as tedious filler. The finale is described as underwhelming and lacking emotional payoff, with some plot threads left unresolved. Shinada's combat is considered unfinished and less engaging compared to other characters. The extensive side content can feel repetitive and overwhelming, especially for completionists. The map and UI remain somewhat clunky despite improvements, and some players found the rhythm game segments less appealing.
Get ready for a Yakuza experience of unprecedented scale! Follow five characters across five Japanese cities, each trying to achieve their dream. The connections between them bring them together, but the conflict that unfolds is nothing any of them could have predicted.