Yakuza Kiwami 2
" Visually stunning action RPG with fluid combat and rich story but shallow combat depth "
Yakuza Kiwami 2 Review
Yakuza Kiwami 2 is widely praised for its significant graphical improvements and engaging, emotionally layered story that explores themes of legacy, violence, and survival. The game features a seamless open-world design with minimal loading screens and a rich, immersive world set in Kamurocho and Sotenbori. Combat has been revamped into a heavier, more fluid system centered around the "Dragon" style, offering satisfying heat actions and weapon use. The inclusion of numerous side activities, minigames, and a well-received Majima Saga adds depth and replayability. However, some players find the main story weaker compared to previous titles and criticize certain gameplay elements such as physics and combat depth. The game is also noted to be more demanding on hardware, with some performance issues on PC. Despite these criticisms, the overall experience is highly enjoyable and recommended, especially for fans of the series or beat-em-up adventure games.
Highlights
Players especially appreciate the upgraded graphics using the Dragon Engine, which deliver beautiful, seamless transitions and realistic environments. The combat system is praised for being fluid and satisfying, with powerful heat actions and a natural feel to fights. The story is considered emotionally intense and one of the best in the series, with well-developed characters and meaningful themes. Side quests and minigames, including the return of the cabaret club and new management gameplay, add variety and entertainment. The Majima Saga is highlighted as a touching conclusion to previous story arcs, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the combat being somewhat shallow compared to earlier entries, with overpowered light attacks reducing challenge. The game suffers from occasional physics issues, such as flimsy environmental interactions and awkward ragdoll effects. Some players find the story less compelling or the antagonist underutilized. Optimization problems on PC lead to performance drops, and the lack of a frame rate cap is frustrating. Additionally, certain side quests contain uncomfortable themes, and some minigames like golf and karaoke are seen as less engaging. The game’s pacing and chapter lengths also drew mixed reactions, with some feeling segments were too short or disjointed.
Pros
- • Graphical improvements bring a visually stunning and immersive game world.
- • Fluid and satisfying combat system centered on the Dragon style.
- • Emotionally rich and engaging storyline with strong character development.
- • Seamless open-world design with minimal loading screens.
- • Variety of entertaining side quests and minigames enhance gameplay.
- • Majima Saga offers a touching narrative closure for fans.
- • Well-crafted environments reflecting authentic Japanese urban life.
Cons
- • Combat depth is shallow with overpowered light attacks dominating.
- • Physics and ragdoll effects feel unrealistic and sometimes detract.
- • Main antagonist feels underdeveloped and less impactful.
- • Performance and optimization issues on PC frustrate players.
- • Lack of frame rate cap limits gameplay smoothness.
- • Some side quests contain uncomfortable or awkward themes.
- • Certain minigames like golf and karaoke lack engagement.
Rating Criteria
Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, must face the ambitious Ryuji Goda, the Dragon of Kansai, in an all-out war between two rival yakuza clans. An extreme recreation of one of Yakuza’s most beloved entries, now in stunning 4K and unlocked framerates. There can be only one dragon.
