Yakuza 0 Review | The Magnum Opus of a Madman

I Platted Yakuza 0 on my Twitch earlier this year. These were my thoughts.
Twitch: / mertkaykay
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[@oimate6357]

I think it’s fine that all the hostesses fell in love with majima because I and every other person who I saw play Y0 also fell in love with Majima

[@danialyousaf6456]

Who wouldn't ? Even most straight guys fell in love after playing 24 hour Cinderella.

[@A2kisses]

yeah tbh i can't be mad at the game when i myself am guilty of finding majima crazy attractive from the secon he first appears on screen😭

[@bananatiergod]

The reasons why the Lieutenants are voiced so well is because their actors have been acting in V-Cinema (basically over the top release-to-DVD films) for a very long time, mostly as characters who are yakuza. It's basically the Japanese equivelant of having Stallone, Schwartznegger and Van Damme together in the Expendables.

[@MertKayKay]

Thanks so much for the explanation! They gave honestly brilliant performances

[@definitelyhooman7939]

I'm really disappointed you didn't enjoy Yakuza 0! I'm honestly surprised you decided to platinum it after disliking it that much. I decided to finish the completion list not out of obligation, but because I genuinely loved the game and wanted to spend more time with it. What I loved about it was that I found it to be the video game equivalent of a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get (but it'll always be amazing). I loved that I could be playing karaoke one minute, then delving into a hard hitting crime drama. I found (most of) the minigames to be really fleshed out and rewarding in their own ways, hence why I decided to complete it. I find it interesting that you didn't enjoy the over-the-top story, but I think that may be personal preference. Personally, I loved the chaotic story of Yakuza. I thought the insanity of the substories/minigames really elevated the emotional moments, and viceversa. It made for a hilarious yet heartwarming experience, at least for me. I found the combat great, and I actually enjoyed the Brawler and Thug styles respectfully. I thought they added a nice balance between their other counterparts, even if they are a bit vanilla. However, the one part that I agree with is it's representation of women, particulary trans women. As you said, the Pleasure King is a particulary uncomfortable example. Whether or not they're supposed to be trans, or simply a drag queen, the way the game treats her as malicious and predatory is an issue. As a cis woman, it was disappointing to see pretty simplistic portrayls of women, particulary in the substories, but in fairness, I do not think these substories are supposed to be taken too seriously as arguably the men are written equally as simplistic. One step in the right direction I feel should be of note however is validating and humanising sex workers and hostesses. They are always treated with respect, and tackle relevant issues without looking down on them. At the end of the day, I mostly disagree, but still respect your opinion. You laid out your opinion clearly, and I can understand why you feel the way you do! Thanks for uploading, it was a very interesting video nonetheless. (Also on a totally different note, a game I'd be interested in your opinion of is Bayonetta. It's equally as over-the-top as Yakuza 0 but with significantly better portrayls of the women it depicts)

[@MertKayKay]

Thank you Hooman! I actually look back on this game really fondly; I loved the way the Completion List was spread out over so many activities with so many different things to do. I've played games since that were just pure grind and it was really nice to be able to try lots of different minigames in one. I'm still not super keen on the story but the combat and mechanics were really fun and, for a bit of mindless enjoyment, this is a good one and I have recommended it since Thanks very much for watching

[@megans343]

I find it interesting there seems to be this strange self awareness of how stuck in the past the narratives of the game are in later timeline part of the series - like how Kiryu emotionally supports a trans woman by telling her “we all have our struggles, yours are just harder than most others” when she comes out to him, or how they beat the message over the head that Kiryu and his ideals are a relic of the past and even an idealized one that doesn’t actually match what society ever was. Then again - yeah then it just swings back around to weird cringey shit and you’re just floored how absurd this shit is while having these gob smacking you self aware moments at other times

[@MertKayKay]

Very true! There's a lot of unusual contradictions in the messages of these games. Sure, they're harmless fun, but it's always fun to examine them :D Thanks for watching Megan!

[@thesleepydot]

i love so much how you set up and ended the video haha. its so fun and got several solid nose exhales out of me lol

[@MertKayKay]

Aww!! I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for being here

[@daftpunklover1022]

The earth angel bartender is an Okama which is a cross dressing man, so no not trans, but they usually are seen as like, other and jokes.

[@MertKayKay]

Thanks for the clarification Lillie! I definitely got that impression - especially since the game plays them off as a joke. Felt so bad for them :'(

[@daftpunklover1022]

@@MertKayKay ofc! The okama is a recurring character who appears frequently in future games (i've played 0, kiwami, and kiwami 2) and in future games, kiryu treats her (those are the pronouns they use in game) with respect and even defends her from perverts and homophobes

[@MertKayKay]

Aww we love a bit of development! :D Good old Kiryu

[@xliquidpliskinx4327]

I feel like Japan still has this male over female dynamic today (less so than 40 years ago of course), so it just bleeds over into this medium, among others. Sorry to input a differing opinion, I just love these games! Lol

[@MertKayKay]

Yeah I think that's definitely true! Like I can see where it comes from, I just needed to point it out even if it doesn't change anything 😁 I enjoyed my time with the game for what it's worth. Thanks for watching!

[@danteakechi7330]

So after watching your review I realized that all the reasons you hate the game is why I love it. That particular section where you talked about the representation of women in the game is all that great made me realize that yakuza is essentially a male power fantasy. I mean I love the games so much that I try to do everything I can even if it gets on my nerves. But at the end of the day I just love the aspect of powerful men being able to do all their talking with their fists and fight for Justice and for what’s right. Watching your video made me realize that while the representation of women is very poor in these games, that’s really what I’m not getting out of the experience. Sometimes I just want to crush a bike over a mans head then proceed to bash his head in repeatedly

[@phaeton01]

Living in the north, the opening phonecall is every conversation ive had since moving here

[@vioectrolysis]

This is an interesting commentary about the Yakuza series, the essays always talk about the amazing mini games and how cool Kiryu and Majima are. Actually, all the comic relief you mentioned are the classic archetypes and cliches of japanese media: the ugly woman that is desperate to touch a man; the girls and bar mama that are presented in a tranphobic way, and the kid that is obsessed with adult magz or movies. They look too on the nose, so maybe it was ironic. As ironic as it is punching a grandma and saying "it was just a joke"

[@massivegat5087]

This is probably one of my favorite games of all time, easily. I haven't played it in a solid 4 years I reckon but I sunk well over 300 hours with a platinum run and another near completion Legend run as well just for fun after the fact. I was a much less socially conscious person back then overall and I don't think I noticed the insanely demeaning and frankly ugly treatment of women and trans characters. I think I recall the Pleasure King making me vaguely uncomfortable back then? My memory is rather hazy and I've platinumed 4 other games in the series and each one borders on oppressive tedium at times, but I can't help but love the games despite some of their flaws, most of which have been tamed extensively in recent entries. I ADORE the combat mechanics in this game. The simplicity of rush combos and heat, heat actions and grabs are all very intuitive to pick up, but they're not so dull that they get stale by the end imo. The variety of 8 styles between the two leads helps a lot too. I'm actually very partial to both Brawler AND Thug, probably my favorite styles for both. While less intriguing in premise and design than any of their contemporaries, I enjoy the versatility both offer. Both styles possessing the widest set of heat actions, the most adaptable movesets (minus Breaker for Majima, it's just plain busted TBH) and the general sense of characterization present in both just appeal to me so much. From my perspective I'd say 0 actually plays extremely well as a game. I also thoroughly enjoyed it as a narrative experience, and that's because I TOTALLY buy into the indulgent stupidity of it haha. For how dumb and silly it gets, I do think there is actual heart here. Bumbling, idiotic daftness, sure; but heart nonetheless! I do take issue with its problematic and tonedeaf writing, though admittedly half a decade ago I was scarcely aware of such things. It might actually make the game difficult to revisit, just because I've grown as a person since then and so has the development team, for the most part. I loved your video on TLOU2 btw, naturally subscribed and found this. While I love this game to death and enjoyed about 80% of the completion process, the sheer tedium and mundaniety at times ensures I'll never go to those lengths again with this title upon replay.

[@MertKayKay]

Hey Gat! Thanks so much for the comment! It was a pleasure to read. I definitely agree re: the Completion List. I've not played another Yakuza game since (not because I dislike it, but because they're quite big time commitments) and I've heard they tone down the Completion requirements massively which is really useful. I did really enjoy how varied they were to be honest - this game never has you doing the same thing for too long, which is a huge relief in comparison to other RPGs which just ask 70 hours of the same grind. The combat mechanics are also brilliant! What did you think of the Ultimo battle things? Like, the extra fights that could be accessed from the main menu? I really enjoyed those and how they played up to specific gimmicks. And yes, this is definitely a game that is unashamed to be what it is :D With a lot of homogenised content coming out from large publishers who don't want to make anything too challenging (gameplay wise or intellectually) - cough cough, Ubisoft - it is really nice to see a series like Yakuza which is proud to be what it is. Thanks for watching Gat :D

[@massivegat5087]

@@MertKayKay I largely enjoyed the Climax Battles. I liked the variety found within them, often times placing Majima or Kiryu against bosses attributed to the other lead. For example getting to fight Kuze as Majima is really fun, or fighting off zombies in an arena that is placed in the headlights of Nishikiyama's parked car from that one cutscene. Some of them are EXTREMELY frustrating though. Attributed to the 'gimmick' aspect of them, while fun as a whole, does occasionally dip into being plain unfair and/or too restrictive to really be enjoyable. Things like 1HP no-hit states aren't fun or engaging design to make something challenging, they're just plain bullshit. I also didn't really care for the ones where you had minimal upgrades unless they compensated in some way, which they usually did thankfully lol.

[@MertKayKay]

Yes the zombie one was super cool! And agreed - re: the gimmicks, I remember a timed one with Majima that drove me up the wall so much! I had to invite a friend over and ask his help

[@madspeterrommedahl4679]

My impression of the Yakuza series is that it is the most Sega game to ever Sega. Like, it has managed to out-Sega every other Sega game. Anyway, I just found this channel through the almighty algorithm pushing your Medium review. Great stuff, instantly subbed.

[@MertKayKay]

I couldn't have put it better myself Mads :D Thanks so much for watching! Really happy that you like my videos!

[@ddjsoyenby]

also as an murican that health care dig at the end was *chefs kiss*

[@MertKayKay]

Hahahaha ours isn't excellent so I feel you :D

[@amharbinger]

I always saw Yakuza 0 the necessary game that was critical in understanding all future games in the series surrounding Majima and Kiryu. Without this game you never get the full context to them as characters. The key relationships that would be paramount to both of them becoming who they are and most importantly forge their paths forward well into Like a Dragon. Majima losing the woman he loves but knowing full well she cannot be part of his life because who is is and deciding to constantly focus his attention on someone else. And how important Nishiki was to Kiryu, even highlighting despite being his blood brother Kiryu moves forward always and barely mentions him again. I made the mistake playing the first game instead of Zero first and if I had taken the advice of my chat my experience would've been radically different when diving into the first game for the first time.

[@Jazzyb3lle]

After watching nearly every one of your videos a 4th or 5th time I stumbled on this Playlist of older videos where your riffing on games. Man I'm so happy to see how the channel has grown for you!! I remember checking in around your first walking dead video and I've been entertained since. Really happy the channel is going well for ya, I'd say Kirsty (Kersty? Can't remember da spelling) but that feels weird so congrats mert! - formerly hamsinkk

[@MertKayKay]

Damn you are a connoisseur of my content, I'm so flattered :') thank you. And yeah these old videos were so silly and fun!

[@Jazzyb3lle]

@MertKayKay no thank you!! You're definitely a comfort creator I like to watch. Your jokes always get me man, I've been giggling about "it's crazy that serving cunt 100 years ago would get you in an asylum" for a month now. Keep it up c:

[@Jazzyb3lle]

@MertKayKay dude i wrote a reply to this and it disappeared, how whacky. Maybe it's because I quoted "serving c*nt 100 Years ago could put you in an asylum" but that still don't add up. Anyway. Keep it up if it makes you happy!! Absolutely a proud Connoisseur

[@felisazure1820]

I very much understand the frustration with the panty ring quest, which was so freaking frustrating. What bothered me and a friend while playing this section was the fact, as you pointed out in the comments, the options ranged from sexist or dumb, rather than letting the player point out the more understandable and obvious reasons, being that she is underage and forcing her fellow peers into sexual situations they weren't comfortable with. That being said you did a great job at covering the sexism in this game that is very, very uncomfortable. I still enjoy this game for its absurdity, but I think it is important to recognize the overall issues with the series and its presentations.

[@ddjsoyenby]

honestly i do kinda agree with a lot of the reprenstation of women i think makoto makimura is great, and that the game does respect her struggles, but oh my god some of the moments are really bad like the drunken guy groping a hostess and getting off relatively scott free or that kiryu doesn't bring up to the panty selling ring girl that forcing people to do things they don't consent to is wrong; honestly i loved this game and it's story, and do disagree with some of your points, but good vid anyways.

[@MertKayKay]

Thanks Derek! Really happy you liked it regardless of disagreements

[@DerpySnake]

I'd like to add in my 2 cents about the transphobia in this game - from what I remember, the Pleasure king identifies as a man, but I could be very wrong on that, so feel free to correct me. After that though, there is a weird inconsistency with trans representation in the series - as much as I love the Yakuza series to death, I have to admit there is a substory in Kiwami that is outright transphobic and 1 that might be, but I don't remember it well. The weird part is I'm pretty sure 3 and Kiwami 2 both have Kiryu show support for trans people. I'll start with the Kiwami substory: A man is a good runner, and runs from debt collectors, finding out he runs faster in a skirt, which then makes him realise he feels comfortable as a woman. Kiryu talks about how he's only gonna attack her because she needs to pay her debts or something, but idk man, Kiryu has this whole "no hitting women" shtick that he just suddenly forgoes because "You owe a bit of money"??? I don't get it. There's another substory but I'm not gonna go into it because I don't really remember it and will probably butcher it. But then in Kiwami 2, he tells Mama that her life is hers to live, and she doesn't have to justify it to anyone, and in the remaster of 3 talks to a trans woman called Ayaka, who I've heard was modelled and voiced by a trans woman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJqyineXm5aAmrM So in the end I really don't get whoever writes these things. I'm not sure if something changed somewhere, they had different writers or what, but I just don't get the trans representation in this series. Hopefully it stays like 3 and Kiwami 2 from now on. Trans representation has a long way to go imo, especially in media from Japan. I hope that devs look at 3 and Kiwami 2 representation and use that as a basis at the least. Also note: If I said anything here that's wrong or seems hateful, it's not on purpose and I apologise. I'm big dumb :)

[@Spacewizzard090]

Is it really that hard to believe that the writers disliked how they treated trans representation in 1 and, having maybe changed their views, had Kiryu change his too?

[@DerpySnake]

@@Spacewizzard090 Yeah, but they seem to flip flop on their support.

[@Spacewizzard090]

I don't feel like they did flip flop though, other than to keep Kiryu consistent in Y0 to Y1. I don't remember how he acted in Y2, so maybe his acceptance of Mama in Kiwami 2 was new to the game, but going by release date order, Kiryu's treatment of trans people has improved, (other than 0 which is a prequel)? Like I said, i've not played the original Yakuza 2 in more than a decade, so I don't remember if they added his acceptance in for Kiwami, either way, I feel like the writers are heading in the right direction, unless there's anything in & or Judgement that are particularly egregious.

[@Spacewizzard090]

How do you feel about the BDSM substory? Seeing as that is entirely about Kiryu helping a woman become more dominant in order to make her clients enjoy the experience more? I don't remember Kiryu reprimanding her about it, other than him feeling a bit weird atg the beginning, which I imagine most of us would experience a little bit, regardless of our tolerance/acceptance of such behaviour

[@MertKayKay]

It's been a long time since I've played so I can't massively remember, I think I recall Kiryu going full Himbo which was quite sweet. An awkward substory but for all the intended reasons

[@cryptidonstrike]

I know I’m a year late, but: incredibly based takes on healthcare at the end, A+

[@MertKayKay]

hahaha, thanks Cryptid

[@MrStronglime]

But why did you have to 100% it and ruin your experience with it?

[@MertKayKay]

100%-ing shouldn't ruin the experience in my opinion :D If you play everything the game has, that shouldn't be a drawback to playing the game. You should want to play more, not less, of a game.

[@MrStronglime]

​@@MertKayKay Ideally, yeah. In something like Spyro. There's so much padding here that it feels like a chore. I'm halfway through the story and I know I'm not going to 100% it. Still having fun with the main story and then going to drop it. You know, the whole "ubisoft games" collect 100 useless trinkets phenomena.

[@MertKayKay]

Ah well I love me an 100%! I have felt pretty happy with most of the games I've finished. I finished Valhalla too but I took my time with that a lot more and I didn't burn out on it. Sometimes I want to go back to Yakuza 0 and do the Hong Kong/Japanese/Korean 100% again, I do miss it occasionally.

[@elementalgamer0732]

20:15 I think the editor did a good job given the source material.

[@oimate6357]

When did kiryu or majima ever say that someone needed to save themselves for marriage? And when does kiryu act horrified at earth angels mamas appearance? If anyone could remind me I would appreciate that

[@MertKayKay]

Kiryu makes mention of "saving yourself for your future husband" during the substory where he's trying to stop a girl from selling her underwear Kiryu acts horrified at earth angel mama's appearance whenever she speaks to him, he jumps and makes this big startled noise :D Thanks for watching!

[@oimate6357]

@@MertKayKay oh yeah thanks for the reminder I never did grow to love kiryu the way many others did Specifically because of his very overt sexism

[@loneronin6813]

The Yakuza Series (zero through six, anyway) is one of my favorite game series I've ever been fortunate enough to experience. Kiryu as a character is my favorite in all of gaming. He goes from a legendarily violent Yakuza member to a compassionate and loving father figure who while he doesn't regret the majority of his past because he has always been loyal to those that mean the most to him he spends pretty much his entire life doing all he can to confront his past transgressions and everything that often transpires that could bring harm to those that he holds dear in order to be the better man he becomes for his adoptive daughter and the orphanage he runs. All of that being said, I must admit that Yakuza 0, while it does still have an interesting story and covers the earlier years of characters that most players are already familiar with from the other games in the series, you don't really see the best of these characters. On top of that, Yakuza 0 isn't as fulfilling and worthwhile if it's your introduction to the series, which logically you would think that starting there would actually be the one to start with. Alas, if you play it first you will likely (and understandably) turn away from the series. All of that being said, as a fan of the series I will never play Yakuza 7 because they turned the combat into a turn-based system. Call me a purist or label as me, "Not liking change," but I just think getting rid of it's brawler-style combat was a horrible misstep. I apologize for the super long message, but believe me this is light reading compared to the full explanation of just how deep and emotionally satisfying the series becomes. For me it was a series that I felt gave me an enriched experience because of how much the character of Kiryu evolves and grows in pretty much every way imaginable. It's less of a game series and more of an interactive journey. I must admit that I didn't do much of the side quests in any of the games because the story was what interested me the most so watching this video opened my eyes to quite a bit more than I gleaned from my own playthrough of the series in regards to the treatment of various groups of people. I still love the series and I will continue to sing its praises, but now realizing some of the territory it goes into a lot more than I even remember or experienced as a player I can't help but feel that I need to acknowledge that aspect. As for the stuff I knew was already in the game, I never liked the hostess club mini games or the whole cat whatever combat thing. I'm not a prude and if others enjoy it that's perfectly ok, it's just not for me and I would rather be out kicking ass on the street or in an underground arena than do any kind of mini game. I know I sound like a broken record here, but games 1-6 do grow up and get a better grip on the strengths that the series has to offer.

[@BADRBOY]

I put this game on a pedestal probably because it was my first Yakuza game and because it helped it relax through my first ever university exams when I'd go into the exam hall with Friday night playing in my head and walk out with 24 hour cinderella. However I do see that your criticisms are valid since this game and others in the franchise can get frustrating but I don't think I felt your frustration since I subscribe to the idea of "Good enough" in some games especially AAA ones so I try everything the game has to offer at least once and go on with it, on top of that I don't gamble so I usually stay away from gambling in videogames as well. Story wise the game had a rather self contained narrative compared with other entries in the series and I mostly enjoyed while some substories made me uncomfortable however it's worthy to note that many substories can be completed one way or the other so for example with that boy and the magazine one you could just say no and he'd be upset and that's it, it's completed. The Hostess minigame was fun mostly and far more enjoyable than the real estate one. And yes I understand the frustration when it comes to the characters and their hypocrisy like when Kiryu keeps repeating "you're selling your sex which is not good" and then going to a telephone club yeaaaaaaaaaah I didn't like that honestly. The way the characters, who are supposedly tough mobsters, carry themselves can be weird at times and that's something one of the main villains in Yakuza 5 criticise which was fun to see. All in all I really love this game for the neon filled nights of disco and karaoke not to forget the soundtrack. The series is eccentric in a way and it has it's solid entries and it's weaker ones but trust me story wise Yakuza 0 is tamer than Yakuza 2/Kiwami 2 (it's remake) with it's million plot twists.

[@thesun5275]

This game is just "based" incarnate

[@MertKayKay]

I actually can't agree more

[@thesun5275]

@@MertKayKay i will say that i enjoy it but look at it through the lense that "its just hyper masculine absurdism" not too dissimilar to older games like Duke Nukem or the OG Shadow Warrior. Though I do get that it can be offensive, I just dont take what it does and says seriously because it just seems to want to be over the top.

[@xliquidpliskinx4327]

Starting the band “Twisted Tenacity” now

[@MertKayKay]

I will attend EVERY GIG

[@BasedPeter]

I'm convinced the sectioning part of the review is a reference to peep Show after watching your other video :D

[@MertKayKay]

YES a fellow person of culture! :D

[@BasedPeter]

@@MertKayKay As a fellow vidya reviewer with one big video that drew in people, but failed to get the other ones traction I feel your pain. Also kudos on your scripts they're really fantastic and well-written while flirting with, but never crossing the "i ate a thesaurus for breakfast line"

[@MertKayKay]

Thanks Peter, you are truly based :D my channel was mega, mega small until a few weeks ago (like sub 100 subs) and then this video (posted back in Jan) randomly just blew up. I'm still kind of spinning from it

[@BasedPeter]

@@MertKayKay Oh well then you're gonna catapult real soon, I'm sure of that! I know this may be a strange request, but I figure why not it's the internet. Id you have time, I'd love to get your opinion on my own Yakuza Kiwami review, as if I'm being honest your writing skills are clearly leagues above mine.

[@MertKayKay]

@@BasedPeter Aww no worries Peter, I'll have a look later today!

[@madarchmage1151]

I like this. Thank you

[@t.dmattocks6119]

On the one hand, this is overall really fair, on the other, it feels like you think the story is bad for being an over the top anime drama with dumb logic that would not fit in reality, but that is exactly why it's good and the intention. Feels like you would complain abt an anime where someone loses buckets of blood and a leg in a fight, screams about their friends, and continues fighting unimpeded. Confusing that you seem to think realism should apply. Like yeah dramatically crying over your dying friend's body is more important than hospitals or w/e in a game/story like this, it's an over the top action drama about hardened Japanese dudes punching guys in the face because of their ideals. What a weird reason to hate Majima.

[@MrSh1ppey]

I would love to hear your review of JoJos

[@MertKayKay]

JoJo's? :D Tell me more

[@oimate6357]

@@MertKayKay ahem JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a manga created by Araki and adapted into anime by David productions It is considered by many to be one of the most unique pieces of art ever Some people enjoy it ironically and some enjoy it earnestly Some don’t enjoy it at all I encourage you to check out part 1 phantom blood and see which camp you fall in

[@treetheoak8313]

Honestly I got into the series with yakuza 4. It doesn't even start with kiryu, you play As a non yakuza money lender. The vast and fighting mechamics is bizzare and nonsensical but as far as I can't remember it's honestly all about the bois. You have 4 protagonists to play. Each had their own story that all start to cross, weave and combine with one another by the end of it. I also remember it being a little more even handed and less problematic than 0s themes. Granted the last time I played yakuza 4 was like 7 years ago.

[@MertKayKay]

I've heard really good things about 4! Is that the prison break one?

[@treetheoak8313]

@@MertKayKay yup that's the highlights for one of the characters stories! Honestly Kiryu is a bit boring for me as a protagonist. 4 seemed to realize this and you really do focus on the 3 other stories more. Honestly it's a crime that only a few of these characters would get proper revisits in future games. The mechanics and gameplay are a nice in between from the (relatively) grounded world of 3 and bizzare world of 0. I'd personally recommend that game as a great starting off point. Despite 0 taking place chronologically as the first game. They do little to advance or develop kyriu beyond what we already know about him. Kajima Def gets the better the story in 0.

[@joaomacabrodeath]

Yakuza is a Beat-n-up with minigames

[@elementalcatplays6463]

Idk why but I discovered a strat for jcc beat 2 tournaments ( 6 rounds) in a row

[@MertKayKay]

What did you do?

[@elementalcatplays6463]

@@MertKayKay might have just gotten lucky but the ai can read what you play, if they have a five star move choose the thing that’ll make you lose and then swap last second and most of the time they’d lose. Also with the button spam fights I would start before the pop up and I won a lot more compared to waiting Could’ve gotten god luck but it seemed pretty reliable for me

[@oneofnone7947]

Oh yes you didn't unlock limit brake or the as I call it the only reason to get CP

[@sm24644]

I played a lot of the Yakuza series because I really like the fighting mechanics of the game and a lot of the cool side content like the arcade games and toy car racing. And you're definitely right about the way they depict women I avoided most of the "sexy" side quests/activity because it was a waste of time to be honest. For me it's liked finding my way through hords of enemies as Kazuma and just how over the top some of these fights can get. I can definitely see why some of these side activities could get annoying with the amount of grinding it to do if you want to 100%.

[@MertKayKay]

Thanks for the comment Santiago! The fighting mechanics in this game were honestly great

[@lyudmila_sukhorukova]

Oh this was a refreshing review for sure, very different from what I was expecting!!! Even though I love this series I can see some of the problematics you pointed out, and I'm kinda surprised that I never really noticed them to such a degree before, maybe its bc I not very familiar with the Japanese culture so Idk what is acceptable for them or not, I always saw Yakuza as this "light hearted goofy male fantasy humor" that is not to be taken seriously, I always had the impression of the game being super self aware and considering other Japanese games I've played, this one is by far one of the least disrespectful lol But yeah I have to agree they could have done a better job at representing the trans character less comically!

[@MertKayKay]

Hey Lyudmila! Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad you found it refreshing! I think with distance/time from the game I have come to agree with you: it's so hyper-realistic and so silly that I can't really be mad at it, you know? Like, it's just wild stuff.

[@colehoward9458]

Beating up trans characters, reproaching women for having a sexual drive, shaming physical features - that's not even a moral conflict, you are not playing a hero, just an abuser...yeah, hard pass.

[@thesleepydot]

I really actually don't care about this game, like at all, but I adore your reviews of them! you make the boring interesting :D

[@MertKayKay]

Sleepy Dot! You are the sweetest, thank you so much!

[@supa9870]

1th

[@thesleepydot]

19th :)

[@miadatenshi9903]

Stop being so angry at erotic stuff in a japanese game

[@CuckHunt]

Wow Based