The article reviews the Switch version of *Yakuza Kiwami*, a remake of the original 2005 game. It praises its rich storytelling, immersive world, and solid combat system, while noting some minor visual downgrades and framerate drops. Despite these issues, the game retains its impressive graphics and engaging gameplay, making it a great entry point into the franchise. Priced at under €20, it’s a worthwhile investment for fans and newcomers alike, with hopes for more titles to follow on the platform.
Before diving into the details, let’s provide a brief overview. Yakuza Kiwami is a modern reimagining of the original title from the franchise, which first appeared on PlayStation 2 in 2005. This remake serves as a crucial building block for the narrative and gameplay mechanics that persist throughout the series, extending to its latest entries. It’s worth noting, however, that Kiwami lacks English translations, even in this Nintendo Switch edition. Nonetheless, for those who have an appreciation for immersive stories and vibrant characters, this game offers a compelling entry point into SEGA’s beloved series. If you’re open to engaging with a wealth of text, an exciting journey awaits.
Note: We dedicated nearly nine hours to playing the Nintendo Switch version, which gave us ample opportunity to engage in numerous battles and explore memorable moments, as well as experience the day and night life of Kamurocho.
Dragon in Chains
As is typical for the Ryu Ga Gotoku franchise up to Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Kiwami positions us in the role of Kazuma Kiryu, known as the Dragon of Dojima. Initially a respected Yakuza lieutenant, he soon becomes entangled in a murder investigation involving the head of the Tojo clan. Following a detailed introduction that sets the stage with pivotal characters, Kiryu ends up serving a ten-year prison sentence, leading to a challenging re-entry into civilian life. Upon his release, he discovers a harsh reality: no one is there to welcome him, and his once-supportive clan now views him as a pariah. Meanwhile, a web of complex intrigues begins to unfold.
Driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind the interwoven stories of murder, theft, and power struggles, Kiryu embarks on an action-packed quest. A hallmark of the series — through to Yakuza 6 and the recent spin-off The Man Who Erased His Name — is its combat system. This remake features dynamic, exhilarating action gameplay that incorporates four unique fighting styles, each with its distinct attributes. Moreover, it has an RPG-like aspect, filled with diverse abilities to master and upgrades that transform Kiryu into an extraordinary combatant. The franchise is also renowned for two other elements: its authentic portrayal of life in a Tokyo neighborhood and its exceptional storytelling. Players guide Kiryu through the bustling area of Kamurocho, a location teeming with lifelike interactions, shops, and various side activities. Like all entries in the franchise, Yakuza Kiwami is packed with a wide variety of mini-games, including nostalgic arcade classics, baseball, and poker. A standout addition in this remake is the Pocket Circuit racing club, enhancing the narrative while introducing new gameplay mechanics. It’s clear that the title offers an abundance of content.
The storytelling in Yakuza Kiwami is equally impressive. As with other installments, side quests are intricately designed rather than simplistic, introducing a cast of diverse characters, some of whom are humorous, while others leave a lasting impression. The main storyline shines with a rich array of unique characters, bolstered by excellent modeling and facial animations. The game features cinematic presentation with ambitious direction that evokes a range of emotions, sometimes bringing a smile and other times delivering profound moments.
Indeed, the series is filled with unforgettable scenes, enduring characters, and emotional resonance, establishing its legacy with this first installment. With its remake, Kiwami makes significant improvements—enhancing every aspect, including top-notch Japanese voice acting throughout the experience. When it first launched in 2017, it left little to criticize aside from the absence of a French translation, which only arrived with Like a Dragon in 2020. Still, despite the passage of time, the Switch release remains a noteworthy addition.
Is This the Premier Version?
Fortunately, the developers have delivered a commendable adaptation that respects the original material. While some visual compromises are noticeable—especially when traversing around Kamurocho, including slight issues like clipping and aliasing—the overall experience remains robust. For players unfamiliar with the 2016 PlayStation 4 version, the improvements might go unnoticed. The Switch struggles at times but generally performs admirably, even amidst densely populated areas and dynamic action scenes. There may be occasional framerate dips outdoors during large encounters, but these are largely unobtrusive unless performance is your primary concern.
Moreover, in most respects, Yakuza Kiwami