Game Review: Yakuza 6

Game: Yakuza 6
Console: Sony Playstation 4
Developer: Sega
Release Date: 17th April 2018

It's been a while since I've reviewed a game on this blog; playing too many games in a short space of time can really burn out the desire to play anything. So this year I've dedicated my gaming time to experiencing longer and more immersive games, mainly from the Yakuza series. If Sega are to be believed, Yakuza 6 is the final console instalment of the series, and the last Yakuza game to feature Kazuma Kiryu as its protagonist. He is, after all 48 years old by the time that the game takes place in 2017.

The game's plot revolves around firstly uncovering the mystery surrounding a hit and run involving Haruka Sawamura, Kiryu's 21 year old adoptive daughter. Through attempting to find the father of her baby, a far bigger secret's existence is uncovered and the second half of the game sees Kiryu and some small town yakuza defying the wishes of everyone around them to reveal perhaps the greatest political secret Japan has ever kept.

Unlike Yakuza 0 and Kiwami, 6 runs on a completely new game engine; the Dragon engine. Upgraded graphics are the first thing to note, as the game looks gorgeous and fighting is smoother than ever, with larger spaces in which to do battle. Another impressive feature is the removal of load times for interiors, meaning fights can spread into shops, restaurants and anywhere Kiryu can run to. The upgrade system has also received an overhaul and now features five categories of EXP which can be used to buy new moves, attributes and skills.

The tonal balance of the game is just as two-sided as any other Yakuza title; a fairly serious and shocking quest for the truth in the main storyline is balanced with ridiculous side quests, engaging distractions and mini-games and so much to do that it's easy to sink another 10-20 hours into postgame, just for the sake of completion. On a side note, some of Yakuka's best substories happen in this game, which is really saying something.

Interestingly Yakuza 6 features cameos from particularly famous Japanese actors including Beat Takeshi (Battle Royale, Takeshi's Castle) and Hiroyuki Miyosako (Kamikaze Girls), borrowing both their likeness and voices to add star power and a higher budget feel than ever before. The character writing in the game feels more than ever as if every story relevant character has clear motivations, goals and reasons behind their actions as the game leaves no thread unresolved by the very end.

If you're into the Yakuza series, I'd definitely recommend giving this game a go; prior completion of Kiwami might give a good insight into some of the recurring characters though. If you've never played a Yakuza game, you'd likely be better off to start with Yakuza 0, simply as there's no prior story with that instalment. However you look at it though, the game design, writing, visuals, music and concept all come together to prove once again that video games can and will continue to be art.

Rating: 98/100
Grade: A