Republished on Wednesday, August 10, 2022: Following the announcement of the PS Plus Extra, Premium lineup in August, I’m reviving this review from the archives. The original is below.
Yakuza: Kiwami 2 is a complete remake of Yakuza 2, released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006, and like last year’s Yakuza: Kiwami, Kiwami 2 adheres fairly closely to the blueprints designed by the original game. I am persistent. It has the same story, the same scenes, the same missions, and the same dialogue as Yakuza 2. The main difference, of course, is that it’s been reworked from scratch, often using the fancy Dragon engine. First time earlier this year in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.
In addition to visuals that can appear photorealistic at times, Kiwami 2 takes the modern combat system found in Yakuza 6 and builds in some new moves and techniques. Needless to say, if you’ve been trying to play the series chronologically and just finished Yakuza: Kiwami, you’ll be amazed at the huge improvements in this engine.
Admittedly, SEGA has presented a slightly clumsy release schedule. Jumping from pole to Yakuza 6, the final chapter of protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s story, and then returning to pole 2 is undeniably difficult, as pole 2 suffers from blatant PS2-era game design. , the process becomes even more difficult.
Much like polar, polar 2 has moments where you can tell it’s based on a game released over a decade ago. There are some very disorganized missions throughout the campaign, and a lot of filler that in more modern Yakuza titles is simply left on the editing room floor.
Thankfully, the plot is engaging enough to carry the experience. There were far more twists and turns—the kind we’ve come to expect from the series now—and it really brings together narrative elements that its sequels find themselves relying on over and over again. I did.
A great secondary character takes center stage in Kiwami 2’s story, and as always, Kazuma Kiryu demands respect. However, perhaps more than in other Yakuza games, Kiryu had to rely on more allies here. Highlight.
So this is another Yakuza game and another story that is very engrossing. — but it’s definitely one of the show-stealing antagonists: the hardline, no-frills clan boss Ryuji Goda, who prefers punches to intrigue, remains one of the series’ most memorable villains. I’m a person. The dynamic between him and Kiryu may be clichéd and teetering, but it’s great fun.
If there’s only one criticism we have of the story, it’s that, about three-quarters of the way through, it’s appropriately mentally advanced… mentally, even by yakuza standards. That’s right, for lack of a better term, animationone almost wonders if we’re watching some sort of dream sequence unfold.
Next, I need to write about the side content of pole 2. Because there are many boys. Yakuza 6 has gained some traction for being very light on optional activities, at least compared to other Yakuza games, but Kiwami 2 has some in-depth side excursions to explore. , each offering something different.
First, we got an improved version of Yakuza 0’s Hostess Club campaign. It comes with its own crazy plot and characters you can take on dates. Yakuza 6’s top-down clan mini-game is also returning. This time, you can play with stronger strategic advantages and more interesting scenarios. Both of these activities can be time-consuming, and the aforementioned improvements make them decisive.
But sometimes you just want to see Kiryu beat someone or something. Offers a selection of base activities. Bouncer missions allow Kiryu to tackle “dungeons” and obtain powerful equipment as a reward. If you like yakuza combat systems, you couldn’t ask for more.
On top of that, there’s a near-constant stream of side quests, and in typical Yakuza fashion, they range from serious substories dealing with real-world problems to downright hilarious adventures. The way Yakuza manages to change tone is really admirable. Oh, and Kiwami 2 certainly has the features that A side quest for Yakuza 2.
Last but not least, Kiwami 2 features an entire side story you choose from the main menu, starring the one and only Goro Majima. This scenario is brand new and details what Majima did behind the scenes during the events of Yakuza and Yakuza 2. It offers a very interesting look at the politics of the series’ major yakuza clans, but don’t expect it. Second full game. Playing as Mashima is great, and his unpredictable fighting style is just as fun as his Yakuza 0, but unlike Kiryu, you can level up and learn new skills and equip different weapons and armor. It’s a very streamlined yakuza experience that only lasts a few hours.
Quickly delving into a slightly expanded combat system, Kiwami 2 is as face-breakingly satisfying as Yakuza 6, but with more emphasis on weapons. Yes, Kiryu can later pocket dropped knives, bats, swords, and guns as long as they don’t shatter during battle. It adds a welcome spice to each battle.
The mix of story battles, random street brawls, bouncer missions, and underground arenas made the combat system feel like it had a lot of room to breathe, and I’ve come to realize that in my 40-hour or so playthrough. If you’re looking to master challenging yakuza combat, Kiwami 2 gives you more reason than ever to get hooked.
