Yakuza 0 Director's Cut Reviews
That said, the Director's Cut is easily skippable for existing fans unless you're invested in the brand new English dub or extra languages the game has been translated into. The changes made to the story by the new cutscenes make me believe this is a worse version of the game than the original PS4 release that I played, but that is by a very small amount. If you're a Nintendo fan who's been looking for your chance to get started with the Like A Dragon franchise, this is the moment you've been waiting for.
Yakuza 0 is a fantastic experience. Boasting a captivating story, a nearly endless array of simultaneously excellent mini-games and sub-stories, and challenging battles. And nothing about that has changed in the Director's Cut. Whether the additional cutscenes were really necessary is debatable, but the Red Light Raid mode is an addition that I personally enjoyed a lot had fun times times with it during the Switch 2 launch phase.
Review in German | Read full review
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a re-release that could have limited itself to offering technical and QoL improvements and would have done a far better job, but unfortunately it overreaches with around 25 minutes of new content. It quickly becomes evident that these additions can’t match the brilliance of the original, and in some cases even undermine key moments, particularly for newcomers experiencing the game for the first time.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you’ve never played a Yakuza game, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is your perfect entry point. If you have played it, this version gives you the excuse—and the enhancements—to revisit it in the best way possible. Between the polished visuals, new content, flawless performance, and the added portability of the Switch 2, this is more than a re-release—it’s a celebration of what made Yakuza 0 great in the first place.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut remains a masterclass in crime drama storytelling, now polished to 4K/60fps glory on Switch 2, but its 'exclusive' new content feels underwhelming. While the added cutscenes and experimental multiplayer barely justify the 'Director’s Cut' label, this is still the definitive way to experience one of gaming’s greatest prequels. A must-play for newcomers, yet hard to recommend for returning fans unless portability trumps all.
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut is, as its name suggests, the best version for enjoying the experience imagined by the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio team. The game has been optimized to the max to give Nintendo Switch 2 owners a stable and superior experience compared to other consoles. It's the perfect introduction to the unique and fascinating world of the franchise. However, those who have already completed the game may not be convinced by the 30 minutes of added cutscenes (which remain somewhat anecdotal) or the exclusive multiplayer mode. Clearly, I recommend the title to anyone who has never had the opportunity to play the game in the past.
Review in French | Read full review
While the new additions might not add a ton to the experience, Yakuza 0 is still one of the best games ever made, and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is an excellent version of it that you can play portably. If you haven’t played it yet, there’s no time like the present.
While the new additions aren’t anything to write home about, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the ironically named Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut on the Switch 2.
I really don’t have complaints about Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut. It’s exactly what it claims to be: a new, recut version of Yakuza 0 on the Nintendo Switch 2 with enhanced visuals and smooth performance. It takes advantage of everything very well, and being able to play it on the go is a massive bonus.
"The beginning of a great saga, now in its finest form."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Yakuza.0 Director's Cut is the definite edition of the game, and one that is perfectly at home on Nintendo Switch 2.
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is the perfect debut for the franchise on the Switch 2. With enhanced graphics, additional voice acting, and a new game mode, it goes beyond a simple port. The gripping story and impactful combat are just as good as before if not better. It’s an excellent entry point for newcomers and a worthy return for longtime fans. A promising start for the Like a Dragon universe on Nintendo’s platform.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Anyway, Yakuza 0 is an excellent game and this Director’s Cut is the best version of it yet. The story is compelling, the action is fun, and there’s a wealth of things to enjoy in its well-realized settings.
A classic with a story full of twists, tension, and action. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut shines with its late ’80s vibe, bringing new features to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Even with small additions and no strong exclusivity reasons, Yakuza 0 remains an amazing game, with sharp gameplay, stunning visuals, an excellent soundtrack, and packed with things to do. But, above all, it tells a powerful story of honor, sacrifice, and duty, shaping young men and creating some of the most iconic personalities in gaming.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Kiryu is back and Nintendo Switch 2 is waiting for him with open arms. Yakuza 0 Director's Cut includes new content and improvements, giving even veterans a reason to give it a look.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut brings the series’ best prequel to Nintendo Switch 2 with smoother performance, sharp visuals, and strong storytelling. The new cutscenes and Red Light Raid mode are minor additions, but don’t take away from the experience. Combat is still satisfying, and the side content holds up, even if some parts feel a bit dated. It’s not a must-have for returning fans, but for those new to the series, this is a great place to start.
Not only is Yakuza 0: Director's Cut the best version of the game to date, it also demonstrates how a technologically enhanced version can be achieved with care.
Review in German | Read full review
Anyone who’s waited to experience Kiryu’s story from the very beginning will find Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut to be the best version yet. The story remains top-notch, now more expansive than ever and even better presented thanks to new voice acting. Add a fun multiplayer raid mode on top, and there’s little to criticize in this complete package.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
If you’re returning to Yakuza 0 after the previous console versions, I’m not sure whether there’s enough here to hold your interest. Most of the new additions are welcome, but having the QTE events mapped to the Nintendo B, A buttons might be enough for you to walk away. That said, for newcomers, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a logical place to start. The disadvantage is that progressing further in the series will feel like a step into the Stone Age, even if you play the ‘Kiwami’ remasters. As a man who has weathered every entry in this series, I would still recommend Yakuza: Like A Dragon over this. It’s a turn-based RPG with different fighting mechanics, but it feels modern, has heaps of charisma, and a far better localisation. That said, when taken alone, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a slice of genius. A must-play, even if its hair is going a bit grey, and it audibly groans when getting up off the sofa. An oldie, but still a winner of the Thumb Culture Gold Award.