Yakuza 0 Reviews
Beyond the era and location-specific authenticity strived for and achieved in this title, both the dated combat and graphics leave something to be desired.
Playing Yakuza 0 has been a revelation, one tinged with excitement at the prospect of what I’ve been missing and can now experience. As a first foray into Sega’s world of gangsters, BDSM, and fishing minigames, it’s been an utter joy to play.
Yakuza 0 is a great entry into the series, with plenty for old fans and newcomers alike. Its story is cheesy and melodramatic at times, and the graphics are a bit outdated, but between a nearly perfect melee combat system and a city bursting at the seams with activity, anyone looking for a sandbox crime game should definitely pick this one up.
If you have never played a Yakuza game, Yakuza 0 makes for the perfect entry point. It introduces a host of wacky characters and starts the journey of Kiryu that certainly doesn't end here. Beyond that, though, Yakuza 0 is just a damn good game, and that's rad.
Between the great writing, incredible amount of content, and gorgeous visuals, there's little Yakuza 0 doesn't do well.
Yakuza 0 is a quirky and addictive action game that every Xbox One owner should play.
A wondrous melting pot of Japanese cultural excess distilled into a relentlessly compelling synergy of RPG and action elements, Yakuza 0 arguably represents the consummate entry point for newcomers to the series. Without a doubt, Yakuza 0 is a masterpiece and the first must-have title of the year.
With an abundance of activities to partake in apart from the main story, you’ll no doubt spend countless hours exploring Kamurocho and Sotenbori.
Whether you’re visiting Kamurocho for business or pleasure, be prepared to sink another eighty hours into a crime epic that only Sega can deliver.
At this point, the property's trademark formula is seriously starting to wear thin, but when it comes down to it, there's nothing quite like Yakuza 0. It combines unapologetically mature themes and violence with brilliantly dumb minigames and hysterical side quests, resulting in a thoroughly memorable experience. Bolstered by a gripping story that's packed with great characters, fans of Japanese games or even Japanese culture owe it to themselves to give this a prequel a shot. Yakuza 0 is fantastic place to start a love affair with Kamurocho's finest, and what's more, it's one of the best entries in the series to date.
It's only January, but Yakuza 0 has been marked as a contender for one of my favorites for the year.
Yakuza 0 delivers spirit, humour, and a twisting-story, perfectly capturing the series in its a long-awaited debut.
Yakuza 0 is an eccentric, engaging and brutal game, perfectly adapted to the PC platform, as an excellent pass to a great saga.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Yakuza 0 - one of the most beautiful, detailed and exciting stories in the multi-volume series about life in Japan and its shadow side. Detalization of rituals and complicated hierarchical system of relationships, coupled with romantic image of "bad boy" character, give us an idea that the game is being sponsored by one of the yakuza's tops -- how else to explain so much attention to the way of life of the japanese criminal authority? And, of course, Yakuza 0 is currently the most polished (excluding bad controls in mini-games section) and best game in the series, with which you shoud start discovering the amazing world of Japan. Especially since Yakuza 1 remake, Yakuza Kiwami, that uses Yakuza 0's battle system and many of its characters, is on the way.
Review in Russian | Read full review
In all its weirdness Yakuza 0 is as charming as the series ever has been. It isn't a game for everyone, but for those who fall for this there will be tons of stuff to do, wonderful settings to visit and well-written characters to meet.
Review in Swedish | Read full review
Do not hesitate, play Yakuza and join me in experiencing one of the most unique and interesting games of the generation. [OpenCritic note: Ken McKown separately reviewed the PS4 (9) and XB1 (8) versions. Their scores have been averaged.]
If you enjoy the Yakuza franchise or need a jumping off point to get into the franchise, Yakuza 0 is a fantastic place to start.
If there is a game that fully embodies and actually easily overcomes the definition of “complete package,” that’s Yakuza 0. It’s a rich, colorful and engrossing experience that I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves the genre, Japanese culture, or simply a very, very good story with some of the best and most genuinely likable characters you’ll ever encounter in gaming.
Yakuza 0 takes it back to where it all began, but a mildly interesting setting and story don’t quite make up for the game’s more tedious elements.