Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Reviews
The setting of Onomichi proves that the long-running series still has some tricks, making Yakuza 6 a worthy finale for its main protagonist.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life presents the most detailed virtual chunk of Japan the series has managed to date, and its story provides a satisfying end to the Kizama Kiryu saga. However, as far as gameplay goes, Yakuza 6 doesn't make enough of an effort to break new ground, making it weaker overall than last year's Yakuza Zero.
Perhaps not the greatest Yakuza game, but Kazuma Kiryu's farewell certainly makes for the most human.
A touching finale for Kazuma Kiryu, Yakuza 6 manages to surprise and delight in equal measure.
Yakuza 6 delivers both quality and quantity, so saying goodbye to Kiryu doesn't feel rushed
Even with my criticisms of the admittedly optional and inconsequential aspects of the game, Yakuza 6 succeeds because its core story is so compelling.
Exciting changes to combat and an endearing narrative see the final chapter in Kazuma Kiryu's decade-long saga refine what has made the series great.
Given the technological advances made here, and its breezier outlook on life with a cast freed from the confines of Yakuza's dense lore, I'd prefer to look at this as the first of a new breed of Yakuza game.
Yakuza 6 sums up its lead character succinctly and emotionally, while shaking up enough to make the return ride feel fresh. Buy it.
The story of Kazuma Kiryu is over.
Aside from the most nitpicking of complaints, Yakuza 6 is but another declaration to the well-documented notion that Sega's decade-long series remains one of the finest, most consistent outings in the medium.
Yakuza 6 has an ambitious narrative, alternating between lighthearted and dramatic. Unfortunately, it doesn't give its characters enough love and care to truly pull off the pathos. But its sense of humor is impeccable. Its protagonist is lovable. And Sega has created a world with plenty to do.
Yakuza 6 is a fitting end to a great saga, with fantastic combat and lots to do outside the main story
Fighting and exploring is more free than ever, and the story, while wanting in certain areas, introduces a few great characters. Some activities and side missions lack a punch, but how many games do you get to wear a giant orange on your head?
Yakuza 6 was a lesson in life and an unforgettable experience, war and gangs, emotions and fun, and most importantly, Yakuza's perfect experience and imagination I did not see like for the Japanese Mafia conflicts, despite the painted and consonant boundaries.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Ultimately, it's a great sendoff for one of the best characters of the history of Japanese games (and of gaming as a whole), and while Kazuma Kiryu isn't going to disappear due to the upcoming remake, I can definitely say that I'm going to miss my stern and stoic best friend with a heart of gold.
The Yakuza series is held again in its 3 main pillars in this The Song of Life: many activities and mini-games, deep combats, and a wonderful storytelling that ends the era of Kazuma Kyriu and it serves to draw the new horizon towards where Sega goes to.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Yakuza 6 is a beast of a game, and it sends Kiryu off in style.
A slightly underwhelming end to the legend of Kazuma Kiryu, but the changes in gameplay and graphics do hold a lot of promise for the future.