Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Reviews
Because Yakuza 6 spends so much time tying the story into knots, a strong villain never emerges.
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.
We could not have thought of a better way to end Kiryu Kazuma's adventures. More than a simple GTA clone, Yakuza 6 is a generous game which will provide you with hundred hours of an amazing gaming experience. You will never be bored with the never ending amount of content available in this game. Moreover, Japanese culture enthusiasts will have a great time hanging out in a very well modelized versions of Hiroshima and Kabukicho. A must have !
Review in French | Read full review
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a game I keep going back to. Even after finishing the main quest I want to keep playing and exploring the world of Yakuza. It also inspired me to get into the larger series, and as a result I just installed Yakuza 0 to start playing.
Technically and dramatically impressive conclusion of a unique Japanese epic.
Review in German | Read full review
Yakuza 6 doesn't bring up every plotline or major character that Kiryu has interacted with, but it is a finale for the hero. This is a more a story of him finding his place and purpose, coming to grips with his mistakes, and figuring out what he's willing to sacrifice.
Although the game sports a few bothersome hiccups, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life ultimately serves as a near-perfect send-off for the Dragon of Dojima after years of delivering bloody knuckles and scarfing Smile Burgers.
The fittingly titled “Yakuza 6: The Song of Life” gives beloved protagonist Kazuma Kiryu his swan song as the Dragon of Dojima picks one final fight. The new combat will admittedly be hit or miss for folks and the story doesn’t quite stack up to the series’ best. Despite that, however, Yakuza 6 remains a stellar entry in Sega’s open-sandbox, crime drama formula that also manages to retain the the franchise’s charm, heart and — more importantly — tacky karaoke stylings.
After 13 years SEGA brings us the final chapter of the Yakuza series. Albeit it doesnt offer many new things than change drastically its established formula and its world maps and activities feel a little bit reduced when compared to previos entries, Yakuza 6 its an awesome game with fantastic visuals and a great and deep narrative that concludes in a terrific way the story of Kazuma Kiryu.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Dragon of Dojima returns for one more adventure, with the stakes higher and more personal than ever in this touching farewell to a Yakuza legend. With a tale that closes the book on a long-running saga, Kiryu's farewell results in a story that is as satisfying to watch as its gameplay is as underwhelming to consume.
Unique in its kind and treasured by the true essence of Japanese, the saga by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has always given us a power of 200 hp to reveal an experience of empathetic attitude. One that has been armed with reputation, honor and paternalism, among other values. An experience that in this sixth installment is illuminated by a renewed Kamurocho and an Onomichi away from the worldly noise that put the golden brooch to a truly majestic presentation. In the present case, the opening and closing of a presentation starring Kazuma Kiryu. It's not the perfect closure we've all hoped for, but it effectively manages many feelings of our own and others.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is one of, if not the, most touching games in the long running series. It offers a fitting end to Kazuma Kiryu's story and gives the series a change of pace (Onomichi and its people are great). It's just too bad that SEGA didn't go the remaster route (on Xbox Series X|S) as the game feels a bit weird running at 30 fps in 2021.
Review in French | Read full review
The story of Kazuma Kiryu comes to a dramatic and ultimately satisfying close.
The in-combat effects and camera work really make what could be a relatively basic combat cycle into something that feels dynamic and empowering every time you get to button-mash to truly kick the stuffing out of a goon's face.
Yakuza 6 applies themes of fatherhood and masculinity as coping mechanisms for intense interpersonal drama. While it surrenders the sweeping ambition that defined Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 5, it feels sharper, more focused, and more honest about its intentions. At age 48, it's impolite to define Kazuma Kiryu as an old man, but it's clear that he—and Yakuza 6 as a whole—are devoted to passing their experience on to the next generation.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life isn’t perfect in the grand scheme, at least outside of the story, with most of the value coming from the small touches. Side stories offer a lot of insight into the world, culture and scale that they’re a blast to do. From there, I didn’t encounter a line of dialogue, no matter how small, where it wasn’t voiced. Where most games would limit voice recording to major scenes or the main story, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is more than happy to help build the world. Give this to a story about Kiryu trying to find happiness, giving him a mission and another reason to look beyond his world and you have a fantastic experience. Maybe not a perfect one, as waypoints and combat still have some ways to go, but one where fans of stories or open world games will be, if nothing else, satisfied.
Yakuza 6 keeps the focus on what's important and also shows a lot of great potential for what's to come next.
A masterpiece in terms of storytelling, Yakuza 6 is the most fitting sunset to the Kazuma Kiryu saga. Every little feature of Yakuza 6 is enjoyable from beginning to end, and it seems like the team made a point not to make the game feel slow in any way, even with the amount of exposition that this game has. There are moments where you'll laugh your head off and others where you'll be held in suspense, but it keeps it fresh throughout the game. Even the mini-games and sub-stories keep you coming back, increasing the replay value.
Yakuza 6 is an incredible title. While in certain moments it remains so over the top it's hard to take seriously, Kiryu's story of evolving as a person despite his sordid history makes for a relatable protagonist. Knowing that a real member of the Yakuza has played a game in the series and found it to be more accurate than he anticipated just adds to the authenticity of Yakuza as a title. Every part of the game was a delightful surprise and I've found myself absolutely addicted to the game, even post-story. Every time I come back to Yakuza 6, I find something else absolutely charming about it.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life brings a fitting and satisfying conclusion to Kiryu's story and character. Even though I have only played three Yakuza games, I will miss his attitude and demeanor always fighting for what is right and honest. The Song of Life struck a perfect balance between goofy and serious missions, but I would have liked to see some of the other series-favorite cast have a more prominent role. The smaller scope of the narrative gives off an intimate sensation, but with that being said, I am quite interested in where Sega will take the decade-old franchise in the future, especially with its growing popularity in the West.