Yakuza Kiwami 2 Reviews
A triumphant remake of Yakuza 2, full of fun diversions and featuring one of the series' best stories.
Yakuza continues its good run with a fine - if a little lumpy - retread of a modern classic.
Despite the fact that the made-for-PlayStation 4 Yakuza 6 was only released a few short months ago, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best and most fully formed Yakuza game of 2018 even though it's a remake of a game that's now two console generations old. Its storyline is gripping, its weapons-heavy fighting system accommodates no shortage of spectacle, and it serves up plenty of enjoyable side activities – both mini and macro – to divert to or return for after the story wraps. Yakuza 0 may still be the high watermark for the series on the PS4, but Yakuza Kiwami 2 isn't too far behind.
An excellent remake that manages to overcome the flaws of the original and offer a glimpse at what a next gen Yakuza game might look like.
Kiwami 2 is more than a great remake: it's the best this strange, wonderful series has to offer and it shouldn't be missed by fans of action or RPG titles
Old and new components of the Yakuza franchise combine to create one of the series' strongest entries.
It leverages a state-of-the-art engine to present a story that holds up, with gameplay refined over a dozen years. It makes its debut on a console that makes it easy to share the moments that can really only come from this series. Let's raise a glass of Yamazaki whisky to the new world.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 won't make those who haven't clicked with the series yet a believer, but for fans, it's well worth the journey if you don't mind retreading some familiar ground. While the slow middle and Majima side campaign are disappointing, Kiwami 2 is still another solid entry in the Yakuza canon.
If you haven't played Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami, you can definitely still enjoy Kiwami 2, but instead of worrying about that, just go get those games too, and get ready to have your mind blown by how consistently good a video game series can be.
For my money, it is the best way to experience this particular story and improves enough of the game to make for a great time sink. Maybe certain aspects could have been tweaked to be more faithful to the source material, but the worst thing that could happen is you end up wanting to play the original to see the changes firsthand. That isn't such a terrible outcome.
Since the release of Yakuza Kiwami, I've been dreaming of a remaster of Yakuza 2 to give what is easily my favourite game in the franchise the same level of modern day polish. Sega has delivered on that dream with Yakuza Kiwami 2, creating an incredible package that takes the best game in an incredible series, and makes it even better. You were already doing a disservice to yourself before by not playing Yakuza 2, but now there are no excuses. This is a must play.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a great adventure, full of details, minigames and wonderful characters, and it gets a new Goro Majima campaign for this PS4 remaster. Combat system is not as deep as in the first Kiwami, but still, it is one of the best entries in the franchise.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
I vastly enjoyed every second of my time exploring the world through his eyes, whether I was helping a dominatrix stop dealing with pushy clients or handing a guy some new underwear from a convenience store over the top of a bathroom stall. This is the definitive way to experience Yakuza 2, and an excellent showcase for what the series is capable of. Seriously, you've just got to get into it now. I'm tired of repeating myself.
Even a remake of perhaps the weakest Yakuza game in the series is hands-down a fantastic trip worth taking. Only skip it if you haven't finished Yakuza 0 and Kiwami yet.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 continues to stick to the franchise's strengths, making Kiryu's world deeper.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you're looking for big changes you won't find an abundance of them, instead it's a refined experience in every way, with tighter controls and and the finest visuals to date within the Yakuza franchise.
With its intricately woven story and memorable characters, Yakuza 2 was already viewed as one of the best in the series. And now with improved graphics and a refined Dragon Engine, it's remake, Yakuza Kiwami 2, could be the best of them all.
If you don’t mind button bashing through some brawls, just to see more of these good fellas solving bad problems with their strong fists and stern words, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is ready, once again, to get ridiculous.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a contender for the best game in this consistently excellent series. Its crime drama story of family, love, revenge, and pride will have you hooked. Combat has never felt as smooth or involved before, outside of certain moments. This is a gorgeous, fun, heartwarming, and extreme remake of one of the franchise's most beloved entries.