As a long-time fan of the Yakuza franchise, I can wholeheartedly say that this series is more than just a Japanese GTA clone. It’s a captivating narrative of friendship, betrayal, and honor, wrapped in a package filled with over-the-top combat and some of the funniest writing in AAA gaming.
There’s nothing quite like the Yakuza franchise. The long-running crime series is far more than just “Japanese GTA,” as some may disparagingly dub it: Yakuza weaves a compelling and fascinating tale of friendship, betrayal, and honor, while just so happening to also feature over-the-top combat and some of the funniest writing ever seen in AAA gaming.
More recently, the remake of the initial game in the series titled “Yakuza Kiwami” has made its way to the Nintendo Switch, marking the first time the Yakuza franchise has been available on Nintendo’s popular handheld device. Remarkably, sales for “Kiwami” have been skyrocketing on the Switch, with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama labeling their initial sales forecasts for the port as “modest.” Despite being unexpected, this surge in sales is excellent news for the franchise, not only because of the financial benefits but also because it demonstrates a dedicated fanbase for the Yakuza series on current Nintendo hardware. As both Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Nintendo progress with their respective business plans, maintaining open communication will be crucial.
More Yakuza Games Deserve a Release On the Nintendo Switch 2
The Yakuza Games Are a Natural Fit for the Switch
It’s quite obvious that the Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic gaming experience across various genres, but some types of games fit it better than others. Games categorized as “cozy,” such as Stardew Valley, work well on the system because they can be neatly divided into tasks or scheduled events within the game. Similarly, Role-Playing Games (RPGs), like those in the Persona series, are well-suited to the Switch due to its portable design. This makes it convenient for brief gaming sessions, which aligns perfectly with lengthy games featuring micromanagement elements or grinding.
Despite having distinct differences compared to the previously mentioned examples, Yakuza proves to be an excellent fit for the Switch due to shared core design elements. The game is characterized by its numerous engaging and extensive minigames, as well as smaller, self-contained side stories that do not directly tie into the main narrative. Unlike many open-world games and RPGs that emphasize grand adventures, Yakuza often slows down to provide players with moments of respite, even for brief periods.
As a gamer, I absolutely love how the compact layout of Yakuza’s maps meshes seamlessly with short gaming sessions that are ideal on the Nintendo Switch. It’s perfect for diving into this captivating universe for brief moments, making progress, experiencing self-contained stories, and feeling contentedly fulfilled. Plus, the handheld format adds a unique touch to the game’s intimate storytelling and world design, creating an even more immersive experience that I find incredibly appealing.
The Switch 2’s Hardware Evolution Could Make for Much Better Yakuza Ports
Despite the positive reception to the Switch release of Yakuza Kiwami, it’s not without its challenges. The main issues with this re-release revolve around graphics and performance, which are often problem areas for the Nintendo Switch due to its older hardware. These concerns might not trouble everyone, but those who prioritize a stable frame rate and high resolution may find other Yakuza games on the Switch less appealing.
It’s great news that Nintendo is planning to release an upgraded version of the Switch, tentatively known as the Switch 2. If this new model can maintain its predecessor’s design while offering enhanced visuals, performance, and processing capabilities, it might be perfect for enjoying the high-definition games within the Yakuza series, such as Yakuza Zero and Like a Dragon. As RGG Studios continues to produce titles like Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, they should definitely take the potential Switch successor into account.
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2024-10-30 21:04