Weirdest Yakuza Games, Ranked

by

Summary

  • The Yakuza series embraces weirdness, offering multiple entry points based on player preferences.
  • Yakuza Kiwami 2 brings back fun minigames like Clan Creator and Cabaret Club.
  • Yakuza 0 is a must-play title with an incredible story, hilarious side activities, and iconic substories.

Yakuza/Like a Dragon offers an incredibly immersive and fulfilling gameplay experience that’s well worth exploring. Despite its initial appearance, the creators, RGG Studio, have skillfully designed it to cater to various preferences. Whether you’re a fan of specific genres or prefer to follow the narrative in order, they’ve made sure there are numerous pathways for entry and engagement.

One distinctive feature that sets the Yakuza games apart is their unique flavor of eccentricity, which celebrates the sheer fun of gaming above all else. Though it took time for this quirky side to fully emerge, the widely admired Yakuza games excel at expressing this oddball quality and offering players engaging action titles where foes can be defeated with flair.

8. Yakuza Kiwami 2

Clan Creator And Cabaret Club Are Both Delightfully Weird, Even If They Aren’t Original Additions

In essence, the accurate re-telling of the story from Yakuza 2 for the Kiwami version may pose a challenge in introducing unusual elements to the narrative. However, it’s the side content that gives Yakuza Kiwami 2 its unique and bizarre feel. The return of Majima and some outlandish plot twists certainly contribute to this experience, but the true oddity lies in the additional content.

The game titled Clan Creator, originally introduced in Yakuza 6, has been expanded and improved, becoming more engaging than before. Fans who enjoyed Majima’s side activity in Yakuza 0 will be thrilled to find the Cabaret Club returning as well. Although these features aren’t entirely new, they effectively contribute to making this remake an unusual and enjoyable gaming experience overall.

7. Lost Judgment

The Plot Can Get A Bit Too Wonky At Times

In a simpler, more conversational style: Yagami’s portrayal as the main character has been quite divisive, and unfortunately, Lost Judgment doesn’t seem to change that perception. The high school backdrop provides an enlightening look at bullying, but the story loses some of its impact when Yagami resorts to extreme physical violence against students, even going so far as to deliver harsh discipline in the most severe ways imaginable.

This game, combined with its collection of amusingly awkward side events that find the detective in rather embarrassing situations, explains why Lost Judgment stands out as one of the more unconventional entries in the Yakuza series. Once players grow fond of this protagonist during his second appearance, they’ll savor their time playing as Yagami in a spinoff that offers thrilling real-time battles.

6. Yakuza 5

The First Game To Really Lean Into The Weirdness Of The Yakuza Series With Great Results

Enthusiasts of the Yakuza series, who adore its distinctive quirkiness, owe gratitude for this peculiar equilibrium they’ve come to cherish to the fifth game in the series. While some side activities could use a touch-up (especially Saejima’s hunting, known for its slowness), the overall experience is an eccentric one that fans will relish.

As a gamer, it’s not often that I find a game that switches from intense brawling action to an idol simulator without losing my interest. Yet, the creators of Yakuza managed to make their unusual side even more prominent in Yakuza 5, and if you approach it with an open mind, you’ll appreciate its quirky activities and laugh-out-loud substories.

5. Yakuza Kiwami

Majima’s Sudden Appearances Are Almost Always Hilarious

The original Yakuza game presented a gripping narrative that didn’t shy away from gravity, making it challenging to envision how Yakuza Kiwami could honor this story while also incorporating both somber and quirky scenes. However, with the eccentric character of Majima, they managed to strike that balance effectively.

Players find it thrilling when Majima suddenly appears in unexpected spots, boosting Kiryu’s Dragon Style. Although his dominant persona sometimes overshadows the narrative, fans are eager to endure this aspect for a remake that delivers an authentic Yakuza experience, starting from the very first game.

4. Yakuza 0

Both Cabaret Club Czar And Real Estate Royale Are Weird Gems That Fans Adore

Yakuza 0” stands out as a crucial installment within the series, offering a captivating starting point for newcomers eager to explore the escalating fame of the Yakuza franchise. The riveting narrative surrounding characters Kiryu and Majima, along with their side endeavors brimming with humor, transform “Yakuza 0 ” into a compelling must-play game in the series.

In simpler terms, Yakuza 0 offers a delightful treat to long-time fans by featuring Ryuji Goda, later known as the Dragon of Kansai, before his transformation, and a fortuneteller who predicts Kiryu’s future accurately. The game’s intensity matches at opportune moments, ensuring players become engrossed in the underworld activities of Yakuza, following an amusing sequence where they bowl multiple strikes and hire a chicken as their manager for the real estate management minigame.

3. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

The JRPG Transition Helped The Yakuza Series Become Weirder Than Ever Before

Individuals who expressed concern over the change to turn-based combat within the Yakuza series might have overlooked the fact that this franchise thrives on its quirky and distinctive nature. By incorporating traditional JRPG battles, RGG Studio was able to amplify the series’ eccentricities even further, offering players an exceptionally peculiar and delightful turn-based JRPG experience.

In a unique and innovative way, Ichiban’s personal interpretation (headcanon) makes the turn-based battles engaging. Characters in this game perform various quirky tasks that might seem comical during combat, but they surprise players with their strategic proficiency instead.

2. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Using Real-Life People As Pokemon Is About As Weird As It Gets

Due to the immense popularity of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, it’s not hard to imagine that its sequel could be equally eccentric, if not more so. The shift in setting to Hawaii brings a welcome change from previous Yakuza games and offers players the chance to delve into even more outrageous jobs and side activities.

In this game, Sujimon stands out as a notable feature because the new jobs allow characters to transform into a comical hula dancer during battles. However, players will be surprised by how efficient this job turns out to be. If fans enjoyed Yakuza‘s transition to turn-based combat, then it’s clear why they would find Infinite Wealth appealing as well.

1. Yakuza: Dead Souls

A Spinoff So Weird That Even The Most Devoted Yakuza Fans Couldn’t Give A Pass

Although the Yakuza series is known for its quirky aspects, the gameplay in these titles keeps players engaged even during the less action-packed moments. Unfortunately, Yakuza: Dead Souls did not meet this standard, and it stands out as a weak link in the series that has often been criticized for its poor quality.

The concept of beloved Yakuza characters trapped in a zombie outbreak, fighting back with firearms, was intriguing, but the gunplay mechanics were overly basic, causing players to lose interest quickly. Unfortunately, this lackluster gameplay led to the disappointing critical and commercial failure of Dead Souls, despite it being the most unusual title in the Yakuza series.

Read More

2025-01-10 11:35