Best Yakuza Final Boss Fights, Ranked

Over the past almost twenty years, the Yakuza series has become increasingly popular in the Western world, having started off as a relatively unknown entity in more secluded circles.

RGG Studios has developed a captivatingly mysterious world encompassing Kiryu’s storyline and now the Yakuza-themed role-playing games known as “Like a Dragon.” The recent installments of this series offer a unique perspective on traditional turn-based JRPG gameplay.

Despite being recognized primarily for its crime thriller narrative interspersed with humor reminiscent of a typical Simpsons episode, a key feature that stands out is the numerous boss battles it offers.

Having clocked in well over a thousand hours across these game series, today I’d like to discuss and rank what I consider to be the top final boss battles from both the Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchises.

My assessment factors include the structure of their storytelling, the quality of their gameplay, the music, and occasionally, the appeal of the fanbase for each title.

12. Seishiro Munakata

And I Thought Jingu’s Guards Were Infuriating

Yakuza 4 is an exceptional game, boasting some unforgettable instances, even if it’s known for the amusing yet questionable rubber bullet plot issue.

However, something unexpected struck me when I started playing Yakuza 4 for the first time: I didn’t anticipate that Tanimura’s true final adversary wouldn’t be the powerful and corrupt Munakata, but rather the horde of underlings Munakata is hiding behind.

To clarify, the energetic build-up and the blending of “For Faith” in the end definitely pump up the atmosphere, making it all worth experiencing. However, I must confess that the battle itself can be quite grueling, testing your endurance.

If you’re not wearing the Sacred Tree Gear on Tanimura, expect Munakata’s troops to target you like vulnerable prey during hunting season.

If you don’t have the Sacred Tree Gear equipped on Tanimura, be aware that Munakata’s soldiers will aim for you as if you were an easy target during hunting season.

As a gamer, let me tell you, going up against Tanimura feels like a constant struggle. His playstyle, heavily focused on defense and parrying, makes our encounters more of an endurance test than a game. It’s particularly frustrating after battling the final bosses of other characters, who offer a more dynamic fight.

11. Tsuneo Iwami

The Worst Villain For A Curtain Call

To a handful of Iwami enthusiasts, feel free to direct your anger towards me as much as you like, but he represented the least interesting final boss battle within the entire series.

Initially, it was planned for Yakuza 6 to be Kazuma Kiryu’s final main series appearance. However, finding out the final boss in the climactic storyline was a letdown, at the very least.

In regards to Iwami, there was neither a growing tension nor any positive reaction that could be sensed beyond his preparation for Kiryu, which ultimately allowed Kiryu to rescue Haruka and Haruto from an imminent catastrophe.

Despite the somewhat awkward Dragon Engine battle system, this confrontation lacks the grandiose climactic battles or expansive battlefields that are characteristic of other series’ final bosses, offering little epic or dramatic atmosphere.

Although I’m not suggesting he’s entirely evil, Iwami skillfully portrays him as a detestable corporate antagonist, ruthlessly pursuing power; essentially, that’s the gist of his character.

10. Daigo Dojima

The Best Parenting Lesson

Without a doubt, another noteworthy scene that deserves recognition is the intense, yet brief confrontation between Daigo and Kiryu in Yakuza 4.

Indeed, I opted for that particular game over the clash found in Kiwami 2. My main motivation was the captivating storyline setup, the intriguing introduction, and the enchanting “For Face” as the background music.

Kiryu stands up against Daigo to show him the error of abusing the police force for personal gain within the Tojo Clan, an act that goes directly against traditional Yakuza ethics.

The battle is surprisingly swift, and aligning the chorus of the song with the Quick Time Event during the boss fight creates an incredibly intense climax – making it one of the most dramatic battles in the entire series.

9. Bryce Fairchild

A Weak Ploy At Playing God

I really like Ichiban Kasuga, yet I must acknowledge that his last battle against Bryce in the latest “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” wasn’t as impressive as his fight in the previous game.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but observe that the game seems to pay homage to the classic trope of vanquishing a deity as the ultimate antagonist in a Role-Playing Game (JRPG). While it does this convincingly, there are some points of critique I’d like to address.

Bryce became increasingly menacing in the middle part of the story, taking on the appearance of a ruthless cult leader with warped beliefs. However, his development didn’t lead to a satisfying or well-executed climax.

Ichiban’s only significant link to Bryce is their shared efforts to counteract Bryce’s mind control schemes and prevent him from achieving global dominion through the Palekana cult.

Additionally, it seems rather unusual that Bryce would speak with broken grammar, given his American background.

His sinister intentions and disclosures are rather dull, serving at most as a contrasting figure, playing the role of the virtuous antagonist against Ichiban’s valiant and courageous character, which is inspired by his passion for Dragon Quest.

8. Masato Aizawa

The Battle For Dream

One of my all-time favorites from the series is Yakuza 5, a game that offers an immersive and eloquently penned narrative spanning multiple cities, with five distinct characters to play as.

As a gamer, I can confidently say that the next-to-last final boss, Aizawa, feels like it’s destined to be an epic S-tier battle. The intense gameplay and the heart-pounding background music, which sounds like it was composed for an action movie soundtrack, really amps up the excitement!

Regardless of his numerous positive qualities, it’s worth noting that whether or not he appears as the final boss in the storyline seems to be determined randomly.

He has many great qualities, but whether he’s the final boss isn’t always consistent with the story.

Initially, Aizawa seems like a secondary figure, but it’s later unveiled that he harbors ambitions for power. His ultimate goal is to capture the throne, dominate the Omi Alliance, and outmaneuver Kiryu, aiming to surpass him in the process.

His Koi tattoo, with its darker hues, represents his ambition for growth or advancement. However, his hidden intentions, suddenly disclosed towards the end without much prior foreshadowing, diminished the aura of menace he aimed to create.

7. Ryo Aoki (Masato Arakawa)

An Emotional Clash Between Siblings

In a new role, Ichiban was introduced in the game “Yakuza: Like a Dragon”, leaving fans charmed by his innocent and endearing character created by RGG Studios.

The pinnacle moment of his initial escapade involved a heated fight towards the end against his half-brother, who is also the Governor of Tokyo, previously recognized as Masato Arakawa, named Ryo Aoki.

or simply:

The most significant part of his first journey was a final showdown with his half-brother, who is the Governor of Tokyo, originally known as Masato Arakawa but goes by Ryo Aoki.

The unique quality of this boss battle lies in the way the game initially misleads you into believing Tendo was the final confrontation, only to later reveal that it leads up to Ichiban’s individual duel with Aoki.

Initially, you engage in a battle with Aoki. However, as the confrontation progresses, it transitions into a fight against your half-brother, Masato Arakawa, instead of the haughty Governor.

In essence, it’s a straight-up brawl; you can only rely on Ichiban’s Freelancer, with its current level and abilities.

After completing the battle, be ready to dab your eyes with a tissue during the touching and gripping post-battle scene between Masato and Ichiban where emotions run high.

6. Yoshitaka Mine

The Most Ruthless Kirin

I don’t mind if you think differently, but let me share that I strongly appreciate and admire Yakuza 3. Some might consider it an outlier in the series, but I personally enjoy it greatly.

Setting aside the “Blockuza” meme elements like learning wall rebounds, juggling, and using Komaki’s moves, Mine stands out as a top-tier final boss fight in my opinion. He was one of the key reasons I replayed the Yakuza 3 Remastered last year.

In the primary narrative, he plays a significant role that’s both engaging and skillfully developed around the character of Daigo. However, what truly stands out is his strength as a final boss in the gameplay aspect; he ranks among the most powerful adversaries across the entire series.

In my case, I’m quite fond of battling through the RGG series on challenging settings like Hard & Legend. My character has the ability to switch stances, allowing me to either pummel Kiryu or recover health when needed.

For the ordinary viewer, it might be quite challenging to follow the action; I understand. However, let me tell you, once you grasp the fighting system and respond with Tiger Drops or Komaki Parries, culminating in a full ground juggle combo, it’s an incredibly rewarding sensation that feels lethal.

With the thrilling tune “Fly” humming as background music, there’s a satisfying level of excitement that makes up for the absence of grand scenes, ensuring your heart races during this tough battle against the boss.

5. Ryuji Goda

The Legendary Dragon Of Kansai

In a game that initially presents an engaging storyline but later spirals into a labyrinth of unexpected twists, Ryuji Goda stands out as the shining star in “Yakuza Kiwami 2”, or arguably in the original “Yakuza 2”.

Among all the titles in the series, this one isn’t my personal favorite, yet it’s saved by the captivating antagonist, Ryuji. His magnetic persona and intense showdowns give the game a compelling edge that keeps it engaging.

In his first skirmish at the Omi Alliance Headquarters, it’s clear that he holds his own against Kiryu, setting the stage for their ultimate showdown where Ryuji aspires to end things with a grand finale.

Ryuji stands out among other antagonists such as Mine and Aizawa, primarily due to the fact that he transforms into a villain who garners respect through his unyielding spirit and the hidden goodness within him, which is revealed in his final moments.

In this last bout, there aren’t any distinctive action sequences, yet it holds you captivated through the raw injuries of the two fighters, their remarkable determination to keep fighting, and a stunning final Quick Time Event that leaves you breathless.

4. Masataka Ebina

Wishing Eternal Damnation On The Yakuza

One aspect I greatly appreciate in the Yakuza games is how Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio skillfully, at times even comically, delivers plot twists. This is particularly evident during Kiryu’s final battle against Infinite Wealth’s Ebina, where it truly pays off.

Ebina harbored intense disdain for his father and the Hikawa Yakuza clan, led by his mother. To exact his vengeance, he ambitiously rose through their ranks, striving to become the chief strategist, with no concern for anything else.

Above all, it is clear that Ebina harbors deep resentment in this situation. Contrary to the traditional values of the Yakuza who prized ties stronger than family, his abandonment and that of his mother, has undeniably kindled his contempt.

Ebina’s speech prior to the battle, his approachable yet challenging attacks, and the heartwarming post-fight scene between Kiryu and Ebina highlight the exceptional quality of this fight.

Instead of engaging him when you’re significantly underpowered, as I discovered when my friend attempted it lately, be prepared to face the relentless barrage of multiple strikes from Ebina’s formidable attacks.

3. Keiji Shibusawa

To Become The Dragon Of Dojima

For numerous enthusiasts within the gaming community, Yakuza 0 is highly favored, whether you’re an experienced gamer or just starting out. The climactic battle against Shibusawa has all the ingredients to be a legendary boss fight; however, it does come with a few minor drawbacks.

It can be noted that Shibusawa lacks the imposing or fear-inducing presence that villains such as Ryuji, or even Kuze and Awano, possess to a similar extent.

If it weren’t for the fact that this is a “list of final” boss fights, I’d quickly swap out the current one with Kuze. Shibusawa and Iwami have the potential to be outstanding villains, but their characters are somewhat undermined by their shadowy nature.

Despite Shibusawa’s relatively minor role in the narrative, many fans find Kiryu’s climactic fight on the ship, with its thrilling soundtrack akin to Twin Dragons enhancing their complex battle, so compelling that they can overlook Shibusawa’s limited screen time.

This version aims to make the sentence easier to read and understand by breaking it down into simpler components while maintaining the original meaning.

2. Akira Nishikiyama

“Ten Years In The Joint…”

An intense final showdown steeped in emotional resonance and deeply rooted in the fandom’s affections, one that is gradually developed from the early stages of the series, starting with ‘Yakuza 0’, if you choose to embark on the journey there.

In my opinion, Yakuza Kiwami, the remake of the original game on PS2, significantly enhanced its appeal, particularly by incorporating extra scenes detailing Nishiki’s descent into madness following Kiryu’s incarceration.

Additionally, the heartwarming friendship between Kiryu and Nishiki in the original Yakuza series builds up the emotional impact of their confrontation at the end of the first game, as viewers can sense that such a clash was bound to happen.

The climactic battle with Nishikiyama is famously represented in the soundtrack, featuring a beautifully balanced and intense opening that interweaves with numerous flashbacks during their confrontation. This fight, whether admired or criticized, is eagerly anticipated by fans.

Additionally, Kiwami’s ability to swiftly switch styles, including the ‘Climax Heat Actions’, provides a seamless gaming experience. Using the Dragon of Dojima style’s powerful Climax Finisher on Nishiki feels uniquely satisfying.

1. Kosei Shishido

A Deadly Struggle & A Fleeting Dream

Shishido is undeniably the most impressive final boss encountered in the Yakuza series so far; I stand by that statement. What’s more, the sheer magnitude of the final battle in Like a Dragon Gaiden left my friends and me absolutely astounded.

The final score features three distinct tracks. Ranging from his jaw-dropping debut in the Omi HQ Courtyard to the initial and concluding stages of his epic showdown as a boss, each one is an absolute hit.

Shishido’s persona mirrors the traditional Yakuza figure, demonstrating relentlessness, tenacity, and unceasing ambition for advancement. Interestingly, Shishido presents a compelling argument about his hardships, which makes it difficult not to empathize with him.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the pillars of Tojo HQ stand firm amidst the lingering fragments of the clans during their disintegration. Simultaneously, Kiryu and Shishido engage in a fierce confrontation within the very walls of Omi HQ.

Indeed, the epic battle against the boss is a fitting farewell for fans of brawler-style gameplay starring Kiryu. In this intense showdown with Shishido, they engage in an extraordinary brawl that leaves not only them but also the building’s infrastructure in ruins.

In terms of gameplay, it presented an enjoyable test at that juncture, filled with Quick Time Events (QTEs), smooth transitions, and a climactic phase where Kiryu dealt Shishido a merciless conclusion befitting someone who simply wouldn’t give up.

Essentially, this battle was undeniably the climactic confrontation for Kiryu, an appropriate one following Iwami, and one that exceptionally encapsulates the finest aspects of every previous final adversary. From Ryuji’s determination to Aizawa’s masterful fight sequences, it truly embodies all that made them great.

2025-02-06 00:11