Yakuza Kiwami Switch review

Yakuza Kiwami Switch review

As a seasoned gamer who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, I can confidently say that Yakuza Kiwami on Switch has rekindled my long-standing love affair with this extraordinary series. Seven years have passed since the original release, yet it still stands as a timeless masterpiece.


I’ve been writing about Yakuza for nearly a decade, from Yakuza 5 to Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and my affection for it is hard to put into words. Every chance I get to explore Kiryu’s wild saga doesn’t go amiss, and playing Yakuza Kiwami on Switch felt like stepping back in time – all the way to those transformative years in prison that shaped the Dragon of Dojima for good.

The first Yakuza Kiwami was released back in 2017, and even seven years later, it continues to impress. In portable mode, Kamurocho appears breathtaking with its towering neon signs and bustling crowds that give it a lively feel. Even when docked, it maintains an impressive appearance, albeit with some of the finer details not as sharp as before. What left me in awe was not just the stunning environment, but also the lifelike character animations and dramatic cutscenes, which hold up well on the Nintendo Switch.

Yakuza Kiwami Switch review

In Yakuza Kiwami on Switch, you’ll find yourself engaged in numerous encounters with thugs and gang members, frequently switching between various combat styles (Rush, Brawler, Beat, and Dragon) to adapt to each situation optimally. When not battling or pursuing main missions, you’ll encounter a multitude of side quests that offer Kiryu the opportunity to aid others in amusing and bizarre ways. Renowned for its dramatic elements, the Yakuza series, in this game, showcases humor and weirdness in many of these missions, which I found utterly entertaining throughout.

Experience crafting your desired lifestyle in Yakuza Kiwami on Switch! While it’s enticing to immerse yourself in the serious Yakuza activities, I can’t help but get captivated by the numerous minigames, particularly UFO Catchers. It seems that my desire to collect every prize within these machines is relentless, leading me to lose track of time as I spend hours in these SEGA arcades. Before I know it, I might have developed an unwitting addiction! There’s always something new to discover or accomplish, whether it’s furthering the storyline or simply enjoying the city life in this visually appealing setting.

Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch remains engaging, even though some graphics appear dated and the movement isn’t exceptionally fluid. However, controlling Kiryu in battles and minigames is enjoyable, maintaining its appeal as you progress through the captivating narrative. The audio quality is commendable, reminiscent of the original Kiwami released seven years ago. For those new to the series, this version offers an excellent introduction to the franchise’s origins. If you’re seeking a game that combines drama with occasional humor, Yakuza Kiwami should definitely be on your list.

Read More

2024-10-24 18:16