There’s nothing quite like theYakuzafranchise. The long-running crime series is far more than just “JapaneseGTA,” as some may disparagingly dub it:Yakuzaweaves 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.
Recently,Yakuza Kiwami, a remake of the first game in the series, has come to the Nintendo Switch, marking the franchise’s first release on Nintendo’s famous handheld. Somewhat surprisingly,Kiwamiis “selling like hot cakes” on the Switch, with Ryu Ga Gotoku head Masayoshi Yokoyama describing the company’s initial sales projections for the port as “conservative.” Unexpected or not, this is great news for the franchise, not only for the obvious financial reasons, but also because it proves there’s a passionate market for theYakuzafranchise on Nintendo’s current hardware. As both RGG and Nintendo move forward with their respective business strategies, they should keep in close contact.
More Yakuza Games Deserve a Release On the Nintendo Switch 2
The Yakuza Games Are a Natural Fit for the Switch
It should go without saying thatthe Switch is great for a lot of different gaming experiences, but it is better suited to some genres than others. So-called “cozy” titles likeStardew Valleycan work well on the system, as they are easily segmented and compartmentalized, either by way of certain in-game tasks or an in-game schedule. Many RPGs, like those in thePersonafranchise, are great on Switch for similar reasons: the handheld design makes it easy to engage in quick gameplay sessions, which is fitting for lengthy games with micromanaging elements or grinding.
ThoughYakuzais fundamentally different from the aforementioned examples in several ways, it is still a great match for the Switch thanks to the same broad-strokes design elements.Yakuzais defined by its various minigames, which are often engaging and extensive, as well as smaller, self-contained side stories removed from the central plot. Countless open-world games and RPGs lean into a sense of grand adventure at every turn, butYakuzalikes to slow down as much as possible, giving players a chance to catch their breath, even if only for a few minutes.
These design choices, coupled with the quaint nature of the series' small-scale maps, synergize nicely with bite-sized gaming sessions, which the Switch is perfect for. On the Switch, players candelve into the immersive world ofYakuzafor just a half-hour or so, make some progress, see some self-contained stories, and leave satisfied. The handheld form-factor may also elevate the intimate story and world design for many players.
The Switch 2’s Hardware Evolution Could Make for Much Better Yakuza Ports
ThoughYakuza Kiwami’s Switch releasehas been successful and well-received, the port isn’t without its problems. The pain points of the re-release are the Switch’s usual suspects: graphics and performance. The long-outdated hardware of Nintendo’s best-selling device isn’t a concern for everyone, of course, but for those who value things like a consistent FPS and high resolution, otherYakuzagames on the Switch could be a tough sell.
Luckily, Nintendo has a new and improved version of the Switch on the way. Assuming the Switch 2 manages to retain the form factor of its predecessor while providing better visuals, performance, and processing power, it could wind up being the ideal way to play more high-fidelity games in theYakuzafranchise, likeYakuza ZeroandLike a Dragon. As RGG moves forward withreleases likeLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, it should definitely keep the Switch successor in mind.
Yakuza Kiwami
WHERE TO PLAY
Back and better than ever, the Yakuza series has been updated for modern gamers to experience the action, fun, and coolness of Kiryu and cohorts.1995, Kamurocho… Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, takes the fall for the murder of a crime boss to protect his sworn brother, Akira Nishikiyama, and his childhood friend, Yumi.2005… Akira Nishikiyama has become a changed man. Yumi is nowhere to be found. Ten billion yen has gone missing from the Tojo Clan’s coffers, putting the organization on the brink of civil war. And Kazuma Kiryu is released from prison to a world he no longer recognizes.With enhanced gameplay, an expanded cinematic story, the return of the battle styles from Yakuza 0, more nightlife spots, and re-recorded audio by the series cast, Yakuza Kiwami is the ultimate and most “extreme” version of the original vision of the series, now optimized for PC with 4K resolutions, uncapped frame rates, customizable controls and ultra-widescreen support.
