Yakuza 5 was the largest, longest Yakuza game at the time of its release, yet it managed to be less of a Yakuza game than most. It tried to do a lot of new things, but didn't do anything well. It didn't improve on anything that came before it, and made everything longer and less interesting.

By halfway through chapter 3, I was ready for the game to be finished. I made it halfway through chapter 4 before I quit and left the game for a year. After finishing Infinite Wealth, I was jonesing for more Yakuza and thought I'd try to finish 5. What a slog. I won't say that I won. I'll say that I completed a trial of perseverence.

I've played through most of the Yakuza games, and relative to the others, Yakuza 5 is near the bottom of the list. I could only recommend it to people who are dedicated to completing the series, and who understand that their dedication will be tested.

crazy taxi disguised as a yakuza game

I can relate to shinada heavily, 10 out of 10 game

saejima made me want to kill myself

Pretty slow to get going, but the final fight sequences are epic, and I got to fistfight a bear

Akiyamaing 24/7

Say what you want about the game having too much in it. You're probably right. But this game's ambition is kind of unmatched in this series. Name one other video game where you're hunting in one chapter, then being an idol the next. It's ridiculous, and a ton of fun, even if it does drag.

shinada goat

tatsuo shinada

Crazy Taxi 5