This is truly a one of a kind game/franchise and just overall experience. I cannot put into words fully how amazing this game is. I went in blind knowing practically nothing about the game outside of watching AngryJoe's review which didn't spoil much at all and what I got was one of the most memorable and well told stories in gaming period. No joke whatsoever, this might be the best story in a videogame I've ever played. The characters, writing, dialogue, you name it are all superlative! The game also has a plethora of things to do and content to behold. Tons of mini-games like boardgames, darts, to many japanese favorites like shogi, mahjong etc to even some twisted things that are porn-esque that only Yakuza games would do that are hilarious. This game also has a ton of side quests called sub-stories ranging from serious, sad, hilarious, and downright bizarre but all are quite memorable and worth doing, in fact they are another point as to why this game is so good.

Now I don't want to sit here and pretend this game is perfect, it does have some flaws. Most notably how dated the graphics look despite it being a game that came out in 2015, even for it's time outside of main character/cutscenes the city and surrounding areas can look pretty behind graphically. Granted, I don't much care about graphics so it's minor for me but for some it can be an eyesore. While I enjoy this games combat, I can admit it does become repetitive quite fast (a problem in the entire franchise to be realistic) and the constant random fight encounters becomes annoying quick. It does serve a purpose for exp and money gain but it can drive you up a wall at times but there is some things around it. I honestly will say the only real last negative I have is the fact the game is so dialogue heavy and skimps out on voice acting a lot that it will turn people away. The main cutscenes are fully voiced but a lot of the game is dialogue and many will miss out on this one of a kind experience on that alone which is a damn shame. I guess lastly is the game does start off really slow in the first 2 chapters but once you start Majima's chapter, it hooks you in. Kiryu's chapters all become great too, it's just the beginning 2 can be a little rough.

All in all, I simply can't state enough how this is one of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had and this will be a game that follows me forever in my memory. To follow Kiryu's/Majima's story from the beginning made such an impact for me going to Kiwami 1 and I highly recommend any new player start with this as Kiwami 1 will not feel as impactful due this. The story, writing, characters, dialogue, everything about that is the pinnacle of gaming and quite honestly I do not see a game hitting on these levels again for a very long time. I could write an essay on how well written the story and characters are, it really is that good. Anyway, enough gloating, time for the pretty obvious rating. 10/10

Do not hesitate to buy this!

This is truly a one of a kind game/franchise and just overall experience. I cannot put into words fully how amazing this game is. I went in blind knowing practically nothing about the game outside of watching AngryJoe's review which didn't spoil much at all and what I got was one of the most memorable and well told stories in gaming period. No joke whatsoever, this might be the best story in a videogame I've ever played. The characters, writing, dialogue, you name it are all superlative! The game also has a plethora of things to do and content to behold. Tons of mini-games like boardgames, darts, to many japanese favorites like shogi, mahjong etc to even some twisted things that are porn-esque that only Yakuza games would do that are hilarious. This game also has a ton of side quests called sub-stories ranging from serious, sad, hilarious, and downright bizarre but all are quite memorable and worth doing, in fact they are another point as to why this game is so good. Now I don't want to sit here and pretend this game is perfect, it does have some flaws. Most notably how dated the graphics look despite it being a game that came out in 2015, even for it's time outside of main character/cutscenes the city and surrounding areas can look pretty behind graphically. Granted, I don't much care about graphics so it's minor for me but for some it can be an eyesore. While I enjoy this games combat, I can admit it does become repetitive quite fast (a problem in the entire franchise to be realistic) and the constant random fight encounters becomes annoying quick. It does serve a purpose for exp and money gain but it can drive you up a wall at times but there is some things around it. I honestly will say the only real last negative I have is the fact the game is so dialogue heavy and skimps out on voice acting a lot that it will turn people away. The main cutscenes are fully voiced but a lot of the game is dialogue and many will miss out on this one of a kind experience on that alone which is a damn shame. I guess lastly is the game does start off really slow in the first 2 chapters but once you start Majima's chapter, it hooks you in. Kiryu's chapters all become great too, it's just the beginning 2 can be a little rough. All in all, I simply can't state enough how this is one of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had and this will be a game that follows me forever in my memory. To follow Kiryu's/Majima's story from the beginning made such an impact for me going to Kiwami 1 and I highly recommend any new player start with this as Kiwami 1 will not feel as impactful due this. The story, writing, characters, dialogue, everything about that is the pinnacle of gaming and quite honestly I do not see a game hitting on these levels again for a very long time. I could write an essay on how well written the story and characters are, it really is that good. Anyway, enough gloating, time for the pretty obvious rating. 10/10 Do not hesitate to buy this!