As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch is like finding a long-lost friend in a crowded room. The remake of the 2005 classic has been beautifully modernized, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.
My preferred video game series at the moment is the one formerly known as Yakuza, now titled Like a Dragon. Acquiring the 2016 remake of its inaugural game on Nintendo Switch feels almost surreal. This version offers an abundance of additional content like engaging mini-games and city-wide side stories, making it an ideal choice for portable gaming sessions.
If you’ve never experienced Yakuza Kiwami, it’s an updated version of the original Yakuza game released in 2005 for PlayStation 2. This new version not only updates the game with a superior camera system compared to the original, but also leverages the engine used in Yakuza 0. Additionally, it offers additional side activities. One significant enhancement is more appearances by Goro Majima, a beloved character who will be featured in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii later this year, often challenging Kiryu in various battles throughout the city.
The main gameplay revolves around frequent fighting, with protagonist Kazuma Kiryu preferring to express himself through physical confrontations. He’s entangled in a captivating narrative that spans his past associates and adapting to a city that transformed during his incarceration. The combat is engaging but can be simplistic unless you master the combos and enhance Kiryu’s abilities. However, the true delight lies in the clever dialogue and unexpected plot twists, as Yakuza boasts some of the finest writing in video games, and Kiwami offers a heartfelt tale with exceptional storytelling.
Regarding the quality of the Switch port, I’d say it’s quite impressive overall. However, it doesn’t perform quite as smoothly as its PS4 counterpart during action-packed sequences – you may notice occasional slowdown or some softness. But visually, it’s nearly identical and plays exceptionally well. The advantage of being portable is a significant plus, making up for the minor glitches since the game suits casual play sessions perfectly.
If you’re new to the Yakuza series, this is an excellent place to dive in! I sometimes wish that Yakuza 0 had been introduced first, as Kiwami has some additional expansion on the prequel. However, the narrative will draw you into Kiryu’s captivating journey and the many adventures that await him. The bond between Kiryu and Haruka, the girl he discovers, is beautifully established, and the Yakuza series never fails to deliver unexpected moments that are both shocking and hilarious in its side stories. There simply isn’t another series quite like it!
Yakuza Kiwami Nintendo Switch Review: Final Verdict
Initially released as an exceptional remake, Yakuza Kiwami continued its success when it was brought to the Nintendo Switch. This adaptation not only preserves the original game but also provides the convenience of portable play. With a wealth of extra content, you’ll find yourself occupied for quite some time. Here’s hoping that future installments in the series will also make their way onto this platform. Re-experiencing Kiryu’s debut journey through Kamurocho has been an enjoyable experience, now even more so on the go.
SCORE: 8.5/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8.5 is equivalent to “Excellent.” Although it has a handful of small flaws, this score indicates that the artwork achieves its purpose effectively and leaves a lasting impression.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received a Yakuza Kiwami Nintendo Switch code for our review.
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2024-10-24 18:40