Onerous to show down one other invite from Kiryu-chan.
Yakuza positively appears like an IYKYK franchise now. Now not are the video games trapped on totally different Sony consoles. With the Kiwami remakes bringing refinement and polish to older video games within the sequence, those that loved current titles like Yakuza 0 or Like A Dragon can simply return to their roots. Whereas with some sequels you’ll be able to fairly simply bounce proper in with out the context of earlier titles, I would not suggest doing so with Yakuza Kiwami 2, however luckily we’re getting each Kiwami 1 and a pair of on the identical day as devoted Swap 2 variations. This evaluation focuses on Kiwami 2 given that there’s already a Swap 1 model of the primary Kiwami sport, however evaluating the 2 video games on Swap 2 reveals that the efficiency is definitely higher with Kiwami 1.
Anybody with data of the Yakuza sequence can respect their dense, cleaning soap opera-ish storytelling mixed with over-the-top character interactions and humor. The Kiwami line presents a welcome alternative to take a look at early Yakuza video games in a up to date bundle; I had already completed the PlayStation 4 variations earlier than coming again to them on Swap 2. Based mostly on my reminiscence, the latter really feel comparable, even when taking part in portably, so for those who’re seeking to go to or re-visit the settings of Kamurocho and Sotenbori (added in Yakuza 2), then the Swap 2 is a pleasant manner to take action–particularly contemplating that we’re getting Yakuza Kiwami 3 early in 2026.
That stated, Yakuza Kiwami 1 outperforms Kiwami 2 when taking part in on Nintendo’s newest console. Whereas each video games show at 1080p decision in docked mode, it’s unlucky to see Kiwami 1 operating at 60 FPS when Kiwami 2 solely hits 30 FPS, and never even a very secure framerate at that. It’s doable that as a result of Kiwami 1 had already been launched on Swap that the transition for that sport to Swap 2 was simpler and allowed for a greater efficiency, nevertheless it’s disappointing to have them facet by facet and see the sooner sport operating a lot smoother. A little bit of digging jogged my memory that this was additionally a problem with the PlayStation 4 releases of Kiwami 1 and a pair of, operating at 60 and 30 FPS, respectively, however with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Collection variations of Kiwami 2 coming in December, I’m holding out some hope that the launch on these two platforms might see a patch come to the Swap 2 model–contingent on the Sony and Microsoft releases additionally operating at 60 FPS, in fact.
When it comes to gameplay, Yakuza Kiwami 2 comprises lots of enjoyable and acquainted mini-games, like batting cages, mahjong, and karaoke, along with extra fleshed out ones like Clan Creator (a top-down technique sport) and Cabaret Membership Grand Prix (a administration sim). I don’t sometimes get sucked into any considered one of these too deeply, however they supply a nice distraction from the prolonged cutscenes and beat-’em-up fashion fight. Usually I run into some steeper issue spikes with a few of the boss fights or grunt gauntlets, however the Swap 2 model of Kiwami 2 offers you with a bevy of weapons, armor, and experience-granting gadgets worthy of a real Japanese mafiaso. After all, you’ll be able to ignore or embrace these bonuses as you would like. The choose-your-own journey fashion of development that sees you spending 5 classes of expertise factors on stats and skills of your selecting additionally helps you to customise your Yakuza journey, and actually that’s among the best promoting options of those video games.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 encompasses a compelling forged of recent and returning characters, chief among the many unfamiliar faces being antagonist Ryuji Goda, who cuts a formidable determine and performs a superb foil to gold-hearted Kiryu. Whereas I loved one other romp by way of the small burrows of Tokyo and Osaka that really feel now like a second digital dwelling, returning to Kiwami 2 felt extra in service of Kiwami 3, which will likely be right here earlier than we all know it. The Swap 2 port is a serviceable one for certain, particularly when thought-about in opposition to the PlayStation 4 model, and there isn’t a significant sacrifice made to run round these punk-filled streets on-the-go. For those who’re turning into a Yakuza collector or have by no means skilled the second sport within the sequence, there might not be a greater time.
