ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.
The game features two distinct fighting styles - the Yakuza style, which emphasizes Kiryu's raw strength and aggressive moves, and the Agent style, which focuses on speed, precision, and the use of high-tech gadgets. Players can dynamically switch between these styles, allowing them to adapt their approach to different combat situations. Reviewers describe the combat as "bone-shattering" and "visceral," with smooth animations and a lack of interrupted or staggered attacks, creating a more engaging and dynamic combat experience.
In addition to Kiryu's impressive melee abilities, the game introduces a variety of high-tech gadgets that players can use in combat. These include electrified bind wires, which can stun enemies, and the ability to call in drone strikes to deal damage and crowd control. The integration of these gadgets into the combat system adds an extra layer of strategy and versatility, enabling players to approach fights in unique ways. Furthermore, the game allows players to customize Kiryu's appearance, enhancing the player's sense of immersion and ownership over their protagonist.
Reviewers have praised the game's excellent pacing, with the story progressing at a brisk but engaging pace without feeling overly padded or bogged down. The smooth transition between cutscenes, combat, and the various side activities and mini-games creates a cohesive and immersive experience, keeping players invested in the narrative while providing ample opportunities for exploration and diversions.
The game offers a wealth of side activities and mini-games, ranging from the return of the popular Pocket Circuit racing, to a cabaret club management simulation, to a karaoke rhythm game. Reviewers have praised the quality and variety of these diversions, which provide a nice break from the main story while still feeling integrated into the overall experience.
Reviewers report that the game is excellently optimized, allowing them to run it at high resolutions and framerates with minimal issues, a testament to the studio's technical expertise and attention to detail.