Review: Yakuza Kiwami (Switch) – A Decent Port Of An Ambitious, Frustrating Game
Open-world games have evolved significantly since the original Yakuza was released 19 years ago. The quirky fetch quests and meandering storytelling, characteristic of earlier titles, have been revised in this 2017 remake, Yakuza Kiwami, which has now made its way to the Switch. The remake has updated and modernized aspects of the 2005 original to the point where they feel like two distinct games.
The remake overhauls the fixed-perspective, Resident Evil-style streets of Tokyo found in the original. While the 2005 game featured a single combat style, the remake boasts four: Rush, Brawler, Beast, and Dragon, echoing developments seen in the superior 2015 prequel Yakuza 0. Additionally, the story has been fleshed out, including significant subplot development involving the game’s tragic antagonist, Nishiki.
While these updates are commendable, Yakuza Kiwami retains quite a bit of its retro 2005 DNA. Despite approaching the game with optimism, we often felt overwhelmed by an excessive number of cutscenes, pacing issues, and frustrating difficulty spikes throughout this 15-20 hour action-adventure. Although we enjoyed many elements of our playthrough, moments of genuine frustration also led us to question whether we were truly having fun.
In the opening hours, Yakuza Kiwami’s strengths and weaknesses are on display. As we explored the detailed, 3D Tokyo streets, we found ourselves captivated by the authentic depictions of everyday life in Kamurocho, with its street-side vending machines, neon-lit signs, arcades, and bustling atmosphere. The artistic rendering of the environment—filled with pedestrians and groups—made the game world feel vibrantly alive.
As Kiryu’s seemingly stable life spirals into complexity due to time jumps and shifting power dynamics among the organized crime factions, significant figures go missing, further complicating the story.
Yakuza Kiwami’s storytelling ambition is notable, though the multitude of characters can make it challenging to follow. The game mirrors the intricate narratives popularized in television dramas like The Sopranos, but this ambition occasionally overshadows gameplay with lengthy cutscenes.
For players, the balance of storytelling and gameplay may vary significantly. In our experience, Yakuza Kiwami occasionally pushed our limits of patience.
Combat remains central to the experience, with a system that initially feels enjoyable. Players engage in fights reminiscent of Rocksteady’s Batman games but with an added layer of complexity.
This combat system utilizes various inputs for specific maneuvers—’Y’ for quick attacks, ‘X’ for knockouts, ‘A’ for grabs, and ‘B’ for dodging. Players can mix and match these actions using the four combat styles, leading to dynamic combos and powerful ‘heat’ attacks.
The combat system thrives with the variety of fighting styles and upgrades available, enabling players to experiment with moves and find their fighting strengths. However, we encountered challenges, including an infuriating battle with a bouncer that seemed disproportionately difficult early on.
As we continued, issues arose with the game’s focus. Difficulty spikes required regular trips to supermarkets to stock up on healing items, which began to feel tedious, especially with frequent random battles interrupting progress.
Minor annoyances, like fetch quests and unexpected shifts in story focus, detracted from the overall experience. Tightening these aspects could have showcased the game’s strengths more effectively.
While it may not be the most visually striking version available, Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch is a functional port. Although we observed occasional performance issues, the game generally runs smoothly, even in handheld mode.
Despite the quirks, the game’s blend of secondary activities, like slot car racing and darts, provided moments of genuine fun. Unfortunately, these enjoyable segments were often interrupted by lengthy cutscenes or difficult battles that diminished our overall experience.
For newcomers looking to explore the series, Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch serves as a solid entry point, especially for those without access to Yakuza 0. However, players seeking a more tightly paced and satisfying experience may want to consider alternatives.
Discussion
In light of the review, we hosted a discussion with game developers and critics to delve into various perspectives on Yakuza Kiwami. Here’s a peek into our conversation:
- James Miller, Game Developer: “The evolution of gameplay mechanics from the original to Kiwami is fascinating. The increased combat styles offer depth for new players.”
- Susan Chang, Game Critic: “While I appreciate the narrative ambition, I feel the cutscenes disrupt the pacing too much, pulling players away from the action.”
- Robert Lee, eSports Commentator: “The balance between story and gameplay is tricky. Some sections felt like they dragged on, impacting overall enjoyment.”
What are your thoughts on Yakuza Kiwami? Join the discussion in the comments below!