Is this an okay first yakuza game?

[LordPazuzu]

I've seen so many great videos on the Yakuza series and still have no idea what it is truly about, I just know they look super entertaining.

I haven't yet played any of the games but the pirate system with ship crew seems awesome for this entry.

That said, I'm missing a lot of the central story and I'm wondering if it would be worth playing this spin-off entry or if I should start elsewhere?

Thank you!

[Jeris]

You might not get some of the references for characters like Majima, but the story is self contained. So, you don't need the main line story to enjoy this arc.

[Cairn.L]

Originally posted by LordPazuzu:

That said, I'm missing a lot of the central story and I'm wondering if it would be worth playing this spin-off entry or if I should start elsewhere?

You can, but I highly recommend starting with Yakuza 0.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/638970/Yakuza_0/

[MKUltra]

As far as story, you'll be a bit confused as to it's references but since it's a weird little standalone thing, you're mostly fine.

I honestly haven't gotten past the 3rd game, which clearly I'm not the only one with that issue 😂.

I'm having a f'ing blast with this game. Even only playing the first 3 Majima is easily one of the greatest characters ever.

For non Yakuza players, he's kinda like the Joker? I think that's the closest analogy.

So... His game, OF COURSE, needs to be as over the top and insane as they can think of. It's kinda his thing, he's the embodiment of turning everything to to 11.

So, yes, you can play the game and miss a few things, but if you like it... Please try Yakuza 0 and then the Kiwamis. You'll see why they're addictive.

Just the most melodramatic acting and intricate plots full of drama and betrayal... But... Also the most insane side quests that somehow always have a bit of morality at the end.

I will say, this particular game is hands down the most fun. Again, they took everything to 11 and kept it there lol

[Unforseen_Queefer]

its my first yakaza game and im loving it. its deff making me want to go back and finally play 0 and 2 kawami

[WolfishMeat7]

Yakuza 0 is the best one or Like a Dragon

[The Aegis]

I played 10 minutes of lad so far, but have put about an hour into this one - as far as I've heard this is more a spinoff that's somewhat connected, but i also don't care its good fun ^^

[Dr Megaman]

Originally posted by MKUltra:

For non Yakuza players, he's kinda like the Joker? I think that's the closest analogy.

That's how he started out, but they grew him into his own person rather than someone who solely exists to antagonize Kiryu.

[Ghillied]

I completed yakuza 0 before playing this and its 100% worth it, However it can be a decently long game and its not worth rushing through it how good yakuza 0 is.

[The Minted Lady]

Honestly, any Yakuza game could be your entry into the series, especially if it inspires you to try the others. I actually started with the first Like a Dragon game with Ichiban Kasuga as the main character. That inspired me to check out the rest of the series. I'm not caught up on all the games including the Judgment spinoffs. Overall it's a pretty great game series, so wherever you start will be fine. But do be aware that earlier games have an older combat/control system, so they might not feel as smooth as this one. Also, only Like a Dragon and LAD:Infinite Wealth have turn-based combat. All the rest are action beat-em-ups.

[Deelingchy]

The games does have really heavy spoilers of Infinite Wealth though. They literally spoil the villains of that game and the fate of certain characters.

The story is mostly self contained except some returning characters but they're not central to the story.

If you plan to play Infinite Wealth (and Like a Dragon by extension), this game will spoil a lot of important plot points from those games so proceed with care.

[OpiumHerz]

Considering it's a goofy spinoff from the latest piece of the franchise with very unique mechanics (the ship battle), it's prolly not a good starter. Play Zero or Kiwami 1 first, see if you like what you get there.

[Frostygale]

It's my first Yakuza game and I'm having a blast, definitely checking out the other games in the series after this! (Though, probably going to have to pace myself since there are a lot of games XD either way, it seems like using this spin-off to break into the series was a good choice!)