Release vs. Chronological Order? Which Should I Play First?

[PatchYourselfUp]

So I've been aware of the Yakuza games since the beginning, but I never got into them. I have Yakuza 0, but don't know if I should play that first. Then I learned that this game came out as a straight up remake of the original, and I'm thinking I should buy it.

What's the best way to get into Yakuza for a total newb?

[󠀡󠀡]

- Yakuza 0 first because it is the prequel
- Yakuza Kiwami second because it's after

[PatchYourselfUp]

Where does Yakuza 2 fall?

[󠀡󠀡]

Originally posted by PatchYourselfUp:

Where does Yakuza 2 fall?

After Yakuza Kiwami.

[Redblaze27]

And Yakuza Kiwami 2 is Yakuza 2 but better.

[󠀡󠀡]

Originally posted by Redblaze27:

And Yakuza Kiwami 2 is Yakuza 2 but better.

Way better.

[lPaladinl]

Purists will tell you release order.

Newcommers will tell you chronological order.

I'm only playing Yakuza on PC so for me it's going to be chronological order for as long as Sega keeps porting them to PC.

[Redblaze27]

Originally posted by lPaladinl:

Purists will tell you release order.

Newcommers will tell you chronological order.

I'm only playing Yakuza on PC so for me it's going to be chronological order for as long as Sega keeps porting them to PC.

Yakuza 6 is likely next, so its gonna get weird

[PatchYourselfUp]

So from what I'm gathering: Yakuza Kiwami, Kiwami 2, 3, 4, 5. I know 0 came out way after 1 and 2 though.

I ask because Metal Gear Solid is best played release order, but it's chronology is all over the place. When should I play 0 to get the most out of it so I understand the references? Kiwami, Kiwami 2, 0?

[Redblaze27]

Yakuza 0 came out after Yakuza 5 as a 10-year anniversary game, and the Kiwami titles are intended as replacements for 1 and 2 in the timeline, as to make them more consistent with Yakuza 3-onwards (as well as solidify Yakuza 0 in the canon).

[PatchYourselfUp]

So if I'm a complete noob, the consistent story would be 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Right?

[Remnant]

Originally posted by PatchYourselfUp:

So if I'm a complete noob, the consistent story would be 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Right?

Yes that's correct.

[Redblaze27]

Judgment is persumably after 6, but considered its osn series in the same universe.

[Nens]

Originally posted by PatchYourselfUp:

I ask because Metal Gear Solid is best played release order, but it's chronology is all over the place.

Release order is always the best way to play everything but Steam is full of newcomers to Yakuza series so they started with 0 and that's what they will recommend you to play first.

If you can/want it would be good to start with original PS2 version of first game, it's slightly better than Kiwami remake.

[Redblaze27]

It really depends the series and how much you value watching the series evolve with each game.

If you arent thrilled with playing clunky, older games then it is better to start with 0, so hopefully you are invested enough in the series that you are willing to put up witg Yakuza 3's age once that is properly localized.

[JarringMist #ruSSiaHateClub]

Why make things more difficult...
Just play by chronogical order: 0->Kiwami->Kiwami 2->3,4,5->Song of Life. From years of Kiryu being young Yakuza adept in Yakuza 0 to grandpa in Yakuza 6.
You should start with 0 and later Kiwami to appreciate Akira Nishikyama's character development. You simply won't be as much emotionally invested in Akira's inner struggle by starting with Kiwami as with starting from Yakuza 0 and experiencing Kiryu & Nishiki's brotherhood beforehand.