Yakuza Kiwami 2 brings Japanese culture and fisticuffs to North American retail
Your wait for the reworked second chapter in the Yakuza saga has ended, assuming you buy the game.
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The latest entry in the Yakuza series is now available on store shelves throughout North America. Yakuza Kiwami 2 isn't an entirely new experience, since it is based on the old PlayStation 2 game that wasn't cool enough to have "Kiwami" in its title... but it's still something dedicated fans will want to consider adding to their collection (if they haven't already).
Yakuza Kiwami 2 makes use of the "Dragon Engine," which was used to build Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, but applies that technology to tell the story of the much earlier adventures of Kazuma Kiryu as he works to prevent an all-out war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. First-run copies of the game are packaged in an "elaborate" SteelBook, with Kiryu depicted on one side and Ryuji Goda (his rival) on the other.
Those who played Yakuza 6: The Song of Life may recall the "clan creator" system that allowed players to recruit various thugs and strengthen them in battles with other clans. That system returns here, where Majima Construction is facing off against former pro wrestlers.
If you're having trouble making headway in that mode, SEGA has your back. You can spend $19.99 USD to purchase a special bundle that includes 10 SSR Clan Creator Leaders, along with Onomichi, Kiryu and JUSTIS Clan Creator packs that feature cards last seen in Yakuza 6. There also is an exclusive Kiwami Machine Gun and Kiwami Demon Blade, two equippable weapons you can enjoy in the main game.
Even if you're not big on the clan warfare, there are plenty of other diversions to keep you entertained when you're not busy trying to track down an assassin. A Majima-centric campaign has been added, starring Goro Majima, and you can play old arcade classics such as Virtual-On at Club SEGA. Cabaret is also back, and with Yuki to boot.
Finally, SEGA has promised "extreme localization" that should ensure "the most faithful representation of the original Japanese." SEGA is proud of that localization and wants to offer "the best Yakuza experience possible for the series' dedicated fans around the world."
Yakuza Kiwami 2 has an MSRP of $49.99 and is now available at most places where you buy games today. Do you plan to run around Japan with Majima and Kiryu?
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Staff article by Jason Venter (August 28, 2018)
Jason Venter has been playing games for 30 years, since discovering the Apple IIe version of Mario Bros. in his elementary school days. Now he writes about them, here at HonestGamers and also at other sites that agree to pay him for his words. |
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