10 Video Games That Let You Be Incredible Criminals

4. Yakuza 0

yakuza 7
Sega

The Yakuza are the 'noble bandits' of the Japanese underworld, calling themselves Ninkyodantai - "Association of Chivalrous Men".

Of course, just like any other underworld group they are violent criminals who engage in racketeering, fencing of stolen goods, and in a pinch a good 'ol assassination or two. Not to mention copious amounts of cutting off pinky fingers!

Without a doubt, the best franchise to play as a kobun, that is a Yakuza underling, is the Yakuza series. Called Ryu Ga Gotoku in Japan, the Yakuza games are a perfect balance of comedy, action, melodrama, and crime. You can do all manner of proper criminal acts like disco dancing, karaoke, and playing darts while getting drunk in a bar.

Oh! You can also commit crimes like assault and battery, theft, and murder.

If you can only play one game in the Yakuza series it's got to be Yakuza 0, the prequel. But you may as well play them all. Yakuza: Like a Dragon was just released with a more tactical RPG formula, but the "Kiwami" remakes are great returns to the series' action roots.

Contributor
Contributor

Author of Escort (Eternal Press, 2015), co-founder of Nic3Ntertainment, and developer behind The Sickle Upon Sekigahara (2020). Currently freelancing as a game developer and history consultant. Also tends to travel the eastern U.S. doing courses on History, Writing, and Japanese Poetry. You can find his portfolio at www.richardcshaffer.com.