Yakuza: Every Game Ranked From Worst To Best

The most recent entry marks specific ends and beginnings; it's the last to involve mainstay protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, while also the first to attempt to break into the modern age, shedding the series old tech engine and revamping it with modern graphics and controls.

The plot is a sombre affair and a moving farewell to an aged Kiryu. The early part pays homage to several key locations from franchise past, before a quaint town in Hiroshima takes up a decent chunk. Yakuza 3's languid tone comes to mind, yet with a consistent pace and intriguing plot hook, it avoids that games pratfalls. It wraps Kiryu's arc in a solid fashion with plenty of humour and intrigue along the way.

Sega landing actor/director Takeshi Kitano for the game is a major deal as well, for those not aware, it's the equivalent of Rockstar signing Clint Eastwood to star in Red Dead Redemption 2. Luckily, it's not just a cameo but a major supporting role played with the warmth yet intimidating edge the actor portrays so flawlessly in his landmark yakuza movies.

The new mechanics are a mixed bag though, the combat is responsive if chaotic, the graphics look stellar yet the frame rate struggles. The new strides it makes are welcome for the most, even though growing pains make it stumble technically. Still, it gets so much right for longtime fans, it's quite easy to overlook them.