Yakuza: Every Game Ranked From Worst To Best

Despite launching back on the PlayStation 2, this second entry is still highly regarded as the peak of the series by fans and critics alike.

Mechanically, Yakuza 2 was a massive step up; the combat system was streamlined and reworked into an effective form that - until recently - remained basically untouched. The lock-on ability, hitting from all angles and fluid form of movement made the battles a much more sporadic and fun affair than Yakuza 1.

Then storywise, it opened up and escalated the framework with an epic and operatic approach. The clever time-jumping plot-line sidelines Kazuma every so slightly, yet sports enough colourful supporting characters and high-stakes, that it never hampering the end result.

The high-point though is the antagonist, Ryuji Goda. The strongest villain from the long-running series, he's an endlessly charismatic and imposing figure, giving Kazuma a true fierce and opposing equal. Their showdown is an aspect that brews and builds in anticipation throughout the entire game - paying off in an exciting denouement.

With this receiving a remake release soon, it's most likely this original PS2 version will be less regarded. Until that moment though, this stands as a peak moment for that console - an enthralling, visually stunning and immersive action game with a killer main storyline.

And you get to fist fight two tigers - so, there's that.