Yakuza (Sony PlayStation 2, 2006)

I'd really give it more like a 3.5 or 3.75 rating and not a 3 or 4. Overall, the game is good. Personally, I really like it. It's a rather unique kind of game, and it meshes RPG, sandboxing, adventure, and 3D fighting/beat-em-up elements rather well, and even adds a dash of shooting in a mission. The storyline is rather well laid-out with lots of twisting and turning, but it can be a bit hard to follow, particularly if you stretch out your play of the game over a long period of time (since there are so many names of individuals and subsidiary organizations within the Yakuza clan of the game to remember. Thankfully, you can pause during the game and there's an option to review characters, organizations, and relationships between them). It's still a very good storyline, and it will keep pulling you from chapter to chapter. The voice acting is about average/slightly above average. There are a few lines delivered awkwardly, but as a whole it's pretty well done. The graphics are pretty good, maybe about a 4 out of 5.

What stands out, and why I like this game as much as I do, is the fighting system. There are several combinations of kicks and punches and throws and dodges you can do when starting out, and with every enemy you defeat and many tasks you accomplish you earn experience points with which to enhance your fighting ability, with upgrades such as new moves, increased attack damage, increased health, increased dodge ability, new counters, etc. In addition, you can use the environment to your advantage in fights (such as slamming an opponents head into a wall) and you can pick up weapons during fights (and even bring some weapons IN to fights) and each weapon has its own special moves you can use. The fighting isn't what you'd call DEEP (it's still a beat-em-up game, not so much a 3D fighter with adventures in between), but the number of courses of action you can choose from during a fight creates a level of complexity that is both interestingly complex and comfortably simple. There are also little subtle touches, such as getting drunk before fights making you irritable and, thus, a more dangerous fighter, that give the game unique nuances to appreciate.

One of the biggest griping points is the controls. They are a bit sluggish, but you learn to deal with it after a bit of playtime. During fights, the camera can be a bit problematic, too, and when you combine that with the sluggish controls and enemies surrounding you, throwing attacks, it sometimes, but rarely, results in a frustrating moment. Also, the game eventually becomes a bit monotonous. There are a few extra things to unlock in the game, but it's not much; it's still basically one of those "once you beat the game, you've pretty much seen it all" games. I wouldn't spend $40 or anything on this game, but if you can grab it for $25 or less, it's a pretty solid purchase. It's not for everyone: the action can be sporadic, particularly early on, the pace can be slow now and then, the story can be difficult to follow, the fighting might be too shallow for some and too deep for others. But, ultimately, it's a solid, unique game that can be had at a budget price.

You ever wondered what it would be like if Tekken or Virtua Fighter had a superb plot, rivaling that of even the top Hollywood movies? This is the game for you. I can't say much on the plot without revealing something, but it puts almost any action game out there to shame.

This game is awesome. Literally. It left me in awe and wonder. Nothing con compare to the originality of this game. It mixes small amounts that you may see in other games, and rolls them into the best game ever released.

The graphics are downright fantastic, especially the CG scenes, which are sadly few and far between. But don't despair, the gameplay graphics are impressive, thanks in part to the bright neon lights that accompany the streets of Japan. The combat is not complicated, but very enjoyable, full of combos, special attacks, and a large variety of usable items, from street signs to traffic cones; from brass knuckles to wooden swords, allowing for an impressive combination of attacks. The upgrade system is simple, straight forward, and a nice touch, yet not a big addition. The seemingly endless amount of extra mini games and side quests give it certain replay value.

There are a couple minor downsides. First is the camera while traveling the city. It can change views while you are running, and it can become disorienting, but nothing major, and never while fighting. Second, is the dubbing. Don't get me wrong, the voicing is great. I love to hear Michael Madsen and Rachael Leigh Cook putting in a strong performance, but what I would much rather hear is the original Japanese, with english subtitles. It appears great care was put into getting the lips to move with the Japanese words, and this is all wasted on the US version.

If you are a fan of any sort of fighting game, this is a must have. No, it's not Street Fighter. But it's action with a solid story. And maybe even you GTA fans can come over and enjoy this game as well. You must try this game, no matter what the cost.

I loved playing this game. Great plot, amazing story detail, awesome graphics, many things to do! Great fighting opportunity and full of upgrades, weapons, countless number of items. You can buy, sell, eat, visit clubs, meet people, learn fighting techniques, participate in tournaments etc. This game has it all!
Explore the whole city, get involved in side missions, take a bite of those great story missions. If You like FREE ROAM games this one is for you! GTA fans? Step right up.

A diamond in the rough.

Well well what can I say about this game. . .hmm very crappy.My first 10 minutes of this game was good,for just 10 minutes only.Then the battles with enemies were starting to get repetitive.The load times suck,every time you battle with an enemy or gang it has to load up very slowly before you even get to go hand in hand with your rivals.Ha and this is supposed to take place in a Japan set environment,the voice acting is terrible,at least they could give it that.Missions are basically set,you run here,you run there,you run back here,then there again.What a crappy way to play is how I would put it,there's no free roaming the city,can't hit innocent by-standards,nothing at all.If you want to try out how it would be in the Japanese mafia organization then by all means go for it but to me, it's worth the wait until the price drops to 19.99 and they put it as a Greatest Hits,it ain't even worth wasting $8 to rent it and try it out.I thought Scarface was bad this game is worse.

This game is great if you can't afford a plane ticket to Japan! The fighting system is deep enough to hold your interest, and the story is classic Yakuza movie style. A fun experience overall!!