Yakuza Remastered Collection Review
The Yakuza game series has a long history with Sony and PlayStation, starting on PS2 with its original release and continuing through to the upcoming PS5 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Sony played a part in bringing the last Yakuza games to the West when its popularity outside of Japan was relatively low, further cementing the partnership with the developer. However, this left most of the gaming community out in the cold, as the games were originally limited to PlayStation consoles. However, things are changing, and this includes the release of the Yakuza Remastered Collection for Xbox consoles and PC. The Yakuza Remastered Collection, previously released on PS4, features Yakuza 3, 4, and 5, forming the middle of Kazuma Kiryu’s long-running story. The three games, which originally launched on PS3, have been remastered with improved textures, and are now playable in 1080p on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PCs. For those who don’t know, the Yakuza series is in a strange place when it comes to touching on classic series. Yakuza Kiwami 1 and Kiwami 2 are full remakes of the original two games in the series, with Yakuza 3 directly following the events of Yakuza 2/Yakuza Kiwami 2. While the first two entries (originally released on the PS2) were given the remake treatment, the PS3 titles were remastered, instead. All three of the Yakuza Remastered games feature the series’ traditional beat ’em up formula. Players engage in random street battles as well as intense boss battles using everything from the playable character’s fists to lootable weapons to random objects found in the area. While all three games feature Kiryu as a playable character, Yakuza 4 and 5 also introduce additional playable cast members, which should help keep the formula fresh for first-time players. experiencing the entire series.
The performance of all three games is remarkably smooth. Loading times are relatively short, although there is a slight delay in joining matches in all three titles. Despite the increasing age of the titles, the three games manage to create some cinematics that still look impressive, as well as the gameplay in Yakuza 4 and 5. However, there may be some major barriers to entry for new series fans from Yakuza Kiwami 2 or Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Yakuza 3, the first title of the collection, is the most obviously aged. The original launch was back in 2009, more than two years into the PS3’s life cycle. As one would expect, compared to the latest beat ’em up mechanics featured in Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3 is a fairly solid experience, with stiffer animations, some dated visuals, and clunkier fighting mechanics. Gamers who played Yakuza Kiwami 2 (or even the original PS2 version) should be right at home being taken down by the events after that game, but those who have just tried Yakuza: Like a Dragon will be quite encouraged to continue the Yakuza series experience elsewhere to not only see what was done during the PS4 era, but to get a better sense of the overall story, as Yakuza 3 doesn’t provide much of a recap about the event of previous games. Yakuza 4 and 5, on the other hand, offer a slightly more modern gaming experience and feel less dated, as the development team took better advantage of what the PS3 could do over the years. Fans who pushed for Yakuza 3’s older style of beat-’em-up gameplay should be more comfortable with these two games. The combat is faster and more fluid, and having multiple playable characters makes a bit of difference after only playing as Kiryu for the first 3 games of the franchise.
Yakuza Remastered Collection looks incredibly smooth thanks to running at 60 FPS, just roaming around a town or fighting, and the overall world still looks great. However, this is ultimately a graphical remaster, and not one that aims to fix or change the gameplay. Certain quality-of-life improvements that have come to the series over the years, such as the ability to view a dynamic map with waypoints and saving the game via the character’s cellphone are absent from the titles this. With that said, fans of the series who appreciate the characters and ongoing storyline of Kazuma Kiryu will likely find enough here to stay thoroughly engaged. While it’s clear that the visuals and gameplay of the series have been further refined over time since these three games were first released, the stories, voice acting, and music are excellent, and live up to what fans have come to expect, regardless the game. they started with. Players who have previously played the original PS3 releases of these Yakuza games may also find something to enjoy here. Some content that was previously cut from the original western release has been restored in the Remastered version. All three games also feature a finely translated script, though there is no English dub available like in later games in the franchise.
Yakuza Remastered Collection also has no shortage of unique and fun side quests and features scores of optional mini-games, just like other recent series entries. Players can, if they choose, bypass most of them. While many side quests unlock new abilities, items, and currency that can be helpful, they’re also not necessary to enjoy the main story. Players who already love the formula of the series, however, are likely to enjoy these additions, as they provide levity, while the main stories tend to have drama and conflict. While rumors still abound about the potential development of a full Yakuza 3 remake along with Yakuza Kiwami 3, there has been no official confirmation or even hints given by the development studio that the game is in the works or even planned , even though the next Yakuza is in development. For now, at least, this is the best place for players to continue the story from Yakuza Kiwami 2 or Yakuza 2. While those who are used to – or just experienced – the graphical capabilities of the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/ S generations need to keep an open mind and it may take some time to adjust, Yakuza Remastered Collection ultimately offers a polished and enjoyable experience that fans of the series should not skip. Yakuza Remastered Collection is now available for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Today Technology was given an Xbox One code for this review. MORE: Sega Praises Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s Sales Performance