By Ryu Ga Gotoku enthusiasts represent a distinctive kind of fandom where nearly every individual concurs on one aspect: Yakuza 0 is the optimal entry point in the Like A Dragon/Yakuza saga. It’s uncommon for anyone to contend that Yakuza 0 isn’t among the finest titles in the entire series and still one of the most remarkable games produced by the studio. Even after eight main installments—Yakuza Kiwami to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth—there simply exists no title in the anthology that captures the same essence as Yakuza 0. Fans will even implore their friends, whether gamers or not, to experience Yakuza 0 because it’s truly that exceptional.
Upon the release of Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch last autumn, fans hoped Yakuza 0 would eventually be accessible on Nintendo platforms as well. Although there were numerous technical difficulties with Kiwami on an aging console, RGG aficionados will be pleased to learn that Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut on Nintendo Switch 2 operates smoother than achieving a perfect score on “Friday Night” during the disco minigame.
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Now Playing: Yakuza Zero Video Review
If you haven’t explored the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series yet, the Director’s Cut is proving to be the prime method to experience it, as it unfolds first in the timeline, and the new Nintendo Switch 2 edition will feature enhanced graphics and additional functionalities absent from the original.
Yakuza 0 remains exceptional
Before I delve into what the Director’s Cut has to offer, I should clarify why Yakuza 0 is distinctive and cherished by those unfamiliar with the series.
Yakuza 0 is set 20 years prior to the events in Yakuza 1/Kiwami, where the series originated. It presents a dual-protagonist format that centers on Kiryu Kazuma, the principal character of the series, and Goro Majima,
one of the most renowned characters in the series. The narrative chapters alternate between the two figures, each possessing distinct missions, combat techniques, minigames, and situated in two different fictional (though inspired by reality) cities in Japan.
This was my initial experience with Yakuza 0 since I completed it, and all my emotions resurfaced. There is just something about that Japanese bubble district and the vibrant neon aesthetics that feels strangely reassuring and nostalgic. The gentle illumination of the metropolis, the cluttered alleyways, the vivid fashion—you can almost sense the cigarette smoke while you sprint through Kamurocho.
Having the chance to experience the new Director’s Cut got me eager to play it once more. Yakuza 0 masterfully balances its absurd subplots and extra content with a grave, traumatic narrative without ever allowing either aspect to feel entirely out of context. It astonished me how effectively this game emphasizes two protagonists, and how all the incidents that transpire throughout both Kiryu and Majima’s developments culminated in such a gratifying conclusion with a heartfelt acknowledgment to its upcoming titles.
Director’s Cut new attributes
Our brief demo commenced in Chapter 3, right after Majima’s memorable character introduction cutscene, where you get to control him for the initial time and navigate Sotenbori. There weren’t significant alterations in gameplay compared to the original, but the visuals were crisp and performance was seamless, making the experience easy to transition to on the new Nintendo Switch 2 controller.
We ventured into the area in the newly integrated English dub. Matthew Mercer reprises his role as Majima, so naturally, the first thing I did was check out his version of 24-Hour Cinderella in the karaoke minigame—which was fantastic, by the way. It felt a bit strange adjusting to hearing young Majima in the English dub, but Mercer perfectly captured the voice and demeanor of the youthful gangster. Several other voice actors are also returning for the dub; Yong Yea reprises his role as Kiryu, and David Hayter comes back as the voice of The Barten—err, I mean, Osamu Kashiwagi.
One of the frustrating features in the original Yakuza 0 was saving. You could only store your progress at phone booths, which created challenges during prolonged fights and cutscenes. In the Director’s Cut, you finally have the ability to save whenever you wish. You can still utilize a phone booth for managing storage, but now you’re no longer forced to keep reminding yourself to make a quick stop to save before getting too engrossed in the story or side activities.
We didn’t get to delve further into the gameplay, or any of Kiryu’s sections, but I can already tell that this will be an excellent launch title for Switch 2. Moreover, we were informed there will be over 25 minutes of additional cutscenes to the narrative, which alone will persuade many veteran fans to take the plunge and acquire this game.
Red Light Raid mode
The second segment of the demo had us return to the main menu and explore the new Red Light Raid mode—the new online battle feature you can engage in single or multiplayer. As a side note, I noticed in the main menu that the original Yakuza 0 theme, “Bubble” by Shūnan no Kaz, was included. Initially, it wasn’t licensed for the U.S. release, so that was a pleasant surprise.
The Red Light Raid mode consists of six challenges, all being raids where you combat waves of foes and bosses to accumulate funds to unlock additional characters. Most of the characters are various NPCs and adversaries you encounter throughout the game, making it enjoyable to assemble teams of eclectic misfits and formidable bosses. You can select one fighting style for each raid, so it’s excellent practice for new heat moves and combinations, even though all I opted for was Kiryu’s Beast Mode and tossed motorcycles at every opponent.
The challenges progressively become more difficult with each wave, which makes it quickly engaging. I’ve always sensed that Yakuza’s beat’em up combat can become a tad too simplistic, so an experience like this serves as a genuine challenge. I’m sure I will spend far too many hours on this while Nishiki is waiting in a karaoke bar for me somewhere.
Final reflections
In summary, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut delivered far more new features than I anticipated, in addition to being an already exceptional game. The enhanced gameplay, extra cutscenes, and online mode should provide a remarkable experience for both new and old fans alike, and I am incredibly eager to witness the affection from Nintendo fans grow for our Yakuza characters. I can already foresee the Ryu Ga Gotoku fandom expanding with this launch and can’t wait to relive those youthful Kiryu and Majima moments myself.
Lisa Wallen on Google+
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