Generally speaking, there’s broad consensus that Yakuza 0 is excellent, with some going as far as to call it the best in the series. Given the relatively small number of games available at the launch of Switch 2, Sega (alongside Nintendo, which has exclusive rights to this version) are probably hoping gamers will add a gritty open-world adventure to their Mario Kart races, Cyberpunk 2077 sessions, and Street Fighter matches. However, whether it’s worth purchasing is largely subjective.
For just $50, you get the Director’s Cut version of Yakuza 0, which offers a rich gaming experience that rivals many other games launching for Nintendo Switch 2. The game features an extensive, dual-protagonist storyline and engaging minigames that keep you hooked. With so much content to explore, you can easily sink hundreds of hours into Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, not even considering the additional new material it offers.
One key change is the inclusion of new audio tracks for dialogue and subtitles. While your taste may vary when it comes to voice actors, I personally find the Japanese voices too iconic to replace. The entire game now includes Chinese and English voiceovers as well. If you’re a series aficionado, you might also spot that the demo cinematic uses “Bubble” by Shounan no Kaze, a song famous from the original Yakuza 0’s Japanese version but omitted in foreign releases. Now, it’s back, it rocks, and it sets the tone for an enjoyable trip to 1988 Bubble Era Japan.
Upon starting the game, you’re immediately given the option to choose a mode called Red Light Raid. This mode allows you to team up with up to four friends (either online or offline) to battle waves of thugs for enjoyment and financial gain. I was excited about this mode as it seemed reminiscent of old-school multiplayer arcade brawlers, some of which were produced by Sega. However, my expectations were not fully met.
In reality, you select a character from an extensive roster (many of whom need to be unlocked using in-game currency). You then engage in combat with up to four player- or AI-controlled characters. You’ll choose a challenge, fight wave after wave of enemies, occasionally facing a boss battle, before taking on the final boss. Successfully completing a challenge rewards you generously with yen.
In the expanded version, I get to unleash an array of exhilarating, bone-crushing moves just like in the original game. However, both Kiryu and Majima demand that I commit to one fighting style throughout. It’s a unique experience since these characters are usually uncontrollable in the base game. Yet, it seems somewhat incomplete: Characters show vast differences in effectiveness, and matches can often descend into chaotic confusion, especially during nighttime or on the Switch 2’s handheld mode. The combat system, which frequently takes place in narrow streets, tight corridors, and cramped rooms, wasn’t initially designed for multiplayer, making it feel congested and challenging to navigate, even in wider arenas. It appears that this game’s combat, which often occurs in confined spaces, wasn’t originally intended for multiplayer, and it frequently feels crowded and hard to find my bearings, even on more open maps. The character models and moves are a blend from this game and others within the series, including many underutilized NPCs. But if you can rally your friends into a GameChat channel while playing, you’ll have a blast!
Visually, there don’t appear to be significant improvements or updates from the PS4 version that I could see; the textures remain largely unchanged, and it seems like the characters have been directly transferred without any enhancements. However, the Switch 2 edition does offer 4K resolution support.
As a dedicated fan, I must say one of the most appealing features that drew me in is the inclusion of five fresh cutscenes, amounting to nearly half an hour. These new scenes seem designed to offer more limelight to characters who were underrepresented in the original version, as well as extending the screen time for the dynamic duo of Kiryu and Nishikiyama. While they undoubtedly enhance the experience, the enjoyment derived from these scenes largely depends on the level of attachment one has towards the characters.
As a die-hard fan, I must say that the Director’s Cut of Yakuza 0 is indeed an enhancement, but it’s important to consider the fact that the original game has been regularly offered at steep discounts on platforms like Steam. During some sales, you could secure this captivating saga for less than $10. Given the Director’s Cut retails for around $50, the question arises: Is the extra content, such as additional cutscenes, voice/subtitle languages, and other bonus features, worth the significant price increase? For me, the answer is no. I adore this series, but I’m not so enamored that I’d pay a hefty premium for minor extras.
However, if you’re a connoisseur of crime dramas, English isn’t your native language, or you simply must have the English or Chinese voice track, then by all means, seize this opportunity. It’s an incredible experience!
Read More
2025-06-12 21:39