The Yakuza series, a sprawling saga of crime, loyalty, and over-the-top action, can be daunting for newcomers. With numerous mainline entries and spin-offs, figuring out the Best Order To Play Yakuza Games can feel like navigating the back alleys of Kamurocho. This guide, brought to you by the team at supremeduelist.blog, will help you find your footing in the world of Kiryu Kazuma and his allies, ensuring you experience the series in the most rewarding way.
This article breaks down the best order to experience the Yakuza games, including how to get started and why certain sequences work better than others, allowing you to maximize your enjoyment of this incredible franchise. It also touches upon the narrative benefits of playing the games in the recommended order, which will enhance your appreciation of the characters and the complex world they inhabit.
The Chronological Order vs. Release Order
One of the first questions new players ask is whether to play Yakuza games in chronological order or release order. The chronological order follows the in-game timeline, starting with Yakuza 0 and progressing forward. The release order, on the other hand, is the order in which the games were originally published.
- Chronological Order: This approach allows you to see the full arc of character development, starting with the younger versions of Kiryu and Majima in Yakuza 0. It’s beneficial for players who prioritize story immersion and want to experience the narrative from its origin point. However, some gameplay mechanics may feel outdated or clunky when transitioning from newer titles to older ones.
- Release Order: This is the traditional path for most long-time fans. Playing in release order lets you witness the series evolve from a gameplay standpoint, seeing improvements in mechanics and graphics over time. It can feel more rewarding to observe the gradual refinement of the franchise.
Ultimately, we at supremeduelist.blog, recommend a specific hybrid approach, blending aspects of both for the best overall experience, which we will detail below.
The Recommended Hybrid Order
While both chronological and release orders have their merits, we believe the following hybrid order is the ideal way for newcomers to experience the Yakuza series. This order focuses on starting with the beginning of Kiryu’s story, then weaving in other important stories as the games were meant to be experienced:
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Yakuza 0: This is the perfect starting point. Yakuza 0 serves as a prequel, introducing Kiryu and Majima in their younger years and establishing their respective backstories. It’s an excellent introduction to the series’ gameplay and tone, and a great way to be invested in the entire series. The game is a masterclass in setting the stage and immersing you in the Yakuza world.
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Yakuza Kiwami: This is a remake of the first Yakuza game, making it far more accessible and user-friendly than the original PS2 release. Kiwami follows immediately after Yakuza 0, continuing Kiryu’s story and introducing key characters. This remake significantly improves the gameplay of the original, retaining its core narrative while making it much more digestible for modern audiences. This is where you can see how the events of Yakuza 0 affect Kiryu in his early life.
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Yakuza Kiwami 2: As a remake of the second Yakuza game, Kiwami 2 further refines the gameplay and expands the story, giving players more context on Kiryu’s place in the Tojo clan. Kiwami 2 is noteworthy for its improved graphics and combat system, making it a visually stunning entry in the series. It also continues to establish the core themes of the franchise and deepens the lore.
“Starting with Yakuza 0 and moving into Kiwami 1 and 2 provides players with a solid foundation for understanding Kiryu’s journey,” explains game analyst, Elias Vance. “It’s the most impactful way to get emotionally invested in his story.”
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Yakuza 3 Remastered: Now we are moving into the slightly older releases, which may feel a bit more dated. However, the story is still compelling and worth experiencing. Yakuza 3 introduces Okinawa, a significant change in setting, and continues Kiryu’s narrative as he grapples with his past and his present. Despite being slightly older in terms of gameplay, its story is crucial to the overall narrative.
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Yakuza 4 Remastered: Introducing a multi-protagonist system with four playable characters, Yakuza 4 expands the scope of the narrative, offering new perspectives on the criminal underworld. This game significantly broadens the series’ character roster and plot lines, further enriching the Yakuza universe. It’s a very important chapter in the story of many characters.
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Yakuza 5 Remastered: Yakuza 5 continues the multi-protagonist approach, featuring five playable characters across various cities, adding a lot to the series and adding even more depth to the story. Yakuza 5 is epic in scope, showcasing the grand scale of the Yakuza world and featuring perhaps the largest amount of side content in the series, letting you spend countless hours in the various cities.
“The remastered editions of Yakuza 3, 4, and 5 are essential for any dedicated fan,” says longtime Yakuza player, Anika Sharma. “They might not have the same graphical fidelity as the Kiwami games, but their stories are incredibly impactful.”
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Yakuza 6: The Song of Life: The final chapter in Kiryu’s saga. Yakuza 6 is a powerful and emotional conclusion to his story, with a greater focus on the characters and their personal journeys. It’s also a graphical leap, bringing the series into the modern era and providing a poignant end to an era.
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Yakuza: Like a Dragon: This title marks a significant shift in the series, transitioning to a turn-based RPG system while introducing a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga. Like a Dragon is a fresh start, retaining the series’ core themes while experimenting with new gameplay mechanics. It also offers a new story line to follow, starting another saga in the Yakuza world.
To further understand the history and impact of the Yakuza series, diving into which yakuza game is the best is a great place to start.
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Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name: This game bridges the gap between Yakuza 6 and Like a Dragon 8, exploring what Kiryu was doing in the years in between. Gaiden is a return to the action combat, and a continuation of Kiryu’s story that is important to the story of Like a Dragon 8.
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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: The newest entry in the series continues the story of Ichiban and brings Kiryu back into the fold with a dual-protagonist story, and a massive adventure in Hawaii. Infinite Wealth takes the turn based formula even further, while adding a wide variety of new gameplay and combat features.
Frequently Asked Questions about Playing Yakuza Games
What about the spin-off games?
Spin-off titles like Yakuza: Dead Souls, Judgment and Lost Judgment can be played at any point. However, the Judgment games take place in the same world as the Yakuza games. Play the main titles first.
Do I need to play all the games to understand the story?
While each game has its own self-contained story, the overarching narrative is best enjoyed in the recommended order. Key characters and events are referenced across titles. The emotional impact is also more significant if experienced in sequence.
Is it okay to skip any Yakuza games?
Skipping games can lead to missing out on important plot details and character development. It’s best to experience them all, especially if you plan on playing later titles.
How long does it take to complete the entire series?
Completing the entire Yakuza series can easily take hundreds of hours, especially if you engage in the many side activities. It is a series meant to be enjoyed and explored at your own pace.
Why is starting with Yakuza 0 so crucial?
Yakuza 0 provides the necessary backstory and character introductions that enhance the overall experience, allowing you to connect more with the characters and their motivations throughout the saga. It is the perfect introduction and origin story for the two most important characters in the series.
Why This Order is Best
This recommended order allows players to appreciate the evolution of the series, while also maximizing the emotional impact of the narrative. It creates a powerful connection between characters that builds gradually throughout the series. This order also ensures that newer players will not be alienated by the older games that have clunkier gameplay. It’s a balanced approach that caters to both story purists and those looking for a good gameplay experience.
This order allows you to experience the best parts of both worlds, the perfect blend of release and chronological order. The way the remakes are implemented also lets you experience the best versions of the early titles first.
Ultimately, understanding the full scope of the series, it is best to start with the games that give you the most context on the core characters that will be returning throughout the entire series, starting with Yakuza 0. For anyone who loves a great story and compelling characters, then the Yakuza series is for you, and this order is the best way to experience it.
Conclusion
Choosing the best order to play Yakuza games can significantly impact your experience with this acclaimed franchise. By following our recommended hybrid order, starting with Yakuza 0 and progressing through the main series, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the story, characters, and gameplay advancements that make these games so beloved. Remember to check out supremeduelist.blog for more guides and insights into the world of gaming. Don’t wait any longer; dive into the world of the Yakuza and experience this incredible series for yourself!
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