The Like a Dragon franchise spans so many games at this point that it’s hard to suggest a place to start for new players. My preferred starting point, which is shared by many others online, seems to be Yakuza 0. The 2017 game is a joy to play and features all of the violence and goofy humor that make the franchise so unique. Just in time for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, you can play the game in its entirety, including new cut scenes, in Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut. Let’s dive in.

In Yakuza 0, you play as two central characters. First, there’s Kazuma Kiryu, a young member of the Tojo Clan’s Dojima Family. As you look to make a name for yourself, you end up dead in the middle of a power struggle in the family. On the other side of the experience is Goro Majima, who seeks to be reinstated to the family by taking on an assassination job. Both characters offer the player a variety of looks into the criminal world of Japan in diverse and interesting ways.

Modern Yakuza games have pivoted to a turn-based approach to combat, but Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is an action brawler. The combat isn’t all that complex, but for this series, it’s much more of a vehicle to get you to the next story scene or mini-game mission. I wouldn’t say most people play Yakuza games for the combat; instead, they opt to soak up the whole experience and all its zaniness. If you’re itching for a great combat game, this isn’t it, though the gameplay in and out of fights is quite fun.

The allure of the franchise and Yakuza 0 in particular is the allure and grandeur of criminal life in Japan. Set during the economic boom of the 1980s, Yakuza 0 exudes a unique exuberance that keeps you engaged and entertained throughout. The scenery and environments are bright at night and bursting with life, and you are quickly enamored with just how wild this life is for your characters. Of course, it’s not all fun times and karaoke. That’s part of the fun, too, given that the life you see play out for both characters is riddled with backstabbing, scheming, and power struggles.

In terms of actual Switch 2 performance, I had no technical issues while playing Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut on the Nintendo Switch 2. Playing this in handheld mode is a blast, and I love that all of the content is included here. That includes extra cutscenes and the Red Light Raid mode, where you choose a character and fight hordes online with a friend. For the most part, Red Light Raid isn’t something I see myself playing much ever again, but it’s a fine addition if you’re looking for extra content.

It’s funny reviewing a game that’s been out for 7 years, especially one that I’ve played several times. That said, if this is your first dabble into the Yakuza franchise, it’s the perfect place to start. I think the chaotic energy of the franchise that shows in more modern titles like Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a bit easier to understand tonally if you see how silly this game franchise can get from moment to moment. It’s not as flashy if you’ve played the game before (or multiple times like me), but having it on a Switch 2 that looks this good in handheld, as well as docked, is a fun treat for the early months of the new console.

There are definite reasons why Yakuza 0 isn’t the best-looking game in the series, mostly due to age and a slight shift in art style in more modern games, but this is a great time and wonderful for those who haven’t played it yet. I’d highly recommend filling your Switch 2 library with this classic if you’re already burnt out on the likes of Mario Kart World. If you plan on checking this game out on Switch 2, let us know in the comments. Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is available now physically and on the Nintendo eShop.

A Nintendo Switch 2 digital Review Copy of Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut was provided by SEGA for this review.

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Yakuza 0: Director's Cut

$69.99

8.5

Score

8.5/10

Pros

• A wonderful port with no technical issues in my experience
• A fantastic introduction for newcomers to the Yakuza series
• Really wonderful having this game in handheld mode

Cons

• This title doesn't exactly represent the present or future stylings of the franchise
• Red Light Raid is pretty inconsequential