Yakuza 4 offers a refreshing twist on the classic formula by letting you play as four different characters. The shift in perspective brings not only new fighting styles but also unique story arcs for each protagonist. This keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout. Like other entries in the series, Yakuza 4 is a great mix of brawling, storytelling, RPG elements, and quirky minigames. The narrative is morally grounded yet often peppered with well-placed humor. A trademark of the series that works beautifully here, too.
I only started the Yakuza series in 2024 and my first part was Yakuza-0. After that I played the Kiwami parts. Maybe the comparison is unfair, but compared to the previous parts, Yakuza-3 is unfortunately the least fun. The mini-games in particular (especially fishing and the cabaret) have annoying gameplay. The battles and general movements also feel far too rough. What is cool, however, is that you can play in Okinawa. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)