How YOU Can Get Into the Yakuza Series

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  • čas přidán 8. 07. 2022
  • With the recent sales, memes and attention that the Yakuza series has gotten in the past couple of years, a lot of new people are joining up and playing the games. This video shows what I think is the best way to start your journey through the Yakuza series of video games.
    If you want to, you can play through whichever game you want first and play through whatever other ones you want (or none of them at all if you really want to) but this video is just the least intimidating way for a newcomer to become familiar with the franchise.
    If you disagree with me, uhh well guess what? :( bruh how could you im sad now
    Songs:
    Yakuza 0 - interspace garden
    Yakuza 0 - Breeze Time
    Yakuza 5 - Quiet Mode
    Yakuza 5 - highway
    Judgment - Random Fire
    Ace Combat 7 - Dual Wielder
    Yakuza 0 - t u s k
    Lost Judgment - Fog
    Yakuza: Like a Dragon - Answer From Geomijul
    Yakuza 5 - Bakamitai (ばかみたい) - Jazz Version
  • Hry

Komentáře • 248

  • @SnowiestAngeman
    @SnowiestAngeman  Před rokem +354

    I’ve noticed in the past couple of weeks that there has been a lot of hype for the Yakuza games and even just the other day Yakuza 0, Kiwami and Kiwami 2 were re-added to Game Pass as well as RGG Studio West’s Twitter hitting 100k followers, so I figured now’s a perfect time for a video like this. Also sorry for going AFK again there was just a lot of other monotonous stuff I had to do lol.
    ALSO seethe all you want Yakuza 0 haters, but if it wasn’t for 0 they would’ve given up in putting these games in the west and you bloody well know it.

    • @wacky-physics7506
      @wacky-physics7506 Před rokem +44

      Yakuza 0 has all the hype of an overrated game, but has earned every bit of it

    • @swaggymungdaal
      @swaggymungdaal Před rokem +28

      i kinda feel like most, if not all yakuza 0 haters only hate it so much because of when dame dane memes were all the rage, so now they feel like they have to be a hipster and hate a game simply cause they saw it in memes too much
      and the people who love to complain so much about the english writing being slightly different than the japanese writing even though the entire experience is basically the exact same (seriously, why do people do that? it's telling the exact same story and jokes just using slightly different words, relax dude)

    • @Hezzadude12
      @Hezzadude12 Před rokem +23

      @@wacky-physics7506 This is actually a great analogy. Often games get stupidly overrated for certain reasons (like tropes of a hyped game) but Yakuza 0 just nails every single one. Not even a GOAT for the franchise, just a GOAT for all games in general.

    • @wacky-physics7506
      @wacky-physics7506 Před rokem +1

      @@swaggymungdaal I got into the series cus of the mem even

    • @AXBNBS
      @AXBNBS Před rokem +6

      Yakuza 0 has haters? XD

  • @CidGuerreiro1234
    @CidGuerreiro1234 Před rokem +874

    Starting with 0 made Kiwami a much, much better game for me. The story wouldn't have crushed me nearly as hard if I hadn't experienced 0 first.

    • @Sugarman96
      @Sugarman96 Před rokem +100

      Those Nishiki flashbacks practically rely on you having previously played Yakuza 0.

    • @Baken384
      @Baken384 Před rokem +13

      Disagree.
      I started with Kiwami and I think Nishikiyama is still a decent villain even without playing 0.
      I just wish 2005 Nishiki appeared more than being name dropped all the time though.

    • @CidGuerreiro1234
      @CidGuerreiro1234 Před rokem +47

      @@Baken384 Kiwami is a valid entry point but IMO the Nishiki situation in specific hits harder having played 0 first. The combat in Kiwami is also slightly more polished, so it also makes sense in my opinion to play 0 first and then Kiwami to avoid walking backwards on the combat experience.

    • @Baken384
      @Baken384 Před rokem +17

      @@CidGuerreiro1234
      Yeah it does hit harder that's for sure.
      Kiwami is still decent on it's own and in fact is a great entry point for the simple reason that it tempers your expectations.
      Yakuza 0 sets the bar too high when it comes to story and going from that to Kiwami which is a one on one remake of a game back in 2005 can leave the person disappointed, especially with Majima having a great arc in 0 and then in Kiwami he just sucks.

    • @iaintregan
      @iaintregan Před rokem +3

      @@CidGuerreiro1234 yeah fr i just finished y0 yk1 and yk2, and even though yk1 and yk2's stories arent as fulfilling to me, the stories in yk1 and yk2 hit harder having played y0. seeing nishiki's development into the villian in yk1 really made me sad having played y0 and seeing how much he meant to kazuma.

  • @SrimanasTheRacer
    @SrimanasTheRacer Před rokem +623

    easy! play yakuza 0. then go to kiwami, then kiwami 2, 3 remastered, 4 remastered, 5 remastered, 6, 7, judgement, lost judgement. and you are done!

  • @roshaanreddy8107
    @roshaanreddy8107 Před rokem +35

    Yakuza the hardest game series to convince your friends to play

  • @SammOBracketBracketBracket
    @SammOBracketBracketBracket Před rokem +570

    dont listen to him start with kurohyou

  • @SypticParasite
    @SypticParasite Před rokem +88

    The fact that they brought again Yakuza 0 - Kiwami 2 to game pass makes me happy because more people can get introduced to this awesome series.

  • @nutsberkintime
    @nutsberkintime Před rokem +209

    I have to say, as someone who started with 0 and played the Kiwami 1 and 2 instead of the originals first when binging all the games, going back to the PS2 versions was interesting. I think playing in release order IS viable (if you have a lot of free time), because the progression and evolution of the combat in RGG games over time is quite fun to experience. I think Yakuza 0 is a game you could either play before Kiwami 1 or after 5, because 0 acts as both an origin story to the rest of the franchise as well as a time capsule to Kiryu's past, where you can see what Kiryu's humble beginnings were like, right before seeing how his story ends with Yakuza 6. I do believe Yakuza 0 is a game that also benefits from hindsight because it definitely can act as a history lesson because of the whiplash you get from what Kamurocho used to be like in the 80s and how different the era Kiryu grew up in was compared to the current times
    I kind of get conflicted on whether to recommend Yakuza 7 as a starting point, because on one hand it's a great way to introduce newcomers to the literal newcomer in the franchise and the next chapter of the franchise, but I believe it's a game that benefits from already emotional attachment to the franchise already for reasons I obviously won't specify, but that'll depend on the person.
    Also, I 100% agree on Lost Judgement being the best RGG title. Wish it'd come to PC so I could lovingly harass all my friends to enjoy the funny judge man judging things

    • @5IvanDrago5
      @5IvanDrago5 Před rokem +1

      I have not played the original PS2 games, but have played 0-7, both Judgment games and even Fist of the North Star and I respectfully disagree on Lost Judgments greatness. Im in no way saying the game was bad, I really liked it, but felt it had alot of problems and missed opportunities. Its been a while since I played it so some of my details might be off. I recall the school club stories where pretty solid. I thought the robot club, dance club, and biker races all went one event too long, and the final showdown against The Keihen Gang could have been epic. I was legit fired up and it was silly cutscenes and quick time events and was poorly paced. I felt they really missed a opportunity there for a homerun. It all in all was good, but a missed chance at great. My biggest issue with Lost Judgment though was the combat and that may just be my play style. I love the moving camera back and forth fast dodge and block combat style of the Yakuza games. I seldom use the heat actions and I dont recall specifically what the issue was, but I recall constantly being forced into using heat actions in Lost Judgement and I felt that took away from the fast pace flow of the standard combat, just my humble opinion.
      Seven is a good place to start, but it packs a ton more emotional punch if you played the previous games first. I still hold Zero in high regard as the best game, maybe its nostalgia because I played it first, but I still hold that game in high regard. Kiwami starts with a ton f dialogue and I feel new players may get easily bored if they dont have the story of Zero to pull from.

    • @Haddosan
      @Haddosan Před rokem +3

      All I needed to hear thanks boss

    • @foodwich2132
      @foodwich2132 Před rokem +8

      I'm from the future and have good news for you m8

  • @evelynmeenan2608
    @evelynmeenan2608 Před rokem +128

    Very recently a fan patch for the original Yakuza came out called Yakuza Restored which restores the original Japanese audio and completely overhauls the localization. So now more than ever, it's completely viable to start in release order

    • @Hezzadude12
      @Hezzadude12 Před rokem +19

      I disagree. Starting with such an old game is not a good look for people who haven’t played anything in the series. Starting with newer ones is a MUCH better idea if you have a finite amount of time and only want to play ONE game (since many people don’t play THAT many games)

    • @evelynmeenan2608
      @evelynmeenan2608 Před rokem +35

      @@Hezzadude12 I wasn't saying it was the best way to get into it, I was saying that the people who wanna get into the series in the order it was originally experienced can now do so.

    • @Bizargh
      @Bizargh Před rokem +2

      It's the first I've heard of that project, so thanks for the heads-up that it exists should I decide to go down the emulation route (I do have 龍が如く1&2 HD & a PlayStation 3, but I just haven't found the opportunity to give them their due time outside of their soundtracks, plus my inability to read or speak 日本語 is a bit of a disadvantage).

    • @HeathenRenegade
      @HeathenRenegade Před rokem +1

      Did it actually come out? I'd been looking at it just a couple weeks ago, and there'd been update videos but that was it.
      (Oh NVM I found the patch link)

    • @berlus3719
      @berlus3719 Před rokem +13

      @@Hezzadude12 but Yakuza 1 is a great game, old doesn't equal bad

  • @Linx-007
    @Linx-007 Před rokem +18

    UPDATE: Just a quick heads up for people who are unaware, Judgement and Lost Judgement are now available on PC.

  • @henrysmith5343
    @henrysmith5343 Před rokem +19

    Just play 0 first, Kiwami added so many references to 0 there's no point starting with Kiwami.

  • @Hezzadude12
    @Hezzadude12 Před rokem +64

    I completely agree with this video man. Like legit - start with Yakuza 0, but if you want something more modern, go Lost Judgment. If you want a JRPG, play Like a Dragon. Just… don’t start with 3, it’s not a good look if you want to get someone into the franchise. I totally agree with this and it’s a great video. Looking forward to what you bring next, and I hope this video ropes in a few people who haven’t yet played any Yakuza games!

    • @SnowiestAngeman
      @SnowiestAngeman  Před rokem +15

      Yeah I was gonna talk about Yakuza 3 and recorded a whole section on it potentially leaving a bad taste if you start with it (back when it was the first Game Pass game) and then they just casually put 0, K1 and K2 back so I had to cut it out lol

    • @SuperDanteF
      @SuperDanteF Před rokem +11

      My first Yakuza game was 3 back in 2012. I still managed to fall in love with it. Though 2012 was the worst time to be a Yakuza fan, since it was around that time Sega gave up on the games in the west after Dead souls sold way worse than 4.

    • @Minecraftlover73
      @Minecraftlover73 Před rokem +4

      @@SnowiestAngeman yeah that is true but it's not impossible to get into the series starting from 3, tehsnakerer started there and we all know how he feels about the series.

    • @flamingcat1101
      @flamingcat1101 Před rokem +2

      When you mean Lost Judgment, you mean to play Judgment then Lost right?

    • @Nothingmuch1039
      @Nothingmuch1039 Před rokem

      I started with 3 lol it was FREE! but it got me HOOKED once the action picked up. Just completed the PURCHASE of the series today. Can't wait to finish 3 and start at 0.

  • @jdcake19
    @jdcake19 Před rokem +59

    Correct order:
    1: Yakuza 6
    2: Yakuza Kiwami 2 Demo
    3: Lost Judgement
    4: Fist of the North Star
    5: Streets of Kamurocho

    • @rikustorm13
      @rikustorm13 Před rokem +3

      Nah, the correct order is Yakuza 6 demo, Yakuza 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2 demo, Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3 remastered, Yakuza 4 remastered, Yakuza 5 remastered, Yakuza 6, Judgment, Yakuza: Like A Dragon (aka Yakuza 7)
      Haven't bought or played Lost Judgment yet

    • @flamingcat1101
      @flamingcat1101 Před rokem

      @@rikustorm13 play it then

  • @ninogamingvariety6594
    @ninogamingvariety6594 Před rokem +30

    After playing yakuza it’s still my favourite franchise in gaming, every game is a banger for me (including the judgement series) with that said it’s not for everyone as some people have a hard job reading

  • @ROCK_UNIVERSE97
    @ROCK_UNIVERSE97 Před rokem +14

    my brother convinced me to start from 0, many games later I'm on yakuza 6 and I still view yakuza 0 to be the best game in the franchise.

  • @splinter4161
    @splinter4161 Před rokem +23

    Started playing Like a Dragon a week ago and already have like 40 hours put into it and it feels like there's still so much left to do!
    Usually I'd be bored of a game by now, but it's so damn good.

  • @RoffleHB
    @RoffleHB Před rokem +77

    It's very rare for me to recommend a game I love to as many people I know as possible, but Yakuza 0 was such an amazing experience from start to finish, I couldn't help but suggest it to anyone with even the tiniest sliver of interest.
    Sadly, even with them all owning gamepass, none of my friends have touched the franchise, but I'm not gonna stop until they're all singing Judgement.
    EDIT: Excuse me? Only ONE meme??? How can you forget:
    - Kiryu has never killed anyone
    - Majima has never killed anyone
    - Ichiban has never killed anyone
    - Saejima has never killed anyone
    - Akiyama has never killed anyone
    - -RGG has never killed Tanimura and Shinada-
    - Yagami has never killed anyone
    - Kaito has never killed anyone

    • @GrumpyCat97
      @GrumpyCat97 Před rokem +12

      Wow, Breakin the law
      Breakin the world Kowase
      Kirisake Tenderness
      Wow, Breakin the rule

    • @RoffleHB
      @RoffleHB Před rokem +4

      @@GrumpyCat97 Roppou zensho ja shibarenai
      (Breaking the world!)
      Hanran bunshi za

    • @JPG.01
      @JPG.01 Před rokem

      Wait that Saejima has never killed anyone is plain wrong. It's so wrong it's not even funny.
      18 counts Saejima is a mass murderer.

    • @thedonofthsht76-58
      @thedonofthsht76-58 Před rokem +1

      I've always wanted to pay yakuza bc I have xbox and didn't realize they were on gamepass until recently. I started yakuza 0 the other day and have been having alot of fun with it so far.

    • @dr.k8610
      @dr.k8610 Před rokem +2

      @@JPG.01 R… rub… rubbe…

  • @SushilowG
    @SushilowG Před rokem +17

    Now that they're all dropping on ps plus I'm so excited to see the fanbase getting even bigger

    • @kazechan1o1
      @kazechan1o1 Před rokem +1

      Same yo, I bought Y0 way back and never finished now that everything else is coming gonna binge them!

  • @chrisberbano7207
    @chrisberbano7207 Před rokem +4

    I honestly agree with you in regards to Lost Judgment. Honestly my favorite RGG game and the game that got me into the series

  • @ShopperKungVtuber
    @ShopperKungVtuber Před rokem +5

    nice i recommended the same you can start from 0 or Like a Dragon or Judgment they are really great starting
    oh and Tiger Drop Timing if anyone want to practice remember you don't need to counter the first hit from enemy walk backward a bit let them do some move and most of the time combo always had active time for Tiger drop so it's like 90% works

  • @OneTrueBelmont
    @OneTrueBelmont Před rokem +12

    My first game that I started with was 0 and then years later jumped to Like a Dragon. Now that I'm trying to go through the entire series, I started with Kiwami and then jumped back to 0 and doing that makes the prequel hit a whole lot harder. So once I get to a point where I get to Like a Dragon again, I'm curious to see how that game will hit me. It'll also be a fun progression to see where RGG starts to have fun with the side stories.

  • @saihiko9967
    @saihiko9967 Před rokem +4

    Love the review, pretty funny and enjoyable

  • @weirdyakuzafan
    @weirdyakuzafan Před rokem +14

    People can feel free to start at LAD, but IMO if anyone can help it, start at 0 and work your way up! Otherwise at certain moments in LAD the fear of God will not be put into you like RGG Studios intended.

    • @ryan7625
      @ryan7625 Před rokem

      Shiiiiit just started with LAD a few days ago. I'm on chapter 5 should I keep going or go to 0 ?

    • @weirdyakuzafan
      @weirdyakuzafan Před rokem +1

      @@ryan7625 Hmm, that's a toughie indeed. But I'd say to continue on with LAD if you don't feel like waiting your way through 0-6, these games can be long as hell after all.

  • @softsoundd
    @softsoundd Před rokem +4

    That's insane SauciestAngelfishes, maybe this video is what will push me to continue playing beyond a high school mystery club mission

  • @BasedPeter
    @BasedPeter Před rokem +7

    Also my headcannon is that Ichiban's a somber/emotional drunk (just like Nishiki lmao), while Kiryu is an angry drunk and just gets more aggressive the drunker he gets.

  • @jonmcknight18
    @jonmcknight18 Před rokem +10

    I recently started 0 and I'm loving it definitely going to get kiwami and go in cronologic order

  • @VBandit47
    @VBandit47 Před rokem +5

    Start with 0
    There you go, saved you 10 minutes

  • @weaboo4444
    @weaboo4444 Před rokem +3

    Thank you so much, finally I can shoe this to all of my friends

  • @somegoodfella
    @somegoodfella Před rokem

    Top Gear, Genesis AND Yakuza content? Now this channel is rad. You have earned my sub, good sir.

  • @MikeJr9284
    @MikeJr9284 Před rokem +4

    I remember seeing Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1 and 2 in the Xbox Live store two years ago during lockdown. I started with 0 because I assumed the events of 0 would lead to the events of Kiwami 1 (I was sorta correct granted this was before I found out that 0 was a prequel as well as the 1st game of the Kiryu Saga AND the Kiwami games were remakes of OG 1 and 2). From experience, it's best to play through the Kiryu Saga games in chronological order. Granted, LAD was probably many people's introduction to Yakuza and I won't hold that against them.

  • @darknightspider7495
    @darknightspider7495 Před rokem +2

    Great video mate. I personally did the timeline order, starting with Yakuza 0, and I loved going through each one. As for release order, it's definitely a cool way to start if you can get your hands on the old games. You get to see the series evolve its gameplay and get better each time. I just played Yakuza 1 for the first time after playing every other game and it was pretty damn fun. I wish RGG would re-release those remasters for the west because the PS2 games have their own cool quirks and atmosphere to them. Also, emulation is unfortunately not perfect. It took me a long time fiddling with settings to reduce the input lag in PCSX2, and even then I experienced problems with the screen border and the FMV's being mute and slow.
    The remakes are great, but the PS2 games have value, too, so I hope RGG thinks about bringing them back.

  • @DonVecta
    @DonVecta Před rokem +11

    Best start? Yakuza 0 or YLAD. A personal favorite I recommend since that's the way I discovered the series many years ago is Yakuza 4, and that's or one reason mainly: Shun Akiyama.💜💜🖤🖤

  • @GamesTuesday
    @GamesTuesday Před rokem +1

    I started with Like A Dragon & just went on to buy all the rest (knowing their different styles) to play in 2023 as a "Year of Yakuza" since I also love beat em ups.

  • @NutsorSomethingBerserk
    @NutsorSomethingBerserk Před rokem +5

    Having started on Yakuza 0 and playing the games in chronological order, (0, Kiwami 1, 2 & Kiwami 2, 3, 4, 5, and currently am on 6) I will say has genuinely been a rollercoaster for me personally. Yakuza 0 stands as one of my favorite games of all time and pretty much my favorite with the only close second being Yakuza 2. I still really like and even love the other titles, 0-5 , but they just haven’t quite hit that same high for me. They have ALL had their moments though. It’s amazing too that Yakuza, even at it’s worst is still SO much better than some big budget AAA games releasing today. Every single game I’ve played has just oozed passion and love even if I don’t find every aspect of these games perfect. Except 0, I adore that game.
    For my personal recommendation, I’d probably start off with 0 and go in chronological order like me or Kiwami 1 - 5 and then go to 0 and get a dose of those who suffered after finishing Yakuza 5 and having to wait years for a continuation.
    If I had to rank the titles I’ve played thus far and completed, I’d probably go as follows:
    1: Yakuza 0
    2: Yakuza 2/ Kiwami 2
    3: Yakuza 4
    4: Yakuza Kiwami 1
    5: Yakuza 5
    6: Yakuza 3
    So far, I am adoring Yakuza 6 and it’s so refreshing to return to the dragon engine after playing 3, 4, and 5.

  • @ryanp0936
    @ryanp0936 Před rokem +4

    That bootleg Yakuza 2 case is so iconic

  • @caroline7828
    @caroline7828 Před rokem +1

    I'm actually starting from 7 myself!! It's a really fun game as I am a huge Persona fan and a Dragon Quest Fan and it's the perfect mix of Persona's style, combat and social stats with Dragon Quests's combat and classic RPG feel with the flair of jobs as classes and all sorts of other cool stuff. I'd say as someone who's never played another Yakuza game, it's a great start from somebody who wants to dip their toes into the Yakuza world first before going full in but aren't great at action games. The characters are great, especially Ichiban he is a JOY. The dub for the game is also really good imo!! Kaiji Tang plays Ichiban incredibly and I just... Love this game a lot and can't reccomend it enough as a newbie.

  • @ondexb
    @ondexb Před rokem +1

    I started this journey over a year ago and it's been an emotional one

  • @Ralofguy
    @Ralofguy Před rokem +4

    Despite the warning, I have not became a real yakuza. I've played the entire series on keyboard and now I am part of Amon family.

  • @KringleDingle
    @KringleDingle Před rokem +11

    i started with 0 on a whim, and honestly I regret it. I've gained an appreciation for how the series progressed throughout the years and I lost that experience when I started with the 8th home console game in the series. not to mention the whiplash you get from constantly changing engines when you're playing kiwami through 3

  • @chriswyatt9869
    @chriswyatt9869 Před rokem +1

    Wanna get into this series. Recently watched Tokyo Vice (amazing show btw) and now am in a little yakuza phase lol

  • @verde629
    @verde629 Před rokem +2

    Yakuza 0 was my first Yakuza game. Was surprised how amazing it was. Not the best graphics but the story and the amount of content is great

  • @walkywall
    @walkywall Před rokem +22

    Darn I thought the video was about literally going inside the games and meet Yagami, Ichiban etc. A world where I wouldn't look crazy for fighting turn based on the streets. Oh well, hopefully one day RGG will port us all into kamurocho ;)

  • @Bizargh
    @Bizargh Před rokem +1

    I still have failed to play a single one of the games ever since HyperBitHero's 'Your Next Favourite' on the series sold me on them back around 2015-17 (I've gotten every single one of the games on Steam, JUDGE EYES / Judgment Remastered & Lost Judgment for consoles I don't yet own and recently imported 龍が如く1&2 HD Edition for the PlayStation 3 I still need to get back out of it's box after I-don't-know-how-many years of neglect), but I can tell you for a fact that I've been listening to much of their soundtracks for years (I still need to go chasing after the recent digital re-releases that now have lossless options on places such as OTOTOY, but I do have what CDs I could import) and there's still so much for me to hear to this day!
    My mistake is I've been a bit of a bugger about starting with the originals (I had figured even if I had to workaround 龍が如く1&2 HD's lack of English, I could do something productive such as "Ryu ga Gotoku 1&2 HD, but with Kiwami subtitles" at some point, but I just caught word of the Yakuza Restoration project from this very comment section, so it's more productive to point out their greater efforts instead), but even before the PlayStation 2 ship has sailed so far that I'm very sure even the bestsellers have become uncommon to find, let-alone at reasonable prices (At least in my nation of residence), you've still got that little hurdle of deciding whether you'd rather put up with 1's English dub, play the more refined 1&2 HD even if you can't speak or read 日本語 or getting a good set-up for emulating them.
    So long story short; don't be me. Follow this video's advice. Make it easier on yourself and have fun!
    And who in the world would recommend anyone to start with Ryu ga Gotoku 3 / Yakuza 3!? At least let them have a good time before they have to learn how to make the best out of one with very certain gripes.

  • @Pinkooru
    @Pinkooru Před rokem +3

    Only yakuza game I played was 0 (With keyboard and mouse, I changed the bindings so it was actually fun)
    I bought it then played through it twice in the span of 3 days
    Best money I've spent since mirror's edge

  • @fgdj2000
    @fgdj2000 Před rokem +2

    So, if you just want to check the series out, I agree. Yakuza 0 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon are the best trial points. And from Yakuza 0 you can naturally go to Kiwami 1 and 2 the remastered collection, then 6. However, part of the appeal of this series to me (like most long running series) is how it evolves over time. And I really like the grimy art style in the PS2 games. So, if you’re not opposed to retro gaming and have a PS2 around or are fluent in Japanese and have a PS3 or WiiU around or a way to emulate games, I do really recommend starting with the 2 PS2 games and then move through the main series chronologically (3-5, 0, 6, Like a Dragon). After that you can check out the remakes and spin-offs pretty much as you are interested. I think Judgement isn’t great because everything it does to Stand apart from Yakuza (investigation stuff) I think is boring and not well executed. But it will give you more quality time in and a new perspective on Kamurocho. I also highly recommend the upcoming Like a Dragon: Ishin! And Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise as cool Alternative takes on the series‘ formula.
    Overall, it’s a cool series. Kind of the Japanese Assassin’s Creed (annual single player open world with a ton of content). It’s awesome.

  • @MasonKLutz
    @MasonKLutz Před rokem +1

    I started with Kiwami out of thinking I would find a certain substory I confused with 0, but still loved the whole series. Then I got 0 and I am still enjoying it.

  • @joshdennett
    @joshdennett Před rokem +2

    Just need to say... we need that spotify playlist man 😂

  • @thedonofthsht76-58
    @thedonofthsht76-58 Před rokem

    Yakuza just came to xbox recently and I just started 0 yesterday and have had a blast so far. It's such. Different take on a classic crime game

  • @tombrakey6022
    @tombrakey6022 Před rokem

    Lololol you will never stop me from grinding my way to max the stats before my “RGG” play through… u right but man I love unlocking stupid abilities that I’ll never use to complete it

  • @Kuribohchaos8
    @Kuribohchaos8 Před rokem +3

    Simple, Start Yakuza 0 or 1/k1
    I would say 0 because when you meet Kuze, you'll understand how great this shit is!!

    • @user-jj4bv5yk5k
      @user-jj4bv5yk5k Před rokem +3

      0 is sooo good... No words can describe it

    • @Kuribohchaos8
      @Kuribohchaos8 Před rokem +1

      @@user-jj4bv5yk5k thats a fact, its just so good with storytelling and thats why i played all the games except 7

  • @sleepy990
    @sleepy990 Před rokem +5

    Simple answer: start at 0 and go up
    The timeline is linear
    If anything play Judgment before LAD and then Lost Judgment after

    • @flamingcat1101
      @flamingcat1101 Před rokem +1

      Is LAD related to Lost at all?

    • @sleepy990
      @sleepy990 Před rokem +1

      @@flamingcat1101 a tiny spoiler for something that's mentioned in Lost Judgment happens in LAD, but other that that and the new town, no

    • @flamingcat1101
      @flamingcat1101 Před rokem +1

      @@sleepy990 oh ok but it should be fine since I'll probably forget after playing every Yakuza game before 7

  • @FIREWING760
    @FIREWING760 Před rokem +2

    I’m convincing my friend to play Yakuza 0, amazing game to start of with. Or if you want a really fun time.

  • @LUKEYDIE
    @LUKEYDIE Před rokem +1

    i hate to admit it but i got into because of the really really early days of the baka mitai memes i actually thought it was catchy and kiryu was a good singer and i had kiwami from ps plus and realised “wow a cool dude who can take on 5+ men in a fist fight no bother” i knew this game was gonna great and as of right now ive beat all the judgement and yakuza games except 7 lol

  • @joeyreliford705
    @joeyreliford705 Před rokem

    Just bought Yakuza 0 & Kiwami
    Luved&subbed

  • @ScrotumBalls
    @ScrotumBalls Před rokem +1

    I never played Yazkua before and just saw Like a Dragon for ps plus members. It is so much fun but I heard it's the only one that has the JRPG style to it.
    (Edit) Also in Like a Dragon being drunk is a buff for Zhao once you unlock drunken fist skill and have diabolical wristband to ensure critical hits.

  • @Maxler5795
    @Maxler5795 Před rokem +1

    I want to add a small thing and say that the games that are dubbed to english (LAD, judgment & lost judgment) also have text in many other laguages including spanish and german.
    Oh yeah also 5:50 there was also a wii u version of the remaster.
    Also also i grinded in LJ. Fuck me.
    Also also also i have a spotify yakuza playlist too.
    Its 6 hours and 20 minutes long.

  • @teneesh3376
    @teneesh3376 Před rokem +1

    For most people, I do recommend starting with 0. But for the few who are willing to emulate or get a ps2, I do recommend starting with the ps2. Because 3, 4 and 5 are simple remasters, they will feel a little clunky after playing kiwami 1 and 0.
    Not to mention that they have a certain atmosphere that none of the other games can replicate. But in 2's case, the game has ages pretty well and would recommend that over kiwami 2 if you can

  • @DrUSB
    @DrUSB Před rokem +1

    I got into yakuza bc of Joel’s play through of yakuza kiwami, and I got the game through ps plus

  • @DepressedCrow
    @DepressedCrow Před rokem +6

    you can play the games any way you want but FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE PLAY THE ENTIRE SERIES SO THE STORY AND PIVOTAL MOMENT MAKES SENSE, like goddamn I have seen WAY too many people skip 2/K2 through 6 and COMPLETELY MISS THE POINT OF KIRYU AND MAJIMAS RETURN, there is a LOT of emotions that I went through at those two moments
    rant. fucking. over.

    • @godabandonedmesoibecameaba8984
      @godabandonedmesoibecameaba8984 Před rokem +1

      i could only buy 0,1 and 2 (now i can't have a console or other games ) whatever i am happy with what i have. i can't imagine skipping them and playing others

    • @kageakiminato8536
      @kageakiminato8536 Před rokem +1

      this but with kingsfield and fromsoft "fans"

    • @DepressedCrow
      @DepressedCrow Před rokem +1

      @@kageakiminato8536 kingsfield isn't a souls game so it doesn't count

    • @kageakiminato8536
      @kageakiminato8536 Před rokem

      @@DepressedCrow I agree but they are fromsofts best games, so people can expierence the decline firsthand

    • @DepressedCrow
      @DepressedCrow Před rokem

      @@kageakiminato8536 kingsfield is purely optional

  • @skilledsquid965
    @skilledsquid965 Před rokem +1

    This video is making me reply the yakuza series for the 4th or 5th time

  • @jts6134
    @jts6134 Před rokem +8

    I started with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, super underrated gateway into the franchise. Still my favourite out of them all.

    • @joyadeceren
      @joyadeceren Před rokem +1

      Jajaja yakuza 7 is not underrated at all.

    • @jts6134
      @jts6134 Před rokem

      @@joyadeceren gateway, underrated gateway (im saying its an underrated starting point) in no way is the game underrated

  • @hassandabo6288
    @hassandabo6288 Před rokem

    Might pick up Yakuza 0 soon and just go with the chronological order

  • @Citygoblin
    @Citygoblin Před rokem +2

    So I started with Kiwami 1 then yakuza 0 and I’m kinda glad I did. It made me wanna learn the characters backstory more , like why Majima was so crazy.

  • @pawlle
    @pawlle Před rokem +13

    "One of those game journalists that call it Ya-KU-za".
    I might be evil and bitter, but making fun of game journos is healing balm for the soul!

  • @sev1017
    @sev1017 Před rokem +1

    Babe wake up new snowiest angeman video

  • @spinaghetti
    @spinaghetti Před rokem

    My only reason to recommend Yakuza 0 first other than overall story
    Is the Sub Stories/ide Missions
    I find it the wackiest and funnest of all the games
    And the soundtrack is just so much more pumpin'... Force Addition "Chef's Kiss"

  • @raisklose6785
    @raisklose6785 Před rokem +1

    I always have time for Dual Wielder

  • @Shatterboxofficial
    @Shatterboxofficial Před rokem

    Something that I find strange. I played Yakuza Kawami as the first game I’ve played in the series only a couple weeks before memes started appearing.

  • @locodesert2
    @locodesert2 Před rokem

    I got my friend to start with zero since it was the easiest to have him dip his toes to the story without needing to worry of anything.

  • @whoisdose
    @whoisdose Před rokem

    Just started Yakuza yesterday and im starting with 0. I love it so far, excited to see where the series goes. What's everyones favorite title?

  • @DojimaNoRyu
    @DojimaNoRyu Před rokem +3

    can you share the spotiify playlist?

  • @gamingmaster6377
    @gamingmaster6377 Před rokem +1

    I've heard that Yakuza 2 original is goated as hell, wanna try it but I don't want to go through the pain of emulating a PS2 game

  • @SoFarSoGoodSoWhat14
    @SoFarSoGoodSoWhat14 Před rokem

    You can get Zhao drunk though and then use his Drunken Fighting move

  • @tonycheung1559
    @tonycheung1559 Před rokem +1

    You need to play all the Yakuza games lol
    I did.

  • @jakobritter6715
    @jakobritter6715 Před rokem

    I play 0 to 6 and loved all of them but I just couldn‘t play like a dragon because of the overhauled fighting. Is the story worth that awful playstyle?

  • @friedteto
    @friedteto Před rokem +2

    You know what's funny, owning the whole yakuza & judgment franchise bht you aren't able to play them.
    Sucks to be me.

  • @panzerlaufer4384
    @panzerlaufer4384 Před rokem

    Somehow you managed to make this more confusing

  • @5IvanDrago5
    @5IvanDrago5 Před rokem +8

    One very important point you missed when encouraging new people to play these games. They start slow, slow, and slow as shit!!! They all start with lots of exposition that a new player wont understand and lots of tutorials on all the systems. Then after the training wheels come off these games are amazing, but those first few chapters may feel like a real grind for new players. I remember when I played Zero. Sure the captions are English dubbed, but the names, places, and different families are all Japanese names and I didnt know who the hell was who or what. In time all that sorts itself out, but that first chapter is alot to take in for some people.

    • @godabandonedmesoibecameaba8984
      @godabandonedmesoibecameaba8984 Před rokem +1

      i was okay with japanese things but forget about playing Yakuza for the first time i just buyed my first computer last month and it's my first time playing computer games 😂 i can agree it takes a lot of time to get used

    • @MisterDutch93
      @MisterDutch93 Před rokem

      I nearly gave up on Like a Dragon when the first two chapters were basically just one big 2 hour cutscene, but the setup pays itself off brilliantly and it really made me like Ichiban as a character. After chapter 3 it becomes more of a ‘real’ game when the tutorials stop, and after that it’s just one big rollercoaster of emotions and a very tongue-in-cheek, self aware game. I love it.

    • @5IvanDrago5
      @5IvanDrago5 Před rokem

      @@Ganz_GZ_Sans The irony of your comment response to my comment. You passively aggressively insult me for being confused. The irony because you literally misunderstood and where confused by my comment, pot meet kettle. Im in no way bashing the game, I've played and finished 0-7, plus both Judgment games and even Fist of The North Star, my Ryu Ga Gotucko fandom speaks for itself.

  • @bestmask
    @bestmask Před rokem +1

    I have a question if I own an Xbox one and I want to play the judgement series can I play lost judgment and skip lost judgment?

    • @Hezzadude12
      @Hezzadude12 Před rokem +2

      Absolutely man; the events of the two really don’t tie-in whatsoever and they legit don’t even spoil extremely big plot points from the previous game, in fact when they gloss over certain points they actually essentially ignore the story of the first (probably my biggest gripe with LJ’s story). But nonetheless, YES, you can skip Judgment until you have something to play it on if you want to give it a try. Lost Judgment is amazing though so give it a try!

  • @charlulu167
    @charlulu167 Před rokem

    Number one motivation that made me hook into yakuza series - dame Dane meme
    Number two. Ktivation that made hook into yakuza series - out of context yakuza videos

  • @synchronicity23218
    @synchronicity23218 Před rokem

    I’ve played the yakuza games to great success on keyboard and mouse, 0 through 6, beating some on legend too, so it’s just a matter of preference. KBM is fine and so is console. It’s not inferior as so many like to say

  • @o.w.n.1327
    @o.w.n.1327 Před rokem

    I just saw a friend play yakuza 0 a lot and I thought ok let me buy it I guess and let me tell you I do not regret buying the games one bit even Yakuza 3 and yea I didn't enjoy it it was still passable?

  • @MadDogSolo
    @MadDogSolo Před rokem

    Start with original 1 if you want to see the evolution of the series

  • @ps_prague6441
    @ps_prague6441 Před rokem +1

    Started from in October of 2021 now stuck at judgment because it’s not available for Xbox one

  • @darkblade612
    @darkblade612 Před rokem +1

    Judgement was a awsome yakuza game

  • @foodwich2132
    @foodwich2132 Před rokem +1

    Was this video supposed to throw shade at Cvit and HyperbitHero? Lmao, I've played both and I honestly do prefer the Kiwami remakes because of how better the combat is.

  • @agarcia8312
    @agarcia8312 Před rokem +1

    I have the oposing situation respect the first games, i'm not really intrested in them but i only have a PS2 so i'm forced to play them

  • @xanatoselite6078
    @xanatoselite6078 Před rokem

    Only reason i got into it too see how father and daughter relationship will go. I hate when 6 cut them apart

  • @RealCFZ
    @RealCFZ Před rokem +1

    9:13
    it’s morbin time.

  • @michaelinzo
    @michaelinzo Před rokem

    I played Yakuza Like A Dragon because it is free in PSN Plus

  • @MaxAngor
    @MaxAngor Před rokem

    I've been describing them to the blind. From 0 to Like A Dragon. My people seem to be able to follow it ok.

  • @dan_loeb
    @dan_loeb Před rokem

    you can play judgement on stadia also. lost judgement never got ported to stadia though.

    • @RSgaming1337
      @RSgaming1337 Před rokem +1

      I'm sure the 3 people who use Stadia will appreciate this

    • @dan_loeb
      @dan_loeb Před rokem

      @@RSgaming1337 i mean, i used it solely to play judgement on pc. that's all it was good for for me.

  • @KJWY
    @KJWY Před rokem

    I wan't that spotify playlist.

  • @RyuHousen
    @RyuHousen Před rokem +3

    I feel like 0 is too good of a game to start. It's a pretty steep slope after starting with it, and I would've rather played the PS2 games, which are actually a lot easier to get ahold of (in terms of controls) than many people would have you believe.

    • @RyuHousen
      @RyuHousen Před rokem +3

      There's also the Restored patch someone made a few weeks back that gives Yakuza 1 the OG Japanese audio and much better localization

  • @bigejfi6157
    @bigejfi6157 Před rokem

    I bought yakuza 0 and kiwami and kiwami 2 just because they weren’t on game pass and than a week passed and now I just feel stupid

  • @javiergiandinotto1053

    As an xbox one and PC enjoyer, I cry every night because I cant play Judgment

  • @mugen11120
    @mugen11120 Před rokem

    You forgot to mention Fist of the North Star :(

  • @crossslashgod8450
    @crossslashgod8450 Před rokem +1

    So jokes aside I started with Dead Souls

  • @bluscout6440
    @bluscout6440 Před rokem +1

    I was playing them in chronological order, and went from Kiwami 2 to Y3 remastered and shit got downgraded so fast ik it's a 13 year old game but still.

  • @saltierion4439
    @saltierion4439 Před rokem

    As a keyboard and mouse player, I think keyboard is fine

  • @Kuribohchaos8
    @Kuribohchaos8 Před rokem +1

    You know what's crazy the fact that you said that this is the start of it all and Kiryu jumps through that window.
    That was the first moment where he does super human shit