#Yakuza 4 remastered review full#

Prior Yakuza games have always featured high drama, intense standoffs and numerous cutscenes, but Yakuza 4 takes it to another level. The final act only consists of boss fights so there is no reason to really swap characters at this point unless you want to complete the remaining side content. The only time you can swap between characters is in the final act. So if you spent hours training Akiyama in the beginning, it is all for naught as the next three quarters of the game are with the other characters. Money, equipment, experience and combat skills DO NOT transfer from one character to another. Unfortunately the four Act structure disincentives players from completing side quests. The fate of these four unrelated characters eventually cross paths in an exciting Reservoir Dogs-like finale. In addition to Akiyama, you play as Saijama, the sworn brother of Majima (Yakuza 0 fans will immediately recognize him), Tanimura, a well meaning but dirty cop who is bilingual in Chinese and Japanese, and everyone’s favorite Kiryu, who is still running the orphanage, Morning Glory in Okinawa. Yakuza 4 actually features four protagonists that are played sequentially through each Act. Initially, the game presents Akiyama as the only playable character, until it completely hoodwinks the player by ending the Act with a completely different character. Akiyama, while taken aback by the woman’s request, helps her because she reminds him of his ex-wife.

#Yakuza 4 remastered review full#

Her request becomes even more unbelievable when she demands the money in full in less than a week. The plot begins when a mysterious woman shows up to his office asking for a 100 million yen loan, with no interest and no contingencies. The lead role falls to Shun Akiyama, a loan shark who seemingly lends to everyone, even to the Yakuza. The combat and moment to moment action are left unscathed from Yakuza 3. And most importantly the game does not feature Kazuma Kiryu as the lead protagonist. Characters are more detailed and move in a more believable manner.

There are rain effects where light reflects on the wet pavement. Yakuza 4 Remastered is a fresh start from its predecessor.