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Hey ERA, Sell me on Yakuza 0!

vaderise

vaderise

Member
Oct 30, 2017
1,907
Antalya / Turkey
Hey everyone, Yakuza 0 ( And Kiwami) are both on sale right now ( Actually both on Steam and PSN) . Like many people i'm considering whether should i buy Yakuza 0 or skip it. I jsut can't bite it because i have some doubts. I've never played a Yakuza game but i know that people are CRRAZY about the series. The problem is I'm mainly a western gamer, if that's a thing? Outside of Nintendo, Capcom and Platinum games, i'm not that familiar with these "VERY JAPANESE" products so i have a fear that it won't just click with me. So i need you guys to convince me to buy this weird-ass game.

I made this thread because i'm sure there are many people who are interested with the series but still don't dive in because of similar reasons.

Edit: If there are people like me, who had doubts but bought the game, i would love to hear their opinions. Positive or not.

UPDATE:
ERA did sold me on the game. I went ahead and bought Yakuza 0. Since i got the game with your reccomendations, i want to write my initial impressions. Because my entry into the game started with this thread i thought why shouldn't write what i think about the game as i play it. In that way i might help others like me who are considering to hop in.

So...
I only played the game for 90 minutes yet i can say I REALLY like this.

- The voice acting is GREAT. Characters does not feel like "video game characters" but they actually feel like "people" if you know what i mean.
- Combat is VERY fun and over the top. Finishing moves makes combat sections so much fun.
- That karaoke section was fucking stupid as hell and i loved it. Oh and i gotta say music in this game is really good.
-What i don't like so far is outside of cutscenes, there are semi-interactive sections that characters talk and you keep pressing buttons to resume conversations. It's similar to a visual novel and thye feel like lower budget versions of the amazing cutscenes. The stiff face movements in these sections are kinda killing the mood for me. This is my only big critisicm so far.

Time to keep playing!
 
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nib95

nib95

Contains No Misinformation on Philly Cheesesteaks
Banned
Oct 28, 2017
18,498
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Cloud-Hidden

Cloud-Hidden

Member
Oct 30, 2017
4,985
It is weird-ass, and it is very Japanese, but it's also just a great game. It has straight-forward brawler mechanics that blossom over time as you unlock more combos and moves, the writing is frequently laugh-out-loud funny, the story is actually really good, that characters are well-written, and there are so many things to do. Some of the side-quests you'll take on will be some of the best quests you've ever played in a video game, with hilarious scenarios and great writing, all profusely voice acted (in Japanese, of course).

Not sure what else you need to hear. You know people are crazy about this game, and for myriad reasons. You'll probably love it, too. It's cheap, so there's very little risk in trying, right? Buy the damn game, and prepare to sit through a really long opening cutscene.
 
Kieli

Kieli

Self-requested ban
Banned
Oct 28, 2017
3,736
Watch a video of it. Only you can decide whether its wacky flavor is right for you. Here's why I enjoy it so much:

(1) Combat is quick. As someone who doesn't tolerate poor combat, I look for one of two things: (1) make it quick or (2) make it good. Yakuza 0 does (1) well and does a little bit of (2). Combat works by allowing the character to adopt 3 different stances and there are a variety of context-sensitive quick-time events that occur (think Doom 2016).

(2) Characters are cool. Obviously this is a YMMV kinda thing, but we're talking Yakuza protagonists. How can they not be cool?

(3) Story is engaging. In a mixture of cutscenes, setpieces, and in game events, the cast, setting, and conflict are well established. Despite not being a JRPG, Yakuza 0 does this much better than a lot of them.

(4) So many worthwhile sidequests and activities. If you don't want to pursue the main branch, you can do a bazillion of the sidequests. Each one comes with a story and range from creepy to funny to endearing. There is no stupid fetch 100 wolf furs or destroy 5 mannequins.

(5) It's so cheap. $20 bruh.
 
YellowBara

YellowBara

Member
Oct 26, 2017
2,066
It's fun because it's a lot of things at once. It's a crime drama. It's an emulator with lots of fun SEGA games. It's a fun 3D beat em up. It's a collection of fun and heartfelt interactions with the citizens of the neighborhood. It has enough to take seriously and the game is self-aware to know when to NOT take itself seriously. You even have the freedom to not engage with what doesn't interest you.

It's just fun. Very unique game from what I've played (first 4 chapters)
 
jwhit28

jwhit28

Member
Oct 25, 2017
5,048
It's like someone made a modern AAA version of 2D brawlers like Streets of Rage, Double Dragon, and Final Fight, added a GTA-lite style open world with good sidequest and mini games, and mixed it all with a good Japanese TV drama.
 
Calabi

Calabi

Member
Oct 26, 2017
3,483
First post nailed it, thats what got me to play it originally and I've never regretted it.
 
xclk07

xclk07

Member
Oct 27, 2017
1,330
Chicago
The width and breadth of content is simply staggering. If you enjoy the core story and mechanics, awesome. If you don't, there is probably something in alllllllll the extra/subgames that you will at least enjoy if not love. Simply one of the best values in gaming overall.
 
Zoph

Zoph

Member
Oct 25, 2017
2,512
It's weird as hell but it's the best of both worlds tonally. The side quest stuff is either 1) incredible bizarre, or 2) actually heartwarming.

The main plot on the other hand is extremely gripping and puts a lot of other game stories to shame, fwiw.
 
CannonFodder52

CannonFodder52

Member
Oct 25, 2017
9,006
Canada
I wanna mention that it's very Japanese, but not in the way we normally see Japanese products here. From what I understand it's not marketed towards the Otaku crowd, but instead an older demographic. I don't read manga or watch anime but Yakuza really clicked with me. Thought I should clarify this since you might be put off by the "very Japanese" reputation it has.

Anyways the combat is very fun and cathartic, it has a intense crime drama narrative and extremely enjoyable and hilarious side content, some of my favourite side content in a recent game alongside Witcher 3.

Here's a video that promotes many aspects of the game. There's some really minor spoilers.

 
henhowc

henhowc

Member
Oct 26, 2017
33,458
Los Angeles, CA
The combat...is the weakest part so far. That and the limited camera controls make the game feel kind of jank. Not to hijack the thread but is Yakuza 6 better in that regard? The way the camera controls gives me a very last-gen-ish vibe. Which I guess kind of makes sense it being cross-gen and all.
 
Jachaos

Jachaos

Member
Oct 25, 2017
451
It's got some of the funniest sidequests I've ever played, sometimes because they're well written, otherwise because they involve situations that are just completely wacky. The combat is fun and gets better over time as you unlock moves. The atmosphere is perfect and there's just so much you can do, you're bound to find things you like. As soon as you get to chapter 2, the world is yours.

Plus, the story is great. Takes a while to get going, like there's a lot of cutscenes at the start, but it's great.
 
Cantaim

Cantaim

Member
Oct 25, 2017
33,315
The Stussining
Its strange it's a serious yakuza crime drama. While also being a zany Japanese action game. It's an experience unto itself to see some of the things the game will pull off with a straight face.
 
Corporate Clown

Corporate Clown

Member
Oct 25, 2017
1,146
This game has the best sidequests I've ever played. I've completed close to 70 of them and am only on Chapter 7. Highlights being meeting Nugget and the one and only MJ.
 

Deleted member 9486

User requested account closure
Banned
Oct 26, 2017
4,867
I'll piggyback on this thread.

I bought it in the sale last week and I'm on chapter 5 and have mixed feelings. It has its moments, but it's mostly slow and dull to me and I don't like the combat much.

Does it pick up soon? Or is it not for me?
 
iksenpets

iksenpets

Member
Oct 26, 2017
6,484
Dallas, TX
Yakuza is very Japanese in that it's set in Japan and all done in subtitled Japanese, but it's not like it really requires any in-depth knowledge of Japanese culture. The dramatic parts are all very soap opera in a very universal way, while the humorous parts are similarly universal in the sort of zany slapstick they have going. I think the hardest thing to follow is just all the networks of Yakuza clan alliances, which I feel like would still be challenging even if you were Japanese.
 
Doctor_Thomas

Doctor_Thomas

Member
Oct 27, 2017
9,648
dmaul1114 said:
I'll piggyback on this thread.

I bought it in the sale last week and I'm on chapter 5 and have mixed feelings. It has its moments, but it's mostly slow and dull to me and I don't like the combat much.

Does it pick up soon? Or is it not for me?
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I think all the Yakuza games start off really slow, but then it always picks up, I think 0 has the issue where it's introducing two characters at the same time so it slows the pace down a bit. I'd stick with it a bit more, but it very much is what it is in a lot of ways and the combat gets better when you add more moves and take on stronger enemies.
 
doswillrule

doswillrule

Member
Jan 23, 2018
12
Kent, UK
Cons: It's janky, the combat is very solid but takes a bit of learning, and it has some long stretches where it basically turns into a visual novel.

Pros: Great characters, unique side quests, karaoke and disco dancing, and combat is very satisfying when you nail it.

In short, if you don't mind playing something a bit idiosyncratic that feels like a PS2 game, buy it. But it's probably not for people who only play polished western AAAs.
 
Wood Man

Wood Man

Member
Oct 30, 2017
5,449
I'm about halfway through it currently. I beat Kiwami last month so this is very much of the same for me.

But my selling point is you can play as Majima

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Brodo Baggins

Brodo Baggins

Member
Oct 27, 2017
3,914
First post nails it. Yakuza 0 reels you in with its goofy side quests full of character, then hooks you with a really intense MANLY Yakuza procedural plot that keeps hitting going into the final stretch.
 

Deleted member 37928

Banned
Jan 10, 2018
6,927
The story is very engaging and it takes its time to set up the characters. And when you want to take a break from the seriousness then the game is loaded with lots of wacky and charming stuff. It gets a bit tedious to run around town after a while but the climax to the story is so good that you will forget any boredom you felt up until that point.
 
liquidtmd

liquidtmd

Avenger
Oct 28, 2017
6,129
I bought it a week ago having no experience of Yakuza outside of people on this forum raving about it, and honestly...

Probably the best gaming experience I've had all year and I'm only on chapter 2.

I'm 36, my gaming time has dwindled and it takes something special to hook me. Despite the fact I could find a few things to criticise it defies cynicism. I mean look, I took these before for the Cheap Ass Gamer OT...

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I can't not love this game. It's a riot
 
Crayon

Crayon

Member
Oct 26, 2017
15,580
If someone was going to play their first two video games, I would give them Skyrim and Yakuza 0.
 
swift-darius

swift-darius

Member
May 10, 2018
943
scorsese-tier solemn gangster drama mixed with outrageous, hilarious zany comedy - and the game blends the two fantastically so that neither is out of place. rather, you consume them in chunks via story chapters and side-stories. also, the gameplay is excellent 3d brawler action with a swathe of other detailed minigames to get into. finally, it's great for virtual tourism to dip your toes into japanese culture. it's just a really cool package

 
Flagship

Flagship

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Nov 6, 2017
535
It's the sole reason I bought a PS4 this gen and it's dirt cheap atm (like, ÂŁ12.99). Highly recommended
 

Normal

Member
Oct 26, 2017
6,296
I only played Kiwami and a bit of 4. You're not playing it for the combat, it's pretty poor compared to something like Sleeping Dogs. The story, characters and side missions is where the big appeal comes from.
 
Kass

Kass

Member
Oct 27, 2017
294
One of the best games I played last year (and that's saying something).

Not only is it incredibly fun and over the top, but it also manage to alternate so well between being stupidly fun, incredibly tense in certain moments and greatly emotional in others.
I know for me no other game has quite managed to pull this off, not with such ease. Story and sidequests are the main appeal.

Main gameplay is fun enough but nothing breathtaking.
Side games (is that a thing?) are great to renew the experience over a 40+ hour game, karaoke and dancing (among others) are priceless.

Can't recommend enough, unless if you're allergic to anything Japanese or reading subtitles, then it's unbearable.
Yakuza 0 was my first Yakuza game btw, played Y6 and Kiwami since but can't say they felt as good.
 
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vaderise

vaderise

Member
Oct 30, 2017
1,907
Antalya / Turkey
Guys your passion for this game...


Nope, I can't resist it after SO MUCH PRAISE for the story. After disastrous AC: Origins, i NEED a good video game story in my life.
 
CannonFodder52

CannonFodder52

Member
Oct 25, 2017
9,006
Canada
Usyren said:
I only played Kiwami and a bit of 4. You're not playing it for the combat, it's pretty poor compared to something like Sleeping Dogs. The story, characters and side missions is where the big appeal comes from.
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I gotta disagree with this. Personally, I often replay Yakuza games while skipping cutscenes, just to experience the combat. It's anecdotal, but I much prefer the combat of Yakuza to Sleeping Dogs.
 
convo

convo

Member
Oct 25, 2017
7,365
This video completly sold me on Zero but has some gameplay spoilers if you don't mind those:

Zero was a cut above the rest of the yakuza games, a culmination that brought all the weird shit together they did on their PS3 games and coming to PS4 and next to PC you get to enjoy it with high framerates too to make an extremly fun game.
 
liquidtmd

liquidtmd

Avenger
Oct 28, 2017
6,129
vaderise said:
Guys your passion for this game...


Nope, I can't resist it after SO MUCH PRAISE for the story. After disastrous AC: Origins, i NEED a good video game story in my life.
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It's a great story well told.

Set an hour or so at least for your first session, kick back with a beer or drink of choice, have no distraction and let it submerse you in atmosphere.

Remember also - it doesn't autosave. Save in phone boxes
 
Okii

Okii

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
3,189
Everything in this thread plus it's $20, how much convincing do you really need?
 
eyeball_kid

eyeball_kid

Member
Oct 25, 2017
10,225
It had been a long time since I truly felt the kind of joy playing videogames that I did when I was younger. Yakuza 0 provided that again, and that's really some of the highest praise I can give it to underscore what an experience it was. The mixture of great narrative, fun combat system with different styles and skill trees and contextual super-moves, an abundance of mini-games and really well done side stories that veer between heartwarming and hilarious, as well as management games that have their own narrative arcs, make it not only one of the best videogames I've played, but one of the best values for your money.

One of the big draws is the story. The way Yakuza 0 introduces characters is so natural and perfect that I'm not sure a game has done it better. It's a classic rollercoaster, click clacking up to the first big peak and then dropping the hammer, hurtling through its chapters in a crazy, emotional, funny, gripping ride all the way to the end. The characters are so well-formed and human, and you can't help but love or feel empathy for all of them. Even the villains. There are very few videogames that tell truly adult stories, and far fewer still that do so with a level of sophistication that approaches the best of modern TV dramas. Yakuza 0 is one of those, and the localization job is one of the best efforts I've seen in a videogame, reading naturally in English, but retaining the fundamentally Japanese soul of the game.

I don't think you'll regret it.
 
liquidtmd

liquidtmd

Avenger
Oct 28, 2017
6,129
vaderise said:
Aaaand, BOUGHT!
Thanks everyone, not only y'all sold me on the game, but got me HYPED too.
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After getting about half an hour of intense story, if you don't have a shit eating grin the first time you do karaoke then we've failed you vaderise-san :)

Edit: I echo what eyeball kid says above too
 
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