Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut Review – Still a Masterpiece

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After a long wait, I’m thrilled to finally play “Yakuza 0” on the Nintendo Switch 2, marking its debut on this system and coinciding with the tenth anniversary of its initial release in Japan. The game has been re-released as “Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut,” a special edition exclusively for the Switch 2. This version is essentially the ultimate edition of the game that kickstarted the Yakuza series’ rise to international fame, offering an enhanced experience for fans like me.

Essentially, this game is a familiar action-adventure title that countless players have cherished. It offers a great starting point for those new to the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series. The story revolves around the early days of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, who were initially low-ranking members in their respective yakuza groups. However, as the plot unfolds, they find themselves entangled in a vast criminal conspiracy with growing risks and far-reaching consequences.

Back in 2017, I found myself immersed in the bustling neighborhoods of Kamurochō and Sotenbori during my gaming adventure with Yakuza 0. These districts were so intricately designed and brimming with life that they stood out as some of the most captivating locations I’ve ever explored in a game.

Yakuza 0 offers an incredibly engaging and intense storyline, brimming with lengthy, dramatic cutscenes and exceptionally realistic voice acting that radiates emotion. The characters’ journeys, particularly Kiryu’s fiery rise through the Yakuza ranks and Majima’s poignant and indelible bond with Makoto, lend depth to this captivating experience. The boss encounters are remarkably eccentric yet enthralling. Battles against Homare Nishitani and Keiji Shibusawa are exhilarating, but it’s the recurring clashes with Daisaku Kuze that truly signify Kiryu’s transformation into a true Yakuza. Although combat forms the game’s central mechanic, it’s the compelling character arcs and intricate relationships that truly shine.

For those who haven’t played it yet, “Yakuza 0” takes place in the bustling neighborhoods of Kamurochō and Sotenbori – two incredibly intricate and dynamic locations that I encountered in 2017. This game is filled with a variety of side activities, many of which are delightfully absurd, and you’ll encounter some truly eccentric characters during your journey. Although the main plot is engaging, ignoring the side content would be missing out on what makes this game special. The game world is teeming with diversions, from quirky sub-stories to arcade mini-games, stores selling everything from medicine to unusual trinkets, and if you immerse yourself fully, you’re looking at around 50 hours of non-stop fun.

No matter if you’re belting out tunes in karaoke or battling foes on the street, Yakuza 0 never fails to test your limits. The way it seamlessly shifts from captivating narratives to uproariously funny moments is one of its greatest strengths. In essence, this game showcases open-world design with a deep well of emotion, pain, and insanity.

This variant is labeled as the “director’s cut” due to a handful of enhancements. These improvements include the inclusion of additional cinematic scenes that provide deeper insight into the storyline’s events.

As a devoted admirer, I must confess that since it’s a remake of an eight-year-old title, it would be unreasonable to anticipate groundbreaking visual effects. However, Yakuza 0 doesn’t strive for visual brilliance; instead, it captivates with its unique style and flair. The game exudes character, from the dramatic lighting to the moody, neon-lit streets of Kamurochō and Sotenbori, which take on an entirely different feel during nighttime. There’s an undeniable allure in its aesthetic—despite a few textures that could use a touch-up, the cinematic sequences, detailed character models, and stunning VFX during combat still hold up impressively well.

Speaking as a passionate fan, I’ve got to say, the sound in this game is nothing short of extraordinary! The soundtrack amplifies each moment, and the music for the boss battles, particularly during my encounters with Kuze, is nothing less than pulse-pounding. Each punch lands with a satisfying thud, every line of dialogue resonates with emotion, and the audio design does an amazing job of cranking up the game’s intensity to maximum levels!

Essentially, this game encompasses every bit of its original chaos – from action-packed battles to mini-games, side missions, lengthy cutscenes, melodious tracks, you name it. On the Switch 2, it maintains a smooth 60 frames per second performance and visually matches the quality seen on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One consoles.

This version is labeled as the “director’s cut” due to several enhancements. It includes additional storyline scenes that provide more background to the game’s narrative. For the first time in Yakuza 0, an English dub has been incorporated. Moreover, a new online multiplayer horde mode has been introduced, allowing you to choose from a variety of characters across the series as players. Lastly, there are various quality-of-life upgrades, such as the option to save at any location.

Essentially, while the improvements made are generally positive, they might not be substantial enough for fans who have already invested considerable time into the game to feel compelled to get this updated version. For instance, the English dub – longtime followers of the series typically prefer playing it in its original Japanese language; the current dub is commendable, as most modern adaptations usually are, but there remains a weakness in Yong Yea’s portrayal of Kiryu. Yong Yea’s interpretation of Kiryu isn’t strong, and he delivers a performance that noticeably lags behind the rest of the cast. However, with Yakuza 0 focusing on a younger Kiryu, Yong Yea’s voice doesn’t seem quite as out of place as it has in his previous portrayals of the character.

The updated scenes might be considered decent enhancements, though some long-time followers could find them unnecessary at best, or even unappealing. One alteration in particular seems to contradict established facts (retcon), which may potentially upset many fans.

In simpler terms, the newly added cutscenes might not appeal much to longtime fans and could even annoy them, especially due to a single alteration that creates a contradiction in the storyline (retcon). This adjustment may not affect newcomers, but it’s the veteran players who might find it displeasing.

In essence, this bundle is perfectly tailored for beginners who haven’t experienced the game yet. The dubbed version will broaden its appeal, catering to those who prefer playing games with dialogue in their native language. The updated cutscenes won’t stir controversy due to the changes they’ve made. As for the online mode, it’s likely to offer benefits to both newcomers and long-time fans, although I doubt it will significantly impact either group one way or another.

For longtime enthusiasts, there’s not much you’re missing out on. But for the newcomers, get ready for an exceptional and unforgettable gaming adventure with Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut! We hope that this is just the beginning of bringing the entire series to Nintendo platforms, allowing these new fans to enjoy all the subsequent games. And if by some luck, every game in the franchise comes to the Switch 2 – a system known for its power boost – you’re in store for an incredible journey like none other.

This game was reviewed on the Nintendo Switch 2.

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2025-06-13 17:45