The Yakuza series is a popular action-adventure game franchise developed and published by Sega. The series has a total of seven main games, numerous spin-offs, and a newly released remastered version of the first game. For those who are new to the series, determining the correct order to play the games can be a daunting task. The games are not released in a chronological order, and each game has its own storyline, making it difficult to determine the best order to play them. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the best order to play the Yakuza series, so that you can enjoy the full experience of the franchise.
The Yakuza series is a long-running and beloved franchise of video games that primarily takes place in Japan. The series is known for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and unique blend of action, adventure, and role-playing game elements. While the series has been going strong for over a decade, newcomers to the series may be wondering what the best order is to play the games. In general, the recommended order to play the Yakuza series is to start with the first game, Yakuza 0, which serves as a prequel to the rest of the series. After that, players can move on to the subsequent numbered games in the series, starting with Yakuza 1 and progressing through to the most recent release. However, players should also consider playing the spin-off games, such as the Yakuza Kiwami series, which remake the first two games with updated graphics and gameplay. Overall, the Yakuza series is a must-play for fans of action, adventure, and Japanese culture, and players are sure to have a great time exploring the world of the Yakuza.
Understanding the Yakuza Series
Brief history of the Yakuza series
The Yakuza series is a popular Japanese role-playing game (RPG) series developed and published by Sega. The series debuted in 2005 with the release of the first game, titled simply “Yakuza,” and has since grown to include over a dozen mainline titles, as well as numerous spin-offs and side-stories. The series is set in the criminal underworld of Japan and follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza member who becomes embroiled in various criminal and political conflicts.
Overview of the main characters and storylines
The Yakuza series is known for its complex and interwoven storylines, which span multiple games and involve a large cast of characters. The central character of the series is Kazuma Kiryu, who first appears in the first game and continues to be a major character throughout the series. Other notable characters include Goro Majima, a former yakuza member and rival of Kiryu; Haruka Sawamura, Kiryu’s adopted daughter; and Akira Nishikiyama, a close friend of Kiryu’s.
Each game in the series has its own unique storyline, but they are all connected to the larger narrative of the series. Some games focus more on Kiryu’s story, while others focus on other characters and their own personal struggles.
Significant events and plot points
Throughout the series, there are several significant events and plot points that tie the various storylines together. These include the ongoing conflict between the Tojo and Omi Alliance yakuza families, the search for a legendary martial arts technique known as the “Dragon’s Circle,” and the various political and criminal machinations of the Japanese government and other powerful organizations.
In addition to these overarching plot points, each game also has its own unique storylines and subplots, such as Kiryu’s search for his missing adoptive daughter in Yakuza 0, or Majima’s quest to rebuild his yakuza family in Yakuza Kiwami 2.
Overall, the Yakuza series is known for its complex and engaging storytelling, with a large cast of memorable characters and interwoven storylines that keep players engaged from start to finish.
Chronological Order vs. Release Order
The importance of release order
The release order of the Yakuza series is important to consider when deciding the order to play as it determines the sequence of events and character development. This is particularly crucial for players who are new to the series and have not played any of the previous games. Understanding the timeline of events will help players follow the story and avoid any confusion.
The advantages of playing in chronological order
Playing the Yakuza series in chronological order has its advantages, particularly for players who want to fully immerse themselves in the story and characters. By playing the games in the order they were released, players can experience the evolution of the story and characters over time. This allows players to see how the characters develop and change over the course of the series, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the story.
In addition, playing in chronological order can help players avoid any potential spoilers that may arise from playing out-of-order games. By avoiding spoilers, players can fully enjoy the story and experience the series in its entirety.
Factors to consider when deciding the order to play
When deciding the order to play the Yakuza series, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important factors is the availability of the games. Some games in the series may be harder to find or may only be available on certain platforms, which can affect the order in which players choose to play them.
Another factor to consider is the length of each game. Some games in the series are longer than others, and players may want to allocate more time to playing longer games to fully immerse themselves in the story and characters.
Lastly, players should consider their own preferences and interests when deciding the order to play. Some players may prefer to start with the earliest games in the series to fully understand the history and backstory of the characters, while others may prefer to start with the latest games and work their way backward. Ultimately, the decision on the order to play the Yakuza series is up to the individual player.
The Best Order to Play the Yakuza Series
The Yakuza series is a long-running and beloved franchise that has been around for over a decade. It has a rich storyline, engaging characters, and exciting gameplay that has captured the hearts of many gamers. However, with so many games in the series, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide will provide recommendations for the best order to play the Yakuza series, both for newcomers to the series and for fans who want to re-experience the story.
Recommended order for newcomers to the series
For those who are new to the Yakuza series, the recommended order to play the games is as follows:
- Yakuza 0
- Yakuza Kiwami
- Yakuza Kiwami 2
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Starting with Yakuza 0, which is a prequel, will provide a solid foundation for understanding the series’ history and characters. This game introduces players to the world of the Yakuza and sets the stage for the events that follow in the subsequent games.
After playing Yakuza 0, players should jump into Yakuza Kiwami, which is a remake of the first game in the series. This game serves as an excellent introduction to the story and characters, and it provides a fresh take on the original game.
Next, players should play Yakuza Kiwami 2, which is also a remake of the second game in the series. This game further expands on the story and introduces new characters that will become important in future games.
After completing these three games, players should move on to Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, which is the final game in the story featuring the protagonist Kazama Kiryu. This game brings the story full circle and provides closure to Kiryu’s storyline.
Finally, players should play Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which is the latest entry in the series and marks a significant change in gameplay style. This game introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and takes the series in a new direction.
Suggested order for fans of the series
For fans of the series who have already played the games and want to re-experience the story, the suggested order is as follows:
Starting with Yakuza 0 will allow fans to revisit the early days of the Yakuza and see how the story has evolved over time. This game sets the stage for the events that follow and introduces players to the characters that will become important throughout the series.
After playing Yakuza 0, fans should move on to Yakuza Kiwami, which is a remake of the first game in the series. This game provides a fresh take on the original game and offers new content and gameplay mechanics that fans can enjoy.
Next, fans should play Yakuza Kiwami 2, which is also a remake of the second game in the series. This game further expands on the story and introduces new characters that will become important in future games.
After completing these three games, fans should move on to Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, which is the final game in the story featuring the protagonist Kazama Kiryu. This game brings the story full circle and provides closure to Kiryu’s storyline.
Finally, fans should play Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which is the latest entry in the series and marks a significant change in gameplay style. This game introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and takes the series in a new direction.
Combining both chronological and release order
For those who want to experience the Yakuza series in both chronological order and release order, the recommended order is as follows:
- Yakuza
Essential Games in the Yakuza Series
Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0 is the first game in the series and serves as an excellent starting point for newcomers. It is set in the late 1980s and follows the stories of two protagonists, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, as they navigate the criminal underworld of Japan. The game introduces players to the core mechanics of the series, such as the brawler-style combat and the unique mini-games. It also sets the stage for the overarching storylines that will continue throughout the series.
Yakuza 2
Yakuza 2 is the second game in the series and takes place a few years after the events of Yakuza 0. It continues to follow Kiryu and Majima as they rise through the ranks of their respective yakuza families. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to manage your own family and participate in political struggles within the yakuza world. It also introduces a new city to explore, with more side quests and mini-games to distract players from the main story.
Yakuza 3
Yakuza 3 is the third game in the series and continues the story of Kiryu and Majima as they navigate the criminal underworld of Japan. The game introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to purchase properties and manage them for profit. It also features a new city to explore, with a greater emphasis on exploration and discovery. The game’s story is more focused on the political and economic aspects of the yakuza world, providing players with a deeper understanding of the world they are exploring.
Yakuza 4
Yakuza 4 is the fourth game in the series and introduces a new protagonist, Shun Akiyama, as well as continuing the stories of Kiryu and Majima. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to switch between characters at will and participate in different side quests. It also features a new city to explore, with even more side quests and mini-games to distract players from the main story. The game’s story is more focused on the personal relationships and betrayals within the yakuza world, providing players with a deeper understanding of the characters they are playing as.
Yakuza 5
Yakuza 5 is the fifth game in the series and follows the stories of five different protagonists, each with their own unique storylines and perspectives on the yakuza world. The game introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to play as different characters in different cities, each with their own set of mini-games and side quests. The game’s story is more focused on the different factions and power struggles within the yakuza world, providing players with a deeper understanding of the complex world they are exploring.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is the sixth game in the series and follows Kiryu as he deals with the consequences of his past actions and the conflicts within the yakuza world. The game introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to control Kiryu’s movements in combat and the inclusion of a real-time weather system. It also features a new city to explore, with a greater emphasis on exploration and discovery. The game’s story is more focused on the personal struggles and relationships of the characters, providing players with a deeper understanding of the world they have been exploring.
FAQs
1. What is the Yakuza series about?
The Yakuza series is a video game franchise developed and published by Sega. The series primarily focuses on Japanese organized crime and the Yakuza, which is a Japanese criminal organization. The games follow the story of various characters as they navigate the world of the Yakuza and engage in various criminal activities.
2. What is the correct order to play the Yakuza series?
The correct order to play the Yakuza series is as follows: Yakuza 0, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 4, Yakuza 3, Yakuza 2, Yakuza, Yakuza: Dead Souls, Yakuza: Kiwami, Yakuza: Kiwami 2, Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
3. Why should I play the games in this order?
Playing the games in this order will give you the best experience and understanding of the story. Each game builds on the one before it, with later games referencing events from earlier games. Starting with Yakuza 0, which is a prequel, will give you a good understanding of the characters and the world before diving into the main series. Playing in this order will also prevent spoilers and provide a smoother transition between games.
4. Can I skip any games in the series?
If you want to skip any games in the series, Yakuza 5 and Yakuza 4 are the ones that can be skipped. Yakuza 5 has a different story for each of its protagonists, and while it is not necessary to play, it does provide some additional context for later games. Yakuza 4 has a unique gameplay mechanic where you switch between four different protagonists, but its story is not essential to understanding the overall plot of the series.
5. What is the difference between the original Yakuza games and the remastered versions?
The original Yakuza games were released on the PlayStation 2 and were later re-released on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. The remastered versions, known as Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, are updated versions of the original games with improved graphics, audio, and gameplay. They also include all the DLC content from the original releases. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a new entry in the series that was released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
6. Can I play the games on different platforms?
Yes, the Yakuza series is available on multiple platforms. The original games were released on the PlayStation 2, and the remastered versions are available on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.