Yes, if you want a story-led crime drama with hard-hitting brawling and plenty to do between major fights. Critics reviewed the PS4 and PC releases positively; the main reservations are uneven story beats, repetition, and an emphasis on quick-time events in some PC reviews.
What critics think of Yakuza Kiwami 2
Metacritic’s accessed PS4 page lists an 85/100 Metascore from 72 critic reviews: 64 positive, five mixed, and none negative. Its PC page lists 82/100 from 21 critic reviews: 17 positive, three mixed, and none negative. These are platform-specific aggregator snapshots, not permanent or universal ratings; the review pools differ by release. Metacritic’s PS4 reviews and PC reviews show the figures.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Yakuza Kiwami 1+2 - Xbox Series X | $35.14 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties - Xbox Series X | $43.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Yakuza Kiwami 2 Edition Limited Run Xbox One Video Game | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Yakuza Like a Dragon Day Ichi Steelbook Edition Xbox One | Series X Game | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions | $8.28 | Buy on Amazon |
| Release | Metascore | Critic reviews | Displayed sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 | 85/100 | 72 | 64 positive, 5 mixed, 0 negative |
| PC | 82/100 | 21 | 17 positive, 3 mixed, 0 negative |
Both platform pages show a strongly positive critical reception. The difference between the scores is modest, but the review counts and individual reviews are not identical, so they should not be treated as a direct technical comparison between platforms.
What reviewers praise
Dragon Engine brawling
Review excerpts on Metacritic praise the remake’s physical, satisfying fights and tighter combat. The Dragon Engine gives the action a more forceful feel, making street encounters a central part of the appeal rather than simply a bridge between story scenes. PS4 review excerpts and PC review excerpts reflect that response.
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#1 Best Overall
- Yakuza Kiwami: NEON LIGHTS. BRUTAL FIGHTS. ENDLESS NIGHTS. Unwind a 10-billion-yen conspiracy in Tokyo’s red-light district, fueled by your fists that will make you a legend.
- Immersive Exploration. Crushing Combat. Engaging Activities.
- Yakuza Kiwami II: THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE DRAGON. A year after the 10-billion-yen incident, the dragons of East & West clash, and an intense battle unfolds to determine the one true dragon.
- Endless Exploration. Brutal Brawling Action. Bonus Majima Saga.
Crime drama and diversions
Critics also highlight the story’s dramatic highs and the range of side stories and activities. The main plot follows Kazuma Kiryu as conflict between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance escalates after the Tojo chairman is assassinated. The two city settings, Kamurocho and Sotenbori, give the game room for both its central crime saga and its many detours. SEGA’s official site describes the premise and settings.
What may not work for every player
The positive reception does not mean every part lands equally well. PC review excerpts note story stumbles and repetition, while some criticize the emphasis on quick-time events. Those are review-level reservations, not evidence that every player or version will have the same experience. Metacritic’s PC review page displays these criticisms.
Rank #2
- A LEGEND IS REBORN AND A NEW LEGACY BEGINS: Two men will walk different paths that converge to shake the very foundations of fate.
- Yakuza Kiwami 3: Continue the story of ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to protect those he loves in an extreme remake of Yakuza 3 that evolves every aspect of the beloved game.
- Dark Ties: Experience the brand-new tale of Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3 in an included separate game.
One PC review published in 2019 mentioned English-only subtitles in its review context. That comment should not be generalized to every edition: the current US PlayStation listing describes different text-language support on PS4 and PS5. Check the listing for the edition and region you intend to play. PlayStation’s product page gives its platform-specific details.
What kind of game is it?
Yakuza Kiwami 2 is SEGA’s ground-up remake of 2008’s Yakuza 2, rebuilt for PS4 in the Dragon Engine. Alongside Kiryu’s main story, it includes a separate playable Goro Majima scenario covering events between Yakuza and Yakuza 2. SEGA’s official site outlines the remake, combat, and Majima scenario.
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Rank #3
- Genre: Action, Role-Playing # of Players: 1 Player Supported Languages: English
Platform details to check before playing
PS4 and PS5 editions
The US PlayStation listing identifies PS4 and PS5 editions. It lists Japanese voice with English and Japanese text for PS4, and additional text languages for PS5. A PS4 digital owner can claim the PS5 digital download at no cost, but the offer excludes PlayStation Plus downloads and physical copies. PS4 save data does not transfer to PS5. See PlayStation’s edition and upgrade terms.
Xbox, Windows, and Game Pass
Xbox Wire announced that the game became available for Xbox One and Windows 10 with Game Pass on July 29, 2020. That historical announcement does not establish whether Yakuza Kiwami 2 is currently included in a Game Pass catalog; check the live catalog before subscribing or downloading. Xbox Wire’s announcement.
Rank #4
- Become ichiban kasuga, a Yakuza grunt betrayed by the man he trusted most
- crack skulls in dynamic RPG combat
- the battlefield is your weapon - Use bats, Umbrella, bikes, street Signs, and everything else at your disposal to take down your enemies
- Recruit up to 7 party members from the outskirts of society
- spend time with party members to develop their abilities and unlock powerful combo skills.find, forge, and upgrade equipment to take on the strongest foes.19 unique jobs (+2 DLC jobs).100+ combat skills.over 15 hilarious mini-games.50 optional substories Breathe life into the city of yokohama, Japan
Verdict: is Yakuza Kiwami 2 worth playing?
The critic scores support a clear recommendation for players drawn to a dramatic yakuza story, satisfying brawling, and a city full of diversions. Go in expecting some uneven narrative stretches and repeated activities rather than a consistently paced, combat-only action game. The PS4 and PC review snapshots are both strongly positive, while platform-specific language, upgrade, and save-transfer details are worth checking if you are choosing between PlayStation editions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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