Games / Action

Yakuza 0

Jun 5, 2025Action · RPGM

MC85

Metacritic

4.4

User rating

1139 ratings

Good Value

$0.59 per quality point

$49.99eShop

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Prices checked 14 Oct 2026

Trailers

Screenshots

Our take

Yakuza 0 on Switch 2 is a solid entry that successfully translates the series' signature blend of storytelling and action. At $49.99, it's a worthy investment for newcomers and veterans alike. The narrative is enthralling, packed with side quests that can keep you entertained for hours. However, some might find the pacing a bit slow in parts, particularly during exposition-heavy sequences.

Playing Yakuza 0 feels like stepping into a vibrant world, rich with detail and cultural references. The graphics hold up well on Switch 2, though the occasional frame drops can interrupt the immersion during high-octane moments. Character models and environments are more than adequate for a portable experience, ensuring that cutscenes remain visually engaging. The duality of Kiryu and Majima’s stories offers a strong narrative pull, contrasting the serious tone with humor and quirky side missions. While it’s not a graphical powerhouse, it captures the essence of Yakuza’s unique style and storytelling. Compared to similar titles like Shenmue, Yakuza 0 leans more into action while still delivering a robust narrative.

Pros

Engaging storylines with rich character development, particularly through the dual narratives of Kiryu and Majima.
Combat system is fluid and dynamic, featuring heat actions that spice up fights with flashy moves.
Vast open-world environment with plenty of side activities, from karaoke to real estate management.

Cons

Some performance hiccups in docked mode, with frame rates occasionally dipping during intense action scenes.
Loading times can feel longer than expected when transitioning between cutscenes and gameplay.
The overall tone might be off-putting for players not accustomed to the blend of serious narratives with absurd humor.

Players navigate the streets of Kamurocho in a third-person perspective, engaging in both melee combat and exploration. The heat action mechanic allows for powerful, context-specific attacks that feel satisfying. Choices made throughout the story impact character relationships and mission outcomes, adding depth to the gameplay. Side activities range from mini-games to intricate side quests, providing a break from the main narrative.

On Switch 2

On Switch 2, Yakuza 0 runs fairly well in handheld mode, though it’s best enjoyed docked for the larger screen. The controls are responsive, making the combat feel smooth and engaging, especially when using the Joy-Con motion features for certain mini-games. Load times are reasonable, though they could be optimized further.

Who it's for

This game is perfect for players who appreciate deep narratives alongside satisfying combat mechanics. If you enjoy open-world exploration and character-driven stories, grab Yakuza 0. However, if you're looking for fast-paced action without much downtime, you might want to skip this one.

About

Yakuza 0 is an action-adventure game developed by Sega for Microsoft and PlayStation in 2015. Plot The game takes place in 1988 in Tokyo. The main characters are Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, who are forced to participate in the power struggle of the Japan mafia organizations. Kiryu is framed for a murder and pursued by a huge mafia family. On the loose, the protagonist tries to prove innocent and reveal the truth behind the so-called Empty Lot conflict. The aim is to follow the plot and make choices based on different strategies. Gameplay The game is played from a third-person perspective. The player can explore the world freely. The action is performed in Kamurocho, which is the representation of Kabukichō, Tokyo’s district. During the game, the player resembles the usual mechanics: walking, listening to dialogues and watching cinematics pieces. The action includes side-quests which let the protagonists earn more money and special Completion Point currency; each CP lets the player gain additional bonuses, upgrades, and certain items. The main gameplay modification is battle control. It lets the player switch action styles in the middle of the fight. Reception Yakuza 0 is a prequel of Yakuza, video game series first released in 2005. The original was acknowledged for its innovative gameplay. The prequel followed the success and became favorable as well.