The Yakuza series launched in 2005 to great success in Japan and developed a cult following in the West. yet, it wasn't until the 1980s set Yakuza 0 introduced the series to a more mainstream audience. The games feature semi-open and faithfully recreated Japanese settings of set in and around famous Tokyo cities and redlight districts. The first seven games in the series center around Kiryu and are self-contained stories in their own right. The eighth title, Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces a new protagonist Inchiban with his own motivations and a turn-based combat system.
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Despite the modern and realistic settings, the games feature brawling mechanics similar to the old school beat-em-ups combined with traditional JRPG elements with near-random battles and leveling up. That said, there’s nothing quite like the Yakuza series but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other games that won’t appeal to fans.
Updated August 11, 2021, by Michael Llewellyn: The release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon has introduced a new generation of fans to the crime saga. The series release on Xbox Game Pass has proved to be a very successful venture for the developers as it allowed fans to dive into the entire saga for a comparatively small fee when compared to investing in all eight games. Despite the switch in the combat system, the series hasn't changed much at all. It's always been a JRPG at its heart and the open world a joy to explore. However, the series would be nothing without its characters and the stories that prop it up. After finishing all eight games in the saga there are still other options worth exploring whether it's action or drama one is looking for.
18 Devil May Cry 5
- Released: 2019
- Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC
- Developer: Capcom
The Devil May Cry series has always been renowned for its magnificent combat. It's satisfying chaining together massive combos and tearing through large groups of enemies like a piece of wet tissue paper. After the fan's furious reaction to Ninja Theory's attempt at a reboot, Devil May Cry 5 is a return to form and arguably the best DMC game to date.
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Thematically and stylistically Devil May Cry has very little in common with the Yakuza series. However, where Yakuza's fighting system is like a throwback to classic Japanese 80s and 90s beat-em-ups, DMCV harks back to the hack-and-slash classics like Golden Axe.
17 Streets Of Rage 4
- Released: 2020
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Linux, and macOS
- Developer: Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guardcrush Games
There may still be plenty of hack-n-slash games on the market, but beat 'em up style combat isn't utilized enough in modern gaming. Despite being a staple of the Yakuza series for so many years, the developers opted for a turn-based combat system in Like a Dragon. Thankfully, another classic Sega franchise can offer a nice alternative.
The Streets of Rage series returned in 2020 following an incredibly long hiatus. The long wait for a sequel proved worthwhile as Streets of Rage 4 is one of the best beat-em-ups in years. Comparatively, its story is a simplistic affair next to Yakuza and there is no freedom outside of combat. However, the fighting system is the perfect throwback for fans of Yakuza's streetbrawling.
16 L.A. Noire
- Released: 2011
- Platform: PS4, PS3, PSVR, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC
- Developer: Team Bondi
As a detective sim, L.A. Noire has more in common with some of the investigative mechanics in the Yakuza spin-off series Judgement. However, given Yakuza fan's love for deep character stories and crime dramas filled with twists, turns, and betrayals this late 1940 set drama is an easy recommendation.
Players take on the role of a straight and honest to fault cop named Cole Phelps as rises through the ranks as a detective. Fans of beautifully crafted open worlds will love L.A. Noire’s setting that looks like it was ripped out of the classic movie L.A. Confidential. Admittedly there is a lack of things to do in the game’s world but it’s still one that manages to come to life on its own.
15 Persona 5 Royal
- Released: 2020
- Platform: PS4
- Developer: Atlus Games
Persona 5 Royal may have a different vibe to the Yakuza games but the modern-day setting will appeal to those that enjoy the Yakuza series. Its Tokyo-based setting will resonate with fans of Yakuza's Kamurocho. The protagonists and relatable supporting cast are as endearing to the player as the Yakuza games, with backstories that fans can get behind.
The game's stylish combat system is turn-based and those who played Yakuza: Like a Dragon should feel at home. More importantly, Persona 5 is packed with hours of side quests and post-game content to keep fans coming back for more.
14 Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Released: 2020
- Platform: PS4 and PS5
- Developer: Square Enix
Thematically, the Final Fantasy VII Remake is very different from the Yakuza series. It's a science fiction fantasy set in a cyberpunk-inspired world as opposed to the streets of Tokyo. It does, however, borrow a few elements from the Yakuza series when it comes to exploration and accepting side quests from NPCs.
The world in the Final Fantasy VII Remake isn't as open as a Yakuza title, but there is still a lot of freedom to explore and undertake the many side quests the game has to offer. Yakuza fans will love some of the wackier and unusual characters that can be found in Midgar. It has also an excellent battle system whether playing turn-based or real-time.
13 Saints Row The Third
- Released: 2011
- Platform: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC, and Linux
- Developer: Volition
Underneath the serious and dark overtones in the Yakuza series, there’s a humorous and wacky world of side quests and characters that contrast it. Long-time fans of the series have come to love the amusing nature of these elements as they help break up the drama in a way that doesn’t feel forced.
However, for fans that want to try something a little more outrageous and self-aware, they wouldn’t go far wrong with the Saints Row series. Saints Row The Third is often regarded as the best in the series and fully expects gamers to play with their tongue firmly in their cheek the whole time.
12 Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate
- Released: 2015
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC
- Developer: Ubisoft
Released in 2016, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate was the last game in the franchise before the studio went full open-world RPG in the style of The Witcher 3. It’s set in Victorian-era London and is arguably the most stunning recreation of the city in gaming.
The game puts players in the shoes of the brother and sister duo Jacob and Evie as they fight to take London back from the Templar-controlled gangs of London. The themes of gang wars and street fighting are at the focal point of this entry and are perfect for fans of crime sagas that want something a little different.
11 Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released: 2013
- Platform: PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC
- Developer: Rockstar North
The Grand Theft Auto series has very little in common with the Yakuza series in terms of gameplay, but the two franchises draw some comparisons. Both games put the players in the shoes of an anti-hero navigating the criminal underworld and have a ton of side quests and mini-games to explore in their vast and detailed worlds.
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In addition, Grand Theft Auto V features three protagonists with intertwining stories – a feature used to great effect in Yakuza 4 and Yakuza 5. Similarly, the two series use satirical humor in contrast with the serious overtones of the main story. There's an Xbox Series X/S and Ps5 remaster scheduled to be released in November 2021.
10 Binary Domain
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PS3, Xbox 360 and PC
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
When it comes to overlooked classics from the PS3/360 generation very few games went under the radar quite as much as Binary Domain. Again, this is another title that is very different in tone from the Yakuza series but as it's coming from the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio it's worthy of a mention.
The game offers the same kind of unique storytelling that only the team behind Yakuza can offer. It has excellent character stories and a cast that the player can get behind. There isn't much in the way of exploration as it has more in common with the Gears of War series but the characters and narrative are distinctive to the studio.
9 Mafia 3
- Released: 2016
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, macOS, and PC
- Developer: Hangar 13
In terms of its world, Mafia 3 would have benefited from being more like the Yakuza series by scaling it down to provide a more focused gameplay experience. However, fans of SEGA’s franchise will absolutely appreciate the attention to detail in the New Orleans-inspired setting.
Yakuza fans, however, will find a lot of enjoyment with Mafia 3’s biggest strength which is a narrative and characters that the audience can get behind. Players that can look past an open world that’s often at odds with its pacing will find Mafia 3’s mature character-driven crime drama a rewarding one.
8 The Warriors
- Released: 2005
- Platform: Ps2 and PSP
- Developer: Rockstar Toronto
Developed by Rockstar, The Warriors is a licensed action game based on the 1979 action film. In terms of scale and activities, The Warriors is smaller than Yakuza but those that loved brawling with gangs in the streets will find a lot to enjoy in this title.
Like Yakuza, The Warriors combat mechanics pays homage to old school beat-em-ups like Streets of Rage and Double Dragon. Fans that love frequenting the Club SEGA arcade will be thrilled that The Warriors features its own in-game arcade machine called “Armies of The Night” which pays tribute to 90s 2D beat-em-ups.
7 Mafia: The Definitive Edition
- Released: 2020
- Platform: PS4, Xbox, and PC
- Developer: Hanger 13
Released in 2020, Mafia: The Definitive Edition is a from-the-ground-up remake of the original title that was released in 2002 for the PC and PS2. It stays true to the original’s story but the visuals have naturally seen a massive update in this remake.
It’s set in 1930s America Lost Heaven, Illinois a fictional city inspired by Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. For players that want a classic mob-themed storyline with a great cast of characters and the voice acting to back it up, Mafia: The Definitive Edition is a good recommendation for gangster fans.
6 Bully
- Released: 2006
- Platform: PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, Android, and PC
- Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
Bully is another open-world Rockstar title that can appeal to fans of the Yakuza series. However, because it takes place at a private school the experience is more refined and scaled-down than the Grand Theft Auto series. As a result, the game is packed with memorable and relatable characters and more focused gameplay.
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The game’s protagonist deals with gangs and issues with hierarchy not a million miles away from a Yakuza title. The school setting of Bullworth Academy features a compact world that has a lot more in common with Yakuza's Kamurocho than the wide-open spaces seen in a GTA title. The school has lots of side quests and mini-games to keep players busy in-between its main story.
5 Way Of The Samurai 4
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PS3 and PC
- Developer: Accquire
If there is another series embroiled in Japanese culture that isn’t quite like anything else on the market it is the Way of the Samurai series. Set in 19th century Japan, the player will find themselves in a world that feels distinct and very much alive.
Just like Yakuza, the Way of the Samurai series features a large cast of weird and wonderful characters, lots of mini-games, and side quests to complete. What makes Way of the Samurai different is its short main story that requires multiple playthroughs. However, every action the player takes in one completed will have a direct impact on the next.
4 Sleeping Dogs
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, macOS, and PC
- Developer: United Front Games
When it comes to the western equivalent to the Yakuza series Grand Theft Auto is usually mentioned the most. However, it is the often-overlooked Sleeping Dogs that combined elements of both Yakuza and GTA that are the best match.
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Instead of a Tokyo setting, Sleeping Dogs puts the players in the shoes of an undercover cop that’s infiltrated the Triads in a lovingly recreated Hong Kong. While the combat system has more in common with the Batman: Arkham series it featured brutal environmental finishers just like Yakuza. In addition, the mini-games are very reminiscent of a Yakuza title with Poker, Mahjong, martial arts classes, and of course Karaoke.
3 Fist of The North Star: Lost Paradise
- Released: 2018
- Platform: PS4
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotaku Studio
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise is a post-apocalyptic action adventure. It is based on the Fist of the North Star manga franchise that has spawned live-action and anime movies. It was developed by the same team behind the Yakuza series and has much of the same DNA.
Kiryu Kazama’s voice actor Takaya Kuroda takes the lead once again as the warrior Kenshiro. Interestingly, Kenshiro’s rival Jagi is voiced by Hidenari Ugaki who is better known as Kiryu's longtime rivalGoro Majima.
World design will feel familiar to Yakuza fans. Even though Lost Paradise’s city Eden isn’t as attractive or as dense as Yakuza’s Kamurucho, it is packed with enough content to keep the players busy. Some of which include seeking out SEGA arcade classics like OutRun, and Super Hang-On in hidden locations. Lost Paradise even has its own unique spin on the Karaoke mini-game from Yakuza.
2 The Shenmue Series
- Released: 1999, 2001, and 2019
- Platform: Dreamcast, Xbox, PS4, Xbox One, and PC
- Developer: SEGA AM2 and Ys Net
Before the Yakuza series arrived in 2005 there was SEGA’s Shenmue on the Dreamcast console in 1999. Despite some mechanical differences like Shenmue’s day and night system and the heavy focus on the life simulation mechanics much of the same DNA can be found in the Yakuza series.
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Being set in 1986, Shenmue’s setting feels close to the 1980s set Yakuza 0. There are familiar mini-games like slots, darts, street fighting, and of course arcade-perfect games like Space Harrier, After Burner, and OutRun. Additionally, the games share similar semi-open world designs, and a story that focuses on revenge and crime.
1 Judgment
- Released: 2019
- Platform: PS4 and PS5
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotaku Studio
There is no other series closer to Yakuza than Judgement from the same team behind the classic crime saga. Being set in Kamurucho and featuring similar themes Judgement is a spin-off detective series. However, it is a brand new series with no direct connection to Yakuza's past stories or its characters.
Judgment does, however, use a similar fighting system to Yakuza 0 only using Chinese martial arts styles. It also has enough of its own gameplay mechanics to stand on its own as a unique title. The game requires the player to investigate and solve crimes as a private investigator tailing suspects, finding clues, and using infiltration techniques. A direct sequel titled Lost Judgementis set to release in 2021.
Next: The 10 Best Side Quests In Judgement, Ranked
