The Yakuza franchise has been around since the PlayStation 2 era, but it was until recent years that the series’ popularity would jump to be the center of mainstream attention. It’s all thanks to Yakuza 0’s Baka Mitai that more and more fans would jump on to experience Kazuma Kiryu’s adventures. Again, thanks to Yakuza 0’s commercial success, it paved the way for Judgement, and Like A Dragon to make an entrance into the franchise.
You may be wondering how many titles are there but worry not anymore. This list will feature every Yakuza game released throughout the years. Starting from the latest entries to the original releases in the franchise. We hope that this will list will help you discover the whole set in one article.
Lost Judgment
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PS5 | Xbox One | Xbox Series X/S
Timeline: Spin-Off
Japanese Title: Lost Judgment: Sabakarezaru Kikoku
Lost Judgment is the sequel to the original critically acclaimed Judgment released back in 2019. It puts you in the shoes of a private detective Takayuki Yagami investigating a suspect criminal accused of both sexual harassment and murder. Amidst investigating, he’ll discover that there’s more than that.
The gameplay in Judgment is pretty similar to Yakuza 0 and Kiwami. Yagami has three fighting styles under his belt. He can perform powerful kicks that send enemies flying home or execute special attacks that obliterate his foes. Compared to Kiryu, Yagami is quicker and deadlier. However, to break free of the same formula, Lost Judgment incorporates stealth sequences, platforming, and times where you have to catch a suspect before they flee away. And of course, there are plenty of mini-games and side quests to keep you hooked for hours to end.
Streets of Kamurocho
Release Date: October 17-19, 2020
Developer: Empty Clip Studios, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PC (Steam-Microsoft Store)
Timeline: Part of Sega’s 60th-anniversary celebration-Not canon
Streets of Kamurocho is Sega’s love letter to the Streets of Rage fanbase. The aforementioned is a promotional freeware beat’em up video game developed by Empty Clip Studios in collaboration with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Unfortunately, it was available for a limited time only. Those who were lucky managed to get their hands on it before the anniversary ended.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Release Date: January 16, 2020
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PS5 | Xbox One | Xbox Series X/S | PC
Timeline: Canon-Eight
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Hikari to Yami no Yukue
Yakuza: Like A Dragon broke free of the traditional beat ’em up gameplay to follow a different approach. The aforementioned, unlike previous entries, is a turn-based video game in the style of Dragon Quest, and Final Fantasy XIII.
The story of Like A Dragon casts you in the role of Ichiban Kasuga who has been betrayed by his former boss. Ichiban then goes on a quest to uncover the reason behind his betrayal. He won’t go into this quest alone. He will meet with powerful allies that will prove to be valuable.
Despite the transition from the beat’em up gameplay, to a turn-based one, Yakuza: Like A Dragon proved to be a commercial success selling more than enough to warrant the continuation of Ichiban’s saga.
Judgment
Release Date: December 13, 2018
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PS5 | Stadia | Xbox Series X/S
Timeline: Spin-Off
Japanese Title: Judge Eyes: Shinigami no Yuigon
Judgment is a Yakuza spin-off that casts you in the role of private detective Takayuki Yagami as he roams the fictional city of Kamurocho, fighting vigorous thugs and yakuza while investigating and accomplishing certain missions. Unlike the Yakuza franchise where you had to plunge into the world of the Japanese Mafia, Judgment focuses entirely on investigating murder cases and tracking down anyone responsible.
The gameplay in Judgment feels fresh and easy to master. Yagami is faster and potent thanks to his martial art techniques. His acrobatic kicks, tough fists, special attacks all work for his favor in order to defeat anything that he deems a threat.
We can only hope that the PC community will one day get the chance to experience Judgment and the sequel in the foreseeable future.
Yakuza: Online
Release Date: November 21, 2018
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: Android | iOS | PC
Timeline: Canon
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku Online
Ryû ga Gotoku Online is the first entry in the franchise to introduce Ichiban Kasuga as the new protagonist. However, Kazuma Kiryu also returns as the man in a side story while retelling the events of the original Yakuza.
Yakuza: Online is a free-to-play Gacha video game released exclusively in Japan. To play it, one needs to have a VPN installed on their PC/mobile phone. Similar to other gacha games, this one features memorable characters from the franchise, including Goro Majima.
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise
Release Date: March 8, 2018
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4
Timeline: Spin-Off
Japanese Title: Hokuto ga Gotoku
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise is a beat’em up video game that is based on the legendary Hokuto no Ken manga by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara. It came as a surprise that Lost Paradise would feature the traditional gameplay elements from the Yakuza game series. Many speculated that it may have some connections with the Ryu ga Gotoku franchise until the developer included a Kazuma Kiryu skin DLC.
According to the community, Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise is indeed a spin-off to the Yakuza series. It shouldn’t come out as a surprise since the Ryu ga Gotoku team are renowned for their huge affection towards Fist of the North Star.
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Release Date: December 7, 2017
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PC | Xbox One
Timeline: Canon-Remake-Third
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku: Kiwami 2
Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a remake of the original Yakuza 2 released back in 2006. The remake didn’t change anything in the story. In fact, it brought more content to the table, and what’s more the visuals were massively improved compared to Yakuza 2. On the other hand, the gameplay was altered to play similarly to Yakuza 6.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 sees you playing as Kazuma Kiryu being pulled back into the Yakuza realm. Kiryu is called back into action when Terada is assassinated by an organization. A new conflict arises and it’s up to Kazuma Kiryu to prevent this conflict from escalating into a bloodbath.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Release Date: December 8, 2016
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PC | Xbox One
Timeline: Canon-Seventh
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku 6: Inochi no Uta
The Song of Life is the last entry featuring Kiryu’s adventures and marked the introduction of a new protagonist. The story in Yakuza 6 is epic and wholesome at the same time. Kiryu is released after being imprisoned for three years for his past crimes. Hoping to have a peaceful life after being released, he learns that Haruka is in a coma, and a conflict has sparked in the Yakuza world. But what makes Yakuza 6 wholesome is that Kiryu gets to act as a caring godfather for Haruto.
As you would expect from a Ryu ga Gotoku game, Yakuza 6 is, by every definition on the book, a masterpiece. Everything about it will spark joy in your experience, including the karaoke, the fight scenes, the story, and the visuals. Definitely, a recommended entry to not miss in the franchise.
Yakuza Kiwami
Release Date: January 21, 2016
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PC | Xbox One | PS3
Timeline: Canon-Remake-Second
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku: Kiwami
Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original Yakuza 2 released back in 2005. What makes the remake worth the shot is the ” Majima Everywhere ” introduction. Basically, after Kiryu gets out of prison, he sadly loses his dragon spirit. Majima notices that, and to bring Kiryu’s missing spirit, he will teach him the hard way. Kiryu will encounter Majima literally everywhere: stores, empty corners, disco dancing places. Not only that but, Majima also knows how to hide inside a trash bin, or under the sewers. So, whenever Kiryu passes by, Majima will show up.
In Yakuza Kiwami, Kiryu has 4 different fighting styles under his belt: Brawler, Beast, Rush, and traditional Dragon style from the original Yakuza game. If you want to master these styles, you better use a gamepad because A REAL YAKUZA USE A GAMEPAD.
Yakuza 0
Release Date: March 12, 2015
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PC | Xbox One | PS3 | Amazon Luna
Timeline: Canon-First
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku 0: Chikai no Basho
Yakuza 0 ignited the franchise’s popularity and brought it to the mainstream table. Thanks to Baka Mitai memes, the franchise managed to capture the attention of many, including those who were looking for a similar game to Sleeping Dogs. Little did they know that the aforementioned is much superior while the latter not holding a handle against it.
This entry in the series was the first to introduce Majima as a fully playable character along with Kiryu. It gave both of these characters their own combat style. Hence, the ” Battle Style ” system was introduced. It came as a shock, but I think the guys at SEGA could’ve been influenced by Devil May Cry’s combat style? Who knows, it could be.
Mastering these battle styles can prove to be a challenge, especially when using a keyboard and mouse. That is why A REAL YAKUZA USE A GAMEPAD.
Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin!
Release Date: February 22, 2014
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PS3
Timeline: Spin-Off
English Title: Like a Dragon: Restoration
” Kiryu has never killed anyone before “. Wrong, he did, and he did relentlessly in both Ishin and Kenzan. Not with his fists, but with a katana and a freaking gun. However, despite featuring Kiryu as the main protagonist, the game is sadly considered a spin-off and was released exclusively in Japan.
When it comes to the story, Ishin is set in the Bakumatsu period between 1853 and 1867, and it features influential figures in the era. The plot is pretty similar to previous entries in the franchise, except this time it takes place in the samurai era instead of the Japan-modern day.
Yakuza 5
Release Date: December 5, 2012
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS4 | PS3 | Xbox One | PC
Timeline: Canon-Sixth
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku 5: Yume Kanaeshi Mono
Yakuza 5 is one of those entries where Kiryu was a total badass. Well, he always was, but in this one? He was the Guts of Berserk. For the first time in the franchise, the aforementioned included five places across Japan. It also introduced new playable characters such as Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and most importantly Haruka.
Shortly after the release of Yakuza 5, it was followed by Yakuza Ishin then the prequel, Yakuza 0. All of these three games proved to be successful and it kind of upped the franchise’s popularity to a new level. Still, it couldn’t compete with Yakuza 0, in the end.
Kurohyō 2: Ryū ga Gotoku Ashura-hen
Release Date: March 22, 2012
Developer: Syn Sophia
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PSP
Timeline: Spin-Off
English Title: Black Panther 2: Like a Dragon Ashura Chapter
Kurohyō 2: Ryū ga Gotoku Ashura-hen is yet another spin-off of the Yakuza series. Despite being related to the Yakuza franchise, it was unfortunately not developed by the Ryu ga Gotoku studio. Syn Sophia is the actual developer. The latter is known for making some of the best fighting games such as EA’s Def Jam titles.
Although kurohyô was released exclusively for Japan, it managed to spawn a live-action adaptation that aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System from back in April 2012. Not only that but also a manga that consisted of 3 volumes. The manga adapts the story of the original Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō released in 2010.
The gameplay is pretty similar to the original Yakuza titles, but the combat isn’t. The combat feels more like Def Jam: Vendetta if you ask me. The graphics are okay for a PSP title, not bad, and not mind-blowing either. If you want to play this game, you need to hunt the fan English patch in case if you don’t understand Japanese.
Yakuza: Dead Souls
Release Date: June 9, 2011
Developer: Sega CS1 R&D
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS3
Timeline: Spin-Off
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku OF THE END
Somebody must’ve been a great fan of Capcom’s Dead Rising franchise at Sega because that’s how Yakuza: Dead Souls feels like. Yakuza defending the world from nasty zombies. Surprisingly, the game comes packed with lots of fun.
Dead Souls casts you in the role of different known Yakuza members as they attempt to survive the zombie outbreak that caused the citizens of Kamurocho to turn into the walking dead. It’s up to Kiryu, Majima, and others to dig a bullet into their skull. I can only hope that Dead Souls ends coming to PC one day. And if it sells, maybe SEGA can make a death racing video game in the vein of Jak X? A dream come true.
Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō
Release Date: September 22, 2010
Developer: Sega CS1 R&D
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PSP
Timeline: Spin-Off
English Title: Black Panther: Like a Dragon New Chapter
Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō is the prequel to Kurohyō 2: Ryū ga Gotoku Ashura-hen. Both were released exclusively in Japan for Sony’s PSP.
The story casts you in the role of a youngster named Tatsuya Ukyo lost in the streets of Kamurocho and its citizens after being framed for an assault. As a result, he ends up dropping from high school to live the life of a thug.
Yakuza 4
Release Date: September 22, 2010
Developer: Sega CS1 R&D
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS3 | PS4 | PC | Xbox One
Timeline: Canon-Fifth
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku 4: Densetsu o Tsugumono
With the success of past Yakuza titles, Sega didn’t have any intentions of stopping the making of new entries in the franchise. Back in 2010, Sega would release Yakuza 4, a new entry in the franchise starring Kazuma Kiryu and several new characters. Including, Taiga Saeijima, Shun Akiyama, Masayoshi Tanimura.
You’re back to Kamurcho, and problems are once again an obstacle Kiryu and his buddies need to solve. Many consider Yakuza 4 as their favorite entry in the series just because Shun Akiyama is a playable character. But personally, I think Yakuza 4 deserve a thumbs up for being the first game to introduce more than 2 playable characters with their own unique battle style before Yakuza 0.
Yakuza 3
Release Date: February 26, 2009
Developer: Sega CS1 R&D
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS3 | PS4 | PC | Xbox One
Timeline: Canon-Fourth
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku 3
Ryu ga Gotoku 3 is the first canonical entry in the franchise to hit the PlayStation 3 back in 2009. It cast you in the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu managing his own orphanage, living the good life, away from the Yakuza life. But shortly after, he’s slowly pulled into the Yakuza action he was desperately trying to leave behind.
The controls in Yakuza 3 are pretty clunky for today’s standards. The graphics are pretty manageable, but the gameplay? Holey kamoley. You’d better be prepared for what you’re getting yourself into because, at times, the combat is extremely frustrating.
Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan!
Release Date: March 6, 2008
Developer: New Entertainment R&D Dept.
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS3
Timeline: Spin-Off
English Title: Like a Dragon Arrives
Kenzan takes the crown for being the first spin-off entry in the franchise, and the first to give Kiryu a samurai look. Unfortunately, Kenzan was only released in Japan, but we do hope that one day Sega will finally decide to localize it outside of Japan.
In the meantime, while waiting for a miraculous Yakuza Kenzan and Ishin localization, you can play the games using a PS3 emulator.
Yakuza 2
Release Date: December 7, 2006
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS2 | PS3 | Wii U
Timeline: Canon
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku 2
Yakuza 2 is the original sequel to the first Yakuza game released back in 2005. Despite being released in an era where the PS2 was on its way out, it managed to sell according to expectations.
You play as Kazuma Kiryu being pulled back into action. Kiryu is called back into action when Terada is assassinated by an unknown organization. As a result, a new conflict unleashes and it’s up to Kazuma Kiryu to prevent this conflict from escalating into a bloodbath that could cost too many lives.
Yakuza
Release Date: December 8, 2005
Developer: Sega NE R&D
Publisher: Sega
Platform: PS2 | PS3 | Wii U
Timeline: Canon
Japanese Title: Ryū ga Gotoku
The game that started it all. Toshihiro Nagoshi had a dream to make a game centering around drama, yakuza, and beating thugs. The idea came out after he realized that there weren’t any video games about Yakuza in Japan. At first, Sega was unsure whether that type of video game would sell, but in the end, Nagoshi managed to convince his boss to let him develop his own game.
Yakuza’s initial sales were poor, but shortly after, they would bomb to sell above expectations, and so a sequel was greenlighted. Years after, and the series is still on fire.
This marks the end of this article. Thank you for reading.
The post All Yakuza Games Ever Released (2005-2021) appeared first on Altar of Gaming.
