TL:DR: Highly recommended, you’ll lose yourself in the game see that hours have passed and you spent all that time doing everything but the main story because you were enjoying yourself too much.

Yakuza 0 takes from several sources to make itself a great and epic tale. For fans of HK Cinema you will recognise elements of the story are directly ripped from John Woo’s masterpiece “The Killer.” Yes this is Japan and not Hong Kong, Yakuza and not Triads but the similarities are certainly there. This is no bad thing, after all if you are going to “borrow,” then borrow form the best.

This game is a prequel to the Yakuza series, set in the late 1980s in Japan. You will learn about Japanese culture, and may even learn things you wish you hadn’t like there being special shops where you go to watch videos and “play with yourself.” Well moving swiftly on and back to the story, you play as Kazuma Kiryu, a young yakuza member, and Goro Majima, a former Yakuza member, as they navigate the criminal underworld of Kamurocho, Tokyo, and Sotenbori, Osaka.

I have to say that the greatest strength of Yakuza 0 is its story. Sure the mini-games and map are great but for me it is all about the narrative. The game has a well-written and engaging narrative that is filled with twists and turns. The characters are well-developed and likable, with a sort of goofy charm to them. Enemies are equally fleshed out and feel very real. Your interactions with them vary from comically entertaining to really emotional. The story isn’t afraid to hit you in the “feels.” I’ve never been to Japan but there is a great atmospheric quality to the game and I can only assume it captures 1980s Japan authentically.

The gameplay in Yakuza 0 is enjoyable. The combat system is fast-paced and satisfying with a variety of moves and weapons to use. The game also offers a variety of side activities and mini-games such as karaoke, pool, and arcade games, which adds depth and variety to the gameplay.

Yakuza 0 is a fantastic game that is well worth playing. Its combination of a compelling story, engaging characters, and satisfying gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Highly Recommended.