EXP and graphics
The developers have attempted to make the fighting aspect of Yakuza more engaging by adding an EXP system. The more missions and objectives that you perform the stronger Kazuma will become and with this added experience you can upgrade his three main abilities, strength, stamina and skills. This addition does add extra value to the gameplay and encourages you to plough on through right till the final scene.
Visually, Yakusa manages to capture the Japanese style superbly with the highlight being the neon-lit, bustling districts. The well designed character models inject personality into the animations and the cut scenes further enhance the experience of being involved in the Japanese underworld. Fighting sequences are also well animated as your character reacts precisely to your button bashing commands and a slow motion effect ensures that you get to see all of the brutal action in all of its bloody glory.
It’s the crude animations that have led Yakuza to being stamped with an 18 certificate, but there’s also a fair amount of swearing. Although we’re prone to uttering the odd profanity ourselves and can understand the developers are trying to make the game as realistic as possible, it’s so frequent that it often feels totally out of place and actually distracted us from the story-line.
Despite the repetitive fight sequences, it’s the intriguing storyline and the satisfaction of completing some entertaining missions that will keep you coming back for more. Yakuza is a stylish, intriguing game, and although you’ll probably only play it once, it’s the insight into the Japanese culture and the world of the Yakuza gangs that make it a worthwhile experience.
Pros
Interesting subject matter
Good storyline
Stylish graphics
Enjoyable mini-games
Cons
Repetitive fighting
Expected more freedom
Dodgy camera
Despite its faults, Yakuza is still a stylish, cinematic experience that's definately worth looking at.
HEXUS Awards
Yakuza - PS2
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Yakuza is available now , click the following links to order:Play.com
