Enter the Dragon (of Dojima).
| Platform | OVERALL |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | 9.50 |
| Overall | 9.50 |
|
Yakuza is such a masterfully constructed game that it is a shame that it has been defined more by what it isn't more than what it is. Most previews of the game, and even some shabbily written reviews, compare Yakuza to the Grand Theft Auto III series. Electronic Gaming Monthly, while missing in every other aspect of their review was more precise with their comparison, Yakuza is more the product of Shenmue and Square's PS2 launch game, The Bouncer. You play the role of a member of a crime family who after being released from ten years of jail finds the crime organizations of Japan teetering on self-destruction. In your search to find an old friend, and re-unite her with her young daughter, you discover that almost everything around you is inter-related in what for the player is a compelling and worthwhile adventure. The game balances light RPG character development with third-person action adventure but mostly focussing on beat-em-up game play. There are also salutes to genres such as a dating simulators, home run derby, gambling and shooter-on-rails. These deviations are all executed perfectly and never over used, they are there to augment the experience and give a break from the relentless street brawling. The fighting evolves with your experience so I never grew tired of it as new moves and power levels where constantly being unlocked. Graphically, the game has a style of it's own. The environments seem authentic and lively. The camera is not controlled by the user, which is not a negative at any point in the game. The voice acting and music in Yakuza is among the best I have experienced. Sadly the ambient sound effects (crowd sounds, street music) were among the worst I have encountered. While in the street (which is 80% of the time), you will here what sounds like a four second chant looped indefinitely. It still rings in my ears and sounds like 'Heynoawa-inncidentory-oh-haw-wah-nah-ah'. I will remember that chant for the rest of my life. I have no idea what it means or what it says, it stands as the only flaw I found in the game. Speaking of flaws, there are load times as you enter and exit each fight. I did not mind them, they gave me time to focus on what was about to happen, but for the first hour of play I was not sure where SEGA had spent all the money on this game. Yazuka is alleged to be the most expensive game ever made, and while it is a game of great detail I have to think that some of the money SEGA claimed to have spent on the game was used in some other way. All things considered Yakuza is a masterpiece of video-game development, one that should be experienced by anyone who enjoys a well-made game that offers immersive and enjoyable play. I can't wait for the sequel, but even before then I am sure I will play through Yakuza at least one more time. |
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Posted by aspro Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:52:37
Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:14:58
I love you. This is almost my review. Good job.
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