Nintendo Switch Yakuza Kiwami Review

Yakuza Kiwami, the ground-up remake of the original Yakuza game, has finally made its way to the Nintendo Switch. This port brings the gritty streets of Kamurocho to Nintendo's hybrid console, allowing players to experience the intense drama and over-the-top action of the Yakuza series on the go. But how does it fare on this platform? Let's dive into the world of Kazuma Kiryu and find out.

A Gripping Narrative

Yakuza Kiwami retells the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a young yakuza who takes the fall for a murder he didn't commit. After serving a 10-year prison sentence, Kiryu returns to a changed Kamurocho, thrust into a complex web of betrayal, loyalty, and family ties.

The narrative is as compelling as ever, with:

• Intense plot twists
• Deep character development
• Emotional storytelling that keeps you invested

Memorable Characters

The game shines in its character portrayals:

• Kazuma Kiryu: The stoic, honorable protagonist
• Goro Majima: The unpredictable and charismatic rival
• Haruka: The young girl at the center of the conflict

Each character is brought to life with excellent voice acting (in Japanese with English subtitles) and nuanced performances.

Combat System

Yakuza Kiwami's combat is a highlight:

• Four fighting styles to master
• Brutal heat actions for cinematic finishers
• Responsive controls that translate well to the Switch

The "Majima Everywhere" system, where Goro Majima appears randomly to challenge Kiryu, adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the gameplay.

Exploration and Side Activities

Kamurocho is a dense, living city filled with:

• Numerous side quests with quirky characters
• Mini-games ranging from karaoke to batting cages
• Plenty of shops and restaurants to visit

These elements provide a perfect balance to the main story's intensity.

Visual Fidelity

On the Switch:

• Character models and cutscenes look impressive
• The city of Kamurocho is detailed and atmospheric
• Some textures and environmental details are noticeably downgraded compared to other versions

Performance

The game runs surprisingly well:

• Stable 30 FPS in most situations
• Occasional frame drops in busy areas or intense fights
• Longer loading times compared to other platforms

• The soundtrack is excellent, capturing the essence of the yakuza underworld
• Voice acting is top-notch, delivering emotional performances
• Sound effects are punchy, enhancing the combat experience

• Portable play is a significant advantage, allowing you to enjoy the game anywhere
• Touch screen support for menu navigation
• HD Rumble adds tactile feedback to combat

Yakuza Kiwami on the Nintendo Switch is a solid port of an already excellent game. While it may not be the definitive version in terms of graphics, the ability to play on the go more than makes up for it. The gripping story, intense combat, and wealth of side content make this a must-play for fans of action-adventure games and newcomers to the Yakuza series alike.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline and characters
• Robust combat system
• Wealth of side activities
• Portable play on Switch

Cons:

• Some graphical downgrades
• Occasional performance issues
• Longer loading times

Final Verdict: 8.5/10

Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch successfully brings the streets of Kamurocho to the palm of your hands, offering an engrossing experience that balances drama, action, and humor in a uniquely Japanese package.