Yakuza returns to the west with a second remake in the “Kiwami” line with Yakuza Kiwami 2. Like the original before it, Kiwami 2 follows the events of the first Yakuza entry and has former Yakuza turned citizen Kazuma Kiryu investigating a decades long grudge which is effecting all of Kamuchoro and the surrounding areas of Japan.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a 2018 remake of the original Yakuza 2, it is developed and published by Sega and is available exclusively on the Playstation 4.

Editor’s Note: A review copy of Yakuza Kiwami 2 was provided by Sega in support of this review.

The two Dragons of the Yakuza square off.

In what may have sparked a long overdue resurgence in the west since “0”, Yakuza continues it’s great new life line outside of Japan with it’s “Kiwami” remake line. Coming off the incredibly successful Kiwami 1, Kiwami 2 has players once again stepping into the shoes of Kiryu Kazuma as he learns of a deadly hatred between certain members of the Omi Alliance and Tojo Clan. Now Kiryu must return to the very clan he left to stop Ryuji Goda and those conspiring against his former family before all of Japan becomes victim to the destruction.

Fan favorite Goro Majima returns as a playable character in Yakuza Kiwami 2.

THE GOOD: Yakuza is back again with another hit in Yakuza Kiwami 2. All of the ridiculousness Yakuza is known for has been visually upgraded from the ground up and gameplay has received a touch up. Kiryu is still adjusting to life outside of the Yakuza and just as he thinks he’s been taken out he’s being wrapped right back in after a rival clan take out friend and current Chairman of the Tojo Clan Terada. Now he must work with a Japanese detective to help unravel the long history between the two clans which was unbeknownst to even some of the most senior members.

Kiryu finds love in Yakuza Kiwami 2.

The overhaul of activities never cease in Yakuza, and in Kiwami 2 that remains as such. You can play mahjong, visit Club Sega and more. The RTS like game from Kiwami 1 also returns in the form of Majima Construction; Goro Majima’s legitimately operated construction company. Speaking of, Majima also has his own side story which has him as a playable character again. It’s mainly focused on his time spent with the Yakuza 2 story, but there’s also an unexpected Yakuza 0 attachment. New characters such as Ryuji and Jira Kawara add an interesting dynamic to Kiryu’s character with the former being a secondary “Dragon” and the latter being his new love interest.

An unexpected reunion in Yakuza Kiwami 2.

THE BAD: Majima’s role in the game could have been a bit larger than it was, but more Majima content is good in any sense, shape, or form. I also loved the connection to 0 it provides.

Returning gameplay elements makes Kiwami 2 an even more enjoyable experiences

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Yakuza Kiwami 2 continues the excellent remake successors to the original games with an extensive amount of content to enjoy and a fun, emotional story. With the story in addition to everything you can do alongside it you’ll quickly find yourself lost for hours in this remake sequel