Official Review
For newcomers to the Yakuza world, the series – including Kiwami – is primarily two things. First, it's a gritty noir tale of flawed individuals navigating the complex world of Japanese organized crime.
As one analysis aptly states: "The noir hero's world is harsh, decadent, and corrupt. It almost echoes the Buddhist idea that 'life is suffering.' But while Eastern philosophies seek escape from this cycle, noir protagonists (or 'pro-nos', if that's not offensive shorthand) always dive back in, seemingly relishing the experience." This perfectly captures the Yakuza series, where deeply flawed characters repeatedly, if reluctantly, get involved in the underworld.
Once involved, these characters fully embrace their outsider status. They indulge in drinking, gambling, and the pleasures of hostess clubs. They engage in fights for the thrill of it. The fictional-yet-realistic city of Kamurocho is a den of excess and vice, where terrible events unfold and rival gangs compete to outdo each other in brutality. In the noir genre, Yakuza stands as the video game equivalent of Raymond Chandler's work – unmatched in the medium.
This dark, violent backdrop surprisingly meshes well with Yakuza's other face: its offbeat, surreal humor. While pursuing the main story's grim events, you're encouraged to explore the compact yet dense open world, uncovering side stories that are often absurdly over-the-top. These lighter moments offer a welcome break from the intense main plot, helping players connect with protagonists who might otherwise seem too far removed from relatable anti-heroes.
The stark contrast between serious drama and quirky comedy shouldn't work in theory. Most creative teams would struggle to balance these elements. Yet in Yakuza, it succeeds due to impeccable writing, perfect timing, and meticulous game design.
Yakuza's flawless construction makes Yakuza Kiwami on Switch slightly disappointing, despite understandable compromises. The cutscenes remain pristine, matching other versions. However, when controlling Kiryu, you'll notice less detailed environments and character models, creating a more noticeable gap between cinematic and gameplay visuals than ideal.
While this visual downgrade is merely cosmetic, the extreme pop-in is more distracting. Larger elements like buildings and crowds appear at a distance, but smaller objects like trash cans and bikes materialize suddenly just feet away from your character. It's not gameplay-breaking but can pull you out of the experience.
More problematic is the inconsistent framerate. While I'm usually forgiving about framerates, Kiwami struggles to maintain a steady pace. In a fast-paced brawler, these drops can lead to Kiryu taking unexpected hits. Some areas push the game to the brink of unplayability, though it narrowly avoids complete disaster.
These technical issues are significant hurdles. While it's exciting to see Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo hardware, it doesn't quite match the impressive Switch ports of games like The Witcher 3, NieR: Automata, or Persona 5.
Despite these drawbacks, Yakuza Kiwami on Switch remains a compelling experience. The core gameplay, storytelling, and unique blend of drama and humor shine through the technical limitations. For Nintendo fans new to the series, it's a solid introduction to Kiryu's world, even if it's not the optimal way to experience it.
The game's strengths – its engaging narrative, complex characters, and vibrant setting – are still present. Kamurocho feels alive, teeming with opportunities for both serious drama and lighthearted fun. The side activities, from karaoke to bizarre substories, offer a rich tapestry of experiences that complement the main plot.
Ultimately, Yakuza Kiwami on Switch is a testament to the series' enduring appeal. While it may not be the definitive version, it brings this beloved franchise to a new platform, potentially introducing a whole new audience to the captivating world of Yakuza. For Switch owners willing to overlook some technical hiccups, it's a chance to dive into one of gaming's most unique and engaging series.
Now, we must hope SEGA sees enough sales to justify this effort and isn't discouraged by the lukewarm reception. Yakuza Kiwami remains an outstanding game, and if this marks the beginning of the entire series coming to Switch 2, it's valuable for completeness. It's undeniably a 5-star experience, but the Switch hardware struggles to do it full justice. Still, having this stellar title on Nintendo's platform is a win, even if it's not the optimal way to experience Kiryu's world.
