Okay, so here’s the thing—Nintendo’s got a thing for the Yakuza series. Seriously, I mean, remember that one on Wii U? No? Doesn’t matter. Anyway, the Switch got Yakuza Kiwami not too long ago, and guess what? Now, Yakuza 0 is strutting onto the new Nintendo Switch 2. I managed to snag a little playtime, and yeah, thoughts happened.
Yakuza 0—ten years! Can you believe it? Japan saw this gem on PlayStation 3 & 4 back in the day. Now, Switch 2’s getting what they’re calling a ‘director’s cut,’ which is kinda funny because, well, the original director bailed on SEGA. So, English voice acting now (crazy, right?), new scenes, and—wait for it—a Red Light Raid mode.
45 minutes I spent, screen in docked mode. Smooth like silk, my friends. They’re boasting 60 FPS, though I didn’t sit there counting, promise. Looks sharp though, at least 1440p sharp. Asked about HDR, but nope, nada. Kinda said ‘meh’ to that.
Yakuza 0, man—it pulls you right in. Newbies, this one’s got your back. Story’s wild—humor, feels—all packed in. Mini-games? Heck yes. Karaoke, old SEGA stuff, batting cages. Fighting? Multiple styles. And walking around 80s Japan is pure joy for folks like me who are stuck in this century.
Now, Red Light Raid mode—okay, honestly, I’m a bit clumsy at the combat thing. Bosses, waves of baddies—classic survival mode stuff. Tried solo, ’cause who needs friends, right? Characters can be a riot, like this guy Ginger Chapman—the human Chucky doll, people! Knife skills? Limited, but hey, stabbing is a thing.
Kiryu was more my speed, but in this mode, he’s limited to one fighting style. Feels weird, but you earn cash and level up, so it’s got its perks. Might get repetitive alone, though—I figure it’s more fun with a pal by your side.
End of the day? I’m game for Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut on Switch 2. Played it before, sure, but English dub’s calling me. Red Light Raid hasn’t won me over, but maybe next month I’ll give it another whirl. I mean, why not, right?
