After multiple failed attempts to connect with earlier entries, Yakuza 0 became my gateway into Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s long-standing (and delightfully unhinged) crime saga. Its opening sequence instantly signals that you’re experiencing the franchise at its peak – a masterful blend of gritty drama and absurd humor set against 1980s Japan’s criminal underworld.

The prequel delivers a refined take on the series’ signature formula, following Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima’s origin stories through Tokyo and Osaka’s neon-lit districts. While later entries would experiment with turn-based mechanics, this title perfects the brawler combat system with responsive controls and three distinct fighting styles per protagonist. Environmental interactions remain a highlight – whether clobbering foes with traffic cones or breakdancing through hordes, the chaos never loses its charm.

Beyond its cinematic mob drama lies an eccentric playground brimming with distractions. From karaoke sessions to running hostess clubs, the game rewards exploration with memorable side stories and period-specific minigames. The re-release enhances these elements through visual upgrades, offering crisp 4K resolution and smooth performance across both docked and portable play modes.

Newcomers should note the revamped English voice acting falters compared to the original Japanese performances. Additional story content provides fresh perspectives for series veterans, though some narrative tweaks may spark debate among longtime fans. A tacked-on multiplayer mode offers disposable horde battles but fails to match the main campaign’s depth.