The Most Popular Yakuza Game, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the game you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:54
In the gaming community, fans often debate which Yakuza title stands out the most. With an array of stories and sets of characters, each game offers a unique experience. Establishing a clear favorite helps new players decide where to start and what to expect.
By casting your vote, you contribute to shaping a guided list shaped by collective preference. This list not only reflects the opinions of seasoned players but also acts as a beacon for newcomers. Your participation ensures that every fan's voice is heard and valued in the community.
What Is the Most Popular Yakuza Game?
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170votes
Yakuza 0
SegaConsidered by many fans to be the best entry in the series, Yakuza 0 is a prequel that tells the origin story of series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and his rival Goro Majima. It features a compelling story, engaging combat, and a richly detailed open world.Yakuza 0 is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Sega. It serves as a prequel to the Yakuza series, taking place in 1988 in Tokyo and Osaka. The game follows the story of two protagonists, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, as they navigate the underworld of Japan's organized crime syndicate.- Genre: Action-adventure
- Release Date: March 12, 2015 (Japan), January 24, 2017 (Worldwide)
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows
- Single Player: Yes
- Multiplayer: No
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220votes
Yakuza Kiwami
SegaA remake of the original Yakuza game, Kiwami features updated graphics, improved gameplay, and additional story content. It also includes new side activities and mini-games, making it a great entry point for newcomers to the series.Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original Yakuza game released in 2005. It was developed and published by Sega for the PlayStation 4 and is part of the long-running Yakuza series. The game follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former member of the yakuza who seeks redemption after being released from prison. With improved graphics, additional content, and re-recorded audio, Yakuza Kiwami provides a fresh experience while staying true to the original game's narrative.- Platform: PlayStation 4
- Release Date: January 21, 2016 (Japan)
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Modes: Single-player
- Player Perspective: Third-person
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334votes
Yakuza 5
SegaWidely regarded as one of the best entries in the series, Yakuza 5 features a sprawling narrative that follows five different protagonists across Japan. It also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as hunting and taxi driving, and has a massive amount of side content to explore.Yakuza 5 is an action-adventure game developed and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3. It is the fifth main installment in the Yakuza series and was initially released in Japan in December 2012. The game follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu and several other playable characters as they navigate the criminal underworld in various locations across Japan.- Platform: PlayStation 3
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Release Date: December 2012 (Japan)
- Players: Single-player
- Playable Characters: Kazuma Kiryu, Taiga Saejima, Shun Akiyama, Haruka Sawamura, Tatsuo Shinada
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419votesThe final chapter in Kiryu's story, Yakuza 6 features updated graphics, refined combat, and a more streamlined open world. It also has a touching and emotional story that brings closure to Kiryu's journey.Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is an action-adventure game developed and published by Sega. It is the seventh main entry in the Yakuza series, and the final chapter in the story of main protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. The game follows Kiryu as he explores the fictional city of Kamurocho and Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, in search of the truth behind a series of events involving his surrogate daughter.
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Platform: PlayStation 4
- Release Date: April 2018
- Age Rating: Mature (17+)
- Game Modes: Single-player
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58votesA remake of Yakuza 2, Kiwami 2 features updated graphics and gameplay, as well as new story content that expands on the original game. It also includes new side activities and mini-games, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
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615votes
Yakuza 3
SegaThe third entry in the series, Yakuza 3 features a more relaxed and peaceful Kiryu, who has retired from the Yakuza and runs an orphanage. It also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as fishing, and has a touching and emotional story that explores Kiryu's softer side.Yakuza 3 is an action-adventure video game developed by Sega and released in Japan in 2009. It is the third main entry in the Yakuza series and follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former Yakuza member who tries to navigate a peaceful life as the owner of an orphanage on the beach. However, his past catches up to him and he finds himself entangled in the dangerous underworld once again.- Platform: PlayStation 3
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Release Year: 2009
- Game Modes: Single-player
- Number of Players: 1
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77votes
Yakuza 4
SegaSimilar to Yakuza 5, Yakuza 4 features multiple protagonists with their own storylines that eventually converge. It also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as rooftop chases and character switching, and has a more complex and intricate plot than previous entries.Yakuza 4 is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Sega. It is the fourth main entry in the Yakuza series and was initially released for the PlayStation 3 in 2010. The game follows four playable characters, each with their own unique storylines, as they navigate the criminal underworld of Kamurocho, a fictional district of Tokyo.- Release Date: 2010
- Number of Playable Characters: 4
- Platform: PlayStation 3
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Setting: Kamurocho, Tokyo
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83votes
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Ryu Ga Gotoku StudioA departure from the series' traditional gameplay, Like a Dragon features turn-based combat and a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga. It also has a strong focus on character development and a compelling story that explores themes of family and friendship.Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an action-adventure role-playing video game, developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. It is the eighth main installment in the Yakuza series and introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, as he rises through the criminal underworld of Yokohama. The game combines the series' signature beat 'em up combat with turn-based RPG elements, offering a fresh take on the Yakuza experience.- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
- Release date: January 16, 2020 (Japan), November 10, 2020 (Worldwide)
- Genre: Action-adventure, role-playing
- Modes: Single-player
- Setting: Open world - fictionalized version of Yokohama, Japan
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92votes
Yakuza 2
SegaThe original Yakuza 2 is still considered a classic by many fans, with a gripping story that follows Kiryu as he investigates a conspiracy within the Yakuza. It also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as heat actions and the ability to pick up and use objects in combat.Yakuza 2 is an action-adventure game developed and published by Sega. It is the second installment in the Yakuza series, originally released for PlayStation 2 in 2006, and later remastered for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows. The game offers an immersive open-world experience in the fictional Japanese district of Kamurocho, where players take on the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza member who becomes embroiled in a new conflict.- Genre: Action-adventure
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
- Release Year: 2006
- Setting: Modern-day fictional Japanese district
- Protagonist: Kazuma Kiryu
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107votesA spin-off of the main series, Dead Souls features Kiryu and other series regulars fighting against a zombie outbreak in Tokyo. It also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as shooting and weapon customization, and has a campy and over-the-top storyline that is sure to entertain.Yakuza: Dead Souls is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Sega. It is a spin-off from the main Yakuza series and was released for the PlayStation 3. The game takes place in the fictional city of Kamurocho, where players control various characters as they navigate through a zombie outbreak.
- Platform: PlayStation 3
- Genre: Action-adventure, survival horror
- Mode: Single-player
- Release Date: March 15, 2011 (Japan), March 13, 2012 (North America), March 16, 2012 (Europe)
- Setting: Fictional city of Kamurocho during a zombie outbreak
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Ranking factors for popular game
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Sales figuresThe number of units sold can reflect how well-received the game was by the public.
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Critical receptionThe ratings and reviews from reputable gaming publications can give an indication of the game's overall quality and reception.
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Impact on the seriesSome games may be more significant than others in terms of their impact on the overall Yakuza series and its development.
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Historical contextThe age of the game, the level of competition at the time of release, and other contextual factors can also have an impact on its popularity or significance.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Yakuza game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1875 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular yakuza game
Yakuza games have been gaining popularity among gamers worldwide since the launch of the first game in 2005. Developed by Sega, these games are set in the fictional district of Kamurocho in Tokyo, Japan, and revolve around the Japanese criminal underworld. Players take on the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a member of the Yakuza, who navigates through the criminal underworld while also dealing with personal struggles and relationships.
Since the release of the first game, the Yakuza franchise has expanded to include several sequels, spin-offs, and remakes. With each new release, the game's popularity has grown, and fans have eagerly awaited the next installment. The series has gained a massive following due to its immersive storylines, realistic graphics, and engaging gameplay mechanics.
With so many Yakuza games available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the most popular. However, fans and critics alike have praised Yakuza 0 for its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game is a prequel to the first Yakuza game and follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they navigate through the criminal underworld of Tokyo in the late 1980s. Yakuza 0 has received critical acclaim and has been praised as one of the best games in the series.
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