Yakuza Kiwami 2

Earlier this month, Sega released the demo for Yakuza Kiwami 2 on the PlayStation Store. In this demo preview, we will take a look at the game’s battle system and features. A 3D Action-Adventure title – with beat ’em up elements – Yakuza Kiwami 2 is remake of the PS2 title, Yakuza 2, and the sequel to last year’s Yakuza Kiwami.

We went ahead and checked out the demo on the PlayStation store. It gives you a brief look of the game that covers all of your bases, from combat to exploration. While upgrading abilities isn’t possible in this build, you have access to a number of abilities, fighting techniques, and even several side quests. Read on as we cover them more in-depth.

The Dragon of Kansai

The demo starts off with a cut scene in a train ride from Kamurocho (Tokyo) to Sotenbori (Osaka). Kiryu and one of his allies, Daigo Dojima, are talking a potential clan war going down. The conversation involves the Osaka-based Omi Alliance – which made brief apparances in Yakuza 0 and Kiwami – and a man whom Daigo attempted to fight. That man is Ryuji Goda, a lieutenant of the Omi Alliance, known as the Dragon of Kansai. Upon entering Sotenbori, you’re challenged to a fight immediately. Battling the thug briefs you in on the fighting style of the game. Shortly after, an NPC introduces himself as Kurokawa, and you’re free to explore the city.

Sotenbori is similar in design to Kamurocho. Yakuza 0 players will remember Goro Majima’s hometown almost instantly. For those who either started with Kiwami, or are new to the franchise the layout consists of two districts. A river sets them apart, putting two bridges on the map. This serves as but one distinct difference from Kiryu’s hometown of Kamurocho. While you can explore a good chunk of the city, parts of it are blocked off. Kiryu can enter shops, restaurants, and even engage in several side quests.

Devil May Cry 5 Preview.

Life in Sotenbori

One thing different about Yakuza Kiwami 2 is its engine. Unlike 0 and Kiwami, the game runs in 30 FPS. However, the textures and animations are noticeably improved. After Yakuza 6, this is the second game in the series to run as a native PS4 title. The detail and animation upgrade will be noticeable to anyone playing the demo. Despite the downgrade in frame rate, the visuals look more stunning than the previous games.

Life in Sotenbori is a bit different from Kamurocho. NPCs speak with an accent, written in improper English grammar. The sunset streets of Osaka light up with restaurants and stores that you can enter without transitioning the screen. Every entrance is seamless. And even when you dine-in, Kiryu has new animations once he sits down. This eliminates the need for loading screens and effectively increases the scope of the city.

The side quests I played included helping a dominatrix in danger. Outside of a club, the girl invites Kiryu in, to which he politely declines. Two thugs demand her service, and Kiryu can choose to end the harassment and bash their heads in. Other side-quests include messages sent on your phone. Checking them allows you to engage in fights against a couple of street brawlers squaring for a fight. Despite having more HP than your average enemy, they’re not too difficult to handle.

Release

The full game features some new content in stock for the main release. The demo clocks in at around an hour or so, depending on the side-content you choose to do. While I had no playable styles to switch to, I could map a weapon to each directional button. Also, you can upgrade your stats, but only in the full game. Once you get the full game, you’ll also be able to play as Goro Majima, who was playable in Yakuza 0. Finally, featuring the best of 3D beat ’em up action, a wealth of side-quests, and an amazing storyline, Yakuza Kiwami 2 seeks to follow the quality of its predecessors.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 releases for PlayStation 4 on August 28, 2018. You can try the demo now on PSN and order the full game here. Keep up to date with us as we follow Sega’s latest hit to its release date!

Thank you for reading our coverage of Yakuza Kiwami 2! Have you tried the demo yet? Did you play Yakuza 0 or Kiwami yet? Let us know in the comments below!

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