How a remake of a decade-old game revitalized a cult classic crime saga
In short: Released in 2016, Yakuza Kiwami transformed the original PlayStation 2 title into a modern action-adventure experience. By integrating the refined combat systems of its prequel and expanding the narrative depth of its antagonist, Sega successfully bridged the gap between retro roots and contemporary gaming standards for a global audience.
Originally released on the PlayStation 2, the first Yakuza game was reimagined as Yakuza Kiwami to celebrate the series' 10th anniversary. Development began in earnest following the success of the prequel, Yakuza 0, which provided the technical foundation and combat mechanics for the remake. The team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio aimed to modernize the experience while maintaining the core identity of the original, ultimately deciding against significant changes to the cast or voice recordings to preserve the story's integrity.
The remake is defined by its combat system, which features four distinct fighting styles: Brawler, Beast, Rush, and the traditional Dragon style. A standout addition is the Majima Everywhere system, where the rival character Goro Majima randomly challenges the protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, to fights during exploration or minigames. This system serves a dual purpose: it provides comedic relief and acts as a mechanical necessity for players to grind and unlock new abilities for the Dragon style, which is otherwise limited.
Narratively, the game expands on the tragic descent of Akira Nishikiyama, Kiryu's best friend. New flashback sequences detail Nishikiyama's struggle as an incompetent leader, his manipulation by a fraudulent doctor, and the eventual loss of his sister, Yuko. These additions provide context for his transformation into a cold-hearted boss, contrasting sharply with the game's lighter side missions. While critics were divided on the pacing and the melodrama of the cutscenes, the game was a commercial success, with its Japanese release week sales reaching over 160,000 copies across PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.
Since its initial 2016 launch in Japan, the game has seen a wide release across multiple platforms, including Windows, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. An enhanced version released in late 2025 further improved technical performance, featuring 60fps cutscenes and expanded language support. The project's success paved the way for Yakuza Kiwami 2, cementing the Kiwami model as a standard for revisiting the series' history.
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