I Am Pleased to Report That Yakuza 0 Still Absolutely Rips in 2026

September 2, 2026 - 00:54

Going back to Yakuza 0 in 2026 reveals that the game's mix of 1980s Japanese decadence, nightlife, and crime-fueled violence still makes it an all-time great. The game, originally released in 2015 in Japan and 2017 worldwide, remains a benchmark for open-world storytelling and side-content design. Players stepping into the neon-soaked streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori will find that the passage of time has done little to dull its edge.

The dual protagonist structure, following Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, is still a masterclass in character writing. Kiryu's earnest struggle against the Tojo Clan's corruption contrasts perfectly with Majima's chaotic, freedom-seeking arc. The combat, while not as flashy as later entries, has a weight and rhythm that rewards both button-mashing newcomers and combo-crafting veterans. The legendary styles, from Kiryu's Brawler to Majima's Breaker, offer enough variety to keep fights fresh dozens of hours in.

But the real draw remains the substories. These absurd, heartfelt, and often hilarious side quests turn the game from a crime drama into a living, breathing parody of Japanese pop culture. From helping a dominatrix learn her craft to racing a kid's toy car, the content is endlessly charming. The cabaret club management and real estate mini-games, once criticized for being grindy, now feel like cozy, satisfying time sinks in a world that has moved toward faster, more streamlined experiences.

Visually, the game shows its age in character models and lighting, but the art direction carries it. The rain-slicked streets, the buzzing arcades, the cramped karaoke bars all feel authentic. The soundtrack, a blend of synth-pop and hard rock, still pumps adrenaline during boss fights.

For anyone who missed it the first time, or for veterans looking to revisit, Yakuza 0 remains a must-play. It is a reminder that a game does not need constant updates or live-service hooks to be timeless. It just needs heart, humor, and a willingness to let players lose themselves in a world that feels alive. In 2026, that still absolutely rips.