Yakuza 4

An excellent sequel for an outstanding series; Yakuza 4 caters to its fans and offers up another wonderful adventure in Kamurocho.

Yakuza 4 is the thinking man's brawler. Grab a drink, preferably in a very large glass, settle down and immerse yourself in the violent neon-lit streets of Kamurocho. Give it a chance and you'll find it hard to put down.

The fighting is about as refined and diverse as it has ever been, the city of Kamurocho is more detailed and immersive, the story has plenty of highlights, and becoming immersed in urban Japanese culture has never been so entertaining. However, it's held back by one slightly disappointing fact: the series is starting to show its age.

There's a lot to do in this game from playing pachinko, visiting hostess clubs, and beating up punks to participating in the intrigue of organized crime. It's just so far from anything most Westerners are used to that many will have a hard time warming up to it.

Veering from utterly absorbing to utterly nonsense, it revels in its existence as a unique gaming experience. [Issue#203, p.92]

Arguably gaming's most authentic crime story, as well as an excellent roaming beat 'em-up and (thug) life simulator.

Yakuza 4 isn't as compelling as the third game, nor does it introduce a lot of new, interesting features. But it's still a fun romp, and sometimes when I walk down the streets in Kabukicho it feels like I'm back in Shinjuku, and that's a rare feat. Not for everone, but fans of the series could do worse.

Upon completion of Yakuza 3, I immediately bought Yakuza 4 and was not disappointed. It continues the tradition of compelling story and great characters. The twists and turns in the plot kept me engaged in the story at all times. The characters themselves have a lot of heart and personality. They feel genuine and real thanks to the writing and voice acting. The soundtrack is incredible as well, and perfectly compliments the characters and story. As with all Yakuza games, it's hard to just play a short session. Reader beware: Once you get hooked, you are not going to want to turn the game off.

A strong 7. This felt like the shortest Yakuza-game on PS3. Easy-forgettable story. The only thing I remember from it is the policeman Tanimura, whose voice and face is the cute and sexy Hiroki Narimiya - famous from the Honey & Clover tv-drama and the movie Ace Attorney.

Much better than the third one, the cut scenes were improved but I hate they added more characters you can play as. It made the game harder but at the same time a little boring because I just wanted to play as Kazuma. I did like how they brought back the hostess clubs as they were one of my favorite features.

I didnt like it Im sorry. I guess it didnt age well, the combat is meh the story is roll over your eyes multiple times etc... Im not happy with it tbh.

ehhh, rubber bullets are you kidding ..... nice characters bad story. it introduces saejimas, tanimura and akiyama , 2 of which are returning characters in the series, but the story was not good, kiryu was dragged in for like no reason, and the game play was not good, unless you played someone like saejima or kiryu, who were the only gameplay i kind of enjoyed, it felt wonky, i just didnt like this game, good soundtrack though i guess