![]() Much like Yakuza 3 HD, Yakuza 4 has the same systems only now split between the four protagonists. The combat is the same from the original release so if you’re going into this thinking it will be something like Kiwami 2 or Yakuza 0, you’re going to be disappointed. The new localization is good and adds more character to the dialogue between the cast of characters, but it isn’t enough to carry the bloated narrative. Other than a new localization, a recast for Tanimura, and slight touch-ups to the PS3 era visuals as well as running at 60 FPS, not much has changed about Yakuza 4. Golfing, fishing, hanging out at the cabaret club or going to karaoke? You name it, you can probably do it. Mini-games are still plenty, as are side-stories, which always gives players something to do between the story sections. And as always Kiryu is there doing what Kiryu does best - he serves as a backbone to both this entry and the series itself, but even his appearance and inclusion in the story isn’t enough to make Yakuza 4 truly great. His new actor does a well enough job to set his performance apart from the previous actor, but that doesn’t make his individual narrative any more interesting. Unfortunately, Tanimura is mostly forgettable if you’re not interested in police heavy plot points usually found in your run of the mill Japanese crime drama. Saejima is only as interesting as his connection to the already established (and fan-favorite) Majima, and Akiyama manages to get by on his charm and sleaze and assurances of being a good man despite his misogyny. The new protagonists help add different perspectives to the latest conflict within the bustling metropolitan city, but they’re only ever as interesting as the characters they provide foils to. ![]() While it wasn’t necessarily a bad game then and it isn’t necessarily a bad game now, it’s just kind of there, existing as a bridge between plot points and drama that cycle in an endless all-consuming uroboros of what makes up Kamurocho. Playing Yakuza 4 Remastered made me relive the series fatigue I felt while playing the original release of the game in 2010. ![]()
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