More PS2 Reprints, Yakuza 1-2

[Reprise]

Maybe Sega will consider a physical release for 5 at this rate.

Please, Sega. Just do this!

[TEKTORO]

Thinking of grabbing 2 again, I bought it some years ago for $25 which I though was high, but the game was great. I sold it to a friend for $20 and had recently seen that copies were going up in the $100 range!

I want to get 3 & 4 but idk they might get some treatment so I'm holding out! Dead Souls (which I like) now that ain't getting a remake lol

[Damm64]

Im really surprised about this and more surprised that they didn't release the PS2 games on the PSN... seems really odd to reprint two games that are two generations, or two and a half, behind.

I keep wondering when i will give a shot to my copies of Yakuza 3 and 4 that i have on the shelf.

[Blu]

I'm glad this series is getting some love and getting more physical copies out there. I really got lucky and had found complete copies of Yakuza 1 & 2 at my Gamestop back in 2013 when BMF introduced me to the series. Now they're a pretty penny. Maybe this will help drop some of the prices.

[ElkinFencer10]

I've been really interested in the series, but I'm a bit obsessive-compulsive about starting with the first game, and the price of those first two has always kept me from trying it. I ordered the reprints, though, so I plan to give it a shot soon.

[Exhuminator]

I went back and looked at when I beat these games, and drudged up my old reviews, if anyone is interested.

Yakuza; I gave a 9/10 (beat on Apr 10, 2013)

SEGA spent 21 million dollars on this and every penny was well spent. Some people compare this game to Shenmue for various reasons. However, I feel Yakuza took the soul of Shenmue and made it shine. Granted, Yakuza isn't nearly as interactive as Shenmue was, but it trades plodding interactivity for a stronger story and a killer combat engine. Overall, I'd say Yakuza breaks down to 50% brawler, 30% adventure, and 20% RPG. Yes you have stats and experience points, and even equipment slots to upgrade. There are even random battles in the game that reward experience and money. The graphics are highly impressive, the music is fantastic, the controls are great, etc. This was just a first class act for its time, and even today rewards. If nothing else, Yakuza shows that a good story truly elevates the gameplay. It's so much more rewarding to kick someone's butt in a game when you feel there's a tangible purpose behind the fight. Any complaints? Well... the load times are pretty bad and way too frequent. The camera is the most dangerous enemy in the game. And the "lock on" system needs a major overhaul. Yakuza was a brawler like no other that enthralls and entertains, I recommend it to anyone with hot red blood pumping in their veins!

Yakuza 2; I gave an 8/10 (beat on Jan 16, 2014)

If you enjoyed Yakuza 1 you should enjoy Yakuza 2 as well, as the two games are nearly identical in gameplay and presentation. Just be aware that Yakuza 2 feels more like a glorified expansion pack than a properly evolved sequel. Yakuza 2's strongest additions are its continuation of Yakuza 1's excellent plot, and a greater emphasis on sidequest variety and humor. Most importantly, Yakuza 2 competently continues the tradition of some of the best writing and cutscene direction you can find in video games. Unfortunately the combat system has barely changed, and you may find the hours of simplistic melee to be draining at times.

Definitely recommend them both, looking forward to reviews from those who've not played these before.

[ElkinFencer10]

You had me at "Shenmue." Any game that's even somewhat compared to Shenmue is a game that I need to play.

[laurenhiya21]

Ordered a copy of Yakuza 2 It was the only English Yakuza game I needed (other than Yakuza 5 but that doesn't have a physical release), but I hadn't picked it up before because of how stupid expensive it was.

Thinking of Yakuza releases makes me wish for an English release of Ishin. I doubt it's going to happen, but it would be nice since that's definitely going to be a hard one to go though with all the old Japanese.

[Exhuminator]

The Yakuza games I wish were in English:

[Xeogred]

I generally hear 2 is a big improvement over 1.

You had me at "Shenmue." Any game that's even somewhat compared to Shenmue is a game that I need to play.

Honestly... I think this series destroys Shemnue.

This was obviously a spiritual successor in many ways though and shared some staff.