I recently started playing Yakuza 0, and while it may feel a bit dated compared to the newer entries in the series, I can’t help but love it. The game is filled with imperfections that actually enhance the overall experience. Unlike the seamless and smooth gameplay of the newer titles, Yakuza 0 is segmented by loading screens and features stiff animations. However, these flaws add a layer of challenge and charm to the game.
One aspect of Yakuza 0 that I particularly enjoy is the saving system. Instead of being able to save anywhere like in the later games, players have to find a phone booth to save their progress. This minor inconvenience leads to unexpected adventures and encounters with quirky characters and side quests. The game’s rough edges, such as limited sprinting capabilities and the need to rest and eat to regain health, create a sense of realism and immersion that is often missing in more polished titles.
While the newer games in the series have introduced improvements like seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments and complex food and drink mechanics, they lack the raw and gritty feel of Yakuza 0. The game’s intentional design choices, such as limited sprinting and the need to earn money through fights, make every decision and action feel meaningful and rewarding. These imperfections are actually cleverly disguised features that add depth to the gameplay experience.
In contrast to the more streamlined and polished newer titles, Yakuza 0 embraces its flaws and turns them into strengths. The game’s unique mechanics and quirks give it a distinctive texture and personality that set it apart from its successors. While I appreciate the evolution of the series, I hope that future Like a Dragon games will incorporate some of the roughness and friction that make Yakuza 0 so special.
Overall, Yakuza 0’s imperfections are what make it great. The game’s dated feel and rough edges contribute to its charm and uniqueness, creating a gameplay experience that is both challenging and rewarding. I hope that future entries in the series will embrace some of these imperfections to recapture the gritty and textured feel of Yakuza 0.
