With the release of theNintendo Switch 2, we have seen a resurgence of games getting spectacular updates for the console. The beloved game,Yakuza 0, is one of these games receiving a new release, with new content added that wasn’t seen in the original. The release ofYakuza 0 Director’s Cutseeks to update and elevate the game even higher for fans who love the game and those who are looking to dip their toes into the series for the first time.
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Make Your Return to Kamurochō and Sotenbori
When booting upYakuza 0 Director’s Cut, you may expect the same version of the game, but with improvements. Graphically, the game is pretty much the same, which isn’t a bad thing. The combat, upgrades, mini-games and side quests all retain their quality from the original. While many of the NPC appearances and hairstyles are dated, they aren’t by any means anything that look terrible. The most important part is that the game still retains the same feeling that it had in the original release.
As it is, the story has been untouched and only expanded upon in certain aspects. New cutscenes have been created to add context and background to characters throughout the game, tying up any loose ends that were left behind in the original release. Feedback on the game is generally positive, with many praising the sheer amount of content available at your fingertips. Choosing to add to this and tie up possible loose ends is one of the best ways to go about a Director’s Cut, as it enhances the experience for existing fans and improves the new player experience.
New cutscenes have been created to add context and background to characters throughout the game, tying up any loose ends that were left behind in the original release.
Those who have been waiting for an English dub for the game can also enjoy the new English voice acting that has been added to the Director’s Cut. The cast is all around amazing, with many big names returning to their roles from the newer dubs of the series. English dubs are always hit or miss, but almost every actor in the English dub nails their role and character. Its addition to the game is nice for players who struggle with subtitles for various reasons, while also giving a new way to experience the game if you’ve played it prior.
Improving Upon the Original
Quality-of-life changes have also made their way into the game, making it easier to put down and pick back up at your own pace. One such change is that you no longer need to save at phone booths; you can save the game at any point in time now. A welcome change for sure, keeping the game in line with many of the more updated titles that release today. Kiryu and Majima, however, still get tired if you sprint around the city for too long. It doesn’t hamper the gameplay, but it should still be noted that the mechanic has stuck around in the Director’s Cut release ofYakuza 0.
Speaking of new additions, there’s also the new Raid Mode that can be played offline and online. Red Light Raid features many characters and NPCs you can take control of while going up against hordes of enemies while solo, online with friends or with a matchmade group of allies. Characters like Kiryu and Majima have their combat styles split up into separate characters when playing Red Light Raid. You can pick your favorite combat style of theirs and venture forth to take up the hordes of foes in the hope of defeating them all before the clock runs out. The mode itself is straightforward: you’ll go into key areas you’ve visited in the main story and fight through a group of enemies in a race against time. Despite it not being an in-depth mode and not unique by itself, it’s still a fun way to kill time with friends.
The performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch 2 is perfect. What you’ll get is a version of the game that runs as well as the PC version of the original. I’s impressive to see a game with 60 fps with 4k support. In both docked and handheld modes, the performance is perfect and the game runs without any issues. It can be challenging to call this a perfect port, as many accessibility options are still missing. The inability to disable options like motion blur or adjust the depth of field is disappointing, but this is also the case with the original. This version of the game runs, plays and feels like the ideal version ofYakuza 0.
Closing Comments:
Yakuza 0is completely the same at its core, which will please many returning players to the game. This will also prove to be a great place to start for anyone looking to start the series from the chronological start. You’ve got an amazing port of an amazing game ready for you to jump into once again.Yakuza 0 Director’s Cutis a fantastic version of the game that does nothing but add to the experience that fans of the series adore, making it a great game to check out and play once again. If you’re new to Yakuza games, there isn’t a better starting point than this entry here and it’s easily worth your time.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Discover the decadence and danger of 1988 Japan -Fight like hell through Tokyo and Osaka entertainment districts as yakuza Kazuma Kiryu and cabaret club manager Goro Majima in an epic crime drama of intertwined fates that created legends.Director’s Cut contentgives deeper insight into key incidents and character backstories with never-before-seen cutscenes.Online Battles -Plus, the Red Light Raid online multiplayer mode lets you join forces with friends and choose from 60 playable characters to take down hordes of enemies.Combat & side experiences -Kiryu and Majima each have three unique fighting styles to dynamically switch between to creatively crack skulls with your fists, makeshift weapons, and more.Whether you’re brawling in the coliseum, singing karaoke, or dancing the night away, there’s so much to discover in the Tokyo and Osaka entertainment districts.
