EXPOSURES (VIDEO GAME) -- Yakuza 0

After beating a couple games recently, I thought it was time to start another. Originally I was a little hesitant to start Yakuza 0. Without knowing much, I had a feeling it would be a long game, with a serious, gritty story. And knowing myself, if I enjoy it I'll pad many more hours before beating it.

And boy do I enjoy it. I'm enjoying it very much. What a world I dived into! XD

Yakuza 0

Playtime Length (so far): 24-ish hours
Platform Played on: PS4
Language: English (Cutscenes are voiced in Japanese with English subtitles)
Type of Game: Open-world Action-Adventure, Mini-games, Skill-building
Game-specific Details: I'm currently on Chapter 3, chasing down nouveau riche guys whenever I spot one.

My Impressions

Well, I was spot-on with the serious, gritty story, but I was also very off-the-mark with thinking that's all Yakuza 0 offered. Along with the tone of seriousness is a layer of pure ridiculousness and goofiness that I just love. I had some slight inklings of the game's goofiness when the main character karaoked for the first time during the main story segment. Then when I had full control to explore every which way, I knew for sure -- it was going to be a most unexpected yet enjoyable ride.

To go over the game briefly, there are two characters you control: Kazuma Kiryu in Kamurocho and Goro Majima in Sotenbori. Each seems to have their own separate story, but the gameplay routine is pretty similar: do main story objectives while exploring around their respective areas, beating up baddies, doing sidequests (called substories), and a slew of mini-games (if you so wish).

One of Kiryu's early main story objectives. I love that they keep the serious font type 

for all main story objectives, even for an objective 

that is so easy to complete (there are pay phones all over the place).

I should mention that Yakuza 0 is a pretty bloody and violent game. It is a game revolving around the world of Yakuza after all. There is an option to reduce the bloodiness, but I haven't changed any settings for my playthrough, so I can't really comment on it.

Also, with Kiryu's story taking place in Kamurocho (a fictional place based on Kabukicho), well -- let's just say the environment alone warrants the "M" rating on the game. I haven't seen anything extreme so far, but I'm pretty sure I passed by some non-interactable characters asking in Japanese if I'd like to go to a hotel or if I'd like to get a "massage". I personally don't mind the setting, but for those who would mind, be aware of it. As much as I love Yakuza 0, unfortunately, it's not a game for everybody.

Most of the goofiness in Yakuza 0 comes from the substories. Substories are optional tasks often triggered by passing by or talking to certain NPCs or after doing certain mini-games. While some of the substories are still fairly serious, other substories are just plain ridiculous. I can't count the amount of times I've laughed at the absurdity of a situation, or at the thought that Kiryu -- a serious, gruff, burly guy -- is actually going through with it. I think the substories give a nice light balance to the overall seriousness of the game.

One of Kiryu's substories. This is probably my favourite set of options from it. 

Just imagining Kiryu taunting or punching the dishes... hahahaha XD.

Also -- that isn't Kiryu's normal attire. He usually wears a dark suit.

Click the pic if you'd need to enlarge the image.

Another of Kiryu's substories. This is my favourite reaction from him.

I do have to say that from what I've played so far, the main story is really good! Main story segments are usually voiced cutscenes shown in one of these formats -- either really high-end movie-like with full character / background detail, storybook-like where character movements and background detail are limited,  or using in-game character models (usually the latter is used if it'll transition to a fight). I don't know why it's like that, but I don't mind. As long as the story keeps gripping my attention, I'll be happy.

I just have to say: Majima's introduction was absolutely superb! It completely subverted my expectations. I want to know more about his story.

Another aspect that provides some lightness to Yakuza 0 are the mini-games. I was surprised Yakuza 0 had so many. Off the top of my head, some of the mini-games you can play are:

-Darts in various types (301/501, Cricket, Count-Up)
-Karaoke (either singing or clapping along to somebody else playing)
-Catching UFOs (playing the crane game)
-A couple arcade games
-Billiards
-Mahjong
-Shogi (Japanese chess)
-Disco dancing
-Pocket Racing (racing mini-cars)
-Bowling
-Fishing
-Batting cage

Some of the mini-games are really short, while others can be pretty long and involved. I have never played mahjong until trying it in Yakuza 0 and I am still trying to figure out how to play it properly. Same with shogi. But -- I have wanted to try out mahjong and shogi for a long time, so I am happy to get the exposures.

I am pretty bad at many of the mini-games, but I like the variety. I also like giggling whenever I have Kiryu or Majima karaoking or dancing or just seeing them trying to catch a UFO. Out of all the games I've tried so far, karaoke is probably my favourite, even though it is so difficult.

Me Playing darts (301) against an NPC. My score is on the left and the goal is to get to 0 first. If only I was that good in darts in real life (I've never played darts in real life).

Kiryu singing "Bakamitai". I'm not the best at the karaoke mini-game, but I love this song. I'd love to sing this in real life for karaoke the next time I visit Japan, if it's available. All the lyrics are in Japanese so I don't know what the song is about. I got 97% score after playing it over 5 times straight.

Majima singing "24-hour Cinderella". This video is so ridiculous, I love it! 

I got 91% score after playing it a few times.

If I had anything negative to say, it'd be that maybe fights come a little too frequently sometimes. Of course I could offset it by running away, so this is just a nitpick.

Now to end this blog so I can get back to playing, hahaha. I really want to play through more of the main story. I hope that Kiryu and Majima's stories will converge at some point. I also want to just putz around in that world some more. It makes me want to go back to Japan sooooo badly!

By the way... for those who have played Yakuza 0: the dancing man Majima sees in the Odyssey... and Majima's thoughts on it... I could not stop laughing when I saw that! XD


Thanks for reading my blog! Feel free to comment on anything. But please be mindful of posting spoilers!

For those in living in Canada, enjoy your Victoria Day weekend! For everybody, stay safe, take care, and until next time! :)