An extremely fun game which is very underated at the same time...
Graphics:
On a 6 year old game console, its definitely starting to show its age in its hardware performance. Still, Yakuza do hold up pretty well in its graphics counterparts. All of the main characther models are done very nicely, and they move pretty much fluidly. While Yakuza is set in Japan, you won't be able to roam a city as big as any of the GTA games. But visually, the city in Yakuza is designed very well. It keeps the modern Japanese feel there where there are literally hundreds of signboards, banners, and whatnot all over the place. However, there are some hiccups here and there when roaming around the city.
Sounds:
I don't know what was Sega thinking when they did not include the excellent Japanese voice-overs in the English version of Yakuza. Instead we get some pretty decent english voice-overs, while some are pretty good, some just aren't. Like Date who sounds just like a total retard Sega was graceful enough not to touch any of the Japanese music which was in the Japanese version however.
Gameplay:
Pretty much the meat of the game. Expect to roam around get into alot of fights in the game. The fights in the game certainly is your basic beat em' up fight system you knew and grew up with. While the fighting mechanics are simple and fun, the targeting system or better know as the "Shift" maneuver in the game is very tricky to use. Don't expect to directly lock onto your opponents like you can with games like DMC3 and NG. Often times you will find yourself kicking at nothing as your opponents sway away easily. But after getting used to it, fighting tougher enemies should really be more of a chore.
Fighting is not all to the game, theres alot of things to do around city of Yakuza too. There are strip clubs you can go to, pubs, mini-game arcades and even being able to tackle some of the girls in the game. Of course there are various sidequests to pick up and do as well. Its very refreshing when you are trying to take brake from the main story and build up on your Kazuma.
Speaking of building up Kazuma, you can get to upgrade Kazuma's skills from the experiance you obtained from fights. As everyone knows, upgrading you character will only make him stronger, have more abilities, combos and downright tougher. If you are thinking will there be weapons in the game, then fortunately it does. So theres really some RPG elements implemented into Yakuza, which definitely do present itself pretty well. However, fighting with a weapon is not what you think it would be like. Your weapons break after a number of times you hit it and cannot be repaired at all. Sure it makes the game somewhat balance, but don't you just wish to get into a 1 on 1 katana fight with a boss without worrying about your weapon breaking?
BuY it or RenT It?
Overall, Yakuza isn't the GTA killer that it was deemed to be by many gamers. It has the concept there, and it would be interesting to see how Sega will improve on the upcoming sequel to Yakuza pretty soon. With an extremely inituative and interesting storyline, Yakuza is an extremely fun game which is very underated at the same time. I would say buy it as this game is nevertheless... fun.