We have here a hidden classic that does not deserve to be overlooked like it is. Shenmue, but Darker
Yakuza can really be summed up in one word, epic. Its got one of the best storylines in a game, and whatever gamespot say it is not ruined by cliches. Its really well written with all the twists and turns that can be squeezed into a game. You start out as a member of a Yakuza family Kazuma Kiryu, who is put in jail for ten years for a crime he did't commit. He takes the blame for the killing of the leader of his Yakuza family, in order to protect his friend. The start of the game explains this crime, and is set in 1995. After being put inside there a few prison events, including the expecting prison brawl.
When you get out after 10 years, its the year 2005. Things have changed, friends are older or missing, informants are dead and there are 10 year olds on mobile phones. But to make things worse the Yakuza gangs have completely changed , and the long term friend who you went down for is giving you the Cold Shoulder, and cares about nothing but himself. Yakuza members hate you for the murder, and theres always some joker trying to take you down.
One thing this game needs credit for is its deep and immersive city, its quite easy to get lost in the dark streets of tokyo, or to end up propping up a bar with some women. Or you could just go for some noodles, and play in the arcade. The characters are plentiful and you never know, some might even have jobs for you, or try to mug you. Find yourself in the wrong street and before you know it your having bikes smashed on you head.
That moves me on to combat, theres a great variety of moves available and all the gory sound effects you'd expect from a fist fight.
In conclusion yakuza is simply one of the best games on PS2, and should not be missed
Good:Epic Story, Immersive City, Characters, Bad: Facing opponents in fights could be tweaked, More arcade machines!