Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Review – The Switch 2’s Best Crime Drama

by Salal Awan

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut marks the first time this critically acclaimed prequel has been released on a Nintendo console. The Yakuza franchise was originally closely associated with PlayStation, but over time, it expanded to other platforms, gaining new fans on Xbox and PC. Nintendo fans were largely left out, although Sega did attempt to bring some titles over, such as Yakuza 1 & 2 and Yakuza Kiwami 1 on the Wii U and Switch, respectively. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a special version of the game that includes new content, such as cutscenes and gameplay modes, not found in any previous release.

The game gives players a deeper look at Goro Majima, one of the franchise’s most iconic characters, who straddles the line between villain and hero. He shares the spotlight with Kazuma Kiryu, as players alternate between the two throughout a story filled with the twists and turns of life in the criminal underworld. Yakuza 0 is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the series, but this Director’s Cut is arriving nearly a decade after its original release on the PS3 and PS4 in 2015. Though the game was later ported to Xbox and PC, the Switch 2 version is the only one to introduce brand-new content.

So the big question is: is the new content worth it? That is a bit harder to answer. The game adds around 30 minutes of new cutscenes, which fans may appreciate. But whether that justifies the higher price tag is up for debate. Then there’s the full English dub, and a new multiplayer feature that feels more like an experiment than a fully developed addition.

First of all, the game is absolutely worth it. This is an epic story that spans dozens of hours, filled with long, cinematic cutscenes and engaging gameplay that switches between two distinct characters. I originally enjoyed it on the PS4 and later picked it up again on PC. Now, comparing it to the PS4 version, which is nearly a decade old, it is safe to say that this is the most technically polished release of the game. It runs at 4K and 60 FPS, a clear improvement over the PS4’s 1080p resolution. While the visuals are not groundbreaking by today’s standards, they still hold up well.

If you have already played the game and are looking for a portable option, it works great on Valve’s Steam Deck. However, the Switch 2 version is tempting thanks to the new content, which is currently exclusive and not available on other platforms. That said, it is possible this content may come to PC and consoles later. In terms of technical performance, this is easily the definitive edition of Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, but there is a caveat. While it’s labeled as a Director’s Cut, the way the new cutscenes have been integrated might cause some debate among longtime fans. The verdict is still out, and at this point, I can’t confidently say the added scenes are worth the upgrade.

The two main characters in the game are full of personality and charisma. Majima is already considered a legend among Yakuza fans, and this game finally gives him the long-requested backstory he deserves. Both Majima and Kiryu have three unique fighting styles that you can switch between to take down enemies. Their skills can be upgraded over time, unlocking new moves and combat options. The controls are easy to pick up, and the combat system follows a rhythmic flow, so the difficulty curve is fairly manageable. The game also features several memorable boss fights, each introduced with epic dialogue and lengthy, cinematic cutscenes.

As for the new content, the additional cutscenes expand the story, but the new English dub falls short. It is not unlistenable, but the voice acting feels weaker compared to other entries in the series. Then there is the new multiplayer mode, an unusual addition. Multiplayer has never really been a selling point for the franchise, so this mode feels more like an experiment than a meaningful expansion. It includes online leaderboards and allows you to go solo or team up with friends and other players. The combat in this mode takes center stage, and the sheer number of enemies is impressive, showing how far the developers have pushed this older engine. Unfortunately, the online player base is currently very low, so the mode feels empty and underused.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has also added a few quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to save anywhere. For a game as long as this one, that is a welcome feature, especially on a portable system like the Nintendo Switch 2. The game runs well both docked and handheld, but I did notice some aliasing issues when played on a larger screen, likely due to the lack of post-processing. Still, for anyone new to the franchise, this is an excellent starting point. It remains one of the strongest entries in the series and offers a great introduction to its two most iconic characters.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Game Information

  • Price: $49.99
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
  • Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
  • Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher

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