Yakuza 2 vs Yakuza 3

Yakuza 2 plunges you once more into the violent Japanese underworld. In intense brutal clashes with rival gangs, the police, and the Korean mafia, you will have opportunities to dole out more brutal punishment. As the heroic Kazuma Kiryu from the original Yakuza, explore Tokyo and now Osaka. Wander through the back alleys of Japan's underworld while trying to prevent an all-out gang war in over 16 complex, cinematic chapters written by Hase Seishu, the famous Japanese author who also wrote the first Yakuza. Endless conflicts and surprise plot twists will immerse you in a dark shadowy world where only the strongest will survive.

Yakuza 3 is the third installment in the critically acclaimed Yakuza series, offering a deep and authentic look into modern Japan. Players follow Kazuma Kiryu as he attempts to leave his violent past behind and run the Asagao orphanage in the tropical paradise of Okinawa, only to be pulled back into complex political intrigue and Yakuza turf wars. The game combines intense, brutal beat 'em up combat with a rich, dramatic narrative set across detailed open-world environments. Facing opposition from rival Yakuza groups and government conspiracies, Kiryu must once again become the Dragon of Dojima to protect everything he holds dear.

• Engaging narrative penned by author Hase Seishu
• Expands the setting to include both Tokyo and Osaka
• Intense and visceral beat 'em up combat mechanics
• Richly immersive cinematic chapter structure

• Compelling and emotional crime drama story
• Authentic and vibrant Japanese settings
• Deep and satisfying combat mechanics
• Huge variety of side content and mini-games

• Single player experience lacks co-op features
• Combat mechanics can feel dated compared to later sequels
• Stiff navigation in certain tight alleyway environments

• Combat pacing can feel dated compared to later entries
• Some repetitive substory structures
• Encounter rate for street fights can be high