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Yakuza vs Yakuza 5

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Yakuza
YakuzaStep into the brutal Japanese underworld as ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu in a gripping 2005 epic.
Yakuza 5
Yakuza 5Experience an epic open-world crime drama across five major Japanese cities with five playable protagonists.
Overview
Description

After taking the blame for a murder he didn't commit, Kazuma Kiryu emerges from a ten-year prison sentence to a chaotic underworld. The Tojo Clan's vault has been drained of 10 billion yen, and the entire Japanese mafia is hunting for the missing fortune. Guided by a mysterious young girl, Kiryu must navigate betrayal, intense street brawls, and deep criminal conspiracies to uncover the truth. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, this groundbreaking action-adventure blends open-world sandbox exploration with visceral beat 'em up combat. Players experience a richly detailed slice of Tokyo's nightlife while engaging in dynamic hand-to-hand fights, dramatic cinematic storytelling, and a deep narrative about honor, family, and crime.

Yakuza 5 is a massive open-world action-adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, serving as the fifth main installment in the acclaimed franchise. For the first time in the series, players step into the shoes of five distinct characters—including Kazuma Kiryu and series newcomer Haruka Sawada—across five different Japanese cities, each featuring unique side stories and gameplay mechanics built upon a brand new graphics engine. The game delivers a deeply engaging narrative blending organized crime, personal redemption, and intense beat-em-up combat alongside a staggering variety of minigames, cabaret clubs, and fully playable Sega arcade classics. With its rich world-building, cinematic storytelling, and expansive side content, Yakuza 5 stands as one of the most content-rich and ambitious entries in the long-running franchise.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Hack & Slash
Open-World Adventure
Best for
Fans of gritty crime dramas and action brawlers
Fans of deep crime dramas and expansive Japanese action games
Specifications
General
msrp
$49.99
$39.9920%
release date
2005-12-08
2012-12-06
Specifications
developer
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
publisher
Sega
Sega
age rating
ESRB M, PEGI 18
ESRB M, PEGI 18
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
77/100
84/100+9%
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Compelling, cinematic crime drama story
  • Visceral and satisfying beat 'em up combat
  • Atmospheric and immersive recreation of the Japanese underworld
  • Memorable cast of characters and deep lore
  • Massive amount of diverse gameplay content and side activities
  • Compelling narrative spanning five unique character perspectives
  • Faithfully recreated and atmospheric Japanese city locations
  • Substantial mechanical improvements from the new graphics engine
Cons
  • Dated graphics by modern standards
  • Rigid save system mechanics typical of its era
  • Clunky controls in certain traversal and combat situations
  • Pacing can occasionally drag due to the sheer volume of exposition and side content
  • Some minigames and Another Drama segments feel repetitive or slow
  • Restricted to original hardware generations at launch limiting modern accessibility
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
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User rating
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Yakuza 4
Yakuza 4

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Yakuza 3
Yakuza 3

Experience the gritty underworld of Tokyo and Okinawa as Kazuma Kiryu protects his orphanage.

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Yakuza 2
Yakuza 2

Plunge into the violent Japanese underworld as former yakuza legend Kazuma Kiryu.

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Yakuza 5
Yakuza 5

Experience an epic open-world crime drama across five major Japanese cities with five playable protagonists.

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Alternatives to Yakuza 5

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Yakuza 4
Yakuza 4

Experience a gritty crime drama through the intertwined viewpoints of four unique protagonists.

Compare
Yakuza 3
Yakuza 3

Experience the gritty underworld of Tokyo and Okinawa as Kazuma Kiryu protects his orphanage.

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Yakuza 2
Yakuza 2

Plunge into the violent Japanese underworld as former yakuza legend Kazuma Kiryu.

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Yakuza
Yakuza

Step into the brutal Japanese underworld as ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu in a gripping 2005 epic.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Yakuza offers a classic, single‑protagonist story with older graphics at $49.99, while Yakuza 5 expands to five protagonists, larger worlds, and better graphics for $39.99.

Key differences

  • Number of protagonists: 1 in Yakuza vs 5 in Yakuza 5.
  • World size & scope: single city vs five major Japanese cities.
  • Graphics engine: original 2005 engine vs rebuilt engine with improved visuals.
  • Content volume: shorter narrative vs massive side‑activities and minigames.
  • Critical reception: 77/100 vs 84/100.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Yakuza 5 adds varied fighting styles, more minigames, and five storylines, increasing variety.

Yakuza 5

Platform availability

Both are single‑player PC/console titles; no multiplayer differences noted.

Tie

Price & value

Yakuza 5 costs $39.99 versus $49.99 for Yakuza, offering more content for less money.

Yakuza 5

Multiplayer / co-op

Both are single‑player only.

Tie

Content & replayability

Yakuza 5’s five cities, side quests, and numerous minigames give higher replay value.

Yakuza 5

Difficulty & accessibility

Yakuza’s shorter, simpler structure may be easier for newcomers than Yakuza 5’s extensive content.

Yakuza

Graphics & performance

Yakuza 5 uses a rebuilt graphics engine, delivering noticeably better visuals than the 2005 graphics of Yakuza.

Yakuza 5

Choose Yakuza if…

Buyers who want a concise, classic story and don’t mind older graphics.

Choose Yakuza 5 if…

Buyers seeking expansive worlds, multiple protagonists, and better graphics at a lower price.

Common questions

Is Yakuza 5 cheaper than the original Yakuza?

Yes, Yakuza 5 is $39.99 versus $49.99 for Yakuza.

Which game has a higher critic score?

Yakuza 5 has a higher critic score (84/100) compared to Yakuza (77/100).

Do either of the games support multiplayer?

Both are single‑player only.