Can I Play Yakuza 0 Without Playing the Other Games?
Yes, absolutely! You can confidently jump into the vibrant and captivating world of Yakuza 0 without needing any prior experience with the other games in the franchise. While Yakuza 0 is a prequel, set before the events of the original Yakuza game (later remade as Yakuza Kiwami), it’s designed to be a fantastic entry point for newcomers. It functions wonderfully as a standalone experience, introducing you to the core characters, gameplay, and the unique blend of drama and absurdity that defines the series. This makes it an excellent place to start your Yakuza journey. You won’t be lost, and you’ll get to appreciate the rich narrative without the burden of established lore. Think of it like watching the first episode of a TV series – everything you need to understand the story is presented to you.
Why Yakuza 0 is a Great Starting Point
A Standalone Narrative
The beauty of Yakuza 0 lies in its self-contained narrative. It tells a complete and compelling story centered around a young Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, two of the most beloved characters in the series. The events of Yakuza 0 lay the foundation for their motivations and personalities in later games, but your understanding of their journey won’t be hampered if this is your introduction to them. You’ll be experiencing their origin stories, not continuing an established arc.
Designed with Newcomers in Mind
Yakuza 0 was released after many of the other entries, and the developers clearly took this into account when creating the game. It’s a perfect blend of accessibility and depth, offering a great tutorial and easing you into the gameplay mechanics. You’ll learn the combat, the various mini-games, and the systems of the Yakuza world smoothly, without feeling overwhelmed by franchise baggage. The game introduces you to the world slowly and naturally, making it ideal for first-time players.
No Major Spoilers
Although Yakuza 0 is a prequel, it largely avoids spoiling later games. While you might recognize certain characters or locations that reappear later in the timeline, these are more like satisfying nods than major plot revelations. The narrative is carefully crafted to stand on its own, and your experience of the other games won’t be ruined by playing Yakuza 0 first. In fact, some argue that playing Yakuza 0 first enriches your experience of later games, as you’ll have a stronger understanding of the characters’ backstories.
The Chronological vs. Release Order Debate
There is a debate amongst fans about whether you should start with the chronological beginning (which is Yakuza 0) or the order the games were released. Yakuza 0 is the starting point chronologically. The release order begins with Yakuza Kiwami (a remake of the original Yakuza). However, most agree that starting with Yakuza 0 is the best approach for newcomers. You get to witness the origins of Kiryu and Majima’s saga, and it acts as a fantastic introduction to the series’ world and characters.
Arguments for Starting with Yakuza 0
- Fresh Perspective: Experiencing Yakuza 0 first lets you form your own opinions of the characters without the influence of prior knowledge.
- Emotional Connection: Starting with their origins allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and struggles, increasing the emotional weight of their journey in later games.
- Gradual Progression: Starting with Yakuza 0 lets you see how the gameplay, storytelling, and graphics evolved throughout the franchise in a logical way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Yakuza 0 the Best Game in the Series?
Many fans consider Yakuza 0 to be one of, if not the, best game in the franchise. It’s often praised for its compelling story, diverse gameplay, and memorable characters. It consistently ranks high in fan polls and critic reviews.
2. Does Yakuza 0 Spoil Other Games?
No, Yakuza 0 is very careful to avoid spoiling the plot of the later games. It tells its own complete story that acts more like a backstory to established characters than revealing plot points for later titles. There are some returning characters but, even if they later play bigger roles in later titles, knowing they existed is not a major spoiler.
3. What is the Correct Order to Play the Yakuza Games?
The recommended chronological order is: Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
4. Can I Play Yakuza: Like a Dragon First?
Yes, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a relatively standalone title with a new protagonist and gameplay style. While knowledge of the series will enhance your enjoyment, you can play it as a starting point. However, it is generally more rewarding to start with Yakuza 0.
5. Is Yakuza 0 an Open World Game?
Yes, Yakuza 0 is an open-world game that allows you to freely explore the cities of Kamurocho and Sotenbori. These are highly detailed and full of side activities.
6. How Long Does it Take to Complete Yakuza 0?
A main story playthrough of Yakuza 0 will take about 30-35 hours. However, fully completing the game with all side activities can easily take over 100 hours.
7. What Does “Kiwami” Mean?
“Kiwami” translates to “ultimate” or “the pinnacle.” It’s used in the titles of Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 to signify that these are remakes of the original Yakuza and Yakuza 2, respectively, enhanced with better graphics and gameplay.
8. Is Yakuza Kiwami Shorter Than Yakuza 0?
Yes, Yakuza Kiwami is shorter than Yakuza 0, and generally offers less side content. It is designed to feel like an expansion of the concepts introduced in Yakuza 0.
9. Can You Free Roam After Beating Yakuza 0?
Yes, after completing the main story of Yakuza 0, you can use the Premium Adventure mode to freely explore the world and complete any remaining side content or mini-games.
10. Are All Yakuza Games Connected?
Yes, while the stories aren’t directly tied between every single game, characters, and past events are all very important to know when going through the series. This is why playing in chronological order can often be the most rewarding way.
11. Can You Date Girls in Yakuza 0?
Yes, you can interact with a few girls through the telephone club mini-game. It is a series of mini-games that act as a dating sim. However, there are only a few that can actually be successfully “dated”.
12. Is Yakuza 0 Okay for a 13-Year-Old?
Yakuza 0 is rated Mature due to mature themes, violence, and suggestive content. It’s not generally recommended for a 13-year-old due to its adult nature.
13. What is the Combat Like in Yakuza 0?
The combat in Yakuza 0 is action-based, with a variety of fighting styles that each character can learn and develop. It’s deep, engaging, and satisfying to master.
14. Can You 100% Yakuza 0 After the Story?
Yes, you can work toward a 100% completion rate after finishing the main story by engaging with the many side-quests and challenges available.
15. Who is the Best Hostess in Yakuza 0?
There are many popular hostesses, with Yuki often topping the list, closely followed by Ai and Saki. The “best” hostess is often subjective and depends on individual player preferences.
Conclusion
So, to reiterate, you can absolutely play Yakuza 0 without any prior experience with the series. It’s a fantastic starting point that provides a rich and engaging experience for newcomers. The game is a phenomenal entry into a larger, more sprawling franchise and a fantastic way to get hooked on the Yakuza saga. Dive into the 1980s Japan and enjoy the journey!