Does Yakuza Kiwami Take Place After Yakuza 0?

The short answer is a resounding yes, Yakuza Kiwami takes place after Yakuza 0. While Yakuza 0 serves as a prequel to the entire series, its events happen well before those depicted in Yakuza Kiwami. Understanding the chronological order of the Yakuza games is crucial for grasping the full narrative impact and the complex character relationships. Let’s delve deeper into the timelines and why this is the case.

The Yakuza Timeline Explained

The Yakuza series isn’t just about action-packed fights; it’s a sprawling saga with deep characters and intertwined stories. The release order doesn’t always align with the chronological order of events within the narrative. This is where understanding the specific timeframes is critical.

Yakuza 0 is set in 1988, introducing a young Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima before their more hardened, established roles in later titles. This game explores their initial struggles and the foundations for their future character arcs. In contrast, Yakuza Kiwami is largely set in 2005, although the opening segments take place in 1995. This means there’s a significant time gap of at least 17 years between the main story elements of these two titles.

Kiwami’s Narrative Positioning

Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original Yakuza game released on the PS2. While it updates the graphics and gameplay for modern consoles, it retains the core narrative of the first game. The story primarily focuses on Kiryu emerging from a ten-year prison sentence in 2005 and his subsequent reintegration into the Yakuza world, which had drastically changed since he left. The flashback events in 1995 depict the initial crime that leads to Kiryu’s incarceration, which is also 7 years after the events of Yakuza 0. This clearly positions Kiwami as a story that occurs after Yakuza 0 in the series’ timeline.

Why Play in Chronological Order?

Playing the games in chronological order, starting with Yakuza 0, enhances the overall experience. While release order has its merits, experiencing the story unfold as it happens in the narrative timeline allows you to witness character growth and the changing dynamics of the Yakuza world more effectively. You’ll see how the events of Yakuza 0 directly impact the characters and the world they navigate in Yakuza Kiwami and beyond.

References and Connections

Moreover, Yakuza Kiwami includes several references to the events of Yakuza 0. These subtle nods, while not always obvious to those playing the games out of order, add significant depth and appreciation for players who have experienced Yakuza 0. This includes nuances in character behavior, understanding their motivations, and the weight of the past. The added content in Kiwami, particularly revolving around Nishiki, explicitly connects to the events of 0.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the timeline, characters, and general experience of the Yakuza series, particularly concerning Yakuza 0 and Kiwami:

1. Is Yakuza 0 a prequel to the entire series?

Yes, Yakuza 0 is a prequel that sets the stage for the entire series, showcasing the early lives of key characters and crucial events that shape future storylines.

2. How many years are there between Yakuza 0 and the main events of Yakuza Kiwami?

There’s a **17-year gap** between the main story in Yakuza 0 (1988) and the main storyline in Yakuza Kiwami (2005).

3. Is Yakuza Kiwami a remake of Yakuza 1?

**Yes**, **Yakuza Kiwami** is a complete remake of the original **Yakuza (Yakuza 1)** game for the PlayStation 2. It retains the story but upgrades graphics, gameplay, and includes additional content.

4. Should I play Yakuza 0 or Kiwami first?

While it is a matter of preference, playing Yakuza 0 first is generally recommended. This approach provides a solid understanding of character backstories and sets a better foundation for the following games.

5. How old is Kiryu in Yakuza 0?

Kiryu is 20 years old in Yakuza 0.

6. How old is Kiryu in Yakuza Kiwami?

Kiryu is 27 years old at the start of the story in Yakuza Kiwami (1995) when he goes to prison and is 37 by 2005 when he is released and the main story is set.

7. How old is Majima in Yakuza 0?

Majima is 24 years old in Yakuza 0.

8. Is the story of Yakuza 1 the same as Yakuza Kiwami?

Yes, the core story of Yakuza 1 is preserved in Yakuza Kiwami, though with significant enhancements and added content to better connect to the prequel Yakuza 0.

9. Does Yakuza 0 spoil any major plot points of Kiwami?

No, Yakuza 0 doesn’t contain major spoilers for the story in Yakuza Kiwami, however, certain character arcs and the world building will have a greater impact if experienced in chronological order.

10. What is the difference between Yakuza 1 and Yakuza Kiwami?

**Yakuza Kiwami** is a remake of Yakuza 1, featuring enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and added story elements to make it feel modern and connected to Yakuza 0.

11. Did Majima kill anyone in Yakuza 0?

In Yakuza 0, while Majima is tasked with killing Makoto Makimura, he is not shown to have killed anyone before this.

12. Is it possible to get a 100% completion in Yakuza 0 after the main story?

**Yes**, **Yakuza 0** allows you to complete all side activities and achievements after finishing the main story.

13. How many hours of gameplay can I expect in Yakuza 0?

Yakuza 0 offers a lengthy experience, typically taking around 30 hours for a single playthrough, depending on your playstyle.

14. Is Kamurocho, the setting of many Yakuza games, a real place?

No, Kamurocho is a fictional district in Tokyo created for the Yakuza series, though it is heavily inspired by real-world districts.

15. Will Kiryu appear in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8?

**Yes**, **Kazuma Kiryu** will be a playable protagonist alongside Ichiban in *Like a Dragon 8*. He had a role in the story and as a boss in Yakuza: Like a Dragon but will now share the lead with Ichiban.

Conclusion

In summary, Yakuza Kiwami definitively takes place after Yakuza 0. It is essential to keep track of the chronological timeline of the series to fully understand the depth of the narratives and the evolution of the characters. Playing the Yakuza games in order, particularly starting with Yakuza 0, offers a richer and more cohesive gaming experience. The references, character arcs, and overall narrative of Yakuza Kiwami are all enhanced by a prior playthrough of Yakuza 0. Enjoy exploring this epic tale!