Yakuza Kiwami vs. Kiwami 2: Which Remake Reigns Supreme?

For fans of the Yakuza series, the remakes Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 hold a special place. They’re not just graphical updates; they’re full-fledged re-imaginings of beloved classics. But a common question arises: Which is better, Kiwami or Kiwami 2? The short answer, and one echoed by many in the community, is that Yakuza Kiwami 2 is generally considered the superior game. While Kiwami is a solid remake of the original Yakuza, Kiwami 2 elevates the experience in nearly every aspect. From its enhanced graphics and refined combat system to its compelling story and additional content, Kiwami 2 builds upon the foundation laid by Kiwami to create a more immersive and rewarding experience.

Kiwami vs. Kiwami 2: A Detailed Comparison

Let’s delve into what sets these two titles apart.

Graphics and Presentation

Kiwami was a significant visual upgrade from the original Yakuza, but Kiwami 2 takes this a step further. Built using the Dragon Engine, also seen in Yakuza 6, Kiwami 2 boasts a significant leap in graphics and character models. The environments feel more alive and detailed, and the cutscenes are far more cinematic, making the world feel richer and more engaging. The lighting effects and facial animations are more nuanced and sophisticated in Kiwami 2, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The visual leap between Kiwami and Kiwami 2 is significant and directly impacts immersion.

Gameplay and Combat

While Kiwami employs a combat system closer to Yakuza 0, Kiwami 2 introduces a completely overhauled combat system, also leveraging the Dragon Engine. The combat in Kiwami felt fluid and fast-paced but could be repetitive at times. Kiwami 2’s combat feels more deliberate and impactful, though it takes some time to open up and for players to become accustomed to its new rhythm. Some players might initially find it slower and clunkier than Kiwami, however, once players learn the system it becomes far more strategic and satisfying, with more emphasis on utilizing environmental elements and Heat Actions. This shift to a different combat engine is a key point of divergence.

Story and Characters

Both games have strong narratives, but many argue that Kiwami 2’s story is a step above. The narrative in Kiwami 2, featuring Ryuji Goda, is often considered to have one of the best villains in the franchise. The overarching narrative is complex and engrossing, and the character development for both protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and key supporting characters is more profound and impactful. While both stories are compelling, Kiwami 2’s is generally seen as stronger and more memorable.

Minigames and Side Content

Both Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are filled with a myriad of side content including diverse minigames. Kiwami 2 provides a wide array of minigames, and the Cabaret Club Management and Clan Creator side stories are particularly engaging and lengthy providing ample distraction from the main story. The minigames are also far more polished than the ones in Kiwami and this improvement enhances the entire gaming experience. While there’s no doubt that both games offer a wealth of side content, Kiwami 2 tends to be more varied and satisfying to explore.

Overall Experience

In essence, Yakuza Kiwami feels like a refined version of its original title built on the Yakuza 0 engine, whereas Yakuza Kiwami 2 represents a complete overhaul using a new engine, which in turn makes the experience feel fresh. While Kiwami is a significant upgrade from its original 2005 counterpart, Kiwami 2 is a more ambitious project that leverages the power of new hardware to deliver an experience that feels much more advanced. The consensus is that Kiwami 2 offers a more modern, polished, and engaging experience overall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 to further aid your understanding of both titles:

1. Should I play Yakuza Kiwami 1 or 2 first?
   You should always play them in chronological order, which means Yakuza Kiwami first, followed by Yakuza Kiwami 2. Kiwami 2 is a direct sequel, and you’ll appreciate the story and character arcs more if you’ve played Kiwami beforehand.

2. Is Yakuza Kiwami 2 a remake of the original Yakuza 2?
   Yes, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a complete remake of the original Yakuza 2, rebuilt with new graphics, combat mechanics, and additional content using the Dragon Engine.

3. What is the difference between the combat in Kiwami 1 and Kiwami 2?
   Kiwami 1 uses a combat system similar to Yakuza 0, while Kiwami 2 utilizes the Dragon Engine’s combat system, which is slower and more strategic, but ultimately more impactful and nuanced.

4. Is the story in Yakuza Kiwami 2 better than Kiwami 1?
   Many fans and critics agree that Kiwami 2 has a more compelling and well-written story, featuring one of the most memorable villains in the series, Ryuji Goda.

5. Can you play as Majima in Kiwami 1?
   No, Majima is not playable in Kiwami 1. However, his presence is more significant than in the original, and his interactions with Kiryu are a core part of the side content.

6. Is Yakuza Kiwami 2 longer than Kiwami 1?
   Both games can take a similar time to complete the main story; however, with additional side stories such as the Cabaret Club Management and Clan Creator in Kiwami 2, that game generally provides a longer and more varied experience overall.

7. Is Yakuza Kiwami 2 worth playing?
   Absolutely. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a fantastic remake that enhances nearly every aspect of the original game, making it a must-play for any Yakuza fan.

8. Is Yakuza Kiwami 2 censored?
   No, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is not censored. It uses the original Yakuza 2’s method of handling video content.

9. Can you play Kiwami 2 without playing Kiwami 1?
   While you can play Kiwami 2 without playing Kiwami 1, it’s highly recommended to play them in order. Kiwami 2 summarizes the events of the first game but playing Kiwami first will enhance your overall experience.

10. Is there romance in Yakuza Kiwami 2?
    Yes, Kiwami 2 retains the romantic subplot between Kiryu and detective Kaoru Sayama, which is a notable exception in the Yakuza series.

11. Is Yakuza Kiwami 2 difficult?
    Kiwami 2 introduces a new combat system and it may feel challenging to adapt to it at first. Once you are familiar with the new combat mechanics, it becomes easier and more fun to navigate and complete the game.

12. Is Yakuza Kiwami 2 more of the same?
    While Kiwami 2 is set in the same universe as the original and the combat is similar, the new mechanics offered in this game including a completely new engine, new minigames, and refined story make it feel like a fresh and updated experience.

13. Which Yakuza game should I start with?
    Most fans and critics agree that Yakuza 0 is the best place to start. Its story is a prequel, and it provides a strong foundation for the rest of the series.

14. Is Yakuza Kiwami appropriate?
    Yakuza Kiwami contains some sexual content and references to sex, strong language, violence, and drug use. These elements lead to a Restricted 14 rating.

15. How long to beat Yakuza Kiwami 2?
    The main story can take around 18-20 hours to complete, while a completionist playthrough can take upwards of 70+ hours.

Conclusion

While both Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are excellent games in their own right, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is generally considered superior. Its enhanced graphics, improved combat, richer story, and more compelling side content make it the definitive way to experience Yakuza 2’s narrative. If you’re a fan of the series, both are must-plays, but Kiwami 2 will undoubtedly offer a more memorable and overall enjoyable experience.