Is There Romance in Yakuza Kiwami 2? A Deep Dive
The short answer to the question, “Is there romance in Yakuza Kiwami 2?” is: not in the traditional, overarching narrative sense, but there are definitely elements of romantic relationships and dating-style interactions available. You won’t find a deep, branching romance system impacting the core story like you might in a pure dating sim or RPG. Instead, Yakuza Kiwami 2 offers subtly woven romantic undertones and a specific dating mechanic linked to substories. While the game does feature a strong emotional connection between some of its characters, most notably Kiryu and Kaoru Sayama, it does not allow you to forge ongoing, deep romances with characters besides those specifically tied to substories.
The game focuses primarily on its compelling narrative, hard-hitting combat, and the complexities of the Yakuza world. The ‘romance’ aspects are best described as brief flings and fleeting moments of connection rather than fully developed love stories, but they do add a unique and interesting flavour to the overall gameplay experience.
Romantic Substories and Limited Dating
Yakuza Kiwami 2 incorporates a dating mechanic tied to specific female characters you encounter throughout the game. These are not love interests that you will build relationships with throughout the entire main plot. These women are primarily associated with substories, side quests that often weave in comedic or touching stories into the game. These dating scenarios do have a small influence on the overall storyline by unlocking different substories. They are an interesting mechanic that adds variety to the game.
To initiate a date, you must first meet and interact with these characters. Once you’ve met them, you can ask them out by talking to them. After a date, you generally need to participate in the Club Four Shine mini-game (CCGP) before you can date them again. This creates a gameplay loop where you progress their substory by dating them. The substories are necessary to be completed if you want to truly experience all the game has to offer.
These ‘dates’ are not romantic in the conventional sense. There are no real “relationship” stats to track. They serve more as short, fun interactions that reward the player with progression into side content. It’s more about experiencing these substories than developing a deep romantic connection.
The Case of Kaoru Sayama
The most prominent romantic dynamic in Yakuza Kiwami 2 involves Kaoru Sayama. She is the deuteragonist of the game, and there is a clear, strong emotional connection between her and Kiryu. This feeling is so deep that Kaoru is willing to sacrifice herself with Kiryu at the end of the game. However, their relationship never progresses to a fully-realized romance. Instead, their bond is more about mutual respect, shared experiences, and a deep-rooted care for one another. Despite her significant role in the game, and how much she likes Kiryu, there isn’t a system for going on dates with her. She is strictly a part of the story.
While their connection is integral to the storyline’s emotional core, players cannot actively pursue a romantic relationship with her as part of the game’s interactive mechanics. The emotional impact of their storyline stems from the plot and their shared journey, rather than an implemented dating mechanic with her as the goal. This subtlety and unfulfilled longing is a hallmark of Yakuza’s nuanced storytelling.
Comparing to Other Yakuza Games
While Yakuza Kiwami 2 offers limited romantic interactions, other entries in the franchise handle romance differently. For example, Yakuza: Like a Dragon features six female NPCs that Ichiban, the protagonist, can romance. This is a much more developed system where you improve relationships with gifts, and even benefit the player by the end of the game.
Yakuza 0 also has elements of romance through its telephone club mini-game. However, like Kiwami 2, it does not translate into a fully realized relationship. These games explore romance differently. Yakuza Kiwami 2 opts for a more subtle approach, intertwining romantic potential with the game’s substory content, and leaving the deeper romantic connections as a matter of the plot.
The Importance of the Narrative
Ultimately, Yakuza Kiwami 2’s primary focus is on its gritty, emotional narrative and its exploration of themes like duty, honor, and sacrifice. The romance, or lack thereof, is a reflection of the realistic, complex relationships often found in the Yakuza world. The game emphasizes the bonds between characters, both platonic and potentially romantic, but it doesn’t offer a lighthearted or easily won love story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about romance and related mechanics in Yakuza Kiwami 2, which should hopefully answer any further curiosities.
1. Can you get a girlfriend in Yakuza Kiwami 2?
No, not in the traditional sense. You can date a few specific women to progress their substories, but these interactions are brief and don’t lead to lasting relationships.
2. Is there romance between Kiryu and Kaoru?
There is a strong, emotional connection between Kiryu and Kaoru, with romantic undertones. They have a deep bond, but it’s not fully developed into a traditional romance within the game’s mechanics.
3. How does dating work in Yakuza Kiwami 2?
Dating is tied to specific female NPCs related to substories. You can ask them out after meeting them, but you have to play the CCGP mini-game to date them again.
4. Is there missable romance content in Yakuza Kiwami 2?
There isn’t any easily missable romance content, but completing all the substories with the female NPCs requires going on dates with them multiple times.
5. Can you date multiple girls at the same time?
No. You can only date one girl at a time and will only be available for another date after playing a round of the CCGP mini-game.
6. Are there any romance options outside the dating substories?
No. The substories related to dating are the only instance where the protagonist can engage in a “date”. There are no other romantic encounters in the game.
7. How old is Kiryu in Yakuza Kiwami 2?
Kiryu is 27 years old at the start of the story in the first Yakuza game (Yakuza Kiwami). The time jump to Yakuza Kiwami 2 means he is significantly older. He’s in his late thirties during Yakuza Kiwami 2.
8. What is Kaoru Sayama’s role in the game?
Kaoru Sayama is the deuteragonist of Yakuza Kiwami 2. She’s a detective in the Osaka Prefectural Police’s Organized Crime Division. She plays a huge role in the main story.
9. Is Yakuza Kiwami 2 censored?
No, Yakuza Kiwami 2 isn’t censored. The game uses the original Yakuza 2’s video watching setup.
10. Why is Yakuza Kiwami 2 different from the first Yakuza Kiwami?
The fighting engine is completely different, with an overhaul for gameplay changes. Yakuza 6’s engine was used. Combat mechanics, minigames, and other elements were revamped.
11. Is Majima a virgin in the Yakuza series?
No, Majima is not a virgin in the Yakuza series.
12. Who is Kiryu’s adopted daughter?
Kiryu’s adopted daughter is Haruka Sawamura.
13. Is it okay to skip Yakuza Kiwami 2?
While you can, it’s not recommended. It has a very good story that is worth experiencing, and while the stories are mostly stand-alone, you should try to experience them in order. It enhances understanding and appreciation of the franchise.
14. How do Yuki and Majima relate?
Ai is very friendly to Majima and Yuki both before and when working at Sunshine.
15. How does Yakuza Kiwami 2’s story compare to Yakuza 2’s?
Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a remake of Yakuza 2, meaning the stories are the same, with additional content in the form of expanded side content and updated presentation.