Yakuza Kiwami 2 has dropped a new story trailer full of action, fighting, threats, and drinking. Basically, it’s everything a growing boy or girl yakuza needs to be big and strong. Well, amazing tattoos seem to be a really important requirement as well, but focus on the fundamentals first. (Just for funsies, price one of those tattoos with a local artist. You have to turn to a life of crime to afford them.)
Since Yakuza Kiwami 2 has been completely rebuilt in Sega’s Dragon Engine, it looks fantastic. Yakuza 6 was the first game to use it. In my opinion, the world textures have generally improved substantially from previous games, but the faces are much more expressive. In a game that focuses on story and emotion (yes, really) as much as wacky side stories and beating up everyone you see, this has been a wonderful upgrade in the new engine.
The engine and visuals are not the only improvements. Everything about the game has received a new coat of polish. All of the audio for the cutscenes and many of the lines have been re-recorded. The translation from the original script has been reviewed to ensure the localization is as accurate as possible. New mini games and a clan creator game have been added, the arcade version of Virtual-On is playable, and a Majima campaign will let you know what he has been doing since the first game.
The story focuses on a brewing Yakuza war. After walking away from this life a year ago to raise Haruka, Kiryu is being pulled into the conflict between the Omi Alliance and the Tojo Clan. Kiryu is trying to broker peace, but Ryuji Goda, the Dragon of Kansai, is out for blood and pushing for war.
If you want to see what Yakuza Kiwami 2 has to offer, there is a demo on PSN now. You can give the game a try as Kiryu and enjoy some time in Sotenbori. If you’re on the fence about the series, this is your chance to experience it for yourself.
If you decide to pre-order the game, you can receive the SteelBook version of the game for the same price. It shows the dragons, Kiryu and Goda, facing each other. If you pre-order digitally, you will receive a Dragons theme and the Special Item Pack. It contains the Demonfire Blade Weapon, the Comedian Suit Outfit, the Hostess Ono Michiyo, One Million Yen, and two Clan Cards.
With an August 28th release date, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is not that far off, so start practicing pulling off your suit jacket and shirt now.
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