Yakuza Kiwami

Alright, let's get you moving and grooving in Yakuza Kiwami! This guide covers the basic controls, and while the game says "Real Yakuza Use a Gamepad," you can use whatever feels best. Just know that the button prompts here are for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch controllers. If you're on PC and using something else, definitely dive into the game's Settings to remap things!

We'll break it down into Exploration, Menus, and Combat.

Exploration Controls

This is how you'll get around Kamurocho and interact with the world.

Menu Controls

Navigating menus is pretty standard, but here's the rundown:

Combat Controls (Typical)

This is where things get interesting! Mastering these will make you feel like a true Yakuza.

For a deeper dive into how combat actually works, check out the Combat and Abilities section, specifically the Basic Combat part. Happy fighting!

Q: What is _Yakuza Kiwami_?

A: _Yakuza Kiwami_ is a remake of the first PS2 _Yakuza_ game, in the series of the same name by SEGA, otherwise known in Japan as "Ryu ga Gotoku" ("Like a Dragon"). _Kiwami_ was released in 2016 for the Playstation 3 and 4 in Japan and in 2017 for the Playstation 4 in other territories, then later on PC and Xbox. It largely adheres to the original storyline with a few extra features.

Q: What does "kiwami" mean?

A: It means EXTREEEEEEME! Specifically it means "highest place" or "ultimate". It appears the "Kiwami" moniker will be added to all _Yakuza_ games that are remade for the ground up, the other one being _Kiwami 2_.

Q: Is this is a good game to start the _Yakuza_ series with?

A: It's an... okay game to start with, as it is a remake of the very first _Yakuza_ game, but if you want my advice, I'd begin with the prequel: _Yakuza 0_, which is also available for the same platforms. Both games are currently being sold as budget titles, so cost shouldn't be a factor at this juncture.

Q: What is different in this remake compared to the original _Yakuza_ for the PS2?

A: Here's a list of new things you can expect to encounter:

1. The game has been recreated using the same engine as _Yakuza 0_, meaning that the graphics are modern, the framerate is a solid 60fps, loading times are smaller, and there are no fixed camera issues when wandering the streets.
2. Much like _Yakuza 0_, Kiryu has access to multiple fighting styles, as opposed to just the single style from the original version.
3. Minigames that were introduced in later _Yakuza_ games have been retroactively inserted into _Kiwami_. This includes, but is not limited to: Karaoke, Pool, Mahjong, Pocket Circuit, and a modified version of the Japan Catfight Club reimagined as an arcade game called MesuKing.
4. A few story cutscenes have been added, largely featuring Akira Nishikiyama and expanding on his motivations.
5. A few extra Substories have been added that reference _Yakuza 0_.
6. The Majima Everywhere System!

Q: Does this game have the horrible, yet somehow awesome, dub from back on the PS2?

A: No. For better or worse, _Kiwami_ features Japanese voice only, specifically a re-recording of the original dialogue. There is no option for a dub.

Q: Wasn't this game available on the PS3 in Japan?

A: That's correct, but the worldwide release was only available initially on PS4, then later on PC and Xbox platforms..

Q: What is this game rated?

A: This game is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB. It includes the content descriptors of: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, and Use of Alcohol. In this game, you enter the world of Japanese organized crime, which includes a lot of illegal stuff. The combat in this game can be brutal, especially the "Heat Actions" you perform in combat, but while blood sprays out a lot, it's never too overt. There is no gore; everyone keeps all their parts. As far as sexual content is concerned, references are made to sex, but it's all very muted, and nudity doesn't get any worse than skimpy clothing.

Q: Who do I play as in this game?

A: You play as series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, currently an officer for the Tojo Clan's Dojima family in Tokyo. As this is a remake of the first game, this is the only character you will play as.

Q: How can I stop bosses from regaining health?

A: While you can't stop this from happening, you do have a counter in the form of the "Essence of Extreme" Heat Actions. There's one for each style, and the Brawler, Rush, and Beast variants are relatively cheap on the "Soul" tree. Prioritize them as early as you can. Once you have these moves, watch the color the boss is glowing when they slump and match to the color of the style. If your Heat isn't sufficient, you can either get free hits on the boss to fill it up, or you can consume a Heat restoring item. This makes Tauriners worth it to have in your inventory early on in case you need that quick boost.

Q: I can see a sparkly but can't reach it. What do I do?

A: Click the Right Stick in to enter First-Person mode, then look at the sparkly. If the camera zooms in, press the Confirm button to collect the sparkly. If it doesn't, try to get closer or reposition yourself.

Q: What do I do if Majima won't show up in places the guide says it will?

A: There are two situations where Majima will not appear. The first is if you've filled up the gauge and Majima has issued you a challenge, which is represented by a green marker on the minimap. If that happens, go to the green marker and complete the challenge before you can continue. The second is if you've currently maxed out the amount of Majima ranking you can do and Majima will "depart" from being active. If that happens, proceed with the game's story until you reach a chapter where Majima will engage you again. If you've done both of these and Majima is still not accessibly where you need him, try fighting him once or twice more.

Q: Why isn't the Majima Sensor working? I can see him, but no alert!

A: You need to not be in Heat Mode for the Sensor to work. If you're looking to find Majima, try to expend all of your Heat before the end of a normal fight, either by getting struck, using Heat Actions, or Dragon Style's "Serenity" move.

Q: How can I train more with Komaki? He keeps saying he's "making preparations"!

A: After the first four training sessions with Komaki, the fifth needs an active Majima running around. If you have a message saying that Majima isn't around to fight, then you won't be able to proceed with Komaki. Since if you're reading this, you've likely maxed out Majima, you get new opportunities at Chapter 8, then Chapter 10.

Q: I have the Japanese version and I don't understand the game! Can you help me?

A: Maybe a little. I'm fully intending this game to be for the Western version translated into English, and I know a very basic amount of Japanese. If you need help, though, you'll need to be VERY

Alright, let's get you up to speed on some key strategies for Yakuza Kiwami. This isn't just about button-mashing; there are some smart ways to play that'll make your journey through Kamurocho way smoother. Pay attention to these, and you'll be a pro in no time!

XP is King (and Queen): You'll earn experience points (XP) for pretty much everything you do – fighting, eating, and completing those wacky Substories. Keep an eye on that XP meter, especially when it's got a number next to it. Remembering to upgrade your skills is super important, so make sure you're not just letting those points sit there.

Heat Actions are Your Best Friend: Seriously, don't sleep on your Heat Actions. From the early game, try to prioritize getting the three