The Yakuza series game has existed for decades, and this prequel game was released in 2015. It’s the best starting point for getting into the series, and many agree that this is the best game of the series, and I would agree with them.
It’s a simple beat-em-up type game, but it comes with an amazing story about two up-and-coming Yakuza goons in the peak of late 80’s Japan. Not only is the main story of this game amazing, but what makes the Yakuza series such a cult favorite is the wacky side quests. From teaching a shy girl to be better at her new dominatrix job, to breaking up a used-panty smuggling ring.
I played this game for the first time around early 2024, and since then I’ve purchased and played all the Yakuza series games (8 main games, and a few spin-offs).
For anyone willing to get into a rabbit hole of Yakuza, I recommend starting with this game. This game also works great as a standalone, so you will not need to play all the future games even if you enjoy this one.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2988580/Yakuza_0_Directors_Cut
