Yakuza Games in Order: Unraveling the Saga of the Japanese Underworld

To play the Yakuza games in chronological order, follow the sequence below:

• Yakuza 0
• Yakuza 1/Yakuza Kiwami
• Yakuza 2/Yakuza Kiwami 2
• Yakuza 3
• Yakuza 4
• Yakuza 5
• Yakuza 6
• Judgment

The Yakuza series, known as "Ryū ga Gotoku" in Japan, is a mesmerizing blend of action-adventure and role-playing set against the backdrop of Japan"s criminal underworld. This Sega franchise, launched in 2005, has gained international acclaim for its intricate plots, well-developed characters, and a perfect mix of storytelling and combat. Each game in the series takes you through the life of Kazuma Kiryu and other key characters, navigating the complex dynamics of the Yakuza clans. With settings that mirror the real streets of Tokyo and other cities, the series offers an immersive experience into Japanese culture, nightlife, and the criminal underbelly.

• Explore the vibrant, neon-lit streets of Kamurocho, the fictional counterpart of Tokyo"s Kabukichō.
• Delve into deeply narrative-driven gameplay, experiencing stories of honor, betrayal, and the intricate hierarchy within the Yakuza.
• Engage in intense combat, utilizing a mix of martial arts, street fighting, and the series" signature "Heat" action moves.
• Enjoy a plethora of side activities, from karaoke and arcades to managing a hostess club, each offering a unique glimpse into Japanese leisure culture.

The Yakuza series is not just a game; it"s a journey through the heart of Japan"s darkest corners, a narrative masterpiece that has set a benchmark in storytelling and character development in the gaming world.

The Yakuza series, a spellbinding collection of games set in Japan"s criminal underworld, is renowned for its immersive storytelling, dynamic combat, and rich character development. Each game offers a unique window into the life of Kazuma Kiryu and other key characters as they navigate the treacherous hierarchy of the Yakuza clans. The series blends action-adventure and role-playing elements, creating an experience that"s both deeply narrative-driven and thrillingly interactive.

Starting with Yakuza 0, the series introduces players to a young Kazuma Kiryu and follows his ascent within the dangerous world of the Yakuza. Players witness his journey from a low-level grunt to a key player in the intricate web of gang politics. The storyline is rich with twists and turns, presenting a complex narrative where loyalty, honor, and betrayal are central themes.

The series is not just about the main storyline; it offers a plethora of side activities and mini-games that enrich the gameplay, providing a vivid glimpse into Japanese culture and leisure activities. From intense street fights using the series" signature "Heat" action moves to karaoke and managing a hostess club, the games ensure there"s never a dull moment.

As the series progresses, players are introduced to new characters and locales, each adding depth and perspective to the overarching narrative. The games are known for their cinematic quality, delivering stories that are as compelling and engaging as any top-tier crime drama.

The Yakuza series has set a benchmark in gaming for its storytelling, character development, and ability to immerse players in the vibrant, often perilous world of the Japanese underworld. It"s a journey that"s not just about mastering combat but also understanding the complex dynamics that drive the characters and the decisions they make.

Yakuza 0 serves as the perfect entry point for newcomers to the series, setting the stage for the intricate, high-stakes world of the Yakuza. Set in the bubble period of Japan, the game tells the origin stories of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima before they became legends in the Yakuza lore. Players are introduced to Kiryu, a young man with a fierce sense of justice, wrongly accused of a crime, and Majima, an ex-Yakuza trying to regain his honor. The game navigates through their harrowing journeys, intertwined with the dark underbelly of the Japanese crime syndicate.

The game is highly acclaimed for its deep narrative, dynamic combat system, and the vibrant, living cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka during the 1980s. It"s a deep dive into the complex world of crime and power, where every action has consequences, and every decision can lead to life or death. With its rich storytelling and engaging gameplay, Yakuza 0 offers a compelling prelude to the intricate saga that unfolds in the later games.

"Yakuza Kiwami" revitalizes the original "Yakuza" game with enhanced visuals, a reimagined storyline, and a refined combat system, offering both new players and series veterans a fresh experience. At the heart of the game is Kazuma Kiryu, a yakuza lieutenant, who takes the fall for a murder he did not commit. After a decade in prison, Kiryu returns to a world that has drastically changed. He finds himself entangled in a complex web involving his former friend and now formidable yakuza boss, Akira Nishikiyama, the mysterious disappearance of his childhood friend Yumi, and a massive missing sum from the Tojo Clan.

The game introduces "Majima Everywhere," a unique system where the enigmatic Goro Majima challenges Kiryu to improve his combat skills through unexpected and thrilling encounters. As players progress, they will unlock new abilities and dive deeper into the saga of Kiryu and Majima, portrayed with intense drama and action. The game"s storyline is a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for redemption, setting the stage for the intricate narrative that the Yakuza series is known for.

With its rich narrative, deeply immersive world, and upgraded gameplay mechanics, "Yakuza Kiwami" not only pays homage to the original game but also enhances the experience with new elements and a more detailed exploration of its characters and their motivations.

"Yakuza Kiwami 2," a remake of the 2006 classic "Yakuza 2," rejuvenates the original with the Dragon Engine, enhancing the visuals and gameplay. The game follows Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, as he faces the ambitious Ryuji Goda, the Dragon of Kansai. The clash between these two dragons sparks a war between two rival yakuza clans, pulling Kiryu back into the depths of the underworld. The game, set in the vividly recreated cities of Osaka and Kamurocho, offers an intense narrative, refined combat, and the inclusion of fan-favorite mini-games.

Notably, "Yakuza Kiwami 2" introduces the Majima Saga, enriching the narrative with Goro Majima"s perspective. This additional storyline delves into Majima"s intricate dealings within the Tojo Clan and his encounters in the vibrant city of Sotenbori. The game"s narrative intricacies are matched by its improved gameplay mechanics, making it a standout title that redefines the original experience while continuing the gripping saga of the Yakuza series.

"Yakuza 3" marks a significant shift in the series, transporting players from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil shores of Okinawa. Kazuma Kiryu, now retired, seeks a peaceful life running the Morning Glory Orphanage with his adoptive daughter Haruka. However, the tranquility is short-lived as the dark shadows of Kiryu"s past and a deadly power struggle engulf the orphanage, forcing him back into the underworld"s tumult.

The game introduces innovative gameplay elements like Seamless Battle and Chase Battle, enhancing the dynamic combat system. The new Revelation mechanic allows players to learn powerful new moves by capturing key moments with Kiryu"s cell phone. These features, combined with a deeply engaging narrative and a rich assortment of side stories and mini-games, make "Yakuza 3" a pivotal installment in the series, offering a unique blend of action, drama, and heartwarming moments.

"Yakuza 4" opens a new chapter in the series, setting the stage in Kamurocho, enriched with new areas like the rooftop, back streets, and the underground complex known as Kamuchika. The narrative evolves significantly with the introduction of three new protagonists alongside Kazuma Kiryu, enriching the story from multiple perspectives. The characters Shun Akiyama, a charismatic loan shark with a mysterious past; Taiga Saejima, a convicted felon with a powerful sense of loyalty; and Masayoshi Tanimura, a resourceful police detective, join Kiryu in a tangled web of intrigue involving the dark underbelly of Tokyo"s crime syndicates.

The story intricately weaves their paths together, exploring their individual backstories and motives, leading to unexpected alliances and confrontations. As the game unfolds, players navigate through intense conflicts, unravel complex mysteries, and engage in the series" signature deep combat and rich narrative. With its multi-faceted storyline and enhanced gameplay, "Yakuza 4" offers a gripping continuation of the Yakuza saga, inviting players into a deeper exploration of its dynamic world and complex characters.

"Yakuza 5" significantly broadens the scope of the series, introducing five major Japanese cities, each with its unique atmosphere and challenges. The game features the largest scale in the series yet, weaving together the narratives of four men and a girl, each pursuing their own "dreams" across the diverse landscapes of Tokyo, Osaka, Hakata, Nagoya, and Sapporo. As the balance of power among the yakuza organizations teeters on the brink, a plot emerges to plunge all of Japan into war, calling the protagonists back into the vortex of the underworld.

Kazuma Kiryu, once a "legendary yakuza" and now leading a quiet life as a cab driver, finds himself inevitably drawn back into the life he sought to leave behind, in a bid to protect the dreams of those he holds dear. The intertwining tales of Kiryu, Haruka Sawamura, Taiga Saejima, Tatsuo Shinada, and Shun Akiyama unfold in a dramatic narrative, pushing each character to their limits as they confront their pasts and fight for their futures. "Yakuza 5" not only offers an expansive open-world experience but also enhances the series" celebrated battle system and customization options, providing a deeply engaging journey for players.

"Yakuza 6: The Song of Life" marks the final chapter in the epic saga of Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima. In this concluding installment, Kiryu is released from a three-year prison sentence only to face a Kamurocho altered by criminal upheaval, where the Tojo Clan is under threat by new powers like the Chinese Saio Triad and the Jingweon Mafia. Kiryu"s journey leads him to the serene town of Onomichi, Hiroshima, where new allies and formidable foes await in the local yakuza world.

As Kiryu seeks to unravel the mystery behind Haruka Sawamura"s coma and protect her infant son Haruto, he encounters an intricate web of deceit involving the Hirose Family, the powerful Yomei Alliance, and a secret that threatens the very core of Japan"s underworld. Kiryu"s quest is not just a fight for survival but also a fight for the truths hidden deep within the criminal syndicates and his own past. The narrative is a gripping portrayal of sacrifice, duty, and the inexorable pull of destiny, culminating in a conclusion that honors the legacy of the Dragon of Dojima.

"Yakuza: Like A Dragon" introduces a shift from the familiar streets of Tokyo to the vibrant Yokohama district of Isezaki Ijincho, marking a new era in the series with Ichiban Kasuga as the protagonist. Kasuga"s quest to discover the reason for his betrayal after an 18-year imprisonment unfolds in a narrative praised for its engaging storytelling and innovative approach to the JRPG genre. The game, set in 2019, ventures into the complex dynamics of Yokohama"s criminal factions, the Ijin Three, as Kasuga and his diverse allies tackle challenges in a quest for justice and self-discovery. "Yakuza: Like A Dragon" signifies a new direction for the series while retaining the rich storytelling and dynamic gameplay that fans cherish.

"Yakuza: Dead Souls" offers an alternative narrative within the Yakuza universe, set in Kamurocho amidst a sudden zombie outbreak. The game diverges from the main series by incorporating survival horror elements and a unique storyline where familiar characters like Shun Akiyama, Goro Majima, and Kazuma Kiryu face unprecedented challenges. The narrative weaves through Kamurocho"s chaos, revealing intricate plots and alliances while integrating intense combat and strategy as the characters fight to uncover the truth behind the outbreak and protect their beloved city.

Explore the intricate world of the Yakuza series, where loyalty, power, and survival blend in a saga that spans from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the depths of the underworld, crafting a compelling narrative that"s both unforgettable and deeply human.