"Yakuza 0" feels exactly like when I was a kid, coming from school ready for grabbing that PS2 controller and play for hours and hours. This title has the exact same things that I've always loved from the games of that time. It carries that special DNA of the mid 2000' gaming era. You sure think that I'm crazy, but I'm sure that feeling it's gonna hit u too.
From the get-go you'll feel that as I did, but later in the story u will find a mature and dark plot that will break with that feeling of being kids again. The dark and mature themes remind u that u are now a man, luckily that allow us to enjoy such thing as this plot in a whole new level.

Set in the Japan from the 88', "Yakuza 0" follows three protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu, Goro Majima and Makoto Makimura (Those firsts two are playable characters, by the way). The three of them are trapped in a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and surreal ambition related to a tiny but vital piece of land, known as the "Empty Lot".
The narrative is paced like a Netflix or Tv show; full of cliffhangers, plot-twists, emotional moments and well-written dialogues. Every chapter finishes in the right time, leaving u anxious about what's going to happen next. Allow me to keep talking about this aspect, is worth it. As I was saying the game changes between chapters, from tense political conspiracies to a war power or deeply personal character arcs. There's heartbreaks, betrayal, moments of laughter and joy, and some of the best written characters that I've seen in a long time (since my "Atri -My Dear Moments-" playthrough, a few months ago). Despite the heavy themes, this game never becomes boring or overwhelming because "Yakuza 0" knows when to pull back at the right time.

If you played videogames like "The Warriors" back in the golden age of the Playstation 2, then "Yakuza 0's" combat will hit you right in the nostalgia. This title features an interesting combat system with multiple fighting styles per character. In this aspect is where the Ps2 vibes shines at it's fullest, you'll understand what I mean when you fight someone in this title.

This game has two main areas, "Kamurocho" (Tokyo) and "Sotenbori" (Osaka). These two places are not massive, but they're increbidly dense, filled with details and personality in every alleyway. Neon signs, people walking around, enemies trying to beat us, etc. Not to mention the places where we can go: Karaoke bars or simple bars, hostess clubs, arcades, discos, casinos, convenience stores, +18 videoclubs, Restaurants, etc.
Talking about the side content, I have to talk about this aspect in detail. The substories are totally worth to play them, all of them. The Business management stuff it's also pretty entertaining. All thew side content feels like it was made with love. You'll have hours and hours worth of extra gameplay thanks to the side content.

In summary, "Yakuza 0" it's a symphony of broken hearts and burning spirits, with a happy but bitter ending at the same time. This is a world where you fight for what's right and for the people you love. With every karaoke song and encounters with weird side characters, this title reminds us that life is messy and strange, but also tender, hilarious and worth fighting for. We can see this exact same thing in the backstory and example of Makimura Makoto as well.
If, like me, you’ve never played a "Yakuza" game before, this is the perfect place to start. Before u start, remember that this is more than a game.
Solid 10/10. Thank you, SEGA, for this unforgettable gift.

Notice: These points were written as I played the game back when I consistently played it mid 2023.

Positive
- Funny dialogue.
- Good story. The story was almost never predictable for me, which is good. And that's why Every chapter seemed to me like it could be the last chapter, because the story was so surprising and captivating.
- Good job on capturing the Japanese atmosphere.
- Plenty of side activities to do. Many minigames.
- The real estate & Cabaret Czar businesses are not too hard to understand.

Negative
-Combat annoyances:
-- Enemies aimbot - I don't like how sometimes enemies can hit you when you already evaded their previous hit like their hit follows you like an aimbot.
-- Enemies hitbox - I don't understand the hitbox. Some attacks are simply unavoidable, especially knife attacks, even though I clearly evaded the attack perfectly. The combat is unfair even though it is very predictable.
--Enemies can still hit you whilst you're hitting them - But I guess it will be OP if you keep hitting them and they can't ever hit you back. Still maybe there's a different mechanic that could've been implemented and not this unfair and frustrating one.
-- The rush style is horrible - Enemies can land a hit on you all the time no matter how successfully you evade or put up your guard.
- Camera is really bad sometimes like it gets stuck in the wall and u cant go further.
- Pool minigame is not really good - physics not good and the accuracy of the power of the shot not good.

- There are some cutscenes and some are just text dialogues that you have to read without any voice acting. But personally I had a lot of fun reading the text out loud voice acting myself. (can be considered as a positive)

Played it on another system, loved it so much, im now half way through Kiwami 1. Brand new to Yakuza series and it got me hooked hard.

Theres a ton of activities to do, side content is very good and fun, the main story is around 30+hrs so you have quite a lot to take in and have fun with.

I get the hype behind these games now, they're fun and a really good story and this is the best place to begin. Going through the full order now :)