Yakuza Kiwami’s Switch Release Finally Settles One Series Debate (2024)

The recent announcement of Yakuza Kiwami coming to the Nintendo Switch marks the first time the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's beloved franchise will be available on a Nintendo console outside of Japan. Given how the series has boomed in popularity in recent years – despite the rebranding from Yakuza to Like a Dragon – it makes sense that publisher Sega would want to make the series accessible to as many players as possible. While Yakuza Kiwami's Nintendo Switch port should help the game find a new audience, the franchise as a whole can be somewhat confusing for new players due in part to the rebranding and the multiple potential starting points players can choose from.

For players not in the know, it might not be apparent that Yakuza Kiwami is a 2016 remake of the original PS2 title, Yakuza, known as Like a Dragon in Japan. Although the story of Yakuza Kiwami is largely a simple retelling of the series' origins and protagonist Kazuma Kiryu's rise to legendary status, there is some debate among fans as to where the ideal starting point for newcomers to the franchise is, given the prequel and soft reboot the series contains. However, Sega opting to release Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch first may finally settle this debate once and for all.

The Best Starting Point for New Yakuza/Like a Dragon Players is Debatable

Multiple Like a Dragon Games Can Be Great Jumping Off Points

While it might seem obvious that the remake of the first Yakuza game would be the best starting point, the franchise isn't so clear-cut with its options for new players. Even discussing how to approach the series can get confusing when some games are titled "Yakuza" and others "Like a Dragon." However, there are generally three games that the community considers good places for new players to start, depending on what they are looking for in a game.

For players who want to experience the story of the Like a Dragon series as it was released originally, starting with Yakuza Kiwami makes the most sense, given that it blends modern design with the series' original story. However, some fans will recommend players start with Yakuza 0 since it is a prequel to the franchise and takes place earliest in the series' timeline while also containing one of the best stories in the series along with tons of optional content. There is also a strong case to be made for new players to start with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the seventh game in the series, and a soft reboot that sees the reigns handed to new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga along with a shift from action-brawler combat to that of a turn-based JRPG.

Yakuza Kiwami Marking the Series' Switch Debut Solidifies it as the Ideal Starting Point

The Remake of the Game That Started it All Has Been the Best Starting Point All Along

Despite these multiple potential starting points for the Like a Dragon series, it seems as though Sega and RGG have finally weighed in on the debate, with Yakuza Kiwami being the recommended game to start with. With the upcoming release of Yakuza Kiwami on Switch, players hopping into the series for the first time on the Nintendo console will have no choice but to begin with this remake. The timing of its Nintendo Switch debut on October 24 will also coincide with the release of Amazon Prime's Like a Dragon: Yakuza TV series on October 25, priming players to experience the original story across two different mediums.

Although Nintendo Switch players will be starting the series with Yakuza Kiwami, there is the potential for more entries to make their way to the console or even its successor. Yakuza 0 uses the same engine as Kiwami, meaning it likely wouldn't be too difficult of a task to port this entry over as well. Yakuza Kiwami 2, on the other hand, utilizes the more powerful Dragon Engine, which could mean Nintendo fans won't get access to Kiwami's direct sequel until after the Switch's successor is released.

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