Yakuza Kiwami Is Finally Launching on Nintendo Switch on October 24

Yakuza Kiwami, the action-adventure game that marked the beginning of the iconic Yakuza series, is finally making its way to the Nintendo Switch on October 24, 2024. This release comes eight years after the game’s debut and offers Nintendo players their first opportunity to dive into the crime-filled streets of Kamurocho, Japan.

Experience an intense journey of love, humanity, and betrayal fueled by your fists. Yakuza Kiwami is coming to #NintendoSwitch on Oct. 24! #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/V4vnCfZRZw

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 27, 2024

Initially released in 2016 by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the 2005 PlayStation 2 classic that launched the Yakuza franchise. The remake was first available on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 before eventually being ported to Xbox One and PC. However, despite the game’s popularity and the growing fanbase, a Nintendo Switch version remained elusive until now.

In the latest Nintendo Direct, Sega revealed the announcement trailer for Yakuza Kiwami’s Switch port, despite mentioning it will never happen before. Nevertheless, the change in decision marks the first time a Yakuza game has been officially available on a Nintendo platform outside of Japan, making it a historic moment for the franchise.

Yakuza Kiwami Nintendo Switch Release

Besides announcing Yakuza Kiwami’s Switch port release date, the trailer includes all the content from previous versions, ensuring players experience the entire narrative and gameplay that made the original a hit.

Yakuza Kiwami will be available on the Nintendo eShop for $19.99. Currently, there are no plans for a physical release, which may disappoint collectors but should make the game more accessible to a broader audience.

In addition, the release of Yakuza Kiwami on the Nintendo Switch could start a broader expansion of the Yakuza franchise on the platform. While Sega has not announced any further plans, the success of this port could pave the way for other titles in the series, such as Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and even more recent entries like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Everything to Know About Yakuza Kiwami

Plot and Story Missions

To summarise without giving away any spoilers, the game follows Kazuma Kiryu, who returns to Kamurocho after a decade in prison. The once familiar streets have changed, and the city is now a breeding ground for crime, corruption, and chaos.

Kiryu caught himself in a dangerous search for a missing girl, Haruka, who holds the key to a vast fortune. Along the way, he must confront old friends, new enemies, and the ghosts of his past.

In addition, the game’s narrative is divided into main story missions and substories (Side Quests). While the main missions drive the core plot forward, substories provide additional context, humour, and character development. Completing substories will reward you with items, experience, new abilities and fighting techniques.

Combat and Gameplay Mechanics

As mentioned above, the Switch will bring all the features that fans of the series have come to love. For example, the Switch port will retain the mix of traditional beat-em-up action and RPG elements, allowing players to switch between different fighting styles to adapt to various situations.

In the game, Kiryu can switch between four fighting styles on the fly, each suited to different situations:

• Brawler: A balanced style with a mix of power and speed.
• Beast: A heavy-hitting style perfect for dealing massive damage and using environmental objects as weapons.
• Rush: A quick style that allows Kiryu to dodge and counter.
• Dragon: Kiryu’s ultimate style, unlocked through progression, offering devastating moves and combos.

Furthermore, players can use different weapons, from bats and knives to bicycles and street signs. Special finishing moves, known as Heat Actions, also add a cinematic flair to the brawls, with each style offering unique ways to take down opponents.

Minigames

Lastly, one of the defining features of the Yakuza series is its vast array of side activities and minigames. Yakuza Kiwami is no exception, offering distractions from the main story.

Listed below are some minigames you can divert to throughout your journey:

• Karaoke: Test your rhythm and timing in this fan-favorite minigame.
• Pocket Circuit: Customise miniature cars and race them on tracks across Kamurocho.
• Batting Cages: Hone your batting skills in this challenging minigame.
• Mahjong and Shogi: Play traditional Japanese board games.
• Hostess Clubs: Interact with hostesses and manage relationships in these immersive side stories.

Also Read: Romance in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | How to Date Saeko?

Parting Notes

Interestingly, the release of Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch coincides with the premiere of the new live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series on Amazon Prime Video, also set for October 24. This simultaneous release seems to be a strategic move by Sega to capitalise on the synergy between the game and the television series.

Regardless, Yakuza Kiwami’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch is a momentous occasion for fans of the series and a promising sign for the future of Like a Dragon on Nintendo’s platform.

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