Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut – Exclusive First Look

Oh man, here we go again. Another Yakuza game popping up on a Nintendo console. Remember when the Wii U got one? Yeah, the Switch got Yakuza Kiwami, now bam, Yakuza 0’s hitting the Nintendo Switch 2. I got to fiddle with it a bit, hands-on style.

Crazy to think Yakuza 0’s been around for a decade in Japan. It first came out on the PlayStation 3 & 4. Now, Switch 2’s giving it the “director’s cut” treatment, even though the original director bounced from SEGA. Go figure. Sweet additions like English voiceovers, fresh cutscenes, and this thing called Red Light Raid mode are in the mix.

I spent a wild 45 minutes with the game in docked mode and yeah, it runs smooth as butter on the Switch 2. We snagged some direct gameplay footage. Looked like it was pretty much locked at 60 FPS. Can’t say for sure if it hits native 4K, but the resolution’s at least 1440p, lining up with what you’d see on a PS4 Pro. I bugged a SEGA guy about HDR support — nope, not happening. Bit of a bummer.

Yakuza 0’s perfect for newcomers. Seriously, it’s packed. The story’s a rollercoaster of laughs and feels. Plus, there are mini-games galore — karaoke (off-key singing?), old SEGA arcade wonders, and batting cages. Let’s not forget the beat ‘em up action that switches between fighting styles. Oh, and wandering 1980s Japan is a trip. Can’t wait to dive back into the narrative (after hitting it on the PS4 before).

But, hold up — Red Light Raid mode? Yeah, not so pumped. Maybe it’s just me sucking at Yakuza battles, but it’s your basic survival mode. Waves of baddies, chuck a few bosses in there. I tried it solo with optional CPU buddies, but you can play local or online with pals. You get to pick characters, many of whom are side/background peeps from the main gig. My first try was with Ginger Chapman — picture Chucky the doll, only human? Limited moves with a knife. Stabbing galore. Fun for a bit, but kinda samey.

Playing as a twist on Kazuma Kiryu was better. Unlike the main story, where you’d unlock 4 fighting styles, here you pick one and roll with it. You earn cash, level up your characters, maybe snag new ones. Single-player was a quick thrill, but I’m guessing it’s a blast with buddies around.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is high on my list for Nintendo Switch 2’s launch goodies. Played before, sure, but I’m curious about the English dub (though the Japanese option sticks around). Not totally convinced by Red Light Raid, but what the heck, maybe I’ll give it another whirl when it drops next month.