Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut: A Must-Play for Fans & Newcomers
▼ Summary
– Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is considered one of the best in the series and is part of the Switch 2’s sparse launch lineup, offering a hard-hitting open-world adventure.
– The game is priced at $50, providing hundreds of hours of gameplay with a lengthy narrative, minigames, and new content like additional voice and subtitle tracks.
– New features include the return of the song “Bubble” and Red Light Raid mode, a multiplayer brawler with mixed execution and chaotic gameplay.
– The Director’s Cut adds five new cutscenes, offering more screen time for underdeveloped characters and the Kiryu-Nishikiyama duo.
– While the Director’s Cut is an upgrade, its value is debatable due to the original game’s frequent deep discounts, making the extras less compelling for some players.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut delivers an enhanced experience for both longtime fans and newcomers, packing in fresh content while retaining the gritty charm of the original. This definitive edition brings new voice tracks, additional story scenes, and a multiplayer brawler mode, making it a compelling option for those diving into the seedy underworld of 1980s Japan.
Priced at $50, the game offers tremendous value with its sprawling narrative and addictive side activities. The dual-protagonist story remains as gripping as ever, while the minigames, from karaoke to real estate management, provide endless distractions. For players craving more, the Director’s Cut introduces five new cutscenes, adding depth to underdeveloped characters and expanding key moments between Kiryu and Nishikiyama.
One of the standout additions is the Red Light Raid mode, a chaotic multiplayer brawler where teams of up to four battle waves of enemies. While the concept is fun, execution feels uneven, character balance varies, and cramped environments sometimes lead to visual clutter. Still, playing as obscure NPCs or series favorites offers a novel twist for die-hard fans.
Visually, the game holds up well, matching the PS4 version with crisp 4K support on Switch 2. The inclusion of multiple language options, including English and Chinese voiceovers, broadens its appeal, though purists may still prefer the original Japanese performances. Notably, the iconic rock track “Bubble” makes its triumphant return, restoring a piece of the game’s original Japanese soundtrack.
The biggest hurdle is the price. While the extras are welcome, the original Yakuza 0 frequently sells for under $10 during Steam sales, making the premium for this edition harder to justify for casual players. However, if you’re a completist, prefer dubbed dialogue, or simply want the most polished version of this cult classic, the Director’s Cut is a worthy investment.
At its core, Yakuza 0 remains one of the series’ finest entries, blending brutal combat with absurd humor and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re revisiting Kamurocho or exploring it for the first time, this edition ensures you’ll get the most out of the experience, just be prepared to pay a premium for the extras.
(Source: Game Spot)
