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CRITIK

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Item: Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, RPG, Drama, Single Player

AvailableApr 17, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperRyu ga Gotoku Studios

Overview

Step into Japan's criminal underworld in this explosive action brawler starring legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu, who is hellbent on unraveling the truth around his daughter's tragic accident.

Elsewhere

8.4

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the story for its emotional depth, compelling narrative, and exploration of themes such as family, legacy, and sacrifice. Critics like Critical Hit, Cubed3, FANDOM, Game Informer, GameCritics, Gameplanet, Gaming Age, GamingTrend, Guardian, IGN Italia, Polygon, Press Start Australia, Push Square, RPGamer, PlayStation Country, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Worth Playing all express admiration for the story, highlighting its gripping nature, intense moments, and surprising twists. They appreciate the way the story focuses on the relationship between the protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, and his adopted daughter, as well as the exploration of Kiryu's criminal past and the consequences it brings. However, there are a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. Cubed3 mentions that the impact of the story is slightly diminished due to a major antagonist taking time to appear. TheSixthAxis points out that the story seems more concerned with wrapping up the series for long-time fans rather than creating an easy entry point for newcomers, leaving some important side-characters without closure or development. Metro GameCentral and Gamer.nl also mention that the story falls slightly short as the conclusion to Kiryu's storyline. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is highly engaging, emotionally impactful, and satisfying. It is praised for its well-composed crime narrative, intriguing plot twists, and exploration of complex themes. The majority of the critics find the story to be a fitting conclusion to Kiryu's saga and a strong entry in the Yakuza series. The positive opinions of critics such as Critical Hit, FANDOM, Push Square, and Xbox Achievements further support the overall sentiment that the story of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is very good.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about the emotional depth, compelling narrative, and exploration of complex themes in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. They praise the gripping story, intense moments, and focus on protagonist Kazuma Kiryu's relationship with his daughter. Some critics note minor flaws like delayed antagonist appearance and lack of closure for side characters. Overall, critics agree that the story is highly engaging, emotionally impactful, and a satisfying conclusion to Kiryu's saga in the Yakuza series.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics, such as Cubed3 and Game Informer, appreciate the satisfying combat system and the inclusion of various side activities and mini-games. They find the combat enjoyable and the side missions to be delightfully strange, providing humorous and weird distractions from the main plot. Additionally, Easy Allies and Gameplanet mention that while the combat may become routine, the side quests and mini-games offer countless diversions and emotional encounters. On the other hand, there are critics who express concerns about the gameplay of Yakuza 6. Critical Hit and FANDOM mention that the combat feels lackluster and repetitive, with only one fighting style available for the protagonist. They also note that the controls can be confusing and sometimes result in attacking the environment instead of enemies. Gamer.nl and Metro GameCentral highlight the limitations and lack of variety in the combat system compared to previous entries in the series. They also mention that there are fewer combat styles and combos available, which may disappoint fans. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while the gameplay of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life has its strengths, such as the satisfying combat system and the inclusion of numerous side activities and mini-games, there are also some drawbacks. The combat system, although enjoyable, can become repetitive and lacks the complexity and variety seen in previous Yakuza games. However, the inclusion of cinematic special moves and the ability to use the environment as a weapon adds some excitement to the gameplay experience. Despite the mixed opinions on certain aspects of the gameplay, it is evident that Yakuza 6 still manages to provide engaging and entertaining gameplay for fans of the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life gameplay splits critics: Some praise the satisfying combat and quirky side missions, while others criticize the lackluster combat and limited fighting styles. Despite mixed opinions, the game still offers engaging gameplay with cinematic special moves and diverse distractions, although lacking the complexity of previous Yakuza titles.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. The game was praised for its solid visuals, stellar world-building, and immersive environments. Critics such as Critical Hit and Easy Allies commended the seamless transitions between combat, exploration, and entering buildings, which contributed to the overall immersive experience. The bustling district of Kamurocho was particularly highlighted as looking better than ever, with improved visual fidelity and attention to detail, as mentioned by FANDOM and Game Over Online. The neon lighting in Tokyo was also praised by Gamer.nl and Press Start Australia, adding to the overall impressive visual experience. However, there were some minor technical issues and criticisms raised by a few critics. Cubed3 mentioned issues with screen tearing, flickering, and lower frame rates in certain areas, particularly inside buildings. GameSpew and RPGamer noted instances of aliasing and lackluster character models, respectively. Additionally, Gameblog.fr and COGconnected highlighted performance issues on the Xbox version, such as framerate drops during cutscenes and the Dragon Engine struggling to maintain optimal performance. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life are very good. The majority of critics praised the game's impressive visuals, detailed character models, rich tonal color palettes, and improved environments. The use of the new Dragon Engine was particularly commended for its realistic lighting, shadows, and attention to detail on characters' hair and faces, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis. The game successfully captures the flavor of Japan, with authentic and immersive city backdrops, as noted by PlayStation Country and Polygon. Despite some minor technical issues and criticisms, the positive feedback from critics indicates that the graphics and visual design of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life greatly contribute to the overall enjoyment and immersive nature of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics lauded Yakuza 6: The Song of Life for its stunning graphics, immersive world-building, and seamless gameplay transitions. While some pointed out minor technical issues like screen tearing and frame rate drops, the majority praised the game's detailed visuals and vibrant environments. The new Dragon Engine received particular acclaim for its realistic lighting and character details, capturing the essence of Japan. Overall, critics agree that the game's graphics greatly enhance the immersive experience despite some drawbacks.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life are overwhelmingly positive. Several critics, such as Gamer.nl and Press Start Australia, highlight the contribution of the sound design and music to the atmosphere and immersion of the game. They mention that the game benefits from a convincing cast of actors and a well-crafted game world, with the sound design and music rivaling the best moments in other popular games. GamingTrend also praises the sounds of the city, stating that each zone, building, or section of the town has appropriate audio. The fully voice-acted side quests and sharp script, as mentioned by GamesRadar++, enhance the overall sound design of the game. The karaoke and other arcade experiences are also highlighted as standout features by GamesRadar++ and Press Start Australia. While the majority of the critics have positive opinions, there are a few who do not specifically mention the music or have any negative remarks. TheSixthAxis, for example, does not make any specific mention of the music, focusing more on the fully voiced side-stories. RPGamer states that the music is ambient and mellow, but nothing stands out as a memorable track. However, it is important to note that these critics do not necessarily have negative opinions about the sound design and music, but rather do not provide specific comments on them. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life are very good. The Japanese voice acting is consistently praised by multiple critics, including IGN Italia, RPGamer, Worth Playing, and Windows Central. The soundtrack and sound design are also commended for contributing to the mature and grounded drama of the game, as mentioned by Windows Central. The positive opinions of the majority of the critics, along with the specific praises for the voice acting, karaoke experiences, and overall atmosphere, indicate that the sound design and music of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life greatly enhance the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the sound design and music in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, praising their contribution to the immersive atmosphere of the game. Most critics highlight the convincing cast of actors, well-crafted game world, and stellar soundscapes that rival those of other popular games. While a few critics don't specifically mention the music, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with Japanese voice acting receiving particular acclaim. Overall, the sound design and music greatly enhance the gaming experience, with standout features including fully voice-acted side quests, karaoke experiences, and a mature, grounded drama.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the performances of the voice actors, highlighting their ability to bring the characters to life and add depth to the narrative. Critics such as Cubed3 and Gamer.nl specifically mentioned the well-written characters and the talented cast, including famous actors like Beat Takeshi and Takeshi Kitano. The voice acting was described as "terrific" and "stellar" by IGN Italia and RPGamer, respectively. The performances were also commended for capturing the emotions and personalities of the characters, with Guardian mentioning Takaya Kuroda's portrayal of Kiryu's restrained anger and Hiroyuki Miyasako's warmth and humor as Nagumo. The voice acting in Yakuza 6 was seen as a significant positive aspect that enhanced the overall experience of the game. While the majority of critics praised the voice acting in Yakuza 6, there were no specific negative comments or criticisms mentioned by the reviewers. The absence of negative feedback suggests that the voice acting was generally well-received and did not have any major flaws or issues. However, it is worth noting that TheSixthAxis did not provide specific details about the voice acting quality, focusing more on the side-stories being fully voiced. This lack of specific mention could indicate that the voice acting may not have stood out as a particularly exceptional aspect of the game for this particular reviewer. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life was very good. The majority of reviewers praised the performances, describing them as fantastic, stellar, and well-done. The voice acting was seen as a significant positive aspect that added to the authenticity, emotional impact, and relatability of the characters. The inclusion of an A-list cast from the Japanese entertainment scene, as mentioned by Critical Hit, further solidifies the overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting in Yakuza 6. With no specific negative feedback mentioned, it can be concluded that the voice acting in Yakuza 6 was a strong and well-executed element of the game, contributing to its overall quality.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously laud the voice acting in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, praising the performances for bringing characters to life and enhancing the narrative. Notable actors like Beat Takeshi and Takeshi Kitano shine in their roles, with IGN Italia calling it "terrific" and RPGamer deeming it "stellar." Emotions and personalities are captured flawlessly, with Takaya Kuroda's restrained anger and Hiroyuki Miyasako's warmth and humor standing out. While some reviewers lacked specifics, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, making the voice acting a standout feature that elevates the game's experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PlayStation 4, the critics have mixed opinions. Cubed3 mentions some technical issues such as screen tearing, flickering, and lower frame rates in certain areas. However, they also highlight that the exploration and battles are seamless, with no loading screens. PlayStation Country also praises the new engine for retaining environmental details and providing a seamless experience, with no loading screens when entering buildings and quick fight initiations. Push Square provides more specific details, stating that the game runs at 30 frames per second on a standard PlayStation 4, with occasional frame rate dips during hectic gameplay moments. However, PlayStation 4 Pro users experience a solid 30fps with minor dips. Overall, the PlayStation 4 version seems to offer a relatively smooth experience with some minor technical issues. On the other hand, the Xbox One version of Yakuza 6 seems to have more noticeable technical problems. COGconnected mentions framerate dropping issues, particularly during cutscenes. Gameblog.fr criticizes the technical performance on Xbox One, stating that the Dragon Engine struggles and lacks 60fps. These reviews suggest that the Xbox One version may have more significant technical issues compared to the PlayStation 4 version. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the technical performance of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is that the PlayStation 4 version fares better in terms of technical stability and performance. While there are some minor technical issues mentioned by critics like Cubed3 and Gaming Age, the PlayStation 4 version is generally praised for its seamless exploration and battles, as well as the absence of loading screens. However, the Xbox One version seems to suffer from more noticeable technical problems, including framerate drops and struggles with the Dragon Engine. It is important to note that the overall sentiment is more positive for the PlayStation 4 version, with critics like Gameplanet highlighting the improvements in technical quality and production values.

TL;DR

technical performance

PlayStation 4 version of Yakuza 6 praised for seamless gameplay despite minor technical issues, while Xbox One version faces more noticeable problems like frame rate drops. Critics lean towards PS4 for better technical stability and performance overall.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's variety of side content and activities, such as mini-games and side quests, which provide additional gameplay and rewards. Critics like Cubed3 and Game Informer specifically mention that the game offers numerous mini-games and surprises, making it enjoyable to replay. Easy Allies and GameCritics also praise the game for its abundance of side content and activities, providing replay value for players who want to explore everything the game has to offer. PlayStation Country mentions that while the game may not be as packed with side content as previous installments, there is still plenty of content to engage with. Worth Playing and COGconnected also note the variety of mini-games, side-quests, and activities that keep players engaged. However, there are a few critics who express some negative aspects regarding the replay value of Yakuza 6. FANDOM mentions that there are fewer distractions compared to previous games in the series, and the game can feel repetitive, especially in the quiet seaport town of Onomichi. Polygon states that the side missions range in quality and can be tedious, with the reviewer wanting to skip most of them by the halfway point. Gameplanet mentions that Yakuza 6 is half the length of Yakuza 0 and has fewer side stories, which may impact the overall replay value. Additionally, Gamer.nl notes that while the game world is immersive and offers plenty of content to explore and enjoy, the overall gameplay time is less compared to previous games in the series. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Yakuza 6: The Song of Life offers a good amount of replay value. The game provides a variety of side content, mini-games, and activities to keep players engaged and entertained. Critics like Critical Hit, GameSpew, Gaming Age, Press Start Australia, Video Chums, and Xbox Achievements all appreciate the game's abundance of activities and side quests, which contribute to its replay value. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive elements and fewer distractions compared to previous games, the overall sentiment is positive, with the majority of critics acknowledging the game's replay value and the enjoyment it brings to players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Yakuza 6 for its replay value, highlighting the variety of side content and activities like mini-games and side quests. Some critics mention fewer distractions and repetitive elements, but overall, the game offers plenty of engaging content for players. Despite some flaws, critics agree that Yakuza 6 provides a good amount of replay value and keeps players entertained with its abundance of activities and side quests.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising the game. In terms of positives, many critics highlight the game's compelling narrative and emotional depth. Cubed3 describes it as a "beautiful and emotional farewell" to the series' protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, while Game Informer refers to it as a "meaningful and emotionally resonant story." The game's story is often commended for its balance between personal storytelling and moments of craziness and comedy, as noted by GamesRadar++ and Polygon. The improved graphics and technical enhancements are also frequently mentioned, with GamingTrend calling it a "beautiful game" and Gamer.nl praising the "impressive visuals" and attention to detail. However, there are some criticisms raised by a few critics. One common critique is the repetitive gameplay, as mentioned by Critical Hit, FANDOM, and Easy Allies. They note that the combat can become routine and that certain aspects lack variety. Critical Hit also mentions that the game tries too hard to mainstream its action, potentially losing some of its charm and bite. Another criticism is the limited content compared to previous entries, as mentioned by RPGamer and Worth Playing. They note that while the story is satisfying, the game may feel stunted outside of the main plot. Additionally, there are some technical limitations and framerate dropping issues on the Xbox version, as pointed out by COGconnected. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a highly recommended game and a solid entry in the series. The positive aspects, such as the compelling story, improved graphics, and immersive world, outweigh the negatives. Many critics, including Easy Allies, Gameplanet, and Push Square, consider it one of the best entries in the long-running series. The emotional investment throughout the game is praised by RPGamer, while PlayStation LifeStyle highlights the game's focus on Kiryu's story and the introduction of likable new characters. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay repetition and limited content, the majority of critics agree that Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a worthy conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu's storyline and a fitting farewell to the series.

TL;DR

Critics love Yakuza 6 for its emotional narrative and improved graphics, calling it a beautiful farewell to the series. Some critics find the gameplay repetitive and content lacking compared to previous entries. Despite minor flaws, most agree it's a highly recommended and emotionally engaging addition to the Yakuza series, marking a solid conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu's story.

CRITIK

Reviews

165 reviews found

Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Mar 15, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yakuza 6 delivers a meaningful and emotionally resonant story, along with weird and silly moments. It is a fitting tribute to the character of Kiryu.

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Mar 26, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a solid Yakuza tale that builds upon the progression and combat systems from previous games. It is recommended for both newcomers and fans of the series.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Mar 15, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a stellar Yakuza title with a gripping story, refined gameplay, and a new engine that brings the game's world to life. It acknowledges that the experience may feel stunted outside of the main plot but still considers it a fitting final chapter.

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Windows Central

Xbox One

Mar 24, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yakuza 6: Song of Life is an excellent conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu's story, with improved gameplay and exploration. It is one of the best games in the series and worth trying, especially for fans of the Yakuza games.

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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 4

Mar 22, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is an incredible package that successfully combines different gameplay styles into one game. The story is intriguing, the gameplay is fun, and the overall aesthetic of the game is well done. It offers a lot of replay value and is highly recommended.

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GamesRadar+

PlayStation 4

Mar 15, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a leaner, more concentrated experience that offers closure and satisfaction to longtime supporters of the series. It successfully balances personal storytelling with crazy and comical moments.

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Gameblog.fr

Xbox One

Apr 28, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xbox players who recently discovered the Yakuza series and enjoy it would be missing out if they don't play Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.

GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Apr 16, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yakuza 6 is a worthy send-off to the series' protagonist and a mighty fine game, despite not being as good as Yakuza 0. The new game engine enhances the experience.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Mar 15, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a new start for the series with a focus on Kiryu's story. It wraps up his journey on a high note and introduces likable new characters. The game is more focused in terms of story and locations, but still offers plenty to do.

Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Mar 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review recommends playing Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, especially if you have enjoyed previous Yakuza games.

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