Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut – First Impressions Preview

Hey, so guess what? Another Yakuza game—a pretty solid one too—is heading to Nintendo Switch 2. Seriously, how cool is that? I remember when the Wii U got one of these. Now, with the Switch getting a solid port of Yakuza Kiwami, here we are. And yeah, Yakuza 0 is next in line for the new Switch 2. Actually spent some time with it—hands-on, you know?

Yakuza 0’s hitting a big milestone—ten years since it first dropped in Japan on the old PlayStation 3 and 4. This one’s called a director’s cut for Switch 2, but funny enough, the original director moved on. Anyway, what’s new here? We’ve got English voices, extra cutscenes, and even a mode named Red Light Raid. Intriguing, right?

Messed around for like 45 minutes on the docked version, and I’ll say, it’s smooth. Like butter smooth. Feels like it’s cruising at 60 frames every second. Can’t swear it’s full 4K—looks pretty sharp at least 1440p, that’s what my gut says, similar to PS4 Pro. Poked a SEGA guy about HDR. Yeah, nope, nothing there. Bummer.

If you’re fresh to the Yakuza world, Yakuza 0 is the gateway drug. Solo play’s a mix of heartfelt and cheeky story—loads of giggles. Minigames galore: singing sessions, SEGA arcades, batting cages—you name it. Oh, and the brawling is a blast, with a bunch of fighting styles. You’re basically romping through 1980s Japan. Did it on PS4 before, and now I can’t wait to dive back in.

Now, about that Red Light Raid thing—I’m a bit “meh.” Yakuza combat isn’t my forte. This mode’s a survival/horde thing. Wave after wave, toss in some bosses… you get it. Got to dabble alone, though pals—or even random internet folks—can join you. Played as this guy, Ginger Chapman. Picture Chucky from Child’s Play as a human. Yeah, weird. Moves were basic—knives and such. Fun for a moment, but kind of monotonous.

Kazuma Kiryu’s variant was more my style. But unlike usual, you gotta pick one combat style upfront here. Winning earns cash—level up or snag new characters with it. On my own, it was nice, but definitely feels like a pals’ night in would boost the fun factor.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut—definitely on my radar for the Switch 2 debut. Played it before, sure, but the English dub is calling out to me—I mean, you can still opt for Japanese if that’s your thing. Not entirely sold on Red Light Raid yet, but hey, I’ll give it another whirl when it’s out next month. Fingers crossed!