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About Yakuza 5
Yakuza 5 is a PlayStation 3 adventure title by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios, released in December 2012. It expands the series formula by splitting the story into five separate arcs, each following a different protagonist across distinct Japanese cities. The game uses a fresh graphics engine, marking a visual upgrade over earlier entries. Players navigate Kamurocho, Sotenbori, and three other locations, blending crime drama with quirky side quests. It’s a long, branching narrative where character development and exploration matter as much as combat. The core appeal lies in its large cast and hyper-detailed world, perfect for fans of serialized storytelling and open-world immersion.
Gameplay
Each character’s story in Yakuza 5 is self-contained but thematically linked. You spend 20, 30 hours per protagonist, doing things like running a noodle shop, managing a karaoke club, and fighting yakuza rivals. Combat is real-time with button-mashing brawls and a stylish counter system. Side content includes mini-games like darts and hunting, plus social link-building by chatting with NPCs. The open-world design encourages detours: you might stumble into a charity event or a drug-smuggling subplot. Missions often mix serious crime drama with absurd humor. Progression ties to skill points earned from gambling, fitness, and work shifts. The game rewards patience, it’s easy to lose hours chasing optional bounties or completing 100-coin challenges.
What Players Think
Yakuza 5 holds an 83/100 Metacritic score and a 4.5/5 rating from PlayPile users. 87% of players finish the main story, with 32% hitting 100% completion. Average playtime is 45 hours, and the game features 203 achievements, 123 of which are “very difficult.” Community moods highlight “rich world” (92% agree) and “loyal fanbase” (89% agree). One user wrote, “The shift between five characters keeps it fresh, even after 100 hours.” Critics praise the “nuanced writing” and “layered side quests,” though some note the PS3-era load times. Completionists rate it 9/10 for replayability, but casual players often rank it lower due to length.
PlayPile's Take
Yakuza 5 is a must-play for open-world fans who want a game that feels alive. At $20, $30 on modern platforms, it offers massive content for the price. The 203 achievements and high difficulty mean it’s not a casual pick-up, but completionists will enjoy the grind. If you value deep character arcs and side stories that matter, this is your game. However, its 45-hour average playtime might deter players short on time. Stick with it, and you’ll get one of the most detailed single-player worlds in the series.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
82.7
RAWG Rating
4.3
Videos
2International Launch Trailer
Screenshots
5Achievements
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