June 13th 2025.
Let's take it back to the beginning. The Nintendo Switch 2 has just been released, and with it comes a lineup of amazing games that any gamer would be excited to catch up on. Among these titles is the remastered version of one of the best Yakuza games, complete with new content and features. But is the inflated price tag worth it?
For those who may not have had the chance to play many current gen games in recent years, the Switch 2 launch line-up is a must-see. From the highly anticipated Mario Kart World to other hits like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, Street Fighter 6, and updated versions of two of the best Zelda games, it's a well-rounded collection that covers all the bases of modern gaming.
One of these titles is Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, a re-release of the 2017 PlayStation 4 game. Widely regarded as one of the best games in the Yakuza series, it played a major role in bringing its popularity to the west. While some may argue that Yakuza: Like A Dragon is now a better entry point, especially in terms of modern gameplay standards, Yakuza 0 still makes the most sense as an origin story for the beloved characters Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima.
This new version essentially offers the same thrilling gangster drama as before, but with some added perks for the Switch 2. If you're looking to dive into the series with your new handheld console, then this is definitely a worthwhile pick. However, the only real advantage of this expanded cut is its portability.
For a more detailed breakdown of the game, you can check out our original review of the PlayStation 4 version. The Director's Cut is essentially the same game, but some aspects may feel a bit outdated after eight years - namely, the combat. While still enjoyable in its arcade-style fighting, the combat in Yakuza 0 feels a bit stiff compared to the variety and fluidity of newer entries in the series.
However, everything else in the game holds up pretty well, and the Switch 2 version even boasts a visual upgrade with 60fps and 4K support when docked. This makes the bustling streets of Kamurocho come alive, especially at night. It's a shame that other improvements weren't made in other areas, such as the character models outside of cutscenes or the presentation of menus, to give it a more modern feel.
One of the highlights of the Yakuza series is Majima's origins, and this game does not disappoint in that aspect. It also offers expert, exclusive gaming analysis, so be sure to sign up for the GameCentral newsletter to get a unique take on the week in gaming, along with the latest reviews and more, delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
There are also some new additions, although they may be minor. The Director's Cut now includes an English dub, but unfortunately, the performances fall short when compared to the original Japanese actors. While recent entries, like Yakuza: Like A Dragon, have decent English voice work, the dub in Yakuza 0 is a real slog to listen to.
The biggest addition to the game is the multiplayer mode, Red Light Raid. Here, you can team up with up to three other players online to take on waves of enemies and even face off against bosses. There are six missions in total, each one increasing in difficulty. The money you earn from these missions can be used to unlock new characters to fight with, including Goro Majima, Akira Nishikiyama, and even some obscure fighters from the Coliseum, like the clown Red Lip Yamamoto.
Fighting alongside three other human players adds a chaotic charm to the game, as you see classic Yakuza 0 characters dominate enemy goons in rapid succession. However, Red Light Raid ultimately falls short and serves as nothing more than a shallow distraction - a fun novelty for a few rounds, but not something you'll likely return to in the weeks to come.
For die-hard Yakuza fans, the main appeal of the Director's Cut is the inclusion of new cutscenes. With a total of 26 minutes of new footage, these scenes were actually cut from the original game, as confirmed by producer Makoto Suzuki. However, as is often the case with deleted scenes, you may find yourself understanding why they were cut in the first place. Some scenes do add depth to Kiryu's relationships with characters like Nishikiyama, but overall, they don't make up for the slow pacing. And at worst, some of these scenes are a prime example of the series' most frustrating storytelling habits, with one character's death being inexplicably reversed, to the detriment of the narrative.
In conclusion, it's a bit difficult to evaluate Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, as it largely depends on your familiarity with the franchise. If you have access to other platforms, the original game is cheaper and will give you the same experience. However, if you're new to the series and have a Switch 2, this is a great option, albeit a bit pricey, with some added extras. For long-time fans, this expanded version may just become an interesting novelty in the grand scheme of the definitive edition.
In Short: Yakuza 0 Director's Cut offers an excellent game with some added benefits for the Switch 2, but these extras may not be enough to justify the high price tag.
Pros: Still one of the best entries in the series, despite showing its age in some areas. The game looks great on the Switch 2, with 60fps and 4K support.
Cons: The new multiplayer mode is forgettable, and the extra scenes are a bit disappointing.
Score: 7/10
Formats: Nintendo Switch 2
Price: £44.99
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Release Date: 5th June 2025
Age Rating: 18
Red Light Raid offers shallow thrills. If you have any thoughts or comments, please feel free to email us or leave a comment below. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter for more gaming updates.
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