Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut – Exclusive First Look

Okay, so here’s the deal. Yet another Yakuza game is hopping onto a Nintendo console. Remember the Wii U? Yeah, that got one. Then the Switch got Yakuza Kiwami. And now, Yakuza 0 is gearing up to launch with the Nintendo Switch 2. I had a bit of hands-on time and, honestly, it’s got some quirks.

This game is celebrating its ten-year mark in Japan. A whole decade! It came out on PlayStation 3 & 4 back then. Now, for Switch 2, they’re calling it a director’s cut. Kind of weird since the original folks at SEGA aren’t around anymore. Anyway, it’s got English voiceovers, extra scenes, and something called Red Light Raid mode. Whatever that is.

So, how does it run? Pretty smoothly, if I do say so. I got about 45 minutes with the docked version. It felt like 60 frames per second steady, which is nice. Can’t lie, the resolution thing—whether it’s true 4K or just 1440p—still a mystery. HDR? Nope, unfortunately, no luck on that part.

Now, if you’re new to the Yakuza saga, this is maybe your ticket. There’s the story, stuffed with humor and heart. Fun side stuff too—karaoke, old arcade gems, you name it. It’s beat ‘em up goodness with different fighting styles. Plus, roaming around 1980s Japan is its own vibe. Played it on PS4, but curious to dive back in.

About that Red Light Raid mode… no idea how I feel. Not the best Yakuza fighter myself, and this mode’s your basic survival deal—waves and waves of baddies, some bosses tossed in. Tried the solo slant, though you can team up with pals. The character choice was odd; tried Ginger Chapman—think, if Chucky became human. His knife moves were amusing but got old fast.

Switching to Kazuma Kiryu was better. Though, here’s the catch: unlike the story mode where you unlock styles, you pick one style per variant. Winning bags you cash that levels up characters. Quick solo runs were fun, but probably shines with friends around.

So yeah, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut is high on my list for Switch 2’s release. Been there, done that, but English dub intrigues me. Not fully digging Red Light Raid yet, but will give it a whirl when it drops next month.