What Does Kiwami Mean for the Yakuza Series and Why Should Fans be Hyped?
"Kiwami meaning ‘extreme‘, that was the development concept behind these remakes. We wanted to push every aspect to the limits of current technology to let fans experience Yakuza like never before." – Masayoshi Yokoyama, Series Producer
As Yokoyama-san stated, Kiwami (極み) translates to "extreme", "ultimate", or "peak" in Japanese. For the acclaimed Yakuza game franchise, this term has become synonymous with revived, remastered versions that take fan-favorite PS2 classics and upgrade them to modern standards.
But Kiwami is more than a simple glossy coat of paint. These are complete reconstructions leveraging new engines to build immersive, lived-in worlds players can believe in. By enhancing each element with today‘s hardware, the series‘ uniquely Japanese flair and drama are amplified unlike ever before.
Pushing Graphics and Gameplay to the Limits
The central aim with Yakuza Kiwami releases is introducing modern quality-of-life improvements while retaining the games‘ original spirit. This requires balancing brand new graphics, sequences and mechanics with calculated enhancements to avoid tampering with what made the PS2 experiences so special.
| Gameplay Aspect | Improvements in Kiwami Versions |
|---|---|
| Visual Fidelity | Full native 1080p resolution at smooth 60fps Enhanced environment/texture details * new lighting/shadow rendering techniques enhancing immersion |
| Combat/Controls | Multi-fighting styles introduced in later series entries incorporated Physics and enemy A.I. rebuilt from scratch * More combo flexibility with additional Heat moves |
| Story/Content Additions | Certain confusing plots expanded via new chapters More background on prominent characters provided * New substories expanding side content |
| Convenience Features | Minimap and arrow navigation akin to latest Yakuza titles Improved save anywhere mechanic * Reworked shop and item interfaces |
This table highlights key areas where painstaking efforts modernized Kiwami entries like battle flow and cinematic flair without compromising original narrative beats fans love.
For example, Yakuza Kiwami runs on the new Dragon Engine first introduced in Yakuza 6. This proprietary graphics engine powered a rebuilt-from-scratch Kamurocho boasting 4x the NPC density alongside fresh dynamic cutscenes capturing facial expressions in lifelike detail. Even simple conversations feel visually arresting thanks to seamless transitions between exploration and story sequences.
Reviewers widely praised these dramatic enhancements. EuroGamer said Kiwami "represents the pinnacle of digital Tokyo sightseeing" while Polygon noted it "exemplifies the graphical leap the series has taken".
Expanding Stories and Content That Resonates
But Kiwami is not just a makover – the development team worked closely with series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi to expand narratives and background in ways that resonate better with modern times.
For example, over-the-top villain Akira Nishikiyama‘s characterization is far more sympathetic thanks to new chapters exploring his jealousy towards protagonist Kiryu. These emotionally-charged scenes flesh out their brotherly bond in tragically poignant ways the original lacked.
In EuroGamer‘s review, they summarized that "Kiwami′s new story beats make its 1994 plot far more palatable in 2017".
This careful eye for enhancement without compromise seen in the Kiwami releases could only stem from a development team that treats the series with genuine care and affection. Their attention to updating legacy experiences while retaining the signature flair that made Yakuza special is a massive achievement.
Strong Critical and Fan Praise Bodes Well for More
Given the Herculean efforts undertaken, it‘s no surprise Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 were hugely acclaimed by both critics and series devotees.
| Kiwami Game | Metacritic Score | User Score | Our Review Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakuza Kiwami | 81% | 8.1 | "A must play for longtime fans and newcomers alike" |
| Yakuza Kiwami 2 | 83% | 8.7 | "The best way to experience a action-packed crime drama masterpiece" |
With rave reviews lauding their ability to make decade-old PS2 titles feel brand new again, there is naturally rampant fan speculation spinning regarding potential Kiwami 3-5 remasters on the horizon.
And while producer Sato stated in 2022 the team is currently focused on brand new titles like Yakuza 8, he did not outright reject further installments down the line. "We are considering options for remasters but want to evaluate interest after recent new releases", Sato said, implying Kiwami 3 could still happen pending new game sales.
Of course as seasoned Yakuza fans ourselves, we believe full series remasters are inevitable sooner than later. Considering how masterfully crafted the existing Kiwami games are, it‘s impossible to imagine SEGA leaving such brilliant PS2 experiences stranded in the past when they‘ve proven the ability to modernize these titles to critical and commercial success.
Yakuza is simply too beloved a franchise with too rich a history for the journey to end at Kiwami 2. And with next-gen PS5 hardware now widely available, everything needed for the ultimate Kiwami evolution exists.
It‘s just a matter of time before Kazuma Kiryu‘s sprawling crime saga marches onto new platforms for modern audiences. After all, in the world of Yakuza‘s organized crime and intrigue, past debts always come due…
