Yakuza 7 not only picks up the torch of what came before, it rises to the top as one of the greatest entries in the series, blazing a trail forward for what is to come. It is a very special game, filled with heart, joy, empathy, and soul that very few games come close to matching the sheer pleasure it is to experience it’s world and characters. Yakuza 7 represents the future of the series, and it carries itself forward with bold, unwavering confidence. Further developments that the series would be turn-based, forsaking the action-brawler battles the series was known for, became cause for concerned speculation among its fanbase. However, following the news that Yakuza 6 would end the story of Kazuma Kiryu, the series main protagonist since it’s beginnings, the future was wide open, and perhaps uncertain, for the franchise. Publisher SEGA was quick to follow up with more remakes, ports, and sequels, creating an embarrassment of riches over the last several years for fans of their offbeat crime drama series. Released in the States in 2017, this prequel brought in droves of new fans with its reset of the plot, stylish 1980’s setting, and quirky charm. Originally failing to find much beyond cult appreciation in the West, being misunderstood as “Grand Theft Auto in Japan,” the series finally had its moment in the sun with Yakuza 0. The Yakuza series has been unstoppable lately.

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