Among the vast sea of fighting games, the Yakuza series stands out for its unique setting in the world of the Japanese mob. With ten editions and numerous spin-offs, each game takes place in different eras and locations. Yakuza 0, a highly successful prequel set in the 1980s when the Yakuza was at its pinnacle, puts players in the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu, a member of the organization who embarks on thrilling adventures in an open-world environment. Kiryu employs his martial arts skills and weapons to fight his rivals while also tackling various side quests. These mini-games have earned the title lasting popularity among players even eight years after its initial release.
The Thrill of Gambling in Yakuza 0’s Back-Alley Casinos
In 2015, Yakuza 0 stood out as one of the few open-world games that offered players the chance to indulge in side quests, particularly those involving gambling. The game is set in the red-light districts of Osaka and Tokyo, where seedy back-alley casinos, rather than grand Vegas-style establishments, are the norm. Despite this, there is a certain charm to these places, especially if you’re a fan of traditional Japanese gambling games like mahjong, which is featured in the game. Mahjong is a card game that requires skill rather than pure luck, and Yakuza 0 has captured the hearts of players with its faithful adaptation. The game also features other mini-games based on traditional Japanese pastimes like shogi, as well as simpler games like blackjack and poker in its virtual casino.
While players can only use in-game currency to play these games, those who wish to play with real money can find no deposit bonuses at Japanese online casinos. These online casinos allow players to experience the thrill of gambling in a more controlled environment while enjoying the familiar setting of traditional Japanese games. For fans of Yakuza 0, these online casinos offer a chance to continue the immersive experience even after the game is over.
Yakuza 0: A Prequel Set in the 1980s
Yakuza 0 is not only known for its popular mini-games but also for its engaging storyline, which has contributed to its impressive sales figures of approximately 2,000,000 copies as of April 2023. One reason players love the game is that it is set in the 1980s, a period that many view as the beginning of the end of organized crime in Japan.
Released ten years after the original game, Yakuza 0 takes place 17 years before the events of Yakuza (2005). It transports players to the Japanese economic boom, where the prices of real estate and stocks skyrocketed. Everyone wanted a piece of the action, especially members of the Yakuza who were seeking quick and easy profits. The clans began battling each other to claim their share of the profit pie, and internal conflicts within organizations became commonplace. The game’s protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, finds himself in hot water as a result of these clashes. The objective of the game is to help Kiryu navigate these dangerous waters and emerge unscathed.
Yakuza 0 Continues in Like a Dragon 8, Set to Premiere in 2024
The story of Kazuma Kiryu doesn’t end with Yakuza 0. Fans of the series will be excited to hear that the beloved character will make a comeback in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8, set to be released in early 2024. From the promotional videos released by the game developers, it appears that the game will take place in contemporary Japan, as evidenced by Kiryu’s new gray hairstyle. Like its predecessors, Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 will be an open-world action game, but with expected improvements in graphics and audio elements. Fans can also anticipate more impressive mini-games, including some based on gambling.
Final Thoughts
Yakuza 0 is a highly successful prequel that immerses players in the world of the Japanese mob and offers a unique gaming experience with its engaging storyline and popular mini-games based on traditional Japanese gambling games. Despite being released eight years ago, the game continues to have lasting popularity among players, and for those who wish to continue the immersive experience, there are now Japanese online casinos that offer similar games. Furthermore, the story of Kazuma Kiryu will continue in Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8, set to be released in early 2024, giving fans another opportunity to explore the seedy underworld of contemporary Japan.
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