Diving Straight into the Yakuza Universe
Picture a neon-drenched Tokyo night, where shadowy alliances and explosive street fights pulse like the heartbeat of a city that never sleeps—that’s the world of Yakuza, or as it’s now known, Like a Dragon. For fans and newcomers alike, the question of how many games exist in this gripping series isn’t just a numbers game; it’s a gateway to one of gaming’s most compelling crime dramas. With roots in Sega’s bold storytelling, the franchise has ballooned into a sprawling epic, blending raw action, heartfelt narratives, and quirky side quests that feel as unpredictable as a back-alley brawl. As a journalist who’s tracked the rise of Japanese gaming for over a decade, I’ve seen how these titles evolve, pulling players into stories that mix humor with heartbreak, much like a masterfully shuffled deck of cards where every draw could upend your hand.
At last count, the core Yakuza series boasts 13 main entries, but when you factor in remakes, spin-offs, and compilations, that number swells to over 20 titles. It’s not just about tallying games; it’s about understanding the timeline, the platforms, and why this series keeps drawing us back for more. Whether you’re a hardcore fan replaying Kazuma Kiryu’s journeys or a curious outsider wondering where to start, let’s break it down with practical steps to navigate this labyrinthine collection.
Counting the Core Games: The Heart of the Yakuza Saga
The Yakuza series, developed by Sega’s Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, kicked off in 2005 and has since become a cornerstone of action-adventure RPGs. If we’re focusing on the primary lineup, there are seven main numerical entries that form the backbone, plus prequels and direct sequels that enrich the lore. This core group centers on recurring characters like Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga, weaving tales of yakuza life that hit with the force of a well-timed punch.
Here’s a straightforward rundown of the essentials:
- Yakuza (2005): The original, where Kiryu’s story begins amid Kamurocho’s underworld. It’s raw and unflinching, like stumbling into a real-life drama straight from a noir film.
- Yakuza 2 (2006): Builds on the first with deeper rivalries and alliances, introducing elements that feel as layered as a traditional Japanese tattoo.
- Yakuza 3 (2009): Shifts to Okinawa for a fresh backdrop, exploring themes of family and betrayal that linger like the echo of a distant siren.
- Yakuza 4 (2010): Expands the narrative with multiple protagonists, creating a web of stories that intersect in surprising ways, much like city streets converging at a chaotic intersection.
- Yakuza 5 (2012): A massive entry with five playable characters, each path unfolding like a series of interconnected puzzles that demand your full attention.
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016): Delivers a poignant conclusion to Kiryu’s arc, blending high-octane fights with quieter moments that hit harder than expected.
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020): A bold reboot with turn-based combat, shifting focus to Ichiban and injecting fresh energy, as if the series woke up from a dream and decided to reinvent itself.
But wait, there’s more: Prequels like Yakuza 0 (2015) and remakes such as Yakuza Kiwami (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2018) add three more to the mix, bringing the main series total to 13. These aren’t just rehashes; they refine the originals with updated graphics and mechanics, offering a smoother entry for modern players.
Don’t Overlook the Spin-Offs and Expansions
Beyond the core, Sega has released a flurry of spin-offs that explore side stories and experimental ideas. Think of these as offshoots from a mighty tree, each branch telling its own tale. There are at least eight notable ones, pushing the grand total past 20. For instance, Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) swaps crime drama for zombie mayhem, a curveball that transforms familiar streets into a survival horror playground. Or Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2014), which transports the action to feudal Japan, blending historical fiction with brawls that feel as vivid as a brushstroke on a samurai scroll.
From my perspective, these extras aren’t mere add-ons; they’re where the series shines with unexpected creativity. Games like Yakuza Online (2018), a mobile title, or Judgment (2019) and its sequel Lost Judgment (2021), starring a detective in the same universe, add depth that keeps the franchise feeling alive and evolving.
Actionable Steps to Explore the Series
If you’re ready to dive in, don’t just grab the first game—strategize like a yakuza boss planning a takeover. Here’s how to make the most of your journey, with steps tailored for different playstyles:
- Assess your starting point: Begin with Yakuza 0 if you’re new; it acts as a prequel and eases you into the world without spoilers. Think of it as warming up before a marathon—skipping it might leave you lost in the plot’s twists.
- Choose your platform wisely: Most titles are on PlayStation, but PC ports via Steam have made them accessible. For example, if you’re on Xbox, start with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which launched there in 2021, to test the waters before committing to the full series.
- Follow a release order versus chronological playthrough: Play in release sequence for the full emotional rollercoaster, or go chronological to avoid confusion—it’s like reading a book series straight through versus jumping to flashbacks first.
- Budget for bundles: Look for the Yakuza Remastered Collection on sale; it bundles several games for under $50, saving you from buying piecemeal and missing out on the bigger picture.
- Track your progress: Use apps like Backloggd or a simple spreadsheet to log what you’ve played—after all, with over 20 games, forgetting where you left off is as easy as losing track in a crowded Kabukicho district.
Through these steps, I’ve helped friends navigate the series without burnout, turning what could be overwhelming into an addictive adventure.
Unique Examples That Set Yakuza Apart
What makes the Yakuza games stand out isn’t just the count—it’s the quirks that embed themselves in your memory. Take Yakuza 5, where you play as a cab driver in a rhythm mini-game; it’s not your typical brawler, but a heartfelt nod to everyday Japanese life that sneaks up on you like an unannounced rainstorm. Or in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the turn-based battles incorporate job classes like a night club host or idol, blending comedy with strategy in ways that feel as innovative as a street performer’s unexpected twist.
Subjectively, as someone who’s spent late nights immersed in these worlds, Yakuza 0 stands out for its 1980s soundtrack and real estate empire-building side quests—it’s not just fighting; it’s managing a portfolio that could make a tycoon envious. These examples show how the series balances high-stakes drama with absurd humor, keeping players hooked through sheer variety.
Practical Tips for Yakuza Enthusiasts
To wrap up your exploration, here are some tips I’ve picked up from years of covering gaming trends—think of them as hidden items in a Yakuza side quest, ready to enhance your experience:
- Mod your setup: For PC players, community mods on NexusMods can upscale visuals, making older games pop like a freshly polished katana without needing a console.
- Engage with the community: Join Reddit’s r/yakuzagames for fan theories and playthrough advice—it’s a goldmine for avoiding pitfalls, much like consulting a trusted ally in the story.
- Pair with related media: Watch the live-action films or read the manga for deeper context; it enriches the games without overwhelming you, similar to how a side dish complements a main course.
- Plan for longevity: With new titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth on the horizon, pace yourself—bingeing might lead to fatigue, but savoring builds anticipation like waiting for the next chapter in a gripping novel.
- Preserve your saves: Back up game data regularly; losing progress in a 50-hour epic stings worse than a boss fight gone wrong.
In the end, the Yakuza series isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the stories that linger long after the controller is down. With over 20 games and counting, it’s a testament to Sega’s enduring vision, and I can’t help but feel a thrill knowing there’s always more to uncover in this ever-expanding world.