Play Yakuza Kiwami 2 today as Sega’s PS4 action adventure gets surprise demo release

In anticipation of Yakuza Kiwami 2’s release next month, a demo of the latest remake in the Japanese crime fighting series is available now on PlayStation Store. Jump back into the white snakeskin shoes of beloved series protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, and find out what happens when two dragons come head-to-head!

You can check out the brand new story trailer telling the legendary tale here:

New to the Yakuza series or a series fan wondering what’s next for Kazuma Kiryu? Here’s what you need to know:

1. The new Dragon Engine and learnings from Yakuza 6 have impacted this remaster

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Kiwami 2, like the original, is a remake. This time it’s the 2006 release, Yakuza 2. As a result of the remake’s new engine, the district of Sotenbori has never felt so alive. Kamurocho’s Champion District and the West Park area have re-opened for this version of the game.

And the team’s carried over lessons learnt during Yakuza 6’s development: the battle system is snappier.There are some new charge attacks you can weave into your combos, Heat Actions are more numerous and brutal. Even the weapon system is back.

2. There are additional changes, both major and minor to the game

There are some pretty minor differences in a few scenes, one main story quest has been streamlined so that you no longer end up on an epic fetch quest out of Sotenbori.

The entire localisation has been updated, bringing out some of the things that got chopped out of the original due to space constraints or what-have-you, and bringing the characters a little more in line with how they’ve sounded in all the releases to date.

3. Mini-games and arcade classics make a return

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The much-loved Yakuza 0 cabaret minigame has made a return, offering a direct sequel to that storyline. In addition, the clan creator is also included – and completely revamped. And for Sega arcade purists, you can test yourself with Virtual-On and Virtua Fighter 2.1 in the game’s arcade.

4. Yakuza 2 is when when the series got its balance of drama and ridiculousness just right

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Yakuza 2 struck that perfect balance between serious crime drama and ridiculous antics. Not to mention a great story, an incredible cast of villains, and a dash of romance that melted a lot of hearts when the game first released.

5. The game opens with an assassination and a very different Kiryu

It’s December 2006, one year after the events of Yakuza Kiwami. With so many of its leaders having died in that conflict, the Tojo Clan is only being held together by some pretty thin strands, which makes it the perfect time for the rival yakuza faction in Osaka, the Omi Alliance, to make its move. The game opens with an assassination and it never lets up from there.

Kiryu walks away from the Tojo Clan at the end of Kiwami, thinking he’s free of the yakuza for the rest of his life. But he quickly finds out that he didn’t leave the organization in very good health and we see him take responsibility for his actions. He’s repentant, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to put up with any nonsense, either. Because, hey, he’s still Kiryu.

Pre-order exclusives

Digital pre-orders are also live on PlayStation Store! Pre-order and receive an exclusive Yakuza Kiwami 2 Dragons Theme (redeemable upon pre-order). Purchase the special digital edition to receive the following exclusive bonus content, The Special Item Pack (this edition is available for a limited time only.)

The Special Item Pack includes the following:

  • Demonfire Blade weapon
  • Hostess Ono Michiyo
  • Sotaro Komaki R Clan Card
  • Jo Amon R Clan Card
  • The Comedian Suit Outfit
  • 1 Million Yen

The post Play Yakuza Kiwami 2 today as Sega’s PS4 action adventure gets surprise demo release appeared first on PlayStation.Blog.Europe.

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