Hey Yakuza crew. I've always wanted to try this series out.
What's the best way that I can get my hands on all the main titles and play them? I know 1 and 2 were originally on PS2 but that's not an option for me. Emulator?
If possible, I'd like to play them in standard order. 1-5.
All right bud, here ya go.
- Ideal Order: Yakuza 1 and 2 (emulator) -> Yakuza 3,4 and 5 (PS3) -> Yakuza 0,Kiwami(you don't NEED to play Kiwami but what the hey, buy it to support i) and Yakuza 6 (PS4).
- Second best Order: Yakuza 4 and 5 (PS3) -> Yakuza 0, Kiwami and Yakuza 6 (PS4)
- Third best Order: Yakuza 0, Kiwami (PS4) -> Yakuza 3,4 and 5 (PS3) -> Yakuza 6(PS4)
- Fourth best Order: Yakuza 0, Kiwami and Yakuza 6 (PS4)
I can't recommend someone play Yakuza 2 without having played 1, and I can't recommend someone play Yakuza 3 without having played Yakuza 2 so you NEED to have played those in order IMO.
Yakuza 4 is the second best entry point into the series since it introduces 3 new protagonists, a whole new bunch of characters and new storylines.
Yakuza 0 is a prequel to the entire series so it's the third best entry point.
Finding a copy of Yakuza 1 and 2 can prove to be a bit difficult. Sad fact is, those games are rare. Yakuza 3 is retail only but finding a copy isn't too difficult especially if you're willing to go used. Yakuza 4 and onwards are all easy to find retail as well as available digitally so no issues there.
SIDE NOTE: Yakuza 4 was the PS+ game for the month of February 2015, and Yakuza 5 was the PS+ game for the month of August 2016 so if you had an active PS+ subscription during that time and got those games, you probably still have them but you'll need to have an active subscription to PS+ to play them.