20 Years Ago, Sega Introduced the World to Its Greatest Hero of All Time
Twenty years ago, Sega launched Yakuza on PlayStation 2, introducing Kazuma Kiryu and Kamurocho to the world. The gritty yet goofy crime drama became a cult classic before later remakes revived its popularity.
In September 2006, Sega released Yakuza outside Japan on PlayStation 2, introducing players to Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza member released after a wrongful prison sentence. The game follows Kiryu as he searches for stolen Tojo Clan funds and his missing childhood friend Yumi, uncovering a conspiracy threatening the clan’s leadership. The narrative blends serious drama with absurd sidequests, such as delivering tissues to a sick stranger in a public restroom, reflecting the series’ signature tonal shifts.
The original Yakuza debuted the iconic Kamurocho district, a detailed recreation of Tokyo’s Kabukichō, and featured dozens of optional activities like karaoke, gambling, and arcade games. Players could spend hours exploring the neighborhood without engaging with the main story, a hallmark of the franchise’s immersive design. The game also introduced Goro Majima, Kiryu’s chaotic rival, known for his eyepatch, snakeskin blazer, and penchant for driving trucks into buildings.
Overseas marketing positioned Yakuza as a gritty crime drama akin to Grand Theft Auto, with an English voice cast including Michael Madsen as Kiryu and Mark Hamill as Majima. Sega later abandoned this approach, embracing the series’ absurd humor and melodramatic twists, which resonated more with fans. The game’s button-mashing combat and over-the-top finishers, like hurling bicycles at enemies, became staples of the franchise’s signature style.
The series gained mainstream popularity overseas with the 2017 release of Yakuza 0, leading Sega to remaster earlier entries with enhanced visuals and expanded content. Yakuza Kiwami, released in 2017, offers the definitive version of the first game, available on PlayStation, Switch, PC, and Xbox. Two decades later, the original remains a beloved entry in the franchise.