Proper, so what did different critics need to say concerning the Change launch? Beginning with RPG Web site, it gave the sport 8 out of 10, calling it an “glorious entry” within the collection and noting the way it was a “superb entry level for newcomers”:
“Revisiting it in 2024 on Nintendo Change performed handheld has been a enjoyable expertise…This conversion bringing in some high quality of life options like auto-save and licensed music together with Obtain You [Reborn] can also be nice to see. Whereas there are noticeable cutbacks to visuals and efficiency, Yakuza Kiwami is a straightforward suggestion to play on the go on Nintendo Change with its low asking worth.”
God Is A Geek additionally gave the sport 8 out of 10, labelling it a great port of a terrific recreation:
“Yakuza Kiwami on Change nonetheless holds up, regardless of some visuals exhibiting their age and motion not feeling significantly easy. Controlling Kiryu in fight and by way of minigames feels good, not skipping a beat as you play by the story. The audio is sweet too, and it feels very similar to the unique Kiwami that recreation out seven years prior. If you happen to’ve by no means dabbled within the collection, this can be a nice approach to play the sport that began all of it, and for those who’re after a recreation that blends drama with the occasional contact of humour, you can’t go far fallacious with this one.”
CGMagazine scored it 6.5 out 10, calling it a “serviceable port of a stable remake”:
“Yakuza Kiwami is an effective sufficient approach to get your toes moist within the ever-expanding beat-em-up collection. With no matter will ultimately supersede the Nintendo Change within the close to future, it’s greater than doubtless legacy Change video games shall be suitable with the brand new {hardware}, which means, regardless of a lacklustre port, the long run for Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo {hardware} should have room to enhance.”
Gaming Bible gave Kiwami 7 out of 10, recommending it for those who’re completely a Change participant or are eager to play this collection on the go:
“If you happen to’re completely a Nintendo Change gamer, then this port is a perfect place to start your journey within the collection. That being mentioned, for those who’re a returning fan who has been determined to play this collection on the go, Yakuza Kiwami is a dream come true – particularly for those who thought today would by no means come. Now for those who excuse me, I’m off to sing some karaoke with Kiryu and his associates.”
And Noisy Pixel felt this port was “a lower than ultimate approach to expertise this traditional” however nonetheless had fun awarding it 7.5 out of 10:
“Yakuza Kiwami is a terrific opening to the fan-favorite collection that’s an absolute must-play for newcomers and gamers of the opposite video games alike. It’s bolstered by an successfully layered fight and development system the place you genuinely do sense Kiryu rising stronger as you progress. But, you probably have some other trendy platform obtainable to you, this launch merely isn’t price it. The sloppy framerate could make the motion expertise underwhelming and irritating, even when it’s comparatively ironed out in handheld mode. In the end, for those who solely have a Change, you would undeniably get pleasure from this port, however simply remember that each different model is extra worthwhile.”
