Yakuza Kiwami 2 for Nintendo Switch

The good stuff

The narrative pulls you in fast. Right after Kazuma Kiryu gets framed for an assassination, you’re thrust into a web of betrayal, loyalty, and street-level chaos. The fight system isn’t flashy, but it’s satisfying - combo-heavy, with timing that feels responsive. And the Majima Saga? That side story is a highlight. Goro Majima’s wild energy and his journey through a bizarre underworld plot made me laugh out loud more than once. It’s like a dark comedy mixed with psychological drama, and honestly, it’s better than most main story arcs in other action games. Also, the minigames - cabaret club, darts, karaoke - aren’t just filler. They add texture to the world and give you reasons to keep poking around even after finishing the main quest. The Dragon Engine really shines here, especially in character models and city lighting. You can tell they spent time making it look good on PC.

The not-so-good

It’s free, so I’m not mad about missing features, but the controls are a bit stiff compared to modern titles. No custom keybinds, which is weird for a PC port. You’re stuck with the default layout, and if you want to change anything, you’re out of luck. Also, the performance drops sometimes during big cutscenes or crowded streets - nothing catastrophic, but noticeable on lower-end systems. And yeah, it’s not on Switch, despite the name suggesting otherwise. The title says “for Nintendo Switch” but it’s actually a Windows release. That might trip people up. Plus, the free version likely has no online features, which is fine - this isn’t meant to be multiplayer anyway. Still, it’d be nice to know what’s missing upfront.

Bottom line

If you’re looking for a deep, story-driven action game with a gritty tone and some genuinely fun distractions, Yakuza Kiwami 2 for Windows is a solid pick. It’s free, runs well, and delivers a full experience without the price tag. Just don’t expect console polish. But for a free game, it’s far above average. Definitely try it if you’ve never played a Yakuza game before - it’s a great entry point.