Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0

Confronting the Dojima Family

Face the Dojima Family in Yakuza 0 Chapter 1. Master Kiryu's Brawler style in early combat encounters to clear his name.

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Confronting the Dojima Family

Kiryu Kazama's journey in Yakuza 0 begins with a brutal awakening: framed for a murder he didn't commit, he finds himself an outcast from the very organization he swore loyalty to. To clear his name and uncover the truth behind the Empty Lot incident, Kiryu must navigate the treacherous waters of the Dojima Family, confronting various members who seek to exploit his predicament or simply eliminate him. This section details these early encounters, serving as a crucial introduction to Yakuza 0's combat mechanics and narrative.

The Initial Frame-Up and Escape

Following the discovery of the murdered man in the Empty Lot, Kiryu is immediately under suspicion. His first task is to escape the clutches of the Dojima Family members who arrive on the scene. This initial sequence acts as a tutorial for Kiryu's fundamental combat style, the Brawler.

  • Location: Empty Lot, Kamurocho
  • Objective: Defeat the Dojima Family thugs and escape.
  • Enemies: Generic Dojima Family Thugs (approx. 3-5 per wave). These enemies are relatively weak and serve as fodder to introduce combat basics.
  • Recommended Style: Brawler (Kiryu's default and only available style at this point).
  • Strategy:
    • Basic Combos: Practice light attacks (Square/X) followed by heavy attacks (Triangle/Y) to launch enemies or perform finishing blows.
    • Grabs: Utilize grabs (Circle/B) to isolate enemies or throw them into environmental objects.
    • Environmental Objects: Keep an eye out for bicycles, cones, or signboards. Pressing Circle/B near these objects during a grab or when prompted will trigger a powerful environmental Heat Action.
    • Heat Actions: As your Heat Gauge fills (the blue bar below your health), you'll be able to perform devastating Heat Actions. Look for glowing prompts (usually Triangle/Y) when near stunned enemies or environmental objects. These are excellent for clearing groups or dealing significant damage to tougher foes.
    • Dodging: Use the dodge button (X/A) to evade incoming attacks.
  • Common Pitfalls: Don't get surrounded. Use wide-swinging attacks and throws to create space.
  • Rewards: Experience points (for Brawler style), Yen (small amounts from defeated enemies).

Confronting Lieutenant Kuze's Men

After his initial escape, Kiryu is summoned by his patriarch, Shintaro Kazama, only to be intercepted by men loyal to Daisaku Kuze, one of the three lieutenants vying for power within the Dojima Family. Kuze sees Kiryu's predicament as an opportunity to gain favor and eliminate a potential rival.

  • Location: Various streets and alleys of Kamurocho, leading up to the Dojima Family office.
  • Objective: Fight through waves of Kuze's thugs to reach the Dojima Family headquarters.
  • Enemies: More generic Dojima Family Thugs, sometimes including slightly tougher "Enforcer" types who have more health and block more frequently.
  • Recommended Style: Brawler. Continue to hone your skills with Heat Actions and environmental attacks.
  • Strategy:
    • Crowd Control: The Brawler style excels at dealing with multiple opponents. Use wide swings and throws to keep enemies off balance.
    • Prioritize Threat: If an Enforcer appears, focus on them first as they can be more disruptive. Use charged heavy attacks or Heat Actions to break their guard.
    • Health Management: Keep an eye on your health bar. If it gets low, consider using a healing item if you have any (though unlikely at this very early stage). Running away from combat is not an option in these scripted encounters.
  • Rewards: Experience points, Yen.

The First Encounter with Daisaku Kuze

Kiryu's path inevitably leads him to a direct confrontation with Daisaku Kuze himself. This is Kiryu's first major boss fight and a significant narrative moment, establishing Kuze as a primary antagonist.

  • Location: Dojima Family Headquarters, specific room.
  • Objective: Defeat Daisaku Kuze.
  • Boss: Daisaku Kuze (First Form)
  • Recommended Style: Brawler.
  • Kuze's Abilities & Weaknesses:
    • Fighting Style: Kuze fights with a powerful, aggressive brawling style, often using strong punches and quick combos. He has high health and can block many of your attacks.
    • Signature Moves: Watch out for his charged punch, which he telegraphs with a brief wind-up. He also has a grab attack.
    • Weakness: Kuze is susceptible to being launched into the air and to environmental Heat Actions. He can also be stunned by repeated heavy attacks.
  • Strategy:
    • Patience is Key: Don't rush in blindly. Kuze can punish aggressive play. Wait for openings after his combos.
    • Dodge and Counter: Dodge his attacks and then counter with a quick combo.
    • Utilize Heat Actions: Fill your Heat Gauge and unleash Heat Actions whenever possible. Look for opportunities to use environmental objects in the room (chairs, tables) against him. These will deal significant damage and briefly stun him.
    • Grab and Throw: Grabbing Kuze and throwing him can create distance and open him up for follow-up attacks.
    • Guard Break: If Kuze is blocking frequently, use charged heavy attacks (hold Triangle/Y) to break his guard, leaving him vulnerable.
    • Health Management: Kuze hits hard. If your health drops, try to create distance and use a healing item if you have one. There might be a few scattered around the arena.
  • Common Pitfalls: Getting caught in his combos, trying to brute force through his guard.
  • Rewards: Significant experience points for Brawler style, progress in the main story.

Other Early Dojima Family Encounters

As Kiryu continues his investigation, he will inevitably cross paths with other Dojima Family members, even if they aren't direct boss fights at this early stage. These encounters often involve generic thugs or low-ranking members who are either trying to collect the bounty on Kiryu's head or are simply enforcing the family's will.

  • Location: Various streets, alleys, and establishments in Kamurocho.
  • Objective: Defeat groups of Dojima Family members.
  • Enemies: Generic Dojima Family Thugs, sometimes led by a slightly stronger "Captain" or "Enforcer" type.
  • Strategy: Continue to practice and master the Brawler style. These encounters are excellent for earning experience and accumulating Yen. Experiment with different combos and Heat Actions.
  • Rewards: Experience points, Yen, occasional minor healing items.

These early confrontations with the Dojima Family are instrumental in establishing Kiryu's character, his fighting prowess, and the dangerous world he inhabits. Mastering the Brawler style during these initial stages will set you up for success as you unlock more fighting styles and face increasingly formidable opponents.