FAQ (2)

What is Yakuza 4? Yakuza 4 is the fourth mainline game in SEGA's Yakuza series, originally released in 2010. It's an action adventure game with RPG elements where you play a Japanese crime story intermixed with an exploration of Japan.

How can I get this game? If you're a Western player looking to play Yakuza 4, there are a few ways: You can buy the original disc release for the PlayStation 3. You can buy the remastered version standalone. Digitally, the remaster is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam. You can buy the "Yakuza Remastered Collection" on PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam. The collection is available on all platforms digitally. If you're looking for a physical copy, it's only available for the PlayStation 4.

Is this a good game to start the Yakuza series with? If you're trying to get into the series, my suggestion is to start with Yakuza 0. At the time of this writing, Yakuza 0 has been released as a "PlayStation Hits", making it a bargain price. It's by far the best entry to the series. After that, I'd suggest Yakuza Kiwami, and then Kiwami 2, and then you can play the Remastered Collection. That said, I'm not your Yakuza-mom. You really can play the games in just about any order. Yakuza 4 in particular is a pretty decent entry, as it introduces a lot of new characters and isn't really Kiryu-heavy.

How do I save in this game? Saving is only done manually in this game. You can save at payphones throughout the city (marked with an "S" on the map), or at your established hideouts in the various locations, or between chapters. Make sure you save the game before going to critical points so you don't lose your progress if a mistake is made.

Is there anything in this game different from the original Japanese version of Yakuza 4 on the PS3? Just one. The minigame "Answer X Answer" has been removed from the arcades. It's a very difficult-to-localize quiz game that required knowledge of Japanese trivia, so it didn't make the cut.

What is this game rated? This game is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB. It includes the content descriptors of: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, and Use of Alcohol. In this game, you enter the world of Japanese organized crime, which includes a lot of illegal stuff. The combat in this game can be brutal, especially the "Heat Actions" you perform in combat, but while blood sprays out a lot, it's never too overt. There is no visible gore on screen. Anything considerably violent is not shown on screen. As far as sexual content is concerned, references are made to sex, but it's all very muted.

Who do I play as in this game? In this game, you play as four characters. Three are new to the series: moneylender Shun Akiyama, imprisoned yakuza Taiga Saejima, and police officer Masayoshi Tanimura. The fourth character is the series protagonist: Kazuma Kiryu.

Can I go back to playing as the other characters after I finish their part? Only in the finale and post-game content. During the numbered parts, you will be confined to playing as the one character. Once in the finale, you'll have the options of switching characters, and money and the Item Box will all be shared, although characters will still have their own individual inventories.

What's an easy way to grind experience? It shouldn't be difficult to rack up experience in this game, given the distribution of substories and side activities. Saejima may have the hardest time with it. Give him the Yakuza Training Gear if he needs help.

What's an easy way to grind money? Early in the game, using the gambling establishments and associated cheat items can help you get enough chips or wooden tags to exchange for Platinum Plates, which can be sold for cash. The Lockers have a lot of cheat items. The Zero Jewel in particular can get you a boatload of money.