Game Review and Overview
Ryu ga Gotoku (Yakuza 1) for the PS3 (a remastered version of the original PS2 classic) is the gritty, heart-pounding action-adventure that introduced the world to the seedy underbelly of Kamurocho, a fictional district inspired by Tokyo’s Kabukicho. Originally developed by SEGA and released in 2005 (remastered in Japan for PS3 in 2012), this game blends intense brawling, a gripping narrative, and a rich open-world setting teeming with both danger and distraction. It’s a rollercoaster ride of fists, loyalty, and karaoke. Yes, karaoke.
At its core, Ryu ga Gotoku tells the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza enforcer who’s trying to rebuild his life after taking the fall for a crime he didn’t commit. Fresh out of prison a decade later, Kiryu finds himself pulled back into the underworld, chasing a missing 10 billion yen and protecting a young girl tied to the chaos. What unfolds is a gripping tale of betrayal, brotherhood, and redemption that pulls no punches—literally.
The gameplay is a mix of street-brawling combat and open-world exploration. The fights are raw and visceral, with Kiryu using a mix of brutal punches, kicks, and environmental objects (ever wanted to clobber someone with a bicycle?) to dispatch foes. As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities and combos, making the combat deeper and more satisfying. Sure, it can get a little repetitive at times, but the sheer style and impact of each fight keep it entertaining.
Kamurocho itself is a character in its own right—a vibrant, neon-lit playground filled with things to see and do. Between missions, you can dive into the many distractions the city has to offer: gambling at underground casinos, belting out tunes at karaoke bars, or indulging in some hilariously awkward hostess club interactions. These side activities add a layer of charm and humor that balances out the game’s heavier themes, making it as much a life sim as it is a crime drama.
Visually, the PS3 remaster sharpens up the textures and lighting, breathing new life into the gritty streets of Kamurocho and its cast of characters. While it’s still clear that this is a remaster of a PS2-era game, the upgraded visuals help the city feel immersive, and the character models—particularly Kiryu and his trademark scowl—hold up surprisingly well. The voice acting (in Japanese) is top-notch, delivering emotional weight to every intense confrontation and heartfelt moment.
If there’s a downside, it’s that some of the game’s mechanics – like the fixed camera angles or limited save points – show their age. The pacing can also feel uneven at times, with some lengthy exposition-heavy scenes interrupting the action. However, these are minor gripes in what is otherwise a compelling experience.
Overall, Ryu ga Gotoku (Yakuza 1) is a fantastic introduction to one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. It’s a thrilling blend of drama, action, and quirky fun that immerses you in a world where honor and chaos collide. Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime fan revisiting the series, this remaster delivers the goods. Just be sure to save some time for karaoke. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Game Hints, Cheats and Unlockables
“Ryuu ga Gotoku 2/Yakuza 2” trophies:
Bronze trophies
Arts! – Visit the show pub and also go to the video viewing store once
Ball gamer – Play golf, the batting cage, and bowling each 3 times
Big haul – Defeat 3 enemies at the same time
Boiled turkey – Get a turkey in the bowling mini-game (3 consecutive strikes)
Boss 01 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 1
Boss 02 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 3
Boss 03 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 5
Boss 04 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 8
Boss 05 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 9
Boss 06 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 12
Boss 07 Defeated – Defeat the first boss of Chapter 16
Boss 08 Defeated – Defeat the second boss of Chapter 16
Boss 09 Defeated – Defeat the third boss of Chapter 16
Brains! – Win a match of shogi and mahjong once
Club sega debut – Play that UFO catcher and YF6 mini-games 3
Destroyer – Destroy 100 weapons
Good coordinating – Max out your appeal to girls by equipping the proper items
Gung-ho manager – Clear the cabaret club running “Marietta” storyline
Heat Action master – Finish 50 fights with a Heat Action move
Hole in one! – Get a Hole in One in the golf mini-game
Illegal disposal – Toss an enemy into the Soutenbori river during a fight
Kamurocho brawling master – Defeat an Encounter boss
Kansai gourmet – Order every item in Soutenbori restaurants at least once
KANSAI locker – Open 5 lockers in Soutenbori
Kanto gourmet – Order every item in Kamurocho restaurants at least once
KANTO locker – Open 5 lockers in Kamurocho
Killer of a hundred – Defeat 100 enemies
King of recklessness of Kamurocho – Knock over 50 pedestrians
Like a blur – Successfully run away 15 times when being approached by random enemies on the street
Mastering the basics – Complete the tutorial
Mr. Host! – Complete the host club “Adam” storyline
Novice champion – Win for the first time at the arena
Pro gamer – Win the Y6 tournament, and also get 20 items from the UFO catcher mini-games
Smart gambler – Play every single game at the casino and the Chouhan gambling game once
Stairs to adulthood – Complete a cabaret club girl’s storyline
Substory 4 – Complete 4 substories
Substory 40 – Complete 40 substories
Technique seeker – Learn 20 moves outside of the regular level-up system
Thanks -From the staff- – Complete the final chapter
The strongest man – Completely max out your skills (Level 10 to all categories)
Undefeated in Kamurocho – Successfully defeat 25 consecutive enemies without taking any damage
Silver trophies
Gigolo master – Complete all of the cabaret club girls’ storylines
Great gambler – Win a combined 10000 chips from Roulette, Bacara, and Blackjack at the casino
Initiation into the secret martial art – Learn all of Komaki’s moves
Substory 80 – Complete 80 substories
Walking bank – Possess over 10,000,000 yen
Gold trophies
Amon clan defeated – Defeat the Amon clan
Legendary champion – Win all of the tournaments in the arena
To a true ending – Complete the game in the EX-HARD mode
Platinum trophy
Platinum Trophy – Earn all Bronze, Silver, and Gold trophies.
“Ryuu ga Gotoku/Yakuza” trophies:
Bronze trophies
Battle master – Get an S rank in the BATTLE REVIEW mode
Big haul – Defeat 3 enemies at the same time
Boss 01 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 3
Boss 02 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 4
Boss 03 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 5
Boss 04 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 7
Boss 05 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 8
Boss 06 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 9
Boss 07 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 10
Boss 08 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 11
Boss 09 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 12
Boss 10 Defeated – Defeat the boss of Chapter 13
Destroyer – Destroy 100 weapons
Escape master – Successfully escape from 15 grabs by enemies
Generous – Spend more than 300,000 yen at one time at a cabaret club
Giant swinger – Perform the Giant Swing 50 times
Gourmet master – Order the most expensive item from each restaurant
Haruka devotion – Intermediate – Raise Haruka’s trust to C
Haruka devotion – Novice – Comply to Haruka’s request once
Healing master – Successfully complete the massage mini-game 5 times
Heat Action master – Finish 50 battles with Heat Action moves
Initiation into the secret martial art – Acquire all of the attacks taught by Komaki
Kamuro gourmet – Order all food and drinks from every restaurant
Kamurocho’s King of Recklessness – Knock over 1000 pedestrians
Killer of a hundred – Defeat 100 enemies
Mastering the basics – Complete the tutorial
Nice hitter – Successfully get 10 homeruns in a single game from the batting cage mini-game
Novice champion – Win a match in the arena
Pro slotter – Acquire 1000 tokens at the pachinko slot mini-game
Road to being a key master – Open 5 coin lockers
Smart gambler – Play every single casino game and the Chouhan gambling game each once
Stairs to adulthood – Complete a cabaret girl’s storyline
Stuffed animal getter – Get 10 stuffed animals from the UFO catcher mini-game
Substory 20 – Clear 20 substories
Substory 4 – Clear 4 substories
Substory 40 – Clear 40 substories
Taxi mania – Take every taxi route