I really, really enjoyed my time with Yakuza Kiwami 2, and as a fan of the series, I’d certainly urge you to check it out. It has very few flaws, outside of some minor animation issues and the occasional cumbersome combat sequence. It also feels like a much stronger remake than even Yakuza Kiwami, which was no slouch to begin with. It also has some solid ties to both Yakuza 0 via the new elements, and pre-existing story beats that feed into the more recent Yakuza 6. So check this one out when you get a chance, you will not be disappointed.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best remake yet for the series and the absolute best way to enjoy the franchise’s second entry. It’s a must-buy for any Yakuza fan and also makes a fine starting point thanks to its thorough recap of the first game.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 offers the best Yakuza experience money can currently buy, not to mention a story that wouldn't seem out of place in an old Kinji Fukasaku flick.

An excellent remake that brings back characters and story events with updated visuals. The weak point of Kiwami 2 is the combat system which we see as a missed opportunity.

Another excellent reinterpretation of one of the best Sega franchises nowadays. A real varied, engaging, fun and captivating action adventure game.

Not having played Yakuza 6 yet, at first I was disappointed with the Dragon engine, which offers only painful 30 frames per second. New tech has its advantages though, as you may enter most of shops, restaurants etc. without annoying loading, which is a significant step forward from the first Kiwami, as are the physics engine, animation system and enhanced control over combat. Overall it is a very good game, but not as brilliant as Yakuza 0, especially in terms of the story. [10/2018, p.70]

Just like a show, the second season has to contend with the apparent success of its predecessor, and it’s clear that the writers on Yakuza 2 may not have known how to extend that deeply personal tale for another 40 hours.