With the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2 comes a wave of new and re-released titles, all ready to take advantage of. We recently had the opportunity to visit SEGA’s office and preview a selection of their upcoming games. The first title we were allowed to get our hands on was RGG’s Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, a re-release of the earliest chronological title in the Like a Dragon franchise. This story, set in the 80s, explores the origins of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in their earliest adventures.
This release is more than a simple port, however, featuring new English voiceovers and additional subtitle options. The most substantial addition to the game is Red Light Raid, a multiplayer battle-focused mode that allows up to four players to play together for the first time to defeat waves of enemies.
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My time with Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut began with story mode, where I was dropped into an early chapter as Goro Majima, allowing me to explore the exciting nightlife of Sotenbori. While some of the UI elements – like text on the map – were a little hard to make out, this was unfortunately also the case in the original release.
Multiplayer comes to the Yakuza franchise for the first time on the Switch 2.
Otherwise, the game ran very smoothly, fully displaying the glitz and glamour of the signs and well-lit streets. Naturally, I had to visit the bar to sing karaoke songs, which were also voiced in English. Before I could check out the SEGA Arcade in town, I was robbed by a very powerful man, so the only option I had left was to trigger the next story segment.
Majima was scoping out a rival cabaret club and getting into trouble by asking too many questions, but the English voiceover was so well done it felt like it had been part of Yakuza 0 from day one. Aside from the English voices, my time with the story felt indistinguishable from when I’d originally played it on other consoles, a testament to the Switch 2’s increased power.
After a brief foray through some story beats, we switched over to Red Light Raid, which ended up the focus of our hands-on preview. While you’ll be able to group up with up to three friends, you can also join random players or play solo with three computer-controlled allies, which is what I did in my session. Your character options are limited at first, but earning money through the various challenges allows you to unlock up to 60 characters or upgrade ones you’ve already unlocked.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a welcome friend on the Switch 2.
Leveling a character raises their stats, which lets you take on the tougher challenges, where you’ll earn money more quickly. This creates a gameplay loop where you steadily improve your favorite characters. Mowing down dozens of yakuza is fun on its own, but turning it into a group activity is an exciting prospect, allowing each of your group to play as iconic characters like Daisaku Kuze, Keiji Shibusawa, and, of course, Yakuza 0’s dual protagonists Goro Majima and Kazuma Kiryu. As always, combat is accompanied by heavy-hitting electronic tracks, making each fight more exciting.
Once again, the Switch 2’s improved power is on display in the later rounds of each challenge, where dozens of enemies can appear at a time while your squad rips through them with fists or improvised weapons, like traffic cones, bicycles, and whatever else you’ll find lying around.
Whether you’re familiar with the game or completely new to the franchise, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut looks like it will be a solid Switch 2 launch title and a worthwhile experience. After exploring the newly dubbed story, you can jump into Red Light Raid with your friends, adding replayability to an already substantial title.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut releases on June 5th, 2025 on Nintendo Switch 2
