The Yakuza game series follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza member. The games are set in a fictionalized version of Japan and are filled with elements of crime, honor, and redemption. Kiryu gets involved in various power struggles within the yakuza clans, while also dealing with his own personal demons.
In the Yakuza series, the story of Yakuza 0 is often considered one of the best. It sets the foundation for the series with its engaging characters like Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. The game takes you back to 1988 and shows their rise in the criminal underworld. The complex relationships, power struggles, and the overall atmosphere of the game make its story stand out.
I think Yakuza 0 has the best story. The way it delves into the origins of the main characters is really captivating. You get to see how they were shaped by their environment and the events that led them to become the men they are in the later games. The side stories in Yakuza 0 are also really good, adding more depth to the overall narrative.
The Yakuza games story portrays Yakuza culture in several ways. It shows their hierarchical structure. The higher - ups have great power and respect, and the lower - level members have to follow strict rules. Also, their sense of justice within their own world is depicted. They have their own way of dealing with disputes and traitors which is part of their unique culture.
The story develops across installments in multiple ways. Firstly, the main character, like Kazuma Kiryu, grows and changes. His experiences in one game shape his decisions in the next. Secondly, the overall plot expands as more about the yakuza world is revealed. New factions may emerge, or old ones may change their goals. Also, the relationships between characters become more complex. What started as a simple friendship or rivalry may develop into something much more nuanced over the course of several games. And sometimes, the setting of the game may change slightly, which also affects the story, like exploring different parts of the fictional Japanese cities.
One of the best yakuza stories is about loyalty within the yakuza clans. For example, there are tales of yakuza members who would sacrifice themselves to protect their bosses. They consider honor and loyalty above all else, and these stories often show how they adhere to a strict code of conduct even in the face of danger.
One of the well - known best yakuza novels is 'Tokyo Underworld' by Robert Whiting. It delves deep into the seedy underworld of the yakuza in Tokyo, showing their power struggles, criminal activities, and the complex web of relationships within the organization. Another great one could be 'Out' by Natsuo Kirino. Although not strictly a traditional yakuza - centric novel, it involves elements of the criminal underworld where the yakuza operate, and it's a very gripping story of women involved in a crime related to the yakuza world. Then there's 'Six Four' by Hideo Yokoyama which also touches on the yakuza influence in Japanese society among other complex themes.