Games Like Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Fight for the truth and uncover the twisted crime running deep beneath the surface of Tokyo. In this legal thriller , the balance between justice and mercy teeters on the edge.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 37.6%, Crime 26.3%, Drama 10.6%, Third Person 9.4%, Action 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this spin-off features the same city and combat engine but focuses on a detective-led crime thriller.

When a police officer discloses the murder of the student teacher who bullied his son to suicide, the twisted secrets of a Yokohama, high school bleed out. Nothing, in this case, is black and white.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 37.5%, Crime 26.2%, Drama 10.9%, Third Person 9.4%, Action 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel refines the combat mechanics of the original Judgment and offers a more complex, mature narrative experience.

ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 28.8%, Action RPG 10.5%, Open World 10.2%, Action 9.1%, JRPG 8%

Why You'll Like It: This title serves as a direct bridge between Yakuza 6 and the newer games, focusing entirely on Kiryu's combat style.

Face off against the most powerful yakuza in the Kansai region of Japan in an explosive conflict between rival clans, loaded with brutal brawling action, immersive exploration, and unforgettable experiences.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 23%, Crime 14.6%, Open World 10.2%, Action 8.8%, RPG 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Built on the same Dragon Engine as Yakuza 6, it provides a seamless visual and gameplay experience that feels very familiar.

Get ready for a Yakuza experience of unprecedented scale! Follow five characters across five Japanese cities, each trying to achieve their dream. The connections between them bring them together, but the conflict that unfolds is nothing any of them could have predicted.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 20%, Crime 13.2%, Open World 10.4%, Action 6.6%, Action RPG 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: This entry offers an massive, ambitious scope with multiple protagonists and a deep, multi-layered crime story.

When a dark secret brings a loan shark, a death-row inmate, a corrupt cop and the legendary yakuza Kazuma Kiryu together the resulting war in Kamurocho might level the district to the ground.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 21%, Crime 10.9%, Open World 10.3%, Action 7.5%, Action RPG 7%

Why You'll Like It: It introduces the multi-protagonist structure that defines the later games in the series while keeping the classic brawler combat.

Unwind a 10 billion yen conspiracy in Tokyo's red-light district, fueled by your fists and unyielding resolve that will make you a legend.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 22%, Crime 14%, Open World 9.8%, Action 8.5%, RPG 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A faithful remake of the original game that establishes the core relationships and history of the series.

Kazuma Kiryu has earned his retirement on the sandy beaches of Okinawa. But when a deadly power struggle arrives on his doorstep, he’ll have to walk the streets of Kamurocho to escape his past for good. Complete The Dragon of Dojima’s journey.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 20.2%, Crime 11.5%, Open World 10.3%, Action 6.4%, Action RPG 6%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on Kiryu's life at the orphanage, providing the emotional foundation for the events in Yakuza 6.

Become Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza grunt left on the brink of death by the man he trusted most. Take up your legendary bat and get ready to crack some underworld skulls in dynamic RPG combat set against the backdrop of modern-day Japan.

Why similar: JRPG 14.6%, Crime 13%, RPG 12.6%, Open World 11.4%, Action 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: While it shifts to turn-based combat, it retains the series' signature humor, heart, and detailed depiction of Japanese city life.

Two larger-than-life heroes, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu are brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an RPG adventure so big it spans the Pacific.

Why similar: JRPG 16.6%, Beat 'em up 14.5%, Comedy 9.1%, Action RPG 8.9%, Sexual Content 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This massive sequel continues the story of the series with refined turn-based mechanics and an expansive new setting.

The Definitive Edition of the critically acclaimed, award winning open-world action adventure, reworked, rebuilt and re-mastered for the new generation. With all previously available DLC included and a wealth of tech and visual improvements, Hong Kong has never felt so alive.

Why similar: Open World 33.8%, Crime 29.6%, Action 10.2%, Third Person 8.6%, Story Rich 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is the best non-Yakuza open-world game that features a heavy emphasis on martial arts combat and urban crime drama.

Don the clothes and weaponry of the elite to become the samurai of legend, Sakamoto Ryoma. Draw your blade and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 30.3%, JRPG 12.9%, Action 10.9%, Violent 9.2%, Open World 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A historical spin-off that uses the familiar faces of the Yakuza cast in a compelling samurai-era drama.

Sifu is a realistic third-person brawler with tight Kung Fu combat mechanics and cinematic martial arts action embarking you on a path for revenge.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 51.4%, Crime 21.4%, Third Person 12.8%, Action 12.5%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: If you enjoy the visceral, high-stakes martial arts combat of the Yakuza series, this game offers a refined and challenging brawler experience.

An inadvertent brush with the mob thrusts cabdriver Tommy Angelo into the world of organized crime. Initially uneasy about falling in with the Salieri family, the rewards become too big to ignore.

Why similar: Crime 31.5%, Open World 21.6%, Action 7.9%, Sexual Content 7.5%, Story Rich 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A grounded, cinematic crime story that excels at atmospheric world-building and narrative pacing.

SEGA®’s most requested re-release of all time finally comes to a new generation. Shenmue delivers an epic story of revenge within a unique open world that is still unrivalled in depth and detail. Return to the epic saga that defined modern gaming. The saga begins…again.

Why similar: Open World 28%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Beat 'em up 10.9%, Adventure 10.6%, RPG 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: These games are the spiritual ancestors to the Yakuza series, focusing on slow-burn mystery and detailed world interaction.

Don the mask and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as they stage grand heists, infiltrate the minds of the corrupt, and make them change their ways!

Why similar: JRPG 33.3%, Great Soundtrack 19.9%, Story Rich 11.1%, RPG 11.1%, Anime 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: While a JRPG, it shares the same deep love for Tokyo's urban culture, social simulation, and stylish presentation.

Get Batman: Arkham City and all DLC for one low price with the release of the GOTY Edition!

Why similar: Open World 32%, Beat 'em up 24.5%, Action 15.6%, Third Person 13%, Adventure 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game popularized the free-flow brawler combat system that many modern action games, including Yakuza, have drawn inspiration from.

Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players.

Why similar: Crime 27.6%, Open World 26.8%, Sexual Content 11%, Action 8.7%, Third Person 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for urban open-world crime sandboxes, offering a similar sense of freedom and side-activity variety.

Fight your way to the top in this HD remaster of everyone's favorite assassin action game! As all-American otaku Travis Touchdown, use your trusty beam katana to hack-and-slash though the competition and claim the title of world's #1 assassin!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 35.1%, Comedy 14.1%, Action 12.7%, Violent 9.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features the same over-the-top, quirky Japanese humor and stylish action that fans of the Yakuza side-stories will appreciate.

War hero Vito Scaletta becomes entangled with the mob in hopes of paying his father’s debts. Vito works to prove himself, climbing the family ladder with crimes of larger reward and consequence.

Why similar: Crime 26.8%, Open World 18.1%, Action 11.4%, Adventure 8.9%, Violent 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A tightly scripted crime drama that focuses on the personal cost of life in the underworld.

A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.

Why similar: JRPG 36.3%, Great Soundtrack 21.9%, RPG 12%, Story Rich 11.5%, Anime 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on a small-town mystery with a heavy emphasis on character relationships and social bonds, much like the Yakuza series.

Supernatural creatures are stalking the pop culture mecca of Akihabara—and they've turned you into one of them. Arm yourself with an otaku-themed weapon and expose their skin to sunlight in this HD update of the first game in the AKIBA'S TRIP series.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 34.8%, JRPG 16.7%, RPG 13.9%, Action 13.7%, Comedy 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky, niche title that focuses on urban exploration in a specific district of Tokyo with a unique combat twist.

A highschool gang leader Ringo Ishikawa trying to live through his last autumn before graduation. With his best friends.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 34.2%, Open World 14.9%, Action RPG 9.5%, Drama 9.4%, RPG 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric life-sim and beat-'em-up that captures the feeling of being a delinquent in a Japanese town.

Sneak into a world of underground assassins as Harman Smith, a man who manifests 7 deadly personalities, the killer7. Take control of this distinct murderers' row as they hunt down the sinister Kun Lan to thwart his plan of world dominance.

Why similar: Violent 30.3%, Great Soundtrack 25.1%, Action 13.2%, Adventure 9.3%, Story Rich 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, stylized crime narrative that offers a unique, artistic take on the underworld genre.

Welcome to San Francisco. Play as Marcus, a brilliant young hacker, and join the most notorious hacker group, DedSec. Your objective: execute the biggest hack of history.

Why similar: Open World 36.7%, Crime 29.7%, Third Person 11.8%, Action 11%, Adventure 5%

Why You'll Like It: An urban open-world game that emphasizes character-driven missions and a vibrant, modern city setting.

Developed by Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE takes the renowned METAL GEAR franchise into exciting new territory with an all-new action experience. The game seamlessly melds pure action and epic story-telling that surrounds Raiden – a child soldier transformed into a half-human, half-cyborg ninja who...

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 44.2%, Action 18.5%, Beat 'em up 16.6%, Third Person 11%, Story Rich 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers high-octane, cinematic action sequences that match the intensity of Yakuza's major boss battles.

Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 73.9%, Action 16%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Adventure 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern revival of the classic beat-'em-up genre that captures the pure, satisfying combat loop found in Yakuza's street fights.

Play as Mad Max, a reluctant hero and survivor who wants nothing more than to leave the madness behind and find solace.

Why similar: Open World 49.7%, Action 16.6%, Third Person 13%, Adventure 7.8%, RPG 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: An underrated open-world game that features a surprisingly robust brawler combat system and a gritty, atmospheric world.

Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain & his crew. Engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and treasure.

Why similar: Action RPG 18.3%, JRPG 17.4%, RPG 12.3%, Drama 12.1%, Third Person 11.5%

YAKUZA KIWAMI 3 is an extreme remake of the action-adventure beat 'em up Yakuza 3 featuring ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu's fight to protect those he loves. DARK TIES is a brand-new game featuring Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3 included as a separate action-packed experience.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 23.9%, Crime 14.3%, Open World 10%, Action 8.5%, RPG 8.2%

Discover the decadence and danger of 1980's Japan as you fight like hell through its neon-lit entertainment districts in the definitive edition of the action-adventure crime drama that created yakuza legends.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 22.5%, Crime 14.3%, Open World 9.5%, RPG 8%, Action 7.9%

There's trouble once again in River City, and this time only the girls can save the day! Using a variety of attacks, weapons, and items, these hot-blooded heroines are ready to teach the city’s lowlifes a lesson - either solo or in 2-player co-op! It’s an old-school rumble for a new generation!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 62.8%, Action 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Anime 6.8%, Funny 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern beat-'em-up that incorporates RPG elements, character progression, and a humorous tone similar to Yakuza's sub-stories.

Join the Phantom Thieves and strike back against the corruption overtaking cities across Japan. A summer vacation with close friends takes a sudden turn as a distorted reality emerges; reveal the truth and redeem the hearts of those imprisoned at the center of the crisis!

Why similar: JRPG 22.6%, Great Soundtrack 16.9%, RPG 9.4%, Anime 8.7%, Action RPG 8.7%

Shenmue III sees the eagerly anticipated continuation of the epic story-driven saga. Take control of Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist, determined to unravel the mystery behind his father's murder and to exact revenge on the killer.

Why similar: Open World 30.5%, Action 24.6%, Adventure 21.2%, Story Rich 8.4%, Third Person 6.8%

While imprisoned in Balduq, Adol is cursed and becomes a Monstrum. With his newfound powers, he must stop the Grimwald Nox from consuming the city.

Why similar: JRPG 26.7%, Action RPG 21.3%, Action 10.9%, RPG 10.6%, Drama 9.1%

As Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down the Triads, you'll have to fight your way up the organization without blowing your cover.

Why similar: Open World 34.3%, Crime 24.7%, Action 11.5%, Third Person 10.3%, Adventure 5%

World-famous red-haired adventurer Adol Christin awakens in the unfamiliar land of Celceta, remembering nothing more than his name. Join Adol and his new friends as he embarks on an adventure to map the wilderness and reclaim his memories in this beloved action RPG from Nihon Falcom.

Why similar: RPG 21.3%, Action RPG 20.8%, JRPG 20.4%, Action 20.3%, Great Soundtrack 11%

After Lincoln Clay's surrogate family, the black mob, is betrayed and killed by the Italian Mafia, Lincoln builds a new family and blazes a path of revenge through the Mafioso responsible.

Why similar: Crime 36.3%, Open World 22%, Violent 8.7%, Action 7.6%, Third Person 7.1%

Travis Touchdown is back, baby! The otaku assassin takes up his trusty beam katana once more to slash his way to the top of the Galactic Superhero Rankings and save the world in the latest entry in the No More Heroes series.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 38.2%, Comedy 14.6%, Action 13.8%, Violent 9.2%, Third Person 6.1%

In Tokyo’s popular ”Electric Town” district, Akihabara, vampires called “Synthisters” walk among us. You must identify and dispose of them the only way you know how – by engaging them in hand-to-hand combat in order to strip them of their clothes so their bodies melt away in the sunlight.

Why similar: JRPG 19%, Beat 'em up 15.7%, Open World 15.4%, Anime 12.2%, Action 8.5%

Seiji Maruyama is a middle-aged yakuza recently released from prison. Known as "Gozuki" (one of the demon generals from Buddhist mythology) he is the power that his oyabun counts on. But there is one thing his aniki is not taking into account: Maruyama is getting old.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 35.3%, Crime 16.4%, Open World 14.4%, RPG 7.8%, Drama 7.5%

The Dragon Ball RPG of your dreams! For the first time, you can play the rest of the story. Step into the universe of Dragon Ball Z in all its iconic glory and become the hero you were always meant to be!

Why similar: Open World 17.6%, RPG 14.7%, Beat 'em up 14.4%, Action 13.7%, JRPG 8.5%

Explore a cursed Japanese town! Recruit mascot friends and come to the rescue when disaster strikes! Solve the mystery of your exile! Help a living finger work through her many anger issues! Turn Promise Mascot Agency into the best agency in Japan in this open-world narrative adventure!

Why similar: Crime 29.5%, Open World 22.6%, RPG 12.1%, Story Rich 9.5%, Adventure 7.7%

Embark on an epic journey across war-torn 19th-century Japan in this open-world action RPG from Team NINJA, the veteran studio behind "Nioh" and "NINJA GAIDEN."

Why similar: Open World 28.4%, Action RPG 22.5%, RPG 13.5%, Third Person 10.9%, Action 9.4%

Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke.

Why similar: Drama 28.1%, Adventure 18.9%, Story Rich 14.3%, Anime 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%

Tokyo Xanadu eX+; a massive action RPG from the masters of the genre, Nihon Falcom! When high school student Kou Tokisaka encounters the nightmare realm known as the Eclipse, his world is forever changed.

Why similar: JRPG 34.6%, Action RPG 21.1%, RPG 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Anime 7.3%

Experience the first “modern-era” Ys game, now off the small screen for its worldwide PC debut! Features a full party system, dozens of unique combat skills, and a massive overworld to explore. Uncover the secret of the Five Great Dragons, and help Adol Christin save the day once again!

Why similar: JRPG 25.1%, RPG 20.8%, Action 17.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Action RPG 12.2%

Honour, sacrifice, betrayal… Your choices make you who you are. How will history remember you? Choose your friends and enemies carefully in a game where every decision has far-reaching consequences, and where finishing the game is just the beginning of your journey…

Why similar: Open World 22.5%, JRPG 19.1%, Action RPG 17.7%, RPG 9.9%, Action 9.3%

The upgraded prequel of NieR:Automata. A kind young man sets out with Grimoire Weiss, a strange talking book, to search for the "Sealed verses" in order to save his sister Yonah, who fell terminally ill to the Black Scrawl.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 22.1%, JRPG 19%, Story Rich 11.7%, RPG 10.7%, Action 9.8%

300 years of tyranny. A mysterious mask. Lost pain and memories. Wield the Blazing Sword and join a mysterious, untouchable girl to fight your oppressors. Experience a tale of liberation, featuring characters with next-gen graphical expressiveness!

Why similar: JRPG 19.8%, Open World 17.8%, Action RPG 14.9%, RPG 10.4%, Anime 7.4%

An Action RPG driven by fast-paced combat and paired with an intricate puzzle-filled world.

Why similar: JRPG 23.6%, Great Soundtrack 20.3%, Action RPG 17.4%, RPG 13.4%, Action 13%

Explore a supernatural RPG with stylish summoners and dark dangers lurking under the neon lights of a cyberpunk Japan. It is up to Ringo, an agent of Aion, to save the world from apocalypse.

Why similar: JRPG 40.5%, RPG 24.6%, Violent 11.4%, Anime 7.8%, Story Rich 7.8%

Continue the fight in the HD remaster of the second entry in everyone's favorite assassin action series! After falling down the ranks of the United Assassins Association, Travis Touchdown whips out his beam katana to reclaim his rightful spot at the top.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 39.7%, Action 15.3%, Comedy 15%, Violent 9%, Third Person 7.9%

Ready to die? Experience the newest brutal action game from Team NINJA and Koei Tecmo Games. In the age of samurai, a lone traveler lands on the shores of Japan. He must fight his way through the vicious warriors and supernatural Yokai that infest the land in order to find that which he seeks.

Why similar: Action 19.3%, Action RPG 19.2%, RPG 19.2%, JRPG 17.3%, Third Person 12.7%

Set in a huge open world, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen presents a rewarding action combat experience.

Why similar: Open World 30.7%, RPG 17%, Action RPG 14.1%, Action 8.3%, Third Person 7.9%

Teenagers, Dreams, and Drugs. Unveil the secrets of South Jayakarta city, set two years after the ending of the original Troublemaker. The journey of the “Parakacuk” gang continues alongside the “Beyond Dream” band in South Jayakarta city in this fun open-world action-comedy beat-'em-up game.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 29.9%, Crime 22.1%, Action RPG 12.6%, Comedy 8.7%, Action 6%

Ys returns with a brand new adventure for the first time in 8 years! Adol awakens shipwrecked and stranded on a cursed island. There, he and the other shipwrecked passengers he rescues form a village to challenge fearsome beasts and mysterious ruins on the isolated island.

Why similar: JRPG 24.7%, RPG 17.2%, Action RPG 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Action 10%