In the world of gaming, Japan holds a special place. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and futuristic cities, it has provided an exotic and captivating backdrop for numerous video games. If you’re an avid PC gamer and a fan of single-player action games, you would surely love the opportunity to embark on thrilling adventures set in this captivating land. This guide is your ticket to the top single-player action games set in Japan for PC.
The Yakuza Franchise (9 Games)
Yakuza is a famous series of action-adventure games by Sega, featuring elements of beat ’em up, role-playing, and crime drama genres. The main protagonist of most games is Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza who tries to live a peaceful life while getting involved in various conflicts and conspiracies. The games are set in fictionalized versions of real-life Japanese cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Here is a brief overview of each game in the franchise, in chronological/storyline order:
Yakuza 0
A prequel to the Yakuza series, set in 1988, that follows the origins of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld in Tokyo and Osaka. The game features a dual narrative, switching between the two protagonists, and introduces a new combat system with multiple fighting styles. It was later ported to Windows in August 2018 and Xbox One in February 2020.
Yakuza Kiwami
A remake of the original Yakuza game, released in 2005, that retells the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza who is released from prison after 10 years and finds himself in a changed world. The game uses the same engine and combat system as Yakuza 0, and adds new content, such as a “Majima Everywhere” system, where Kiryu’s rival, Goro Majima, randomly challenges him to fights throughout the game.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in January 2016, and for PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe in August 2017. It was later ported to Windows in February 2019 and Xbox One in April 2020.
Yakuza Kiwami 2
A remake of Yakuza 2, released in 2006, that continues the story of Kazuma Kiryu, who must face a new threat from the rival Omi Alliance, led by the Dragon of Kansai, Ryuji Goda. The game uses the new Dragon Engine, which improves the graphics, physics, and seamless transitions of the game. The game also features a new “Majima Saga” mode, where players can control Goro Majima and learn about his backstory.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 4 in Japan in December 2017, and in North America and Europe in August 2018. It was later ported to Windows in May 2019 and Xbox One in July 2020.
Yakuza 3 Remastered
A remastered version of Yakuza 3, released in 2009, that follows Kazuma Kiryu as he tries to live a peaceful life in Okinawa, running an orphanage with his adoptive daughter, Haruka. However, his past catches up with him when he is dragged into a conflict involving the Tojo Clan, the CIA, and a mysterious organization called Black Monday. The game restores some of the content that was cut from the original Western release, such as hostess clubs, mahjong, and shogi, and updates the graphics and framerate to 1080p and 60fps.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 4 in Japan in August 2018, and in North America and Europe in February 2020. It was later ported to Windows and Xbox One in January 2021.
Yakuza 4 Remastered
A remastered version of Yakuza 4, released in 2010, that introduces three new playable characters, each with their own story and fighting style, who cross paths with Kazuma Kiryu in Kamurocho. The game explores the themes of corruption, betrayal, and redemption, as the four protagonists uncover a dark secret that involves the police, the yakuza, and the government. The game also restores some of the content that was cut from the original Western release, such as hostess clubs and a character’s backstory, and updates the graphics and framerate to 1080p and 60fps.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 4 in Japan in October 2018, and in North America and Europe in February 2020. It was later ported to Windows and Xbox One in January 2021.
Yakuza 5 Remastered
A remastered version of Yakuza 5, released in 2012, that features five playable characters, each with their own story and location, who are connected by the fate of the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. The game expands the scope and variety of the series, with new gameplay elements such as hunting, taxi driving, idol management, and baseball. The game also restores some of the content that was cut from the original Western release, such as hostess clubs and a character’s backstory, and updates the graphics and framerate to 1080p and 60fps.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 4 in Japan in June 2019, and in North America and Europe in February 2020. It was later ported to Windows and Xbox One in January 2021.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
The final chapter of Kazuma Kiryu’s saga, released in 2016, that follows him as he tries to uncover the truth behind his adoptive daughter’s coma and her son’s father. The game uses the new Dragon Engine, which enhances the realism, animations, and combat of the game. The game also features a new “Extreme Heat Mode”, where Kiryu can perform powerful attacks in real-time combat, and a variety of new minigames, such as clan creator, virtual on, and toylets.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 4 in Japan in December 2016, and in North America and Europe in April 2018. It was later ported to Windows and Xbox One in March 2021.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A spin-off of the Yakuza series, released in 2020, that features a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, a former yakuza who is betrayed by his boss and left for dead. The game changes the genre of the series from action-adventure to role-playing, with a turn-based combat system and a job system. The game also features a new setting, Isezaki Ijincho, a fictional district of Yokohama, and a new cast of characters, who join Kasuga in his quest to become a hero.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 4 in Japan in January 2020, and for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S in North America and Europe in November 2020. It was later released for PlayStation 5 in March 2021.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
The Man Who Erased His Name: A spin-off of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, released in 2023, that features the return of Kazuma Kiryu, who faked his own death and abandoned his name to protect his family. The game follows him as he is forced out of hiding by a mysterious figure who wants to drag him back into the yakuza world. The game uses the same engine and combat system as Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and features a new city, Onomichi, Hiroshima, as well as Kamurocho, Tokyo.
The game was developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in January 2023
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
An upcoming sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, set to release in 2024, that features both Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as playable characters, who team up to help Kasuga find and reunite with his mother in Hawaii, while Kiryu struggles to survive with cancer. The game will use the new Dragon Engine, which improves the graphics, physics, and seamless transitions of the game. The game will also feature a new setting, Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as Yokohama and Kamurocho in Japan.
The game is being developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and will be released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in January 2024.
Shenmue 1, 2, and 3
Release: 2018, 2020
Shenmue 1, 2, and 3 are action-adventure games set in an intimately realistic open world with a meticulous attention to detail. As Ryo Hazuki, you roam around Yokosuka, a town in Japan, on a quest to avenge your father’s death. The games may not have aged well, but their charm lies in their clunky gameplay and the opportunity it presents to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Okami
Release: 2017
Developer: Capcom
Okami is an action-adventure game that is based on traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e paintings. Set in a world where you take on the role of Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess in the form of a white wolf, you’re tasked with removing a curse that has spread across the land. This game beautifully incorporates Japanese mythology into its gameplay, making it a unique and immersive experience.
Persona Games
The Persona franchise is a series of role-playing video games that are spin-offs of the Megami Tensei series. The Persona games focus on the themes of psychology, identity, and the exploration of the human mind. Below are the installments that are available on PC:
Persona 3 Reload
A remake of the original Persona 3 game, which follows a high school student who can summon a Persona, a manifestation of his inner spirit, and joins a group of Persona-users who fight against Shadows during the Dark Hour, a hidden time between one day and the next. The game features updated graphics, new scenes, voiceover, and gameplay improvements. The game was released for PlayStation Vita in 2012, Windows in 2020, and other platforms in 2023.
Persona 4 Golden
An enhanced version of Persona 4, which follows a high school student who moves to a rural town and investigates a series of murders with his friends by entering a TV world full of Personas and mysteries. The game adds new content, such as a new character, events, dungeons, and endings. The game was released for PlayStation Vita in 2012, Windows in 2020, and other platforms in 2023,
Persona 5 (or Persona 5 Royal)
This game follows a group of Phantom Thieves who steal the hearts of corrupt adults in a high school setting. The game expands the scope and variety of the original game, with new characters, story arcs, locations, mechanics, and music. The game was released for PlayStation 4 in 2019, Windows in 2021, and other platforms in 2023.
Persona 5 Tactica
A spin-off of Persona 5, which features a crossover between the Persona series and the Dynasty Warriors series. The game combines the turn-based Persona-battling aspect of the former with the real-time action combat of the latter. The game takes place concurrently with Persona 5, and follows the Phantom Thieves as they are transported to an alternate world overcome with war and oppression. The game was released for various platforms in 2023.
Persona 5 Strikers
A sequel to Persona 5, which follows the Phantom Thieves as they travel across Japan during their summer vacation and investigate a series of mysterious incidents involving people’s hearts. The game uses a hybrid combat system that incorporates elements of both action and role-playing genres. The game was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows in 2020, and other platforms in 2023.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Release: 2019
Developer: FromSoftware
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-adventure game set in the Sengoku period of Japan. You play as a shinobi on a path to exact revenge against a samurai clan. With its challenging combat system and stunning graphics, this game offers a brutal and beautiful exploration of feudal Japan.
Nioh 1 & 2
Nioh 1
Release: 2017
Developer: Team Ninja, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Nioh is an action RPG set in the Sengoku period. You play as William Adams, the only Western samurai known to exist in Japan’s history. The game combines elements of Japanese mythology and history, offering a dark and thrilling adventure in ancient Japan.
Nioh 2
Release: 2021
Developer: Team Ninja, KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\
This is an action role-playing game that is both a prequel and sequel to Nioh, a game set in Japan during the late 1500s. The game features a customizable protagonist who is a half-yōkai, a supernatural being, and can use various weapons and abilities to fight against enemies. The game was developed by Team Ninja and released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Release: 2016
Developers: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd., Abstraction Games
Set in a fictional school in Japan, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is an adventure visual novel where you’re part of a “killing game” orchestrated by a sadistic teddy bear. The game combines elements of detective work, trial proceedings, and high school life, creating a unique and intense gaming experience.
Steins;Gate
Release: 2016
Developer: MAGES. Inc.
Steins;Gate is a visual novel game set in Akihabara, Tokyo. The game revolves around a group of friends who discover a way to send text messages to the past. With its gripping narrative and distinct art style, Steins;Gate offers a thrilling exploration of time travel and its consequences.
Jet Set Radio
Release: 2012
Developer: Blit Software
Set in a futuristic Tokyo, Jet Set Radio is an action game where you play as a member of a roller-skating gang. Your goal is to mark your turf with graffiti while avoiding the authorities. The game’s vibrant art style and energetic soundtrack create a lively and vibrant depiction of Tokyo.
Final Words
Embarking on these adventures will allow you to experience the beauty, culture, and history of Japan from the comfort of your gaming chair. Each game, with its unique gameplay and intricate storyline, offers a distinct perspective of Japan. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas or prefer the neon-lit streets of modern Japan, there’s a single-player action game on this list that’s perfect for you.
Embark on these adventures and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japan. With these games, you’re not just a player – you’re an adventurer, a warrior, a detective, and a hero. So, boot up your PC, grab your controller, and dive into these immersive single-player action games set in Japan.
