Yakuza , released in 2006 for the Playstation 2, follows the story of Kiryu Kazuma as he navigates the world of Japan's organized crime syndicate, the yakuza. Kazuma was raised by a lieutenant of the Dojima Family and becomes embroiled in their struggles when he takes the blame for the murder of its leader to protect his best friend. Years later, he returns to his hometown of Kamurocho to find that Yumi Sawamura, a woman he grew up with, has disappeared, and various yakuza groups are searching for the stolen 10 billion yen.
Gameplay in Yakuza is a mix of free-roaming exploration, hand-to-hand fighting, and role-playing. Kazuma can explore the Kamurocho district on foot, enter buildings, shop, or participate in mini-games. The game's structure is mission-based, with plot-advancing missions and side quests triggered by interacting with characters. When hostile yakuza approach Kazuma, combat sequences ensue, where he must eliminate enemies using melee combat and various objects as weapons.
In addition to combat, the game features a character growth system where Kazuma gains experience points and levels up, allowing him to distribute ability points to increase his health, heat gauge, and unlock new moves. The player can also manage Kazuma's economy by gaining money after fights, which can be spent on food, drinks, healing items, and more.