Over the course of Xbox Game Pass’ first 4 years of existence, subscribers have gotten used to the fact that games frequently come and go from the Netflix-esque catalogue that they invest into. While Microsoft bestows a bounty of new titles for players to try out each month, it’s common knowledge that most third party games that arrive on the service are only going to be temporarily playable. More often than not there’s subsequently an invisible expiration date attached to their debuts. Just this week, for example, the publisher announced that 3 of Sega’s Japanese crime-themed Yakuza games will be leaving at the end of December.
As the year comes to a close on December 31, and 2022 is ushered in across the globe with fireworks and optimism, Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2, will all leave the Xbox and PC versions of Game Pass. While 5 other titles in the beloved open-world series will still be accessible after this, it remains to be seen whether or not the departures will return at some point in the future. Considering that the trio represent the chronological start of the Yakuza timeline, there’s a lot of incentive either way for players to complete them as soon as possible. Thanks to Microsoft’s helpful preemptive announcement, there’s just enough time for Xbox Game Pass subscribers to beat the ticking countdown, provided they start now and can avoid getting distracted.
Yakuza 0’s Runtime
- Main Story: 30-40 hours Completionist: 140 hours
Released originally back in 2015, Yakuza 0 acts as both a prequel and the chronological starting point on the franchise’s timeline. Set within the iconic neon-lit cities of Tokyo and Osaka, against the backdrop of a fictionalized version of 1980s-era Japan, players are introduced to the eclectic cast of characters that have helped to make the series an institution in gaming. The stylishly suited Kazuma Kiryu, a member of the titular organized crime-loving Yakuza, is the person that players primarily control as they undertake a quest to clear his name for a murder he didn’t commit.
Experiencing that thrilling crime-infused narrative can take on average between 30 and 40 hours provided that players stick exclusively to Yakuza 0’s main story missions, whilst doing a decent amount of exp and money grinding on the side. However, based on the dense sandboxes that Sega has created and then populated with a diverse array of activities, it’s hard to envision most newcomers not getting distracted by the eye-catching sights that are on offer. Seeing everything that Tokyo and Osaka have to offer for a member of Japan’s mafia can lead to a playtime that ranges anywhere from roughly 66 hours, all the way up to a staggering 140. Getting through the trio of Yakuza games that are set to leave Xbox Game Pass at the end of December is therefore going to take a decent amount of discipline on the part of subscribers.
Yakuza Kiwami Runtime
- Main Story: 17 hours Completionist: 82 hours
After the successful launch of Yakuza 0, which marked the 10th anniversary of the franchise, Sega turned its attention to the next entry point on the series’ chronological timeline. Yakuza Kiwami subsequently picks up the action 6 years after the aforementioned game, before quickly jumping forward to 2005, and is a faithful remake of the very first pioneering PS2 entry in the franchise. Players once again find themselves in the leather shoes of Kiryu as he navigates another brilliant mobster-themed story, whilst trying to rise through the ranks of Japan’s criminal underworld.
Packed once again with side quests, quirky characters, and addictive mini-games, Yakuza Kiwami also features the renovated and modernized brawler combat that made 0 so memorable. However, unlike the aforementioned game, Yakuza Kiwami 1 is considerably shorter. On average most players take around 17 hours to beat the main engrossing story, which will no doubt help those aiming to marathon through the entire trilogy before it departs Microsoft’s Game Pass. If anything, the shorter run time should allow players to experience some of the delights that Japan’s nightlife has to offer. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that it roughly takes between 32 and 82 hours to see most and all of what’s on offer, so those in a rush still need to be a little wary.
Yakuza Kiwami 2’s Runtime
- Main Story: 18 hours Completionist: 75 hours
Picking up the action just 1 year after the events of the previously mentioned game, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a remake of the original Yakuza 2, and is the last entry in the franchise that’s set to depart the Xbox Game Pass library at the end of December. Featuring an explosive story that revolves around Kiryu’s quest to unravel an elaborate scheme to detonate bombs across Tokyo, Kiwami 2 benefits graphically in comparison to the aforementioned titles thanks to the fact that it runs on Sega’s updated Dragon Engine. The visceral brawler combat that fans have come to know and love is still present, though, and has even been reinforced by the creation of a new separate sub-story that revolves around fan-favorite anti-hero Goro Majima.
Being another remake of a beloved classic game from several console generations ago, it’s perhaps little surprise that Yakuza Kiwami 2 features a much shorter chain of main quests when compared to Yakuza 0. On average, players will need to invest another 18 or so hours if they want to see the plot through to its conclusion, as well as the short Majima-themed side story. Naturally, that number can grow substantially depending on how much extra content players want to explore. Those looking to get a taste of the quirky side characters and activities on offer will need to set aside 36 hours of their time, for example, whereas completionists will instead need to find a spare 75 hours.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers get a handful of free games every month.
