It might be that gamers are growing uneasy with lack of DLC or expansion from "Grand Theft Auto 5" that they saw "Yakuza 0" as potential replacement to kill the boredom. "Yakuza 0" has released on PlayStation 4 starting today, Jan. 24.

The whole "Yakuza" franchise is in the spotlight lately in North America and Europe although it should have invaded years ago when it first released for PlayStation 2. Back in 2006, "Yakuza 0" predecessors attempted to invade the English-speaking region but it flopped commercially. Since then, "Yakuza" decided to release all 5 pre "Yakuza 0" iterations locally in Japan where it was well-received.

Should players decide that it is time to wean from "Grand Theft Auto 5" or any RPG with same niche, "Yakuza 0" is the way to go. Of course, it is easy to point that "Yakuza 0" is just another GTA wannabe but think again. "Grand Theft Auto" is known to delve into crime by running, shooting, enjoying the high life but nothing more. On the contrary, "Yakuza 0" has deeper narrative and storyline.

"Yakuza 0" portrays the protagonist Kazuma Kiryu as a syndicate member with deep personality. By doing so, the franchise managed to give a detailed narrative about Japan's most dreaded organized crime group. There is soul in "Yakuza 0," an element that other crime RPG sacrificed because they chose action instead. In fact, IGN described "Yakuza 0" as a game that is satisfying to the end.

What is great about "Yakuza 0" is the quick transitions between petty crime to full-blown mayhem. For example, there are instances where the character needs to engage in street fist fights or play in cheap arcade house but don an expensive suit the next day for high-ranking Yakuza leaders, Kotaku reported.

At any rate, "Yakuza 0" is out now and players themselves can attest to the twists and turns that this game can offer. It is time to taste the Japanese culture and underground life.