When it comes to remakes of classic games, the ideal goal should be to improve aspects of the source material that were lacking due to technological limitations. While taking some liberties with plot and structure, I still feel that Yakuza Kiwami is the best way to experience the beginning of Kiryu Kazuma’s journey. It adds more content, polishes up the presentation and is readily available at a budget price.
Yakuza 2, though, is often considered the absolute best entry in Kiryu’s storied history. Featuring a jazzy soundtrack, bleak atmosphere and some great side characters, tinkering with any aspect of the package was going to be sacrilege to a certain number of fans. If you were hoping for a 1:1 recreation of Kiryu’s second outing with Kiwami 2, you’re going to be disappointed. That being said, if you can allow yourself to look past your nostalgia for the original, you’ll find a package that is more feature complete and polished than its inspiration.
It really depends on what you’re looking for.
Source: Destructoid Review: Yakuza Kiwami 2