It's alright for a reimagining. I understand that some of the ideas from the games may not sit well in a live action feature. The actor for kiryu was pretty spot on. I'm a little aggravated that kazama lost his pinky in the beginning. Like anyone who knows kazama knows that wouldn't have ever been a thing. Nishkiyama is whatever, not badly done but weird. Expected more from Shimano etc. still enjoyed the show for what it is, just not the same thing, but that's ok. It doesn't need to be. Majima is overrated anyway, although I still enjoy the character. Loved the florist of sai, at least he's written well in his role albeit different of course.
I wish it would have been like the original 2005 game. Just Like I stated earlier it doesnt need to be. However one thing on my mind was the English dub, either ironically or unironically, I couldn't help but notice it's just as bad (yet charming) from the original US release of the first title back in 05. Doubt that was intentional, as obviously the creators of the show never played the games.
As these few opening episodes are setting up the world, I'm sure it will deliver like the games did. (Particularly 0, og1, and og2) Maybe more random brawling, as it seemed lacking. Little less bulky dialogue scenes. I know dialogue is a staple in the series, I just don't believe it works the same in a tv series. Also just for the record we do NOT need a karaoke scene. It's never contrasted with me for kiryu. Maybe majima, or the dork in the latest releases, but I think it just ruins kiryu's mystique.
Not mad at all, I was super stoked when I found out about the series just a few days before it started. It's a good watch, don't watch it as a Yakuza game, watch like its a mob drama. Refine the bulkyness and I think Amazon will have a another home run.