I've never played a yakuza game before, always wanted to but it seems to be a story-driven game that would be difficult to jump into as a newcomer. But a prequel game? Sure! What is it like? I'm expecting a GTA-like game with more mini games and Japanese culture bits n pieces. Is there a free roam mode? I'd love to walk around Tokyo!
Actually according to Angry Joe (video game reviewer) he said you didn't need to know the lore and everything was explained and made sense without knowledge of the previous games. Even said it was one of if not the best stories in any game he's ever played.
On your second point he said the maps were a bit restrictive and there were obvious invisible walls preventing further exploration. However from watching reviews it seems there is a good bit of area to explore. Apparently (this is the uncensored bit) you can find these Pokemon type cards with Japanese women picture on them, then you can take them to a video type store for a "private viewing", obviously the women are clothed but lingerie and bikini type clothing. That sort of thing doesn't interest me on the surface but I find it fascinating its even in the game and find it interesting bit of their culture or at least the creators mind. Point is you need to explore some to find those cards.
Those mini games are one of the things that reminds me of Shenmue which at the time was an amazing game although thats probably mostly nostalgia talking.
Oh and some people will probably hate this but its voiced in japanese and subtitled in english. I actually prefer this since my main interest in the game is the culture and style. Hmm I may have just talked myself into buying it.
EDIT : Here is his review
