ryu ga gotoku
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Yakuza 3 localization looking unlikely
Try not to think too much about the Yakuza 4 that was just announced to an eager Japanese audience. It doesn't look like Yakuza 3 is going to make it outside of Japan, and that doesn't bode well for its sequel, either. Sega Europe told VG247 that it has "no current plans" to localize Toshihiro Nagoshi's open-world brawler/RPG. A Sega of America employee offered his opinion to The Examiner, saying that the sales of Yakuza 2 were insufficient to justify localization of the PS3 title. Officially, according to statements given to Siliconera by a Sega rep, there is "no confirmation" of any decision regarding Yakuza 3. Maybe we should all go clear our local GameStop's shelves of Yakuza 2.
It's already time for another Yakuza
Yakuza 3 (Ryu ga Gotoku 3 in Japan) just came out in February, and Sega has already officially announced the sequel. The official Ryu ga Gotoku site revealed that a new PlayStation 3 installment is on the way. Other than the platform and the title, Ryu ga Gotoku 4: Densetsu wo Tsugu Mono (Succeed the Legend), few details are known. We can speculate that since the series is already two deep on the PS3 and we haven't seen either of those in North America, this one is also going to remain in Japan. How does Sega have time to make all these huge games so quickly anyway? If you'd like to see what some of the characters will look like in the new open-world title, GAME Watch (via Kotaku) has images of actors Hiroki Narimiya and Kenta Kiritani recording voice work and sitting for motion capture. Detailed 3D models of the actors will appear in the game. [Thanks, Marius]
Sega Japan casting 'hostess' models for next Yakuza title
Following on the fine Italian leather heels of yesterday's Yakuza sequel news comes word that Sega's scouting young Japanese women to "model" as the game's hostess club employees. The 5-10 finalists' likenesses will be used in-game, and the girls will take part in promotional events -- including a Tokyo Game Show appearance -- for the title.Adriasang reports that auditions will commence following the June 19 submissions deadline, leading up to a round of public web voting. The site also says that Yakuza series producer Toshihiro Nagoshi told Famitsu that casting will be held for "males and other age groups" at a later date. "Other age groups" being another way of saying "women who aren't 18-20, attractive and likely to make countless otaku drool."
Yakuza 3 sells half a million copies in Japan
Yakuza 3 is quite a success in Japan. In fact, Sega is reporting that the game has sold over 500,000 copies in the region since its February debut. It's the second PS3 title to reach the 500k milestone, following the success of Metal Gear Solid 4. With a sexy custom PS3 bundle and solid first week sales of 380,000 copies, Yakuza 3 was poised to easily surpass the half a million mark. Now, Sega just needs to worry about real Yakuza showing up at its offices and collecting a debt for using their image and likeness. Yikes, where's Kiryu Kazuma when you need him?
Yakuza 3 captures second-best PS3 launch in Japan
According to early data uncovered by the Japanese site, Drill-No Blog, Yakuza 3 has sold 380,000 units in its first week -- the second-best launch for a PS3 game in that country. If the numbers are accurate, Yakuza 3 (Ry? ga Gotoku 3 in Japan) will only have been bested by Konami's 2008 powerhouse, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, which sold around 465,000 units in its first week. Unfortunately, according to a comment Sega made to VG247, Western gamers may never get a chance to continue the adventures of Kiryu Kazuma as the publisher has no plans to bring the game to North America at this time. [Via N4G]
Sega launches Yakuza 3 in Japan with a bang
Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 (Yakuza 3) may lack an exclamation point in its title -- unlike predecessor Ryu Ga Gotoku Kenzan! -- but that doesn't mean the excitement over it is any less. In fact, Sega made sure that Yakuza 3's February 26 launch would go off with a bang (figuratively, not literally! No gangster shootings here) with signing sessions and free swag give-aways. IGN was in Japan to capture the festivities, snapping pictures of the crowd and checking out the signing sessions with Producer Toshihiro Nagoshi. Surprisingly, Toshihiro went around to three different retail stores in the Tokyo area for launch day signing events. That's some love for the hardcore gamer right there. Some stores were raffling off prizes such as post cards, clear files and limited edition Yakuza t-shirts. Check out IGN for more pics.
Yakuza 3 to get free post-release DLC
Looks like Sega is following Criterion's footsteps with its upcoming Yakuza 3. Siliconera reports that Sega is planning eight weeks of free post-release DLC for the game. 29 downloads will be added, ranging from special missions to new items. Supposedly the DLC will work much like Burnout Paradise's free content: simply boot up the game and new content will be added automatically -- no need to visit the PlayStation Store at all! Sega of America has not announced a US release for Yakuza 3. We're sure that if Sega does decide to localize the game, this additional content will also be available to non-Japanese players.
Joystiq hands-on: Yakuza 3 demo
Japan's next big game is coming out exclusively for PS3. Yakuza 3 launches in the territory next week and to get people psyched, Sega has released a demo on the PlayStation Network. The importance of the Yakuza series is, for the most part, lost to non-Japanese gamers. The first two PS2 games didn't exactly garner much fanfare when localized versions were released in the US. The series has always been uniquely Japanese, from its setting to its story to the gameplay. Although it may be Japan's interpretation of the Grand Theft Auto series, playing the demo reveals how antiquated the series still is. While Western developers have refined gameplay and storytelling, Yakuza 3 feels decidedly dated. For example, the visuals are inconsistent, repeating a technique Japanese developers loved employing during the PS2 era. The cutscenes look fantastic, with detailed character models, animations and voice acting. Switching to gameplay immediately reveals a significantly watered down look that's missing all the details featured in the non-interactive sequences. The disparity between playable and non-playable visuals is rather immense. Scrolling through lines of text instead of hearing more of the (very solid) voice acting reinforces the feeling that corners were cut to finish the game.
Sega cross-promotes Yakuza 3 with ... a tanning salon chain
Sega is promoting the upcoming Yakuza 3 (Ryu ga Gotoku 3 in Japan) with tie-ins to various businesses, in which real-life businesses offer Yakuza-themed goods, and digital versions of those same operations appear in the game. The latest company to promote the RPG/brawler is Tanning Studio Sole, a chain of tanning salons. From February 13 to March 15, Sole stores will offer Yakuza 3-themed prepaid cards, and will display Yakuza 3 posters in-store. In turn, Sole billboards will add authenticity to the game's environment (while providing money to Sega). We're guessing that this promotion came about when producer Toshihiro Nagoshi discovered that he had pumped so much money into Sole that he now owns it. Okay, we know the Nagoshi tan joke is obvious, but seriously, the man is flame-broiled. You can't ignore a "coincidence" like that. [Via IGN; screen via Inside-Games]
Yakuza run on instant noodles, you can too
Beating up people with the most unlikely objects, collecting debt and cutting off pinkies are all rather taxing elements of any young, struggling gangster's life. As one can imagine, these guys don't have much time for anything else, but they need to keep their strength up. So how do they do that? What do they eat? Sega suggests they eat instant noodles; but not just any noodles ... Yakuza 3-branded noodles. It's been a long standing tradition for these tattooed ruffians to eat the incredibly easy-to-make, readily available, MSG-laden snack. And starting on March 2, you too can spice up your own soup bowls with some Yakuza 3 ramen. That is, if you happen to live in Japan and have ¥231 ($2.50) to spare. [Via Kotaku]
Japan-only: Sexy 'Yakuza 3' PS3 with dragon etching
The new PlayStation 3 bundle, accompanying the release of Yakuza 3 in Japan, comes with two silver dragons etched into the system's white exterior. We don't know how the effect appears in person, but judging by the images that Siliconera extorted and laundered from Sony, it looks quite sexy. The bundle, which comes with a 80GB PS3, retails for ¥45,980 ($495), an approximate savings of ¥2,000 ($21.50). Sega only plans to make 10,000 of these units available, so importers had better act fast and ruthlessly. We contacted Sega about a possible North American release of the console, but a company spokesperson confirmed it's "only slated for release in Japan." Considering Yakuza 3 hasn't even been announced for North America, we can see how such a bundle might not make it stateside.* *Fun fact: Yakuza 2 took 21 months to localize.
Yakuza 3-themed PS3 looks stylish
A brand new PS3 bundle will go on sale in Japan, featuring the upcoming PS3-exclusive Yakuza 3. Available in late February, the bundle will include the game and a specially designed Ceramic White console (pictured, above). Only 10,000 units of this bundle will be made, so expect it to sell out quickly in Japan. Will any find their way on eBay? Perhaps. [Thanks, diare331]
Yakuza 3 dated for Japan, bundled with Ceramic White PS3
You know, Mother always used to say that dating a Yakuza was a bad idea ... and a good way to get yourself killed. We wish Sega the best of luck then, as the company has done just that -- Yakuza 3 is set for a Japanese debut on February 26th, 2009. The Gangs of Tokyo epic (with Trophy support!) will also be included in a limited-run PlayStation 3 bundle sporting an 80GB, Ceramic White console and a ¥45,980 ($492) price tag. And before you ask, Sega has yet to confirm a US release for Yakuza 3. We'll let you know when they do. (See? "When." We're optimistic over here.) [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Yakuza 3 releases on Feb 26 with Ceramic White PS3 bundle
Yakuza 3 is getting the specialty bundle treatment, much like the last Yakuza game that came out in Japan, Ryugagotoku Kenzan!. While that previous title paired up with the Satin Silver machine earlier this year, Yakuza 3 is making a duet with an 80GB Ceramic White console. Only 10,000 units of this bundle will be produced. The bundle goes on sale in Japan for ¥45,980 ($493) on February 26 alongside the game's official release.
Yakuza 3 trailer filled with mini-games
Yakuza 3 is one of the most anticipated games in Japan right now. Looking at the trailer, we can see why. This is one of the most authentic recreations of Japanese urban life we've seen so far -- akin to GTAIV's recreation of NYC. The Yakuza series has been known for its quirky gameplay, and the amount of sidequests and mini-games featured in this PS3 exclusive title is staggering. Hopefully, it won't take Sega too long to bring this title to the US. (Let's not forget that Yakuza 2 has taken nearly two years to localize.)
Famitsu reveals Yakuza 3 battle system details
Famitsu (translation via IGN) has unveiled in its latest issue details regarding the battle system of Yakuza 3. One of the major improvements is seamless transitions into fights. Another note-worthy addition is the foes you encounter may decide to run away from you (and vice versa, if you are chicken) -- you now have to option to engage in a "chase battle" to pursuit the enemy. This "chase battle" involves keeping your enemy in sight with your mini map and avoiding any obstacles that may appear in your path. A "tag tournament mode" was also shown in the gaming magazine's pages. Your character enters a fighting arena where you must team up with a partner (whether this is a CPU partner or something else isn't clear) to unleash some co-op attacks on your enemies. The last iteration of the Yakuza franchise on the PS3 sold fairly well over in Japan. Unfortunately, it hasn't received a stateside release (yet) -- here's to hoping Sega will bring both Yakuza games over to the Western market.
Yakuza 3 article showcases locale, characters, voice actors
Yakuza 3 (not to be confused with Yakuza: Kenzan!, which was previously referred to as Yakuza 3) is showcased in the newest issue of Famitsu. These scans, courtesy of Spazio Games, unveils interviews with the creators of the game, the locale (such as Okinawa), as well as highlighting each of the main characters and their voice actors. The article doesn't specify a release date for Japan. Also, there haven't been any announcements concerning a release for Yakuza: Kenzan! outside of Japan, and Yakuza 2 for the PS2 was finally released yesterday after an almost two year delay, so this game may not see US shores for a long while. Check out the full six pages here. [Via VG247]
Yakuza 3 promises a 'more advanced' cabaret system
The upcoming "real" Yakuza 3 will expand upon one of the franchises key selling points: girls. "GAL Magazine" will feature seven top Japanese fashion models: Sayaka Araki, Eri Touka, Rina Sakurai, Shizuka Mutou, Riho Nishiyama, Rina Aikawa, and Nemu. These girls will be featured in a more "advanced" cabaret system in the upcoming game. The game will properly render the fashion and speaking styles of the fashionable girls ... something we're sure many players will be paying attention to. Check IGN for all the girls. [Thanks, Gambit07!]
Real Yakuza 3 announced
The real Yakuza 3 is on the way according to an interview with Toshihiro Nagoshi in the latest issue of Famitsu. Officially going to have "3" in the title, this game will actually be the fourth title in the series. We've been billing the previous game Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan (which released in Japan on March 6 this year) as Yakuza 3 for the past year or so because, well, it's easier to write than the original name. We guess we won't be able to do that anymore. The game will be a direct sequel to Yakuza 2. It currently does not have a set release date. [Thanks Hanson Y.!]
Gamestop, Gamefly posts hint at Yakuza 2's North American debut
Since announcing plans to bring Yakuza 2 stateside last September, Sega has been noticeably quiet concerning the sequel, which was first released in Japan in 2006 and will be making its European debut later this year. However, while Sega may be mum, online retailers Gamestop and Gamefly have given us reason to keep our imaginary ties to the Japanese mafia intact, with both listing Yakuza 2 for release this September. As Siliconera points out, Gamestop's listing of the game at the criminally affordable price of $29.99 gives weight to suspicions that Yakuza 2 will not be getting the original's celebrity treatment, though if this means that the game could include the original Japanese voice overs, so much the better.
