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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.
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.!]
