yakuza
Latest
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!]
Yakuza 3 confirmed, coming exclusively to PS3
Above: Yakuza 2 Get ready to hit the seedier side of Tokyo and slug it out in HD – Yakuza 3 is coming. The "real" Yakuza 3. As first reported on 2chan, the latest issue of Famitsu quotes Yakuza series director Toshihiro Nagoshi as stating that the game is a direct sequel to Yakuza 2, and is in development exclusively for PS3.Nagoshi states in the Famistu article that Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! – which is set in Edo-era Japan – is actually considered a spin-off from the "main" Ryu ga Gotoku series (Yakuza here in the West). No release date has been announced for the series' third (well, technically fourth) installment, but we'll keep you posted.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
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.!]
Celebrate Maple Story's 3rd anniversary with Big Puff Daddy
Nexon's super-popular MMO Maple Story is celebrating its third anniversary with a slew of new content. Among the new items and events players can look forward to are the ability to temporarily become a monster, a series of special Maple weapon drops, Boss Clones combat, the new Yakuza-themed region called Showa, and a unique Maple Story Anniversary Hat.But perhaps best of all, a rampaging attack by the cake-based monster called Big Puff Daddy! No longer will his people be oppressed, devoured at will simply because they're delicious! (Note: while we do not have a photo of BPD, chances are good that it will look nothing like the photo to the right) If you're a member, enjoy the new content. If not, now would be a great time to join![Thanks, Robert!]
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.
Yakuza 3's intro is surprisingly epic
We didn't expect Yakuza 3 to take itself so seriously. A game that features so many quirky mini-games, UFOs, and a very Japanese sense of humor has a pretty heavy handed beginning. When Yakuza 3 launched in Japan, it was able to take the number one spot on the sales charts. Looking at this cinematic, do you want Sega to localize this title for the English speaking audience?
Sega's Yakuza 3 tops Japanese sales charts
While the game's setting has been flung back to the 17th century, Sega's latest Yakuza title has successfully found a place on a modern console, with the PlayStation 3 saga hitting the top position in the Japanese software sales charts last week. Gamasutra notes that Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (Yakuza 3) sold approximately 181,000 copies during its debut, both in and outside of a special PlayStation 3 bundle. Those not entranced by old-fashioned violence ensured a second place spot for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, which shifted about 50,000 copies in its fifth week on sale. Fellow Wii title Wii Fit rounded out the top three, despite its documented opposition to all things round. Other Wii newcomers to the top ten were Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in fifth place and Minna no Joushiki Ryoku TV in tenth. The latter translates to "Everybody's General Knowledge Training TV," which either imparts useful trivia or advice on how to survive one of those insane Japanese game shows.
Yakuza 3 takes top spot in Japanese sales charts
The PS3's install base continues to grow in Japan and with it, its software sales. Sega's Yakuza 3 has taken the top spot in the Japanese software charts -- one of the few PS3 titles to claim such a lofty achievement so far. With 181,000 units sold, it managed to outsell the rest of the top five titles combined. Perhaps the use of clever marketing tools helped this title's sales? Or maybe it was the attractive Satin Silver PS3 bundle? Regardless, we're sure both Sony and Sega are quite pleased with these numbers. Hopefully, it won't be too long before more PS3 titles climb the software sales charts. For the rest of the bestsellers, check out Next Gen.
Only in Japan: Yakuza 3 concept bars & cafes
The above picture is Toshihiro Nagoshi, game producer and designer for SEGA, sitting in a Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (Yakuza 3) concept bar & cafe situated in Tokyo's trendy Roppongi Hills district. The bar, one of many, dishes out the same kind service any other similar establishment would, but with one major difference -- they've got playable demo kiosks for the upcoming Yakuza 3. The idea may seem like a strange tactic, but its nonetheless one that's sure to get some attention. This isn't SEGA's first wacky promotional advertising for Yakuza 3 after all; you all remember about the samurai noodles, right? Now, if we could only have GTAIV demo kiosks out in our NYC bars...
Satin Silver PS3 bundled with Yakuza 3
After our initial wave of disappointment dissipated with the announcement that SCEA had no plans of bringing the Satin Silver PS3 stateside, we were actually starting to feel pretty good, that is until we saw the Satin Silver Yakuza 3 bundle. Now our feelings of woe have returned tenfold. Limited to only 1,000 units, the Yakuza 3 PS3 bundle will be released in Japan on March 6 (the same day as the regular Satin Silver PS3) for about $440 and will include some really neato dragon stickers. However, like the regular Satin Silver PS3, it won't come with a DualShock 3, but who needs that when you can come home with Yakuza 3, right? What makes this even worse for us is that Sega has yet to confirm a Western release of the game. Sega, can you please end our agony and just tell us when we can expect Yakuza 3? [Via Kotaku]
Sega to release Yakuza 3 samurai noodles
Although Yakuza 3 still doesn't have a Western release date, many gamers have already decided that they'll import it anyway. If that's the case, you can add one more item to the list as Sega will offer Yakuza 3 instant noodles next month – ya know, to feed that craving you get when slicing and dicing your opponents to a bloody pulp. We have to say, this is the best food product to promote a video game since the Pac-Man cereal. [Via Kotaku]
PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Yakuza 3
The Japanese PS Store currently offers not one, but two demos of Sega's upcoming Japanese adventure, Yakuza 3 (aka Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan). At the very least, the two demos reassure us that there's a large number of things to do in this PS3 exclusive. However, as is typically the case with games of this nature, it seems the Jack of all Trades approach Yakuza 3 is taking means the game does many things well, but nothing stands out as particularly excellent. For example, the combat featured in the game is simplistic at best. Sword fighting can be reduced to simple button mashing. Unfortunately, we don't see the depth that other games offer in this genre. Even relatively simple fighting systems, like the one found in Assassin's Creed, offers combat with much more finesse. The boss that's included in the demo was easily exploited by simply mashing the Triangle button. This being an early demo reminds us that there's much more work to be done in the game. As it is now, battles aren't quite challenging or interesting enough.
Yakuza 3 demo may arrive on PSN this month
Rumors have surfaced regarding Sega's upcoming PS3 exclusive title, Yakuza 3. The game, whose prior two incarnations dealt with more modern-style gangster brawls, takes you back to the time when swords and skill were pretty accurate measures of your ability to earn respect. We'd love to know how it plays and that's where the rumor kicks in -- Sega may be releasing a demo on the Japanese PlayStation Store sometime this month. Sega hasn't said anything officially, but according to some random source over at Gamefront, it's coming. We'll find out, we guess. [via CVG]
Yakuza 3 gets a commercial
Despite the fact that Yakuza 3 appears to have little to do with the series' previous installments, we're more excited than ever at the thought of finally being able to play it. And with the game's release getting closer by the day, Sega has released its first commercial for the popular franchise. While it doesn't showcase the massive amounts of blood and limb chopping that other videos have, it appears to introduce its audience to the game's cast, which we guess is okay. Yakuza 3 is set to hit Japan in March, and we expect an announcement to confirm the game is coming our way in the coming months.
A new year, a new Yakuza 3 TV spot
We don't know exactly how the Yakuza continuity is going to quantum leap from modern day back to feudal Japan for the third game in the series, but this trailer just does a little more to confirm for us that whatever the circumstances are of the time jump, we are definitely on board. While watching it, we have to give a thumbs up to the heavy presence of samurai (if you're not up on your history, samurai are classier, less sneaky ninjas). There's one slight problem, though: We hope we're able to get past it, put when we watch Yakuza 3 stuff it's hard to put Onimusha and (more troubling) Genjii out of our minds. Anybody else?
