Yakuza 3

[Choze]

No topic for this. So this shall do.

I really hope this comes to Europe.

For the uninitiated. Yakuza 3 is the closes game to Shenmue series. It is made by Sega. You play the role of an ex Yakuza. You get to live the story. You can earn money, play mini games, arcades, cage fights etc.

Images are all ingame. Main characters have lots of detail.

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090123/ryu14.jpg

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090116/ryu01.jpg

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090116/ryu03.jpg

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090123/ryu13.jpg


http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20081010/sega25.jpg



http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090123/ryu19.jpg



http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090121/ryu03.jpg

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090123/ryu15.jpg

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090123/ryu12.jpg

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090121/ryu04.jpg

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090116/ryu04.jpg

[Ryan]

No plans for Western release. Thanks for nothing Sega..

[dwarf gourami]

It looks good, I just hope there will be some sort of release here with translations - no use playing an RPG when you don't understand the language.

[Choze]

No plans for Western release. Thanks for nothing Sega..

I hope not. I hope they add plans soon. :(

[Pit-Jr]

I dont think ive bought a Sega game at retail since Skies of Arcadia for the GC but id defo get this if it gets a western release. Take my money Sega!

[jammy2211]

The first two came to Europe and America so I'd imagine we'll eventually see it.

Maybe they flopped hard or something.

[Domstercool]

I dont think ive bought a Sega game at retail since Skies of Arcadia for the GC but id defo get this if it gets a western release. Take my money Sega!

That's bad because Valkyria Chronicles is on the market, that's Sega's best game since like well Dreamcast times, it's BLOODY AWESOME

[Pit-Jr]

That's bad because Valkyria Chronicles is on the market, that's Sega's best game since like well Dreamcast times, it's BLOODY AWESOME

Noted. Im ashamed to report that i played and loved the demo and then proceeded to buy Fallout 3 instead. I may pick it up in a dry release period later though

[RoadKill]

No English release? PS3 only? Thanks SEGA!

Shame, because it looks fucking awesome, I loved Shenmue, I have 2 copies of Shenmue and 2 copies of Shenmue II, all Dreamcast <3

[Choze]

Demo is up! :smile:

JPN Store.

[flameboy]

Demo is up! :smile:

JPN Store.

cheers will download.

[Columnar]

Looks like I'll be setting up a Japanese account then. Is it easy to do?

[flameboy]

Looks like I'll be setting up a Japanese account then. Is it easy to do?

yeah piece of piss....here is one of the guides I used.

http://blogs.ign.com/xheavenxsentx/2006/12/09/39684/

got pics so makes it quite easy

[Happenstance]

yeah piece of piss....here is one of the guides I used.

http://blogs.ign.com/xheavenxsentx/2006/12/09/39684/

got pics so makes it quite easy

Thanks for that, just made a Japanese account myself now

[flameboy]

Thanks for that, just made a Japanese account myself now

Still havn't played anything online with you yet! Unbelievable....

[Happenstance]

Still havn't played anything online with you yet! Unbelievable....

Ive barely done any online gaming yet with the PS3 because of my dodgy connection, its driving me crazy. We'll definately have to try soon though.

[flameboy]

Just playing the demo is sooo good. I mean obviously so much is lost in translation, but man is it awesome. You go into to this kinda club and get into a fight and the combat system is like nothing in any other game, lots of items to pick up dynamically, each with their own way of fighting, different ways to work them into combos. You have 3 weapons, each has a nice feel to them, you can randomly pull out a cigarette during combat. Also has a pretty cool grappling system and you can kinda chain them together, so grapple with a guy, bash the O button to complete the move and throw him on the floor, then press O again to pick him back (depending on where yours stood may drag him by arms or legs or lift, then place with you back to you and do another throw.

I love the scale of the city as well. The street you start off on has far more hustle and bustle than the streets of GTA IV, obviously there aren't tons of cars shooting up and down the streets but it gives a much fuller fresh looking city.

I now really want this game to come to with UK or US. Even if it was just subtitled it really wouldn't matter. We need this game...

[Choze]

amazing game. I so wish this gets announced for Europe. Its improved over previous games. Just love looking around and exploring. The fight scenes are fun too. I pcked up a bike and broke it by smashing it into someone. :)

[flameboy]

amazing game. I so wish this gets announced for Europe. Its improved over previous games. Just love looking around and exploring. The fight scenes are fun too. I pcked up a bike and broke it by smashing it into someone. :)

Did both previous games come to Europe and/or US? If we don't get it here would at least expect it to hit US in which case I have to import it.

[Ryan]

Did both previous games come to Europe and/or US? If we don't get it here would at least expect it to hit US in which case I have to import it.

They both did, but with a long time inbetween release from East to West. Yakuza 2 came out late 2004 over here compared to late 2001 in Japan.

[DiemetriX]

d_Kfm0gCTX0
How to create an online account with the new psn layout.

[dwarf gourami]

I managed with the old guide but yeah it does make things clearer. Just about to play it.

Managed to complete the demo and was very impressed. It gets button prompts right and beating people up is very fun. Obviously would be much better with English/subtitles but was still good.

What I would like is maybe a bit more freedom when it comes to roaming around, as in the doorways are accessible and not just an invisible wall. Maybe the combat could have more variety? I would have liked to lob someone from the balcony in the bar fight.

[DiemetriX]

Loved the demo. Lots of weapons, and items to use in battle.
And having been in Japan it looks exactly like it. Did any one go into that 7ellevenish store? That exactly how they look ^^

hope this game comes with english subs in japan or gets released here.

[Choze]

Have not been Japan yet but it reminds me of other stores in the region. They also love their versions of Pot Noodles :p

Its really nice demo despite the japanese language barrier.

[Choze]

K3RzCxHYSJs

Euro and US announcement trailer!

2010 looking killer.

[Mundi]

This, Heavy Rain and God Of War 3 are forcing my hand to get a PS3 next year.

[MoogleViper]

This not coming to 360 then?

[Ryan]

This not coming to 360 then?

No. Never even seen it mentioned to be honest. Yakuza 4 is PS3 exclusive, too.

[Oxigen_Waste]

I've played the demo and the game does NOT look like that. It looks quite worse!!!

But yeah, the game seems fun. ^^

[Ryan]

New gameplay trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZgdlwk9jqk

[sumo73]

I heard some news ages ago that Sega were thinking of releasing this game outside of Japan but as a download only. I really hope they don't.

If the worst happens (not released outside Japan) then I'll import it (my Japanese isn't great but I can get by).

[Daft]

.........lol

[dwarf gourami]

Multiply that lol by 2

[MATtheHAT]

I heard some news ages ago that Sega were thinking of releasing this game outside of Japan but as a download only. I really hope they don't.

If the worst happens (not released outside Japan) then I'll import it (my Japanese isn't great but I can get by).

erm...........

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[sumo73]

Well I did heard that news ages ago but thanks for the update.

http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/news/70692139a4d9058efff2a63f6e1a750f/Sega+spills+Sony's+beans.aspx

[flameboy]

Well I did heard that news ages ago but thanks for the update.

http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/news/70692139a4d9058efff2a63f6e1a750f/Sega+spills+Sony's+beans.aspx

blimey didn't even know gamecentral was still going,

[Happenstance]

Anyone getting this next week then? Im considering it but at the moment im torn between this and FFXIII for which to get first.

[flameboy]

Anyone getting this next week then? Im considering it but at the moment im torn between this and FFXIII for which to get first.

I'm being torn the same way.

[Daft]

I'm not bothered about playing anything until God of War III. I will pick this up when releases are more sparse.

[flameboy]

I'm not bothered about playing anything until God of War III. I will pick this up when releases are more sparse.

See I'm not gonna pick up GoW 3 straight away cos not played the first two yet and other stuff I'd rather play than sit through 3 of the same game back to back.

[Daft]

I could have played through all three easily. Just so awesome.

[flameboy]

I could have played through all three easily. Just so awesome.

Yeah I would probably want to play something in between each of them...even if its only something small like a PSN title, just as a palette cleanser! likely would feel bit burnt out playing all 3 back to back...I will likely do it at some point, perhaps should have started it earlier so I did have time but meh nevermind!

[Strange Cookie]

Yay for broken street dates!

I gave this some serious playtime yesterday, and I really love it! I enjoyed previous Yakuza-games (even though I never got far in part 2...), and this is a natural extension. It looks great, the fixed camera is thankfully gone most of the time and the Japanese voices are better than previous English ones. And with a free soundtrack on a seperate disc and PSN-voucher, no complaints here.

Yes, there are still artifacts which feel very dated this day'n age: dialogues with only textboxes (between 2 cuntscenes... odd), movement is't as fluid as it could be, the 'random encounters'. The grand idea hasn't really changed since Yakuza 1 on a structural level

But the fighting is still awesome, and there are little details I really like. E.G. when you encounter an opponent (Street Thug, Yakuza, and the like.) the people on the street clear the fighting area. Small details, but nice nontheless. And the feeling of walking through a busy street has never been so convincing.

And that's best how to sum up Yakuza 3: Yakuza with excellent graphics, smooth fighting controls and less static camera. Nothing more, nothing less.

Oh, and if you missed out on part 1 & 2: you can review the story through a mini-movie made from cutscenes from both games and told by Kazuma himself. It really help to set the scene for Yakuza 3, so no worries about not having played 1 & 2. The game got you covered.

Let's hope this does well, and they Bring Yakuza 4 to the West eventually.

[Ryan]

Where did you get your copy from?

[Strange Cookie]

A good ol'fashioned independent gamestore, a couple of streets from where I live. :D Had RE5: Gold edition for sale a whole week earlier too.

[flameboy]

Yay for broken street dates!

I gave this some serious playtime yesterday, and I really love it! I enjoyed previous Yakuza-games (even though I never got far in part 2...), and this is a natural extension. It looks great, the fixed camera is thankfully gone most of the time and the Japanese voices are better than previous English ones. And with a free soundtrack on a seperate disc and PSN-voucher, no complaints here.

Yes, there are still artifacts which feel very dated this day'n age: dialogues with only textboxes (between 2 cuntscenes... odd), movement is't as fluid as it could be, the 'random encounters'. The grand idea hasn't really changed since Yakuza 1 on a structural level

But the fighting is still awesome, and there are little details I really like. E.G. when you encounter an opponent (Street Thug, Yakuza, and the like.) the people on the street clear the fighting area. Small details, but nice nontheless. And the feeling of walking through a busy street has never been so convincing.

And that's best how to sum up Yakuza 3: Yakuza with excellent graphics, smooth fighting controls and less static camera. Nothing more, nothing less.

Oh, and if you missed out on part 1 & 2: you can review the story through a mini-movie made from cutscenes from both games and told by Kazuma himself. It really help to set the scene for Yakuza 3, so no worries about not having played 1 & 2. The game got you covered.

Let's hope this does well, and they Bring Yakuza 4 to the West eventually.

wow you've totally sold it to me...know you've not said much...but its enough. I was only going to make one game purchase this month and tossing up between Yakuza 3, Darksiders and Final Fantasy 13...gonna play the first two's demos (previously played the japanese yakuza demo) but I think you've defo sold it to me...

[Happenstance]

Gametrailers review:

62934

[Ryan]

No spoilers in that review. Makes a change considering..

My copy is being readied for dispatch!

[Strange Cookie]

Well, I spent another whole evening playing Yakuza 3. Bioshock 2, Dante's Inferno, Heavy Rain, RE5:GE and many others are just gathering dust. It's so addictive, and yet I can't put my finger on ot as to why... It shouldn't be. Maybe it's because it's the closest thing to Shenmue III.

Just don't expect the first part of the game to walk around in busy citystreets, being all Yakuza. It's... slightly different, but refreshing all the same and rather endearing. You'll even go on a spot of golfing.

I know it's savage, even a bit sad, but I really like how in fights your opponents and fist get bloody. Now that's progress! :wink: And the fights are so visceral and brutal, especially the special object-related moves. Or the way some opponents try to crawl away or back out when they got a beating. No point in running from the Dragon of Dojima, though. Oh, and the strangly encouraging people during fights. One minute, and old lady is staggering to cross the road, minutes later she's screaming way too enthousiasticly at the fighters from the sideline. Fight's over, everybody just walks along. It's very (and probably unintentionally) funny to see.

[flameboy]

Well, I spent another whole evening playing Yakuza 3. Bioshock 2, Dante's Inferno, Heavy Rain, RE5:GE and many others are just gathering dust. It's so addictive, and yet I can't put my finger on ot as to why... It shouldn't be. Maybe it's because it's the closest thing to Shenmue III.

Just don't expect the first part of the game to walk around in busy citystreets, being all Yakuza. It's... slightly different, but refreshing all the same and rather endearing. You'll even go on a spot of golfing.

I know it's savage, even a bit sad, but I really like how in fights your opponents and fist get bloody. Now that's progress! :wink: And the fights are so visceral and brutal, especially the special object-related moves. Or the way some opponents try to crawl away or back out when they got a beating. No point in running from the Dragon of Dojima, though. Oh, and the strangly encouraging people during fights. One minute, and old lady is staggering to cross the road, minutes later she's screaming way too enthousiasticly at the fighters from the sideline. Fight's over, everybody just walks along. It's very (and probably unintendedly) funny to see.

I heard that you don't actually kill anyone which is kinda cool. I keep meaning to play the demo of this again to help me decide whether to buy it or not.

[Strange Cookie]

For the record, it's the bystanders that just walk along. Your oppenents just stand there, bleeding and being miserable. Usually give you some yen as an apology.

Actually, the demo didn't set me alight for some strange reason. It actally made me doubt wether it'd be worth it. It was, evidently, but there's something off with the demo and I can't see what.

Strangeness all around!!

If you want my advice: it's worth it, but you already figured that out. A rental if you're not sure. It is an acquired taste, but if you enjoyed Yakuza 1 or 2, you can't go wrong here. It's the best of the three by far.

[Choze]

Yeah Full game is excellent. You will get sucked in and there is alot to do. Maybe too much!

Shenmue fans will love it.

[Ryan]

Debuted at #24 in the UK weekly charts according to Chart-Track. Hope it sells well enough for Ryu Ga Gotoku 4 and Kenzan to come over. I'm loving it so far..

[flameboy]

Ok so yakuza 5 just got announced...what chance we ever see that...also if they are willing to put all this money and resources into this when the shenmue series is left unfinished.

[Strange Cookie]

Debuted at #24 in the UK weekly charts according to Chart-Track.

That's not too shabby for a title that was expected to bomb in the West. Not too shabby indeed!

I can't believe haw funny this game is from time to time. From the steel determination on Kazuma's face when starting to fish, to the excitement and speed-uo animation when he had a revelation (which are very funny too) and writing about in on his blog.

I love games which on one hand can be very serious and down to earth, but still can take itself not too seriously from time to time.

Gotta love those classic Sega Blue Skies and bright colours!

[martinist]

Never played a yakuza game before, picked this up yesterday. Just been wondering around Okinawa so far, should get allot better once I get into the city

[Ryan]

Never played a yakuza game before, picked this up yesterday. Just been wondering around Okinawa so far, should get allot better once I get into the city

Chapter 4 is when it picks up with lots of sidestories. Quite fun to do.

[will']

Looking forward to playing this, figured I should finally try the series. Just got to finish Heavy Rain first.

[Ryan]

Amazon have dropped their price to £27. Definately worth it at that price considering it launched at £35-£40!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sega-Yakuza-3-PS3/dp/B0031M9U9G/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

[Daft]

Holy crap, this game rocks!!

Although anyone who thinks MGS's cutscenes go on for a while can cram this up their chuff. It starts of real slow.

Kazuma is SUCH a cool dude.

[martinist]

this game has been reduced to £19.99 on GAME.co.uk if anybody wants to pick it up.

Heard Sega might be translating Yakuza 4 for release over here too.

[Daft]

That's an absolute bargain! I played this from about 11 until 2:30 in the morning yesterday and just had another three hour session. I hardly ever play games for over an hour.

I'm not really sure what it is about it though. The fighting and levelling up is fun but it's more than that. People yap on about a new Shenmue but Yakuza pretty much fills that space as far as I'm concerned. Kazuma kicks ass,

[flameboy]

I've still got it wrapped up waiting to be played...but cannot wait heard nothing but good things about this game.

[Aimless]

Well, looks like Bobby Kotick will be skating to work from now on: Yakuza 4 announced for a Western release next year (http://blogs.sega.com/europe/2010/06/08/iamkazuma/).

[Ryan]

Great news. Day one buy for me..

[martinist]

I'll be putting that on my list for next year then. Hope they don't screw up again by taking stuff out. Just translate the text and leave it alone!

[Daft]

Awesome!! I'm loving 3 so much. I haven't played an RPG I've enjoyed in so long.