Rumor: Sega may be counting down to new Yakuza

by Nick Doerr { Sep 5th 2007 at 8:00PM }

A lot of Sega fanboys would cry out for Shenmue 3 at this point, but we don't think that's what's getting announced at the Tokyo Game Show in a matter of weeks. If you check out the official Japanese website for Yakuza 2, at least what we assume is Yakuza 2, a strange thing happens -- a knife stabs a piece of paper and a number, written in Japanese, pops up. It's the number 8, and it's apparently been counting down for a while.

What's in eight days? According to IGN, the first Tokyo Game Show briefing. Will Sega announce a new entry into the surprisingly decent Yakuza franchise for the PS3? Rumors about that the game is supposed to move players beyond anything felt in recent games. Sega's most successful game to move players is arguably Shenmue. People weren't as excited over Shenmue 2, regardless, a third entry into the series has been desired by fans for years. But why would it be advertised on a Yakuza site? They are remotely related -- they've got similar gameplay and storytelling aspects. Whatever the ultimate result, we'll bring it to you on the 14th!

[via IGN]

Tags: sega, shenmue3, yakuza

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

PS!CHO @ Sep 5th 2007 8:23PM

I would kill for another Shenmue...

Ghost @ Sep 5th 2007 8:34PM

I would kill for another Yakuza...
Too bad I never finished it.

John @ Sep 5th 2007 8:36PM

I got confused. I read that Yakuza was a surprisingly decent franchise for ps3. I was like... I don't remember this game, at all.

Now I'm wondering... what are these games? RPGs? Nick is excited, so I'm thinking so. But what's so great about them?

The next great thing I'm waiting for from Sega is a glorious 2d Sonic for next-gen.

I held my breath for all of 2 seconds.

Alex @ Sep 5th 2007 8:38PM

i finished Yakuza. the first one. the story was pretty good, good enough to keep me playing. the fighting system wasn't top notch, but it still kept things fun.

now when are they bring Yakuza 2 state side?!
i could care less about a PS3 entry for the franchise.

ndoerr @ Sep 5th 2007 8:43PM

@ John -- nah, it's not an RPG. Sort of a brawler with dramatic storytelling. A modern day Onimusha, of sorts, but less cheesy... which makes it sort of cheesy. I only played a demo that I got from GameStop for free, but it wasn't bad.

...I've always liked Sega, too, so the opportunity for them to make a good game again is very appealing to me. Until they make a regular Phantasy Star V RPG, I'll keep a watchful gaze over Sega.