Yakuza 3's intro is surprisingly epic
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Mar 18th 2008 at 6:30PM }
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?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kabapu @ Mar 18th 2008 7:11PM
I played the demos when they came out on the Japanese PSN ..... it's .. uh .. unique. I'd have to see more of the game or read a review before I'd be willing to buy it.
yesah @ Mar 18th 2008 7:13PM
yea definatly they need to translate this over to english, i mean i have no idea why they dont do that for every game, its not like since its revolved around japan people will riot in the streets protesting. And if it was #1 its a no brainer.
But i'm still waiting for a next gen Addams Family game :P
Nail @ Mar 19th 2008 9:54AM
Localization is preferred, but based on the text amount and the number of Japanese traditional culture references in the game the translation job would be huge. I wonder what they would do to localize the mini-games like hanafuda(flower cards) and shoji(Japanese chess).
I am currently still in the middle of chapter 8 (spending too much time and money on casinos and prostitutes), the main storyline is even more serious than the opening. Chapter 1-4 is a melodrama full of betrayals, misunderstandings and angst. The quirky parts only begin with Chapter 5, where some missions started to open up. Quite surprised that in Edo Japan there is a secret Sumo-wrestler gay brothel, an elevator and a bowling valley, plus learned accidentally eating turtle food can be lethal.
Volomon @ Mar 18th 2008 7:20PM
They DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!
sergio vera @ Mar 18th 2008 8:27PM
YES! I would buy it first day! Its different! its ...got digital boobies...
The Life @ Mar 18th 2008 10:22PM
this video wasted my life. I don't see what is so epic about it.
loosecannon @ Mar 19th 2008 12:48AM
I totally agree.
Sal Paradise @ Mar 19th 2008 9:05AM
Well, the game is quite excellent, although its obvious the high score from Famitsu was paid for. On one hand, the production is top notch, featuring some very well known Japanese actors (most notably Takanaka Naoto, from movies like Waterboys and Shall We Dance). Also, their PS3 counterpart looks just like the real person which is quite nice.
If you are interested in a Edo era setting, this game is excellent. The streets are very reminiscent of old Kyoto and u visit some notable landmarks (namely Kiyomizudera, etc which still stand today). The characters and acting are all great and the story is good too.
On the other hand, the battle system is very similar to how it was in Ryu ga Gotoku 1. Its not horrible, but since games like Ninja Gaiden redefining action battles, this game comes up short and personally quite boring I think. Most battles so far (about 5 hrs in) take no more than a min to complete and some almost seem quite tacked on just to make the player have to pick up a controller every now and then.
Overall, the setting is rich and the dialogue makes the game come alive, but from a gameplay aspect, it doesnt deserve the 37/40 I think it was that Famitsu gave it. Also, it shows quite a bit of things that wont be getting past censors in the west. Specifically the prostitution/slavery of 8 year old girls. Lines such as "Please buy me!" uttered by an 8 year old to the old lady who prances around town with her prostitutes in training. So I wouldnt be shocked to see this game not hit the west. But if you do have a PS3 and know some Japanese, I highly recommend checking this game out. Sorry for the long post...
blindrocket @ Mar 19th 2008 10:01AM
Yakuza is an awesome series, and I love this new take in ancient Japan.
Yes I want it localized!!!
Maverick Saturn @ Mar 19th 2008 12:46PM
Ninja Gaiden annoys me, its gameplay is good, but all the impossible moves and flying about gets a bit braindead after playing the first Ninja Gaiden. Then other titles like God of war, I think I'm toning down and longing for a more realistic type of fighting gameplay, not to say Yakuza 3 is, I haven't played it, but a sword to sword and more tactical method of gameplay is what I want, not flying about, repeating the same actions by smashing on circle, using a potion now and again, rolling around then smashing on the buttons again. Hate that.
mar1 @ Mar 23rd 2008 9:00PM
this is the game ive been waiting for please sega bring it to the rest of the world i know its not easy since they had problems dubbin yakuza 2 , but please bring it on