Yakuza series

[Cave Johnson]

My daily habit of checking the Sega Yakuza forum and Neogaf for the past year or so was to scour any information or updates on Yakuza localization. Every day was the same and I finally started to give up. I honestly didn't think Sony's presentation or 3rd Party Localization team was going to pull through after they had acknowledged that Yakuza was the most requested game to bring to the west and then failing to mention it during E3. Was I ever wrong. I really don't have much passion for any game series except the yakuza series.

Did that change to today...It was a wtf too good to be true moment. I felt like a little kid when I found out the announcement. All that begging and pleading from the fans...they listened... I think Sony pulled the strings more than Sega (maybe by some kind of concession or something to help localize it), but I don't care as long as the game is coming.

I am somewhat disappointed that it's digital only but not by much because nowadays they just shove a disc in a case without a manual (unless it's a limited edition). I am not going to complain about that. I'm day one for this game.

More good news...there's another rumor going around that Yakuza 0 will also be localized.

I hope this game sells enough that the spinoffs such as Ishin and the HD version come to the West more easily and quickly.

[Vyse Hazuky]

Thank you... This has made me so happy. What a way to start my Sunday.

[Axm]

I might actually give this series a fifth chance now.

[Crimson Ryan]

• Summer 2015
• Available in the US & Europe
• Exclusive to PS3 via the PlayStation Store

Story

After the unexpected events of 2010 came to an end, the Tojo clan had a reform. They are working towards regaining a strong organisation by making a deal with the biggest clan in Kansai, the Omi Alliance... But in December 2012, the seventh chairman of the Omi Alliance falls critically ill. His death ended a brief time of peace and a war between East and West broke out. Pressing for strength in the clan, Tojo attempts to form alliances with groups from all across the country to fight against the Omi Alliance. Daigo throws the Tojo clan's pride to the wind and heads for Fu-kuoka. But...


Characters
Kiryu Kazuma



Kiryu lived a peaceful life with Haruka at "Asagao" in Okinawa, but... A woman pays Kiryu a visit, which ends up with him leaving the orphanage.

It is now December 2012 and Kiryu is working as a taxi driver in Fu-kuoka under a false name and whilst concealing his past. But when the sixth chairman of the Tojo clan suddenly disappears in the area, he rises to become the legendary dragon once again.

Saejima Taiga



He once served 25 years for the murder of 18 yakuza and now he has now returned to the Tojo clan as the leader of the Saejima family. But he now serves a 3 year sentence for the crime of inflicting bodily harm. It's been two years since he arrived at Abashiri prison and endured prison life, but in order to hunt down the man who destroyed his family, friends and dreams, he breaks out and heads to Hokkaido's downtown, Tsukimi Field.

Akiyama Shun



Akiyama has travelled to Osaka to start-up a new business. There, he gets the feeling there's a large power behind all the incidents that have been occuring, so he investigates the mystery, and in doing so he bumps into Haruka.

Sawamura Haruka



Now residing in Soutenbori at a talent agency called "Dainachea", Haruka, who attracted the attention of the competent female president of the agency, Paku Mirei, left Okinawa one year ago and has spent all her time training intensely for her singing and dancing every day. But trouble descends upon the agency and in order to take up the dreams of the agency, she challenges the darkness of the entertainment industry.

Shinada Tatsuo



Dirty, nonchalant, indifferent and careless with money, he is a broke magazine writer who leads a life of destitution at a multi-tenant building in Nagoya's downtown, Wataeichou. 15 years ago, he was a pro baseball player who, in the 9th inning of a game, came on as a pinch-hitter to hit a game winning home-run. But shortly after that, he was said to have participated in baseball gambling, thus he was banned for life from the world of baseball. 15 years have passed since then and he now works for minimum pay and is threatened by the debt collectors. But when he returned home one day, a man wearing a mask and hiding his face with his cap was waiting. Shinada tried to leave, but was stopped when the man said "I want you to find out the truth about the home run from 15 years ago". A man who was once regarded as a genius of the sport once again takes hold of a bat in order to uncover the truth.

Mayumi



A woman who lives together with Kiryu

Living under a false name in the corner of Nagasu district, she is a beautiful woman who is close to Kiryu, who makes a living as a taxi driver. She is also known as the 'number 1' of the well known club "Oliver" in the Nagasu District.

Despite Kiryu's reluctance, she forces herself into his apartment and gallantly helps him out every day.

Mayumi gives Kiryu, who is leading a lonely life in Fu-kuoka after seperating from Haruka and the children at Asagao, a life of peace without ever inquiring about his past. Before long, this life starts meaning all the world to him...

On a certain day in december 2012, while Kiryu is tormented by his past, Mayumi reveals her true feelings, which she has locked up deep down inside for all this time



Sanada Mai



An idol from "Osaka Talent Agency".

Member of the Osaka Talent Agency's idol Unit called "T-SET".

Taking a gamble with a major debut from a major record label, the 'super unit' appeared on a TV show named "Princess League", a show for new idols to compete, where they proceeded to advance through to the finals with a series of overwhelming performances. Their singing and dancing abilities greatly exceed those of Haruka.

She is a proud person and is an out-and-out advocate of meritocracy. With a low opinion of Haruka, an inexperienced girl aiming to become an idol, she repeatedly bumps heads with her at every opportunity.



Osawa Azusa



An idol from "Osaka Talent Agency".

Member of the Osaka Talent Agency's idol Unit called "T-SET".

Along with Mai, she is a treasured member of Kansai's leading production company, Osaka Talent Agency. She entrances many fans with her magnificent "all-or-nothing" performances.

In contrast to the strong will and shapely looks of Mai, Azusa has childish looks and a charming personality, which gets her a lot of support from the male fans.

But beyond her warm looks she, much like Mai, can perform to a high standard beyond anyone's imagination. She is a 'super idol' who is regarded as the favourite to win the Princess League.




Paku Mirei



Head of the talent agency "Dyna Chair".

Female head of the talent agency office "Dyna Chair", who takes up residence in Soutenbori, Osaka.

It is by no means a large production company, but she has a great eye for talent that can sell well and is well respected in the Kansai entertainment industry.



In the past she herself was an idol, but she faced many obstacles inherent in the unique world of the entertainment industry and thus was forced to abandon her dream. Henceforth, she was committed to finding a great talent to whom she could pass on her dream and nurturing the next generation. One and a half years ago, she had a fateful encounter with Sawamura Haruka in Okinawa.

After that Haruka moved to Osaka, along with entering a high school, where Paku dreams of giving her a major debut in a mere six months. She continues to prepare a top class staffing team and impose strict guidance on Haruka.



Every day is a tough, rigourous, lesson-laden day. In order to realise her dream of being at the top of the entertainment industry, Paku continues to focus all her energy on Haruka.

But for the two of them, who have embarked on this journey to achieve their dreams, a great wall stands before them in an attempt to thwart those dreams. So that they may keep their dreams alive, their fierce struggle begins...



Madarame Tadashi



Yakuza boss of the Yamakasa family.

He is the boss of the Yamakasa family, a Yakuza syndicate which rules over Kyushu's largest entertainment district - Nagasu District in Fu.kuoka.



Despite his old age, he always level-headedly analyses the strength of the clan and has an understanding of its current situation. He respects Dojima Daigo, who cast aside his pride and has arrived seeking to form an alliance, and attempts to come to an agreement with him.

He is a pacifist who believes things should be resolved via dialogue rather than conflict.



In typical elderly yakuza fashion, he values propriety and sympathises with Dojima Daigo who, though a young man, has an understanding of decorum. But all of a sudden many members of the family feel severely hostile towards the Tojo Clan, who are making one-sided demands, and there are fears this could escalate into needless skirmishing.



Police Detective



An elderly detective who chases after trouble.

Detective of Osaka's organised crime unit.



He primarily chases after any trouble relating to the Omi Alliance or the underworld. In order to prevent total war between east and west, he rushes around across the country.

6 years ago, when the great feud between East and West, started by Goda Ryuji, broke out, the Osaka police were a step behind. Repentant for trailing behind to the Metropolitan Police Department, they are determined to resolve the forthcoming feud between east and west solely with their own force.



He has, in absolute secrecy, been keeping track of the alliance negotiations between the Tojo Clan and Yamakasa family in Fu.kuoka and, after the disappearance of Dojima Daigo, tries to get in touch with those involved. Since then, he has been providing information of any developments to the parties concerned. Fearing that police intervention will kick off the war, they opt to work behind the scenes in order to bring about a resolution to affairs in an indirect manner.

He has condescending eyes. No one can tell what he is thinking about because of the way he talks and acts. He is always close to the centre of trouble. What on earth is the intention of this man who is trying to control things...?



Katsuya Naoki



Head of "Osaka Talent Agency".

He is a businessman who runs Osaka Talent Agency, Kansai's leading production company.



He is recognised far and wide because of his newsworthy promotions, honest personality and lack of any of the dirtiness that is typical of people within the talent agency business. However, among a small portion of news sources, there are whispers of a connection between him and the Omi Alliance and he is becoming a powerful person, ruling the Kansai entertainment industry with money and violence.

He is Katsuya - a man who knows everything about the world of the entertainment industry inside and out. To him, even the power of the yakuza is nothing more than a means to get his hands on things he desires.



It is December 2012. In the finals of a TV show deciding Kansai's number one idol, called "Princess League", while his idol unit, "T-SET", are engaged in tough competition with Sawamura Haruka, a disastrous incident suddenly occurs.

In the midst of this incident that is shaking up the Kansai entertainment industry, his great ambition which he has kept hidden behind those cool eyes of his starts to become realised...



Youtarou Nakajimi



President of Nagasugai Taxi. He met Kazuma when he was drunk and wandering through Fukuoka and hired him because of his manliness. Kazuma believes Nakajima understands him best.







Shigeki Baba



A fellow prisoner who transferred into Taiga’s prison a year ago. Shigeki is the youngest prisoner on the block and was convicted for a murder he did for his brother.







Seiji Kousaka



A harsh prison guard and second in command in Taiga’s prison.







New Battle System

The concept of "Anyone can do it, it's simple, it's cool!", which is a feature of battles in the Ryu ga Gotoku series, is still present, but the fundamentals of the system have had a complete reform! Not just the attack and movement animations of the existing characters, but also the AI and the battle staging have been completely redesigned from scratch. The protagonists' engage in dynamic and realistic battles with plenty of emphasis on each character's idiosyncrasies.

The strategic and exhilarating new battle system has content which can be enjoyed by everyone who plays this game - both those who have played previous games in the series and those who are playing a Ryu ga Gotoku game for the first time.

In addition, this game introduces a new "Ultimate Technique" system - an exciting evolution to the battle system. "Ultimate Technique" is a powerful attack, unique to each character, which can be unleashed in battle when specific conditions are met. It overwhelms enemies and is easy to use, making "Ultimate Technique" a powerful weapon for the protagonists' in these new battles.


Kiryu Kazuma
Do not anger this man...



Kiryu's toughness, which earned him the name of "Dragon of Dojima", is still present in this game. He is an all-round fighter who knows a wide variety of techniques and has unyielding strength, no matter how many enemies he comes up against. The whole host of new techniques, as well as many familiar techniques from the series, he learns will get him out of all kinds of sticky situations.

Ultimate Technique - Pride of the Angry Dragon



Kiryu's Special Heat is "Pride of the Angry Dragon", which releases all his built up anger. He thrusts himself into the face of an enemy attack and beats them down with an unforgiving and overwhelming attack. He is able to strike with many violent techniques with no holding back, as he takes out his anger on an opponent.


Saejima Taiga
This man with unrivalled, superhuman strength is even more violent!



Saejima's overwhelming superhuman strength, which crushes anything in his path, is more refined. In addition to dealing a crushing blow with built up power, he can now beat down opponents with powerful charges and throws.

Ultimate Technique - Knowledge of the Ferocious Tiger



Making the most of his absolute superhuman strength, Saejima is able to use any object as a weapon. He can rip up the likes of signposts or other huge equipment set up on the streets and can beat down an opponent with the use of many special attacks, or by swinging it around as a weapon against the enemies in front of him.


Akiyama Shun
The Speed Star Soars!



Akiyama is skilled with his agile feet, with which he can turn on a dime. With his bombardment of hits, he doesn't even leave himself open to counterattack opportunities. He certainly lives up to his name of "Speed Star" when he makes sport of his enemies with his movement. He has a wide variety of consecutive strikes with which he gracefully crushes his opponents, coupled with a unique side of him as demonstrated by his characteristic taunt.

Ultimate Technique - Air Strike



Putting both his agility and footwork to good use, Akiyama attacks with an acrobatic air strike. He launches an opponent into the air with a powerful kick, then proceeds to unleash a graceful kick combo attack. He can play around with an opponent who falls back down with more attacks that will once again send him into the air.


Shinada Tatsuo
I don't care about doing it in style; I'll win MY way!

The new protagonist Shinada's style of fighting - "Do absolutely anything it takes to win" - Is different to that of the other characters. If he has a weapon he will naturally put it to use, and he has a wide variety of techniques, that are by no means graceful, used to recklessly wrestle enemies when he fights bare-handed.

Bare-Hand Fighting



Shinada, the former baseball player, has both power and the ability to judge the exact moment to take advantage of opponent's weakness. If Shinada gets hold of an enemy, he can attack consecutively without ever releasing him. He can unleash a consecutive series of attacks - He can smash an opponent into a wall, then ram into him, then smash him into the ground. After that, he can once again smash the opponent into the wall.



In addition, he can attack with a sliding leg sweep, which is a characteristic move of a baseball player.

Weapon Fighting



The policy of a baseball player is to handle one's gear with care. When Shinada has a weapon, its real power is shown. Shinada can use a weapon for a significantly longer time than the other characters and can attack with extraordinarily powerful strikes to bring out the maximum potential of these weapons. Among these weapons, there are some he can continue to use without ever breaking them.

On top of that, the real power of a weapon is shown by Shinada when he holds a cylindrical weapon in particular. One can clearly see that he is a slugger when he blows his enemies away with powerful swing attacks

Ultimate Technique - "My Way" Meteor Tackle



Shinada strikes opponents with a powerful tackle attack using all his strength. After grappling with enemies, he can use various attacks such as smashing enemies into a wall, smashing them into the ground, and throwing them around with all his strength. He can unleash various techniques with the press of a single button, dependent on the timing.

Heat Actions



Heat Actions, which have made battles more exciting throughout the series, have undergone a major evolution in this game. The force of these overwhelming techniques are still here, but the way they are handled is different; they no longer affect the flow of battle. There has been a drastic increase in variety of techniques - ranging from powerful attacks to comical attacks. Each character starts with techniques typifying their own battle styles, as well as gaining new heat actions from their local area.

Climax Heat
Bring out the big guns with an attack that turns the tables!




Climax Heat is a newly added aspect of battle. It is an attack which boasts a huge amount of power and can pave the way to victory in a fight. Unlike regular heat actions, this is a technique which can completely turn the tide of a battle and is used when special conditions are met. The attack is extremely flashy and the power varies with button input.




Revelations
Drastic power-up and with its own storyline!



Revelations, a popular feature of the series, are back in this game. All the protagonists, including Haruka, can learn a new technique by witnessing events around the city. Acquiring revelations has been dramatically improved with the inclusion of its own story, which one can enjoy in the same way that one would enjoy any other substory. In addition to this, the characters are now able to suddenly have revelations in battle to gain new techniques.




Battle Staging

Seemless Battle

All battles, from fights with random guys on the street to boss fights, now utilise a seemless system. The game now goes straight into battle directly, with no break in the flow at all, from an event leading to battle or an incident on the streets. Even storyline boss battles flow directly from story to battle and you can enjoy the greatest abundance of scenarios ever seen in the series.

The fundamentals have been upgraded



The reaction towards an enemy's or protagonist's actions have evolved; there will be enemies who run away in reaction to one of your powerful techniques, and there will be enemies who rouse themselves. Also, enemies will do things like team up on you, or call for more companions. The variety in battle has been dramatically improved. There are enemies beyond imagination and a battle scale never before seen in the series.




Dance Battle



Haruka competes in dance battles as part of her training for Princess League. There are dancers waiting for an opponent to compete with in various places around Soutenbori, to whom you can issue a dance battle challenge by talking to them. Each dancer has their own genre speciality. The genres of music are hip-Hop, house, idol, jazz and rock.

"Dance Battle" System



This is a rhythm game in which you are required to time button presses with the corresponding buttons that stream along the four frames arranged on the screen (Above, Below, Left, Right). The frames can be moved freely by the player and you get a successful input when the selected frame and button timing match up, which directly brings out a flashy action from the character. There is a "Judging" component which reflects the audience appraisal of the dancer. Judging is determined by the content of the dance and a dancer who receives negative appraisal will feel great pressure and lose health. When all health is lost, you cannot continue the dance battle and are defeated.

Turn the tables with "Dance Heat"



Heat actions can be used in Haruka's dance battles, featuring both showy and cute techniques. Like with the other characters, when the heat gauge reaches a certain amount, you can use a heat technique at any time you like. You can select which dance heat actions Haruka can use before a battle. They exhibit great effectiveness that can completely turn things around for you when in an unfavourable situation.



Improving "Power of Expression"



When she wins a dance battle, one of Haruka's "Power of Expression" idol abilities can be improved. "Power of Expression" is essential for victory in the Princess League.
Hostesses

In past Yakuza games the hostess sections would normally follow a distinct pattern of questions and answers with the player choosing lines of dialogue as answers to questions. Yakuza 5 breaks this formula by allowing conversation happen more freely with the girl reacting to the players more realistically than before. Topics will be brought up from information learned around the city in free roam.

All hostess conversation is now fully voice acted using the full facial mapping to give the most life like performance. Instead of the old build up hearts system and have a sub story and a date you can now ask them out at any time depending on your hostesses mood. Asking out a hostess and completing a date activity might unlock more parts to a larger sub story for the girl.





















In addition to the regular items you can order to drink there is also a new “Gacha Drink” mechanic that will randomly select a drink for a smaller price. You won’t know what you will get until you try! It could be a cheap drink or something your hostess does not like or it could be a champaign call or even other rare items!



After leaving on a date with a girl you can roam around the city freely arm in arm having a meal or hitting one of the cities play spots or bars. Play well against your girl in a mini-game and you might be rewarded with a kiss.

Form a deeper relationship with the girl and expect to have a deep and fulfilling story that will be unique to each character.

Captain Epic did a quick translation on the hostess part:



(As if it wasn't embarassing enough playing Hostess segments already!!)

Premium Adventure Bonuses

Bonus costumes for Premium Adventure. Looks like the West have their pre-order bonuses..

[Riku Rose]

^After reading part of that I had to go to the hospital as I started getting a strange feeling in my crotch. I'm one who only goes to the doctors if it's something serious as I feel some people can worry to much. When I got there I was getting messed about by every doctor and nurse that could see me and it was just driving me mad. After a lot of tests and seeing about 4 different doctors they said that I was just cumming from over excitement.

[AnimeGamer183]

Why is it so satisfying to beat the shit outta thugs in the Okinawa fish market in Yakuza 3? There is so many interesting weapons to pick up in there and beat the shit outta them with too. I played all day today. Think im excited yet?

[OL]

I'm not even gonna read anything about the game's story. I already know too much as it is. I've managed to go into every main Yakuza game knowing next to nothing about what was going to happen, so I think I'll do the same with this.

[south carmain]

^same. to be honest sega had already spoiled way too much before it was even released in japan.

[Ziming]

I had to add a spoiler tag to that ridiculous post. Way too many images...

[Deta]

This is great news! Now I just need to make my ps3 work again..

[Thief]

Every time I come into this topic I expect to see posts concerning the latest japan-only release within the Yakuza series. Damn near wonderful news to finally hear that Yakuza 5 is coming to the west! I suppose that means I should finally start 3 and 4 :P

[AnimeGamer183]

^ Im playing 3 right now, and its great. dooo iiitttttt

[ys]

Great news and very unexpected. I had given up actually but now I can't wait. It's great that we're going to see several cities this time around since I liked that aspect in Yakuza 2.

This also an interesting sign I think regarding Sony. Suzuki had already talked with Cerny and is more open regarding the game lately. Somehow it felt as if something could be happening. Especially with Sony actively trying to bring some games to their console.

[south carmain]

Decided to join the party

[ys]

That post doesnt do anything to change the validity of my opinion about kickstarter. It doesnt matter which devs use it, its still cutting in line, get a loan like everyone else that wants to start a business and hope for the best. Its still taking advantage of the fans and gamers, and while they dont control the decision if someone decides to donate, they do control the option to or not which is just as bad. I would be very embarrassed if I had to resort to something like that in order make something I wanted, its crossing the line of how much support you are willing to accept from your fans. The only way I could think that would make it better is if the people that helped support it got some kind of royalties from any profit the game made. Kickstarter is so bad for the industry, its holding a devs hand all the way to the finish line (if they make it there), its just not how business is supposed to be conducted.

In a way, it's going back to a system that was in place during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Many artists created their masterpieces with the money from patrons.

I don't know if it's always a good thing though and it says a bit about the state of the industry. But it maybe has some benefits too in some cases. There are a few games that have been or are being made now only thanks to fan support : Kingdom Come, Tex Murphy, Broken Age, Pillars of Eternity, Torment : Tides of Numenera,...

All these developers said that it would have been impossible without Kickstarter since the industry doesn't want to fund games that aren't mainstream enough. Several of these are being made by developers with somewhat of a background too. Kingdom Come has the Mafia-director behind it but he said that no publisher wanted to release his RPG anyway since they didn't like his goal of having a realistic medieval world without magic.
Pillars and Torment are both old school RPG's and have people working on it who made Planescape : Torment. Both teams said similar things about publishers.

And as said by OL, some projects manage things really well. I don't know about all games in the list but Tex, Pillars and Torment really kept supporters up to date, had clear goals, kept promises, gave extra things to those who supported for more than the cost of the game etc.