Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 producer Yasuhiro Noguchi on re-localizing the series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/yakuza-4-producer-yasuhiro-noguchi-on-re-localizing-the-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/yakuza-4-producer-yasuhiro-noguchi-on-re-localizing-the-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/yakuza-4-producer-yasuhiro-noguchi-on-re-localizing-the-series/#commentsReading about Yakuza 4 is great, but you could also be playing it! And ... wearing it! We've got five copies of the game, and five t-shirts, to give away at the end of this interview.

March is typically a big month for the Yakuza series. In 2010, Yakuza 3 came out in the West in March, and Yakuza 4 in Japan. This year, Yakuza 4 hit North America and Europe, and Yakuza: Of the End almost came out in Japan (but was delayed to June 9 due to the earthquake). On the occasion of 4's Western release, we spoke to producer Yasuhiro Noguchi about the changes made between the last two games, and the significant step forward Sega made in localization.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 producer Yasuhiro Noguchi on re-localizing the series

JoystiqYakuza 4 producer Yasuhiro Noguchi on re-localizing the series originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joyswagplaystationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segayakuzayakuza-4yasuhiro-noguchiWed, 13 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 down to $40 on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/yakuza-4-down-to-40-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/yakuza-4-down-to-40-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/yakuza-4-down-to-40-on-amazon-today/#comments Amazon has enacted a one-day discount on Yakuza 4, allowing you to take the entire Kamurocho neighborhood and its residents home for $39.99. That's a great deal for a game that lasts anywhere from 30 to hundreds of hours.

Think of it this way: If you earn your money in the way the game's heroes do -- by picking it up from hapless, idiotic gang members who dare to challenge you -- you won't have to beat up as many dudes before you can afford the game. That's good news for you, and good news for your city's weaker gangsters.

[Thanks, Devon]

JoystiqYakuza 4 down to $40 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-dayplaystationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segaYakuza-4Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 review: The gang's all here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/yakuza-4-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/yakuza-4-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/yakuza-4-review/#comments Yakuza 4 breaks with the six-year-old series' tradition by putting the player in control of three new characters, each in his own chapter, with former Yakuza hero Kazuma Kiryu finally arriving in the last quarter of the game. Each character has his own storyline that intertwines with the others and the main narrative, and it's these new stories that are emphasized over the ongoing saga of the unrealistically saintly ex-yakuza Kiryu.

As a result, Yakuza 4 has less baggage to deal with, and is therefore the best entry point for new players since the original game. But ... if you are going to jump into the series, I'd better warn you about some stuff.

Gallery: Yakuza 4 (9/2/10)

Continue reading Yakuza 4 review: The gang's all here

JoystiqYakuza 4 review: The gang's all here originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segaYakuza-4Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 launch trailer serves hard-boiled escapism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/yakuza-4-launch-trailer-serves-hard-boiled-escapism/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/yakuza-4-launch-trailer-serves-hard-boiled-escapism/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/yakuza-4-launch-trailer-serves-hard-boiled-escapism/#comments Sega summons its gravelly narrator for one last look at Yakuza 4 on its launch day. In our opinion, the game is unintentionally poignant in its goofiness right now, presenting a fictionalized Japan where nobody is worried about anything but street brawling and making time with hostesses.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 launch trailer serves hard-boiled escapism

JoystiqYakuza 4 launch trailer serves hard-boiled escapism originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segaYakuza-4Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Visit the shady side of town with this Yakuza 4 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/visit-the-shady-side-of-town-with-this-yakuza-4-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/visit-the-shady-side-of-town-with-this-yakuza-4-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/visit-the-shady-side-of-town-with-this-yakuza-4-trailer/#comments Whether you're heading towards the karaoke bar or the seedy strip joint, nothing breaks the stride of an up-and-coming Yakuza like stopping to ask for directions. Check out the Yakuza 4 trailer below to get acquainted with the Kamurocho district, and its naughtier nooks and crannies.

Continue reading Visit the shady side of town with this Yakuza 4 trailer

JoystiqVisit the shady side of town with this Yakuza 4 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cs1-teamplaystationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segaYakuza-4Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The very short list of Yakuza 4's localization changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-very-short-list-of-yakuza-4s-localization-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-very-short-list-of-yakuza-4s-localization-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/the-very-short-list-of-yakuza-4s-localization-changes/#comments The more senstive among you are probably still fuming about the US localization of Yakuza 3, which excised chunks of the Japanese version, including a quiz on the country's history and hostess clubs. For the good of all your blood pressures, we're happy to report you'll have much less to get steamed about when Yakuza 4 comes stateside.

Siliconera reports that, though the quiz game is still MIA (its text is in images, which can't be changed), the only other alteration is to the soundtrack for the intro video. So relax. Take a deep breath. And get ready to ogle some hostesses, you creepy double-creep creep-o.

JoystiqThe very short list of Yakuza 4's localization changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>localizationplaystationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segayakuzaYakuza-4Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 trailer gets you in the mood to demonstrate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/yakuza-4-trailer-gets-you-in-the-mood-to-demonstrate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/yakuza-4-trailer-gets-you-in-the-mood-to-demonstrate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/yakuza-4-trailer-gets-you-in-the-mood-to-demonstrate/#comments A day late and ¥82.54 short, but here's the trailer for the Yakuza 4 demo, which is now available to all PlayStation 3 owners through PSN.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 trailer gets you in the mood to demonstrate

JoystiqYakuza 4 trailer gets you in the mood to demonstrate originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3SEGAYakuza-4Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Back to the Future, Yakuza 4 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/psn-tuesday-back-to-the-future-yakuza-4-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/psn-tuesday-back-to-the-future-yakuza-4-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/psn-tuesday-back-to-the-future-yakuza-4-demo/#comments
 Nani kore? Great scott! This week's PSN update adds the Yakuza 4 demo for PlayStation Plus subscribers, while the plebs can grab it next week. Telltale also adds the first episode of its Back to the Future adventure game. Speed on past the break at 88 MPH to see what you'll be downloading in ... the future.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Back to the Future, Yakuza 4 demo

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Back to the Future, Yakuza 4 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-the-futureplaystationps3PSNPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklypspsonyyakuza-4Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 includes free DLC in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/yakuza-4-includes-free-dlc-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/yakuza-4-includes-free-dlc-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/yakuza-4-includes-free-dlc-in-north-america/#commentsThe Yakuza 4 "Kuro" and "Shiro" editions are exclusive to the UK and Australia, respectively, but you needn't despair if you're in North America and you want the bonus DLC. Sega announced today that all the downloadable extras from those editions will be included with every new copy of the game here. That includes the Fighting Arena, Survival, and underground car park racing modes, and costumes for all four playable characters (and for Kazuma's daughter Haruka too). In addition, pre-ordering from GameStop will give you yet another downloadable bonus: a hostess-themed dynamic theme for the XMB, which is sure to be humiliating.

The only thing missing from those limited editions, then, is the fancy steelbook casing. If that's what you wanted, we suppose you can get back to despairing.

JoystiqYakuza 4 includes free DLC in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgamestopplaystationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4SegaYakuza-4Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 special edition listed by UK retailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/yakuza-4-special-edition-listed-by-uk-retailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/yakuza-4-special-edition-listed-by-uk-retailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/yakuza-4-special-edition-listed-by-uk-retailer/#commentsUK retailer GAME has listed a special edition of Yakuza 4 called the "Kuro Edition" ("kuro" means "black" in Japanese), which includes a SteelBook case for the game, suitable for use as a makeshift weapon should you find yourself in a street fight on the way home.

The package also includes new in-game costumes for all four characters, including wrestling outfits much like those included as bonuses with Yakuza 3. It also includes a "survival" boss rush mode, a racing mode and underground fighting arena DLC -- the perfect venue for that wrestling outfit. GAME is currently offering this edition for the same £50 price as the regular version.

Sega informed Joystiq that the "Kuro Edition" is for Europe only, and won't be offered in North America.

JoystiqYakuza 4 special edition listed by UK retailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgamekuro-editionplaystationps3segaspecial-editionukyakuza-4Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Plus users to get free download of Stacking, Killzone 3 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/ps-plus-users-to-get-free-download-of-stacking-killzone-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/ps-plus-users-to-get-free-download-of-stacking-killzone-3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/ps-plus-users-to-get-free-download-of-stacking-killzone-3-demo/#comments February's list of PS Plus goodies has been published on the PlayStation Blog, and there are some real doozies. First up is a free copy of Double Fine's latest, Stacking, which will be available to PS Plus subscribers on its launch day, February 8. For those keeping score, Stacking's usual asking price is $15. Subscribers will also be treated to an automatic download of the Killzone 3 demo on February 8. On February 18, PS Plus users will be treated to a free download of the PlayStation Mini Let's Golf.

As revealed previously by Sega, PS Plus can also snag the Yakuza 4 demo a week early on February 15. Head over to the PlayStation Blog for the full rundown of upcoming PSN and PS Plus content.

JoystiqPS Plus users to get free download of Stacking, Killzone 3 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finekillzone-3playstationps3psnstackingyakuza-4Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 demo hits PlayStation Plus Feb. 15, rest of PSN Feb. 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/yakuza-4-demo-hits-playstation-plus-feb-15-rest-of-psn-feb-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/yakuza-4-demo-hits-playstation-plus-feb-15-rest-of-psn-feb-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/yakuza-4-demo-hits-playstation-plus-feb-15-rest-of-psn-feb-22/#commentsIf you're wondering about the differences between Yakuza 4's four protagonists, you'll get your chance to explore the subtle variations in each one's gangster-flattening technique starting February 15 (and Feb.16 in Europe). That's when Sega will offer a downloadable demo to the elite inner circle of the PSN family, also known as "people who paid for PlayStation Plus."

The rest of us low-level thugs will have to wait until the following Tuesday, February 22 (and a day later in Europe), when Sega makes the demo available to any old PSN user. If you like what you see and/or knock over with a traffic cone, you'll be able to pick up Yakuza 4 on March 15 in North America, and three days later in Europe.

After the break, check out a trailer all about the game's hostesses, and see what Yakuza fans were so upset about losing from the localized version of Yakuza 3. Warning: You will be embarrassed if anyone else is in the room.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 demo hits PlayStation Plus Feb. 15, rest of PSN Feb. 22

JoystiqYakuza 4 demo hits PlayStation Plus Feb. 15, rest of PSN Feb. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoplaystationplaystation-plusps3psnrelease-datesegaYakuza-4Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 to pummel faces on March 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/yakuza-4-to-pummel-faces-on-march-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/yakuza-4-to-pummel-faces-on-march-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/yakuza-4-to-pummel-faces-on-march-15/#comments Sega surprised us this afternoon, updating its "Spring 2011" release window for Yakuza 4 in North America with a March 15 release date. The title will arrive exclusively on the PlayStation 3, and, as promised, will bring back hostess clubs that were missing from Yakuza 3's North American release.

A new trailer for March's mafia brawler was also released, showcasing the game's eccentric personalities and their flashy fighting moves. We'd be lying if we said we weren't most excited to play as Kazuma Kiryu -- he's the dude you see above totally flipping out.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 to pummel faces on March 15

JoystiqYakuza 4 to pummel faces on March 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3q1-2011release-dateRyu-ga-Gotoku-4segaYakuza-4Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the badasses in Yakuza 4 trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/meet-the-badasses-in-yakuza-4-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/meet-the-badasses-in-yakuza-4-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/meet-the-badasses-in-yakuza-4-trailers/#commentsSega is getting all the mileage it can out of its Yakuza 4 trailer narration guy, putting his gravelly delivery to use in a series of character-specific trailers, each introducing one character's motivation for random street fights. Three have been released so far; see them after the break.

Continue reading Meet the badasses in Yakuza 4 trailers

JoystiqMeet the badasses in Yakuza 4 trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segayakuzaYakuza-4Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 trailer sets the mood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/yakuza-4-trailer-sets-the-mood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/yakuza-4-trailer-sets-the-mood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/yakuza-4-trailer-sets-the-mood/#commentsThe atmospheric English-language narration in this Yakuza 4 trailer is a bit too effective. Now, instead of the Japanese language track and English subtitles the game uses, we'll want some grizzled old guy calmly intoning nonstop about what tough guys we are and how dangerous it is in Tokyo.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 trailer sets the mood

JoystiqYakuza 4 trailer sets the mood originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segayakuzaYakuza-4Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 producer gives us a new view of Kamurocho]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/yakuza-4-producer-gives-us-a-new-view-of-kamurocho/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/yakuza-4-producer-gives-us-a-new-view-of-kamurocho/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/yakuza-4-producer-gives-us-a-new-view-of-kamurocho/#commentsThe Yakuza series may be exploring left field with the fanciful zombie-attack game Yakuza: Of the End, but American audiences still have one good old jaunt around Kamurocho to look forward to: this spring's Yakuza 4, whose major innovation of four playable characters seems comfy in comparison.

We spoke to producer Masayoshi Kikuchi, mostly about how Yakuza 4 has changed and improved on previous games in the series. Of course, we couldn't resist asking about Of the End, because seriously, what?

Joystiq: Yakuza 3 got a lot of complaints from American gamers for the content that was removed. Will Yakuza 4 have a more complete localization?

Masayoshi Kikuchi, Sega: One of the things that happened on Yakuza 3 was that the Yakuza team worked with the folks at Sega West to see how we can improve the product in terms of being able to be understood by users and broaden the user base, and one of the things that is part of the Yakuza franchise -- you have very Japanese parts of the game. They wanted to make the game easier to play. One of the decisions that was the result of that was that we decided to simplify the game by cutting sections of the game. Of course, based on the reaction that we received -- we heard the voices of our fans loud and clear -- and we will be doing as much as possible to bring the whole experience of Yakuza to the West in terms of the content, in terms of its Japaneseness.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 producer gives us a new view of Kamurocho

JoystiqYakuza 4 producer gives us a new view of Kamurocho originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>masayoshi-kikuchiplaystationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segatgs-2010yakuzayakuza-4Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 trailer revolutionizes expensive bath products]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/yakuza-4-trailer-revolutionizes-expensive-bath-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/yakuza-4-trailer-revolutionizes-expensive-bath-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/yakuza-4-trailer-revolutionizes-expensive-bath-products/#commentsWe don't think it would really be all that nice to bathe in a hot tub of money. It makes for a pretty memorable image in this Yakuza 4 trailer, though. Head past the break to see the yen-soak. Plus guns! Explosions! Tattooed gangsters fist fighting! Men in black suits looking tough!

Continue reading Yakuza 4 trailer revolutionizes expensive bath products

JoystiqYakuza 4 trailer revolutionizes expensive bath products originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3RPGRyu-ga-Gotoku-4SegaYakuza-4Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega already at work on another PS3 Yakuza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/sega-already-at-work-on-another-ps3-yakuza/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/sega-already-at-work-on-another-ps3-yakuza/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/sega-already-at-work-on-another-ps3-yakuza/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At some point, even die-hard Yakuza fans are going to grow weary of the series, and Sega is doing its best to determine exactly when that will happen. The latest Famitsu brings word from Toshihiro Nagoshi that, as development on Black Leopard: New Yakuza Chapter for PSP continues, the team is simultaneously working on another Yakuza game for PS3. This will be the seventh game in the series.

Even among those suffering from Yakuza fatigue, Nagoshi's announcement that this game would feature the eyepatch-clad Goro Majima as a playable character is likely to ignite some frothing demand. Majima, the "Madman of the Shimano Family" is notable mostly for being kind of crazy, and obsessed with fighting Kazuma Kiryu. Inhabiting his life will be pretty different from following the comparatively virtuous Kazuma.

"While I can't give a release time frame yet," Nagoshi said, "we're working to deliver it at a time Yakuza series fans will want." Whether he means the fans clamoring for an uninterrupted supply of Yakuza, or regular sensible people who think there should be some time between sequels, is unknown.

JoystiqSega already at work on another PS3 Yakuza originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGJapanplaystationps3RPGRyu-ga-Gotoku-4SegaToshihiro-NagoshiYakuzaYakuza-4Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Yakuza 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/preview-yakuza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/preview-yakuza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/preview-yakuza-4/#commentsAs I played through the combat-only demo of Yakuza 4, I noticed a small group of onlookers gather around demo station. It's not that I was fighting exceptionally well, but the fighting in Yakuza games is something of a rare spectacle, with a single tough guy weaving through a crowd of gangsters, deftly punching, kicking, dodging, stepping on faces, and bashing them with weapons ranging from swords and stun guns to traffic cones, advertising signs, and beer bottles. Whatever's handy, really.

Gallery: Yakuza 4 (PS3)

Continue reading Preview: Yakuza 4

JoystiqPreview: Yakuza 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpge3-2010playstationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segaYakuza-4Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 headed to North America and Europe in spring 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/yakuza-4-headed-to-north-america-and-europe-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/yakuza-4-headed-to-north-america-and-europe-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/yakuza-4-headed-to-north-america-and-europe-in-spring-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We didn't believe Sega would ever localize Yakuza 3. We also didn't believe Yakuza 3 would sell enough to justify a localization of Yakuza 4. We were wrong on both counts! Today, Sega announced that it's bringing the PS3's Yakuza 4 to North America and Europe in spring 2011, to the delight of everyone who likes beating up gangsters so severely that they feel compelled to apologize and offer money.

Rather than focusing entirely on the exploits of ex-crime boss/family man Kazuma Kiryu, Yakuza 4 splits the story between four different characters, including a homeless man, a detective, an ex-con, and Kazuma. If you don't mind paging through a bunch of Japanese text, you can try it out right now, thanks to a demo on Japan's PlayStation Store.

Gallery: Yakuza 4 (PS3)

JoystiqYakuza 4 headed to North America and Europe in spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Q2-2011Release-DateRPGSegaYakuzaYakuza-4Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 tops five million consoles sold in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/ps3-tops-five-million-consoles-sold-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/ps3-tops-five-million-consoles-sold-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/ps3-tops-five-million-consoles-sold-in-japan/#comments In this post-Modern Warfare 2 world, a number like five million may seem insignificant -- even laughable, to some. But hey, don't knock the PS3's latest accomplishment of selling 5,001,598 consoles in Japan.

Famitsu brings us the news, along with the top-selling games on the platform so far: Final Fantasy XIII is first with 1,883,828 units, Metal Gear Solid 4 takes second with 706,461 and Yakuza 4 -- which was just released a few weeks ago -- comes in third, selling an impressive 526,093 copies so far. Gosh, the only thing that's missing is a Dragon Quest.

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqPS3 tops five million consoles sold in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiijapankojimakojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-4Metal-Gear-Solid-4-Guns-of-the-Patriotsmgs4rpgRyu-ga-Gotoku-4salessegasquare-enixYakuza-4Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 heads East in March 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/yakuza-4-heads-east-in-march-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/yakuza-4-heads-east-in-march-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/yakuza-4-heads-east-in-march-2010/#commentsIt may seem like just yesterday that we learned the release date for Yakuza 3, but that's only because it was. Just one day after Sega finally announced a Western release for Kazuma Kiryu's third adventure, the Japanese side of the company demonstrated just how far in the future it lives, by announcing a release date for the fourth game. And both release dates are in the same month.

Specifically, Yakuza 4 arrives in Japan on March 18. That means, if you don't mind reading Japanese, you can be exactly one Yakuza game better than everyone else. A whole new group of hostesses awaits! As do some new playable characters. In addition to Kazuma, this game features three other playable mobsters, each with a separate storyline.

JoystiqYakuza 4 heads East in March 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CS1-Teamjapanrelease-dateryu-ga-gotokuRyu-ga-Gotoku-4segayakuzayakuza-4Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Japanese girls audition for a role in Yakuza 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/watch-japanese-girls-audition-for-a-role-in-yakuza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/watch-japanese-girls-audition-for-a-role-in-yakuza-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/watch-japanese-girls-audition-for-a-role-in-yakuza-4/#comments There are two very important things crucial to every Yakuza game: noodles and girls. We're pretty sure you've figured out which of these topics we're covering today.

Sega's upcoming PS3-exclusive Yakuza 4 will continue the franchise's penchant for featuring Japanese hostesses. This time, however, they're relying on the fan community to vote for their favorites. Andriasang has a helpful guide detailing all of the candidates, many of whom may be found on this exclusive Blu-ray disc. Remember as you peruse the various choices that you can look, but you can't play with any of these girls -- just like the game itself.

JoystiqWatch Japanese girls audition for a role in Yakuza 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CS1-TeamgirlsjapanRyu-ga-GotokuRyu-ga-Gotoku-4segaYakuzayakuza-4Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[It's already time for another Yakuza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/its-already-time-for-another-yakuza/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/its-already-time-for-another-yakuza/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/its-already-time-for-another-yakuza/#commentsYakuza 3 (Ryu ga Gotoku 3 in Japan) just came out in February, and Sega has already officially announced the sequel. The official Ryu ga Gotoku site revealed that a new PlayStation 3 installment is on the way. Other than the platform and the title, Ryu ga Gotoku 4: Densetsu wo Tsugu Mono (Succeed the Legend), few details are known. We can speculate that since the series is already two deep on the PS3 and we haven't seen either of those in North America, this one is also going to remain in Japan. How does Sega have time to make all these huge games so quickly anyway?

If you'd like to see what some of the characters will look like in the new open-world title, GAME Watch (via Kotaku) has images of actors Hiroki Narimiya and Kenta Kiritani recording voice work and sitting for motion capture. Detailed 3D models of the actors will appear in the game.

[Thanks, Marius]

JoystiqIt's already time for another Yakuza originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CS1-TeamRyu-ga-GotokuRyu-ga-Gotoku-4segayakuzayakuza-4Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:02:00 EST