Yakuza Portable

[Z]

New Yakuza Game in the Works
Sega offers first glimpse at "Project K" a few days prior to Yakuza 4's release.

Yakuza 4 is all set for release this week. But just in when you thought we'd be spared for a bit from endless product tie-in announcements, it looks like there's a new Yakuza game in the works.

Famitsu.com reports that a new entry in the series was announced today at a Yakuza 4 press conference in Tokyo. According to the site, the game was referred to as "Project K" and is coming our way from series director Toshihiro Nagoshi.

Sega showed an image movie at the event, which Famitsu.com described in detail. The video started off with that familiar Kamurocho neon entrance sign from past Yakuza games. A young boy, whom the site speculates is the game's main character, is seen walking around the night city in the rain.

In between scenes of Kamurocho's city life and the boy, the following text flashes on the screen:

* The boy knew it
* The graveness of the crimes he continued to commit
* But the boy still doesn't know
* The cruel fate that awaits
* Also, the boy knows
* That fighting is his destiny

The video ends with: "A new challenge for Ryu ga Gotoku starts" ("Ryu ga Gotoku" is the Japanese name for the Yakuza series).

Target platform and release timing were not announced at the event.

(UPDATE 15:54 -- I translated Famitsu's impressions to describe the main character as "young boy." However, based off the images at Gpara.com, "young man" looks like it could be more accurate.)

See Famitsu.com (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1232998_1124.html) and Gpara.com (http://www.gpara.com/article/cms_show.php?c_id=19530&c_num=14) for some images from the trailer.

http://www.andriasang.com/blog/2010/03/16/new_yakuza_game/images/2132410595_view.jpg

Source (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/03/16/new_yakuza_game/).


Looks like a PSP game.

[AC!D]

This is a PS3 game and was announced as Yakuza 5 Z. Damn you got me so excited for a minute :p This is one series that i think would work perfectly on PSP i must say.

[AC!D]

My apologies Z i guess i was wrong....................Yakuza Project K for PSP (http://www.allgamesbeta.info/2010/04/project-k-psp.html)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4538891771_b5900bfcbe_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4539659320_bc0e9dc46e_o.jpg


So thats 3 PSP games i must have this year and two from Sega! Good Stuff. Hopefully the Resi PSP game will make that 4!!!!

[Diresu]

Day 1 buy if it comes stateside.

[AC!D]

Well fuck me sideways!!! Take a look at these Diresu!!!!!!!!!

http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectK1.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectK2.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectK3.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectK4.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectK5.jpg

Im guessing these next pics are how they will replace the cutscenes similar to the graphic panels MGS Portable ops and Peacewalker use....

http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectKart3.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectKart1.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectKart2.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectKart4.jpg
http://www.segabits.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ProjectKrender.jpg

Two things: First is i find it hard to believe a PSP game can look this good. It almost looks as good as Yakuza 3 on PS3. Second is how on earth are they going to fit such a massive game with so much content even edited in half on one single UMD?

PSP2 coming out soon anyone??????????

Oh and this better damn well come out in the west because this is probably the most suitable game that can be put on PSP with zero control problems if you think about it. It might just be the best game released on PSP frankly!!!!

[D3adcell]

Those graphics do look way to good for PSP gameplay. Maybe there is like an opening cutscene or something?

[AC!D]

Especially those city pics. They look amazing!!! It looks like they managed to fit the entire Kamurocho city area into the game :shrug:

[Diresu]

Wow nice. I like the look of the main character. Wonder what family he is from. He kinda looks like Nishiki.I think this should make it stateside cause the localization cost has to be minimal cause it's a psp game. Oh man if they announce both this and 4 for a western release SEGA will officially become my favorite developer/publisher this gen by far.

[masteratt]

Two things: First is i find it hard to believe a PSP game can look this good. It almost looks as good as Yakuza 3 on PS3. Second is how on earth are they going to fit such a massive game with so much content even edited in half on one single UMD?

PSP2 coming out soon anyone??????????
Exactly what I was thinking.
I can almost definitely say "there is no way this is PSP"....Maybe Sony sent some of their coding wizards to SEGA to help with the tech of this game.

It's either that or launching PSP2 with Yakuza 5 (?) , which makes total sense.

[curryking1]

What the deucecakes?

Ya I wonder also... good calls Acid.

Yakuza looked pretty solid and very large for PS2... but ya this a bit much for PSP is my guess also.

[Diresu]

I almost don't even care. It's a new Yakuza game for the PSP and that is enough to get me really excited.

[masteratt]

No messing around with Yakuza 4 and Project K (http://share.blog.us.playstation.com/ideas/2010/04/22/no-messing-around-with-yakuza-4-and-project-k/)

Vote it up!

[Diresu]

Project K Officially called Yakuza: Black Leopard

Screens below

http://www.gamikaze.pl/PlayStation/Galerie/Black_Leopard_Yakuza_New_Chapter_PSP_Galeria_3.asp x#2

[AC!D]

The girls of Yakuza Black Leopard:

I dont know why i felt the urge to post this but this first girl just seems so talented so i couldnt resist :D

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/500x_14324.jpg
http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/500x_yuugame.jpg

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/500x_nakarecording.jpg
http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/500x_nakagame.jpg

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/500x_ayareal.jpg
http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/06/500x_ayagame.jpg

[Diresu]

I am just glad hostess bars are back. Those missions were fun.

[Diresu]

New Trailer (5-Minutes) Must See for Yakuza fans

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-coming-yakuza-black/701725

[masteratt]

I rally hate my beloved franchises going to PSP to be honest (MGS, now this).

It doesn't make me want a PSP, Sony, it just pisses me off.

[Diresu]

I rally hate my beloved franchises going to PSP to be honest (MGS, now this).

It doesn't make me want a PSP, Sony, it just pisses me off.

If it was replacing a console game I would agree, but it's not. New console Yakuza game is already in the making, and you play as Majima. In case of Black Leopard, it just expands on the Yakuza universe which to me is awesome. I just hope it makes it's way here.

[masteratt]

I meant that I'm missing out on franchise entries because I don't have a PSP.
I'm not sure how key this entry will be for the Yakuza series story wise and what-not but even if it wasn't an "important" Yakuza game, I want to play every game in the franchise and it's annoying that I can't if I don't have a PSP (and no, I'm not going to get a PSP).

[Diresu]

I meant that I'm missing out on franchise entries because I don't have a PSP.
I'm not sure how key this entry will be for the Yakuza series story wise and what-not but even if it wasn't an "important" Yakuza game, I want to play every game in the franchise and it's annoying that I can't if I don't have a PSP (and no, I'm not going to get a PSP).

Well that applies to every hand held. There has to be something on there to grab you. It's not like PSP is the only portable guilty of this :P To me games like this would sell me the system if I didn't have one.

[AC!D]

I rally hate my beloved franchises going to PSP to be honest (MGS, now this).

It doesn't make me want a PSP, Sony, it just pisses me off.

WOW!!! So you arent going to play MGS Peace Waker? What a game!!! Oh and Ghost of Sparta? Yakuza? and all the others? Shoot yourself now! Ouch :D

[masteratt]

The scar was already there....AC!D is just rubbing salt in it now :emo:

[AC!D]

The scar was already there....AC!D is just rubbing salt in it now :emo:

Seriously though why dont you get one?

- The hardware is the best ive ever owned. Im still on a PSP 1000 and sometimes my portables go flying due to accidents so its definitely had the worst treatment from me too.
- New releases are dirt cheap. I paid $30 Peace Walker in my part of the world.
- Brilliant games like Syphon Filter, God of War, Ratchet, Killzone, Daxter, GT, Motorstorm, Silent Hill, Modnation, LBP, FF, Jeanne D'arc, GTA, Patapon, Loco Rocco and MGS:PO sell for like $10 each now.
- Its got 3 GTA games? Yes! GTA the franchise you love!!!

Unless its a money or time issue its well worth the investment.

[masteratt]

It's a money AND time issue lol. Also I don't like PSP, I ranted about PSP lots of times, it's just PS3/PS2 franchises on it mostly, which for me is pointless because they are 100x better to play on a PS3/PS2 (MGS , Yakuza , GTA included). I know this because I used to have one for a while. Their whole "PlayStation in your pocket" philosophy is wrong and boring. And I want to play MGS PSP and Yakuza PSP mostly for story alone which is not worth buying a format for.

Wii is my next format when time/ money permits. Then after that MAYBE I'll think about a PSP but doubt it, I just don't want it for reasons above.
Anyway dude, good sales pitch but no cigar ;)


Back to Yakuza!

[AC!D]

It's a money AND time issue lol. Also I don't like PSP, I ranted about PSP lots of times, it's just PS3/PS2 franchises on it mostly, which for me is pointless because they are 100x better to play on a PS3/PS2 (MGS , Yakuza , GTA included). I know this because I used to have one for a while. Their whole "PlayStation in your pocket" philosophy is wrong and boring. And I want to play MGS PSP and Yakuza PSP mostly for story alone which is not worth buying a format for.

Wii is my next format when time/ money permits. Then after that MAYBE I'll think about a PSP but doubt it, I just don't want it for reasons above.
Anyway dude, good sales pitch but no cigar ;)


Back to Yakuza!

I know how you feel. Sometimes i hate my Wii just as much as you dislike PSP despite some good games because i know its a glorified PS2 and can be very gimicky in most games. Anyways to each his own. As for portables i love them and cant wait for 3DS.

@Diresu: I just watched the trailer and the game looks fantastic. Are you loving these graphic cut scenes as much as i am? Im loving the art by Ashley Wood and Yoji Shinkawa in MGS PW and im loving what i see so far in Yakuza. Anyways the game looks epic and in a good way. Thanks for the vid!!!

[Diresu]

I know how you feel. Sometimes i hate my Wii just as much as you dislike PSP despite some good games because i know its a glorified PS2 and can be very gimicky in most games. Anyways to each his own. As for portables i love them and cant wait for 3DS.

@Diresu: I just watched the trailer and the game looks fantastic. Are you loving these graphic cut scenes as much as i am? Im loving the art by Ashley Wood and Yoji Shinkawa in MGS PW and im loving what i see so far in Yakuza. Anyways the game looks epic and in a good way. Thanks for the vid!!!

Meh, I am with you AC!D. I love my PSP. I like being apple to play games in small bites that aren't horribly outdated looking (can't stand DS graphics). I do think SONY's approach to PS2 in your pocket is not the right one but who cares. It has a ton of great games and in the end that's what counts for me.

Yea that trailer looks awwwwwwweeeeeeeeesome! The art looks fantastic and the story seems to be a big focus. His style seems way different too. I think he is muy thai, from what I can tell. The mini-games again look awesome too. Going to be interesting to see where this fits in the overall story.

[solidsnakejej]

This is one of the weired packins I've heard of.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/08/yakuzapsp810.jpg
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/buy-yakuza-psp-get-a-razor/

[masteratt]

:lol: hahaha, wtf.

Shaving activity in the hostess club confirmed?...:susp:

[AC!D]

Yakuza Review Yakuza 3 (http://kotaku.com/5609111/yakuza-review-yakuza-3)

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2010/08/500x_500x_custom_1260387926647_street_fight_jpeg.j pg


There's a terrific feature over at BoingBoing in which writer Jake Adelstein plays Sega game Yakuza 3 with three real-life members of the Yakuza. I have selected two wonderful excerpts.

The set-up of the article is that Adelstein lets three guys from the real-life Yakuza in Japan try the game. They certainly don't play through it. But they sample it, talk about it and judge it.

In the first excerpt, the three Yakuza, none using their real names in the piece, discuss the authenticity of the depiction of Yakuza. For context, know that the protagonist is Kazuma Kiryu, who spends much of the games in this series interacting with other members of the Yakuza and beating a lot of guys up on the streets of Tokyo. In Yakuza 3, he also spends some time distancing himself from his Yakuza past by running an orphanage in Okinawa:

M: The corporate yakuza guys get a thumbs up for realism. Nice suit. Smart. Financially savvy. Obsessed with money. Sneaky and conniving. Ruthless.
S: There are a lot of guys whom I feel like I know. The dialogue is right too. They sound like yakuza.
K: Braggarts, bullies, and sweet-talkers. I agree - it feels like I know the guys on the screen.
M: Kiryu is the way yakuza used to be. We kept the streets clean. People liked us. We didn't bother ordinary citizens. We respected our bosses. Now, guys like that only exist in video games.
S: I don't know any ex-yakuza running orphanages.
K: There was one a few years ago. A good guy.
M: You sure it wasn't just a tax shelter?
K: Sure it was a tax shelter but he ran it like a legitimate thing. You know.

The other excerpt is from Adelstein's conclusion, which refers to cuts made by the game for its U.S. release, cuts we covered here extensively:

Ironically, the sections that Shirokawa seemed to enjoy the most were cut out of the US version: mahjong, the sexual massage parlor, and the hostess clubs. After I explain to him what Sega cut from the US version, he said: アメリカ版を買った奴がかわいそうだ。セガＵＳＡが最低だね.(Translation: I feel sorry for the people who bought the American version. SEGA USA sucks.)

The entire articles is too long to post but it makes for good reading so heres the link......http://www.boingboing.net/2010/08/10/yakuza-3-review.html

:)

[masteratt]

Freakin' awesome.
For lazy people: It's not that long, it's just cut up a lot by pictures. Well worth a read.

Diresu is going to love the "SEGA USA sucks" comment ;p


During fight scenes: Shirokawa curses under his breath, but whenever he wins he yells "Yatta!".
haha, that's me right there. Except replace "Yatta!" with "Fuck yes! finally!" Fighting is seriously tense and exciting in this game, and VERY satisfying to win.

[Diresu]

Freakin' awesome.
For lazy people: It's not that long, it's just cut up a lot by pictures. Well worth a read.

Diresu is going to love the "SEGA USA sucks" comment ;p


haha, that's me right there. Except replace "Yatta!" with "Fuck yes! finally!" Fighting is seriously tense and exciting in this game, and VERY satisfying to win.
Lol that "review" is awesome! How awesome is it that they really went that far for authenticity? Yea the cut stuff is bleh but I think sega learned their lesson and will not do that again.

[Diresu]

Famitsu Review

Yakuza Portable (PSP) – 9/9/9/9

[AC!D]

Good stuff/ The review i saw last week must have been dengeki or something. Anyways another great PSP game. It looks like VC3 is also PSP. Boy ppl are gonna be pissed :D

[masteratt]

It looks like VC3 is also PSP. Boy ppl are gonna be pissed :D
Indeed they are :rant:

All we "not jumping on the PSP" people can do is hope for a PS2 port.

[Diresu]

Good stuff/ The review i saw last week must have been dengeki or something. Anyways another great PSP game. It looks like VC3 is also PSP. Boy ppl are gonna be pissed :D

Meh, can't say I care too much. PSP is successful in Japan, putting out games on it works. Either way, day 1 for me for both of those.