First scans for YAKUZA 3 [PS3]

[Haderach]

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72601420080910_082836_0_big.jpg

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72601420080910_082836_1_big.jpg

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/72601420080910_083856_0_big.jpg

[Haderach]

[img]http://www.pro-gamers.fr/images/stories/media/hmt/yakusa-3-16-09-2008/17.jpg

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[/quote]

[cj iwakura]

They better be stashing all the money this series brings in towards the Shenmue 3 fund.

[marceall]

Absolute 8)

[Thunder-Slash]

They better be stashing all the money this series brings in towards the Shenmue 3 fund.

Ryu still needs to collect them capsule toys and kill Lan Di!

[James Fiend]

They better be stashing all the money this series brings in towards the Shenmue 3 fund.The direction Shenmue was going in at the very end of Shenmue 2 was bizarre, but the games were so great I'd still pre-order a third one in a hearbeat.

[Haderach]

new screens

http://jay-t.com/public/gaf/rgg3.jpg

[dragonlife29]

Kazuma <3

[Sanctine]

Day -17.

But something about Kazuma looks off to me. Maybe it's just me.

[dragonlife29]

Not just you. I see it, too; his face looks a little...different.

[Sei]

He's just older. Day one. These games are awesome.

[James Fiend]

Kazuma actually looks younger to me.

[Haderach]

http://i37.tinypic.com/2prur85.gif

http://www.gamersyde.com/news_7185_en.html

[Haderach]

Holy ####!!

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41278.html

[Haderach]

Jap cover.

http://www.andriasang.com/articles/2008/12/02/ryu_ga_gotoku_3_hardware_bundle/images/2132370695_view.jpg

[Yazarc]

Haven't played the Yakuza games yet, despite the fact I own the first.

That fat blond kid looks like Bobby Hill.

[SlaughterX]

Finally coming to the US (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176109).

[Kakizaki]

^That might have just made up my mind....

[Haderach]

YAKUZA 3 COMING TO WEST CONFIRMED

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/12/yakuza-3-marches-west/

[Andy]

I've never played a Yakuza game, but all the excitement for part three is really making me interested. Any chance of actually finding the original two?

[SlaughterX]

Uhh, it's not that hard to find (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUT F8%26redirect%3Dtrue%26ref_%3Dsr%255Fnr%255Fi%255F 1%26keywords%3Dyakuza%26qid%3D1260291431%26rh%3Di% 253Avideogames%252Ck%253Ayakuza&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957)... though seeing the recent prices does make me regret not getting 2 when it was like $15.

YAKUZA 3 COMING TO WEST CONFIRMED

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/12/yakuza-3-marches-west/

Super late there buddy...

[Haderach]

Uhh, it's not that hard to find (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUT F8%26redirect%3Dtrue%26ref_%3Dsr%255Fnr%255Fi%255F 1%26keywords%3Dyakuza%26qid%3D1260291431%26rh%3Di% 253Avideogames%252Ck%253Ayakuza&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957)... though seeing the recent prices does make me regret not getting 2 when it was like $15.

YAKUZA 3 COMING TO WEST CONFIRMED

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/12/yakuza-3-marches-west/

Super late there buddy...
This is an OFFICIAL SEGA confirmation ;)

European trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3RzCxHYSJs

[SlaughterX]

Cool it confirms what we already knew months ago! Anyway it's good that they gave a time of release, at least.

[Kakizaki]

^We didn't know it with 100% certainty.

[Sanctine]

Thank ####ing god. These games always take forever to make it over here.

[Tivor]

Looks great. March is so crowded.... FF13, SMT:SJ, SSF4, and now this....

Good thing I'm not fluent in Japanese, because if I was, I'd have to add Etrian Odyssey 3 to that list. :D

[RayFoxSith]

I need to get around to completing the first and getting the second.

[SlaughterX]

Demo is on the US PSN.

[Andy]

Downloaded it last night. Haven't tried it yet.

[philtord]

is it getting a european release??? trust me you guys have it good in comparison!

[Kakizaki]

^Europe is getting a deluxe CE Edition...

Also, thanks for the heads up DTR. ;)

[AlexDM]

=P hmmm....played the demo and i was...impressed at this game - but i don't think this is the type of game for me.

[DamageCity]

I played the Ryu ga Gotoku 4 demo in Shibuya last week. I am really looking forward to getting this(and a PS3).

[slayn]

I swear, if you people don't buy this game...

[AlexDM]

>.> What big man, what are you going too do if i buy FF 13 over this? or Heavy Rain >~> hmmmm?

[slayn]

If you buy FF13 instead, I will taunt you for having poor taste in games. If you buy Heavy Rain instead... Well, I suppose a person has to make a choice sometimes.

[AlexDM]

(Personally i'm get FF 13 Versus)

Pfff says you O^O i might rent Yakuza instead, to get more then a 10 min demo. FF 13 looks actually nice though hmmmm

[Hraesvelgr]

I swear, if you people don't buy this game...Hey, even if the whole lot of the active/semi-active people on this board buys the game, no one else will. Seriously, with the release date they gave the game, it's like they want it to fail.

[jeffx]

Demo feels like a Yakuza 1 remake. Not sure how I feel about that...
Definitely buying, either way.

Loved the Schoolgirl Revelation, couldn't find the other.

[Kakizaki]

I swear, if you people don't buy this game...Hey, even if the whole lot of the active/semi-active people on this board buys the game, no one else will. Seriously, with the release date they gave the game, it's like they want it to fail.

And this type of attitude won't help. I'm tired of people saying this type of junk. On noes, FF XIII. FF XIII is big, I get it, but in all honesty Yakuza 3 isn't the type of game that will necessarily appeal to the vast majority of individuals attracted to FF XIII. So what is Sega to do? Push it back further so people can complain even more? Sega definitely has screwed up with the Yakuza franchise in the West, but still, better late than never.

Yakuza is designed more to appeal to those that liked old school beat'em ups - especially those that enjoyed RCR / Nekketsu. It also isn't meant to be a rapid button combo action title like DMC or Bayonetta (responding to stiff feeling comment). Old beat'em ups had a much more deliberate and timed movement / combo system. There is timing involved, not just rapid button / combo inputs. DMC-like games are much more forgiving in regards to timing. As a result, they can feel more fluid.

[Camanche]

Day one. :)

[Andy]

Day none. :(

.....

[Jackstar]

I'll add in my 2 cents regarding Yakuza 3, having just played through the English demo once.

Really, are there timings involved in the fights? Having finished the first 2 Yazuka games, the formula for fights didn't seem to change much. It is all about using moves that break guards, and if that fails, using environmental objects to ... crush guards. Once an enemy's guard is broken, the player is free to mash buttons that looks like any PPPPK strings from Virtua Fighter - no timings involved. There are throws in the game, but the AI can try to reverse it and the player can counter that reversal by button mashing. Winning this tug of war that requires no timings results in a successful throw by Kiryu Kazuma. All these are just actions to fill up the HEAT gauge so more damaging moves can be executed, and finishing off foes by HEAT nabs the player bonus exp.

The boss fights are where the devs try to diversify things, by giving them weapons that cannot be disarmed (katanas, polearm), boosted speeds, and guns. But it still boils down to spamming moves that creates openings for the strings to land > spamming HEAT moves as finishers or for massive damage, only this time the bosses are better armed and their life bars are 3~5* longer than the average grunt.

Yakuza 3 seemingly retains all of the above, only they have thrown in QTEs for added special effects in HEAT mode. I suppose this is the first time the series actually sees timing in regular combat.

What attracted me to the first Yakuza was its fine use of a Tokyo sandbox. The problem is that sandbox hasn't really evolved. 2 was using the same layout as the first game with a smaller scaled extension - an attempt at presenting a digital Osaka? - that is really boring, so I can get where the comment that Yakuza 3 feels like a HD remake of the first game came from. In all honesty, I feel that way as well. I'm not impressed by Yakuza's story and combat, and if the one thing that has captivated me in the past hasn't seen much change except the gorgeous update to this franchise's graphics, I should adopt a wait and see approach.

[Kakizaki]

Really, are there timings involved in the fights? Having finished the first 2 Yazuka games, the formula for fights didn't seem to change much. It is all about using moves that break guards, and if that fails, using environmental objects to ... crush guards. Once an enemy's guard is broken, the player is free to mash buttons that looks like any PPPPK strings from Virtua Fighter - no timings involved. There are throws in the game, but the AI can try to reverse it and the player can counter that reversal by button mashing. Winning this tug of war that requires no timings results in a successful throw by Kiryu Kazuma. All these are just actions to fill up the HEAT gauge so more damaging moves can be executed, and finishing off foes by HEAT nabs the player bonus exp.

I tried to resist, but I just couldn't.

This tug of war you suggest only exists if you play Yakuza 1&2 in a manor that only utilizes a small portion of the moves. The "button mashing" for grappling / throwing foes only usually applies to those enemies that outweigh you and there are a lot of ways around this. Also, your formula does not always work too well in the arena fights.

There were a ton of moves to be exploited that moved beyond simple ppk combos. If that is all you relied on in conjunction with guard crushes (to be honest, I hard ever use guard crushes), there is your problem in a nutshell. You only took advantage of a handful of moves.

My comment about timing was in regards to the rash of DMC inspired action games from the past 2 hardware generations in comparison to Yakuza. The DMC-likes allow for a lot more leeway and this lends to a more fluid feeling. However, for me personally, Yakuza's slower more deliberate approach provides a more visceral feeling as I giant swing a dude into a group of his buddies.

Like I said before, Yakuza is the spiritual successor to 8bit, 16bit, and even 32bit beat'em ups. People like to criticize Yakuza for being something it isn't trying to be.

[Jackstar]

This tug of war you suggest only exists if you play Yakuza 1&2 in a manner that only utilizes a small portion of the moves. The "button mashing" for grappling / throwing foes only usually applies to those enemies that outweigh you and there are a lot of ways around this. Also, your formula does not always work too well in the arena fights.

There were a ton of moves to be exploited that moved beyond simple ppk combos. If that is all you relied on in conjunction with guard crushes (to be honest, I hard ever use guard crushes), there is your problem in a nutshell. You only took advantage of a handful of moves.

Actually, I see this as a comparative advantage in the sense that I can narrow down the tactics to what works 80% of the time. In other words, I'm focused and utilize the game's resources in an efficient manner. The only times these moves don't work that well are:

i.) bosses that move and counter fast. E.g. Majima. That's when sidestepping (or evading) and hit checking every strike of a string goes a long way in claiming victory. If a strike lands, continue. If a strike misses, stop and switch attacks that track the target (s).
ii.) there is a Muai Thai wannabe in the arena. I needed to use plenty of evades and counters before I won, but yes this discussion brings up the optional training side quest that lets Kiryu counterhit on reaction. The timing is tight, so it isn't something to be relied on consistently, but rather an attempt to grant the player an alternate method of dishing out damage.

As for the heavyweights that often counter throws, it is even easier - just perform strings normally. Yakuza 2 did introduce an evolved form of heavyweights that move faster and have combination attacks, but they still drop when you keep the pressure up with evades, guard breaks and strings.


Like I said before, Yakuza is the spiritual successor to 8bit, 16bit, and even 32bit beat'em ups. People like to criticize Yakuza for being something it isn't trying to be.

I recall Nagoshi mentioning something about Yakuza being a game that wants to incorporate Spikeout's combat system in lieu of Virtua Fighter's. Ahh, here it is. (http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3153272) I used to like James Mielke's interviews before he left 1up.

While I'm disappointed (there is giant swing in Yakuza, obviously a homage to Wolf Hawkfield but no trademark Akira moves?) that Yakuza took this path, I'm also with you when you say that Yakuza resembles beat'em ups of the 90s more so than today's advance 3D action games. I'm a huge fan of Ninja Gaiden II/Ninja Gaiden: Black as well, so that might have raised the bar high when I evaluate games that try to sell combat. Thankfully, Yakuza isn't doing that. It is selling an experience, and I already have my fair share of that from the first 2 games.

[Kakizaki]

^Cool. I have read that interview before, and I've mentioned the similarities to both Spikeout and the Dynamite Deka titles in past posts here regarding the Yakuza series... Really doesn't change what I have said or felt. Simple ppk interface would be more reminiscent of Fighting Vipers anyway - If I remember correctly Wolf's giant swing is pulled off in a completely different manner than it is in Yakuza. But yeah, still looks the same. I would put more credibility in the VF statement if Nagoshi would have brought it up himself instead of it being solicited by the question. Maybe he has stated it elsewhere before? Yakuza also presents a lot more options in combat than does Spikeout, but meh.

Point was there is much more than a handful of simple strings, but of course anyone expecting a fighting game engine in Yakuza will be dissapointed. But still for a beat'em up, it is pretty deep. Then again, I am a whore for Dynamite Cop and Yakuza has always felt a little similar to me.

[Jackstar]

Well it does feel like James was throwing a loaded question for Nagoshi to handle, but I think he clarified why he felt that Yakuza's combat is similar to Spikeout - both games have the same lead programmer. This was acknowledged by Nagoshi on the same page.

I was just thrown off by the "timing" comment and thought it might be a good time as any to rattle a little about the series' combat system. ^

[Kakizaki]

^That is fine and fair. Just a case of different feelings for different people. Nagoshi kind of stated how I feel about the combat in Yakuza - raw. It just feels that way to me. Slower paced, but brutal. When I think in terms of older beat'em ups that I played and still play, I get what you are saying about being efficient to a degree. I could plow through Bare Knuckle 2&3 by just spamming a couple of moves, but I don't. I guess I play Yakuza the same way.

Just a bit baffling to me after you mention NG Black and NG II as I personally feel that combat in those titles involves little more than rapid fire strings. ;)

[vital]

So it seems Sega may have cut a number of things from the game including shogi, mahjong, the hostess clubs, and quiz game. I know I won't be purchasing if this turns out to be true.

[Kakizaki]

^Yeah, people are basing this off of the demo, ESRB rating, and trophies. I won't cancel my preorder, but I will be pretty upset.

I have been digging hard to find anything, but it isn't looking good so far.

[Sanctine]

So it seems Sega may have cut a number of things from the game including shogi, mahjong, the hostess clubs, and quiz game. I know I won't be purchasing if this turns out to be true.

I heard there may be some cuts in the European version, but I haven't seen any sort of evidence of this in the US version of the game.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, anyway. Still a day one purchase.

[Jackstar]

:( Someone posted this @ Gamefaqs from a thread that discusses cut content.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/107/1071367p1.html

I think this seals the deal that I should wait for a price drop. It is sad that they have to create excuses by pitching "appealing to a western audience" when the truth is they have budgets and deadlines to deal with. I reiterate my stand on Yakuza: it is the presentation of Japanese mafia culture that sells it. Taking away things that detract from this experience mars that vision, and while this minor fault isn't a deal breaker, it definitely mitigates the value of the 3rd entry in this series.

[jeffx]

The gambling I can deal with, but the whole hostess club?? Damn.

[Tivor]

When they said "sub only," I thought it was partly because SEGA knew the core audience for a title such as this would be the folks who are rather familiar with Japanese culture and generally would prefer subs over dubs anyway. (obviously the other part of the reason would be money, of course)

In other words, I thought SEGA was well aware that they are pandering to a niche market with this title.

Then they do this................... *sigh*

Well, from the sound of it, the cut parts aren't major integral parts of the gameplay, so I'll get the game eventually, but its status as a day-one title has certainly diminished....

It's not like March isn't chock full of day-one titles already, and SEGA just gave us an excuse to not go day-one with it. Shame really.

[Kakizaki]

I am completely and utterly disgusted by this decision. I do not plan to cancel my preorder, but I am not entirely sure I will be picking up this title immediately upon its release.

I dig Yakuza because I really love beat'em ups, but I think more people in the U.S. are probably attracted to the series for some of its quirkier cultural elements - elements like the hostess club. This just demonstrates to me that Sega of America has zero understanding of Yakuza's core audience. They have pretty much sealed the fate of this series in the U.S. Pathetic.

[Kakizaki]

Blog explaining the rationale behind the cuts:

http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/02/24/whats-up-with-yakuza-3

I would encourage all of you that are concerned to comment. Not that it will matter at this point, but meh.....

[Killrig]

I'm also disappointed in this decision. While I don't care for the hostess gameplay in 1 & 2, I like the other mini-games, so I'm hoping nothing else was cut.

I'm very pleased that Atlus doesn't make decisions like this.

[vital]

I'm very pleased that Atlus doesn't make decisions like this.
For the most part they don't but I still remember the unnecessary cutting of mahjong from devil summoner.

[slayn]

I'm still going to get this because I'm not an idiot and I realize the only chance we have of seeing Yakuza 4 is if Yakuza 3 makes a little money.

[Nephlabobo]

I swear, if you people don't buy this game...

Well I *had* been planning to.

However, with the following cut content:

- Quiz Minigame
- Club (Datingsim) –> included in part I and II
- The Hostess Club (Kiryu as Manager) –> included in II
- Shogi (jap. chess) –> included in II
- Mahjong –> included in II
- Massage Minigame –> included in I and II

I won't even be buying this used.

[Camanche]

Wha? They're cutting content? Bull####!

[DamageCity]

While this won't stop me from getting the game, it's pretty depressing news.

[Sanctine]

While this won't stop me from getting the game, it's pretty depressing news.

Same here.

I was going to cancel, but I've been looking forward to this for far too long. Having 75% of Yakuza 3 is better than zero, I guess.

[Dead to Rights]

lololololol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5EW6fq07_c

Damn you Sega!

[Kakizaki]

Haven't picked up my copy yet as I have been sick for the past 2 days, but I have been reading numerous reports of even more side mission cuts beyond the hostess clubs or shogi and mahjong. :/


Classy moves Sega...

[Olethros]

^ Hope you're feelin' better Kaks! :D

[Kakizaki]

^I appreciate it. ;) Just wish it wouldn't have happened during my spring break.

The reports of more cuts keep rolling in as people progress further into the game.

[Nephlabobo]

http://blog.hardcoregaming101.net/2010/02/yakuza-3-ruined-by-segas-stupidity.html

By now most of you should realise that the Western release of Yakuza 3 is going to feature a lot of heavy cuts, including removal of the quiz games, the hostess missions, plus minigames such as Shogi and Mahjong. Sega say they're doing it to save time, and because these elements are too foreign for us gaikokujin to appreciate. The gaijin line of thinking is total BS because Yakuza 2 featured most of the above in its western version. The time rush though is likely the result of them wanting to get it out before the end of this fiscal tax year, and then fiddle their tax/finance forms.

To quote someone from another forum:
Financial year ends 5 April. The last Friday of March has often been a dumping ground for slightly more niche stuff, there was a crazy day for the DS a few years back IIRC.

Catalysing this fascinating revelation is a totally out of left field theory by Weş Ehrlichman on Selectbutton's forums:
Sega wasn't going to release this. They found out that if they didn't release it in this quarter Sega of Japan would license it to Atlus in a deal with Yakuza Kenzan and first dibs rights to all future Yakuza games. They freaked out and realized that they'd lose the rights to Sega's biggest Japanese franchise that their Japanese side will be pouring money into regardless of Western sales, so they're cobbling it together just to hold onto the license for the future.
-Weş

Suddenly it all makes a lot of sense! It's a fun idea, anyway, especially since he name-checks Kenzan, which is an excellent game.


So.....Sega is cockblocking Atlus now???

[Kakizaki]

^This Atlus rumor has been floating around for a month or more now. What exactly are people basing this theory on?

[Nephlabobo]

Any truth to it is my question?

[Kakizaki]

I kind of doubt if we will be told if there is any truth to it.

I'm kind of curious how the rights to character names and whatnot would work if one company picks up the others franchise - A franchise that has had previous entries localized.

[DamageCity]

I just played the demo for 4 again. I really hope it comes out here unscathed, it's amazing.

With 3 out now and FFXIII, I'll be picking up a PS3 sometime in the next 2 months(next week I buy the TV).

[syl]

Does anyone know if any of the original soundtrack was cut?
I speak namely of this song, but feel free to point out any others:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWa9xpFkJeA

[slayn]

This game owns, just wanted to let everyone know that. Even with the cut content, there's still more gameplay than 95% of what's released nowadays.

[Dead to Rights]

Does anyone know if any of the original soundtrack was cut?
I speak namely of this song, but feel free to point out any others:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWa9xpFkJeA

Yes, it was cut. Here is the full rundown of cut content:

Sega admitted cuts:

* The Answer x Answer quiz game
* Hostess club management

From people who played and completed the game:

* Theme Song, "Loser", cut.
* All Hostess Bars cut: Note that (most of) the girls can still be dated, but you have to pick them up in a restaurant. You can gain hearts through minigames, max them out and get la... their side mission. Assuming the girl is still in the game (see below) of course. You just can't have conversations with them.
* The shogi minigame.
* The mahjong minigame.
* 22 missions are apparently cut.
* One of the hostesses might be missing, the person compiling the list of cut missions couldn't find one of the ten.

Roughly about 23-25% of cut content in total.

Just to note: the list is old, as I'm pretty sure there is more cut content (mini games?) that isn't in the above list. Anyway, if you're planning on picking the game up I suggest waiting for a price drop, as (in my opinion) paying $60 (and nearly $80 in other countries) is just absurd. This is why consumers keep getting hosed.

[DamageCity]

* The shogi minigame.
* The mahjong minigame.



I thought these are Sega admitted cuts.

This is difficult for me as this game was gonna be one of the big pushes for me to buy a PS3. I still want it but that much cut content is just sloppy and there are other games for me to get. What a mess.

[Dead to Rights]

^ You're right. Maybe Sega did admit these cuts later, but they didn't admit such cuts when they issued their first statement on the matter.

The content between Yakuza 3 US/UK and Yakuza JP is a little different in that we took out certain bits in order to bring the game to the west in the time alloted for us to do so. The parts we ended up taking out were parts that we felt wouldn't make sense (like a Japanese history quiz game) or wouldn't resonate as much (such as the concept of a hostess club). We didn't replace the parts we took out, but we made absolutely sure that the story continuity stayed intact so that the story experience was the same as the Japanese version and that it didn't take away the human drama so inherent to the Yakuza series.

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/6655.html

Sega has flip-flopped between excuses quite a bit so it's hard to keep track of what they're saying. ;)

Even after the discovery of all these cuts Sega had the following to say:

It's just a little less trivia, it doesn't affect the stories at all! Trust me!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/DeadToRights/miscellaneous/SEGAnewslogan1.jpg

I can sort of understand the rush to get the game out the door, you know it was vital they not miss their street date opposite FFXIII.

[Karkarov]

Seriously though all cuts aside the game is still quite good and the story is there. Some of the cuts really don't make sense like the Mahjong and Shogi but I really could care less about the hostess club nonsense and I don't see any of it making a serious impact on the main game. Which by the way is completely in tact and any side mission that is related to but not a part of the main story is still there. Like for example escorting Mikio through the public market in Okinawa.