Sega infiltrates the Yakuza @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on February 23, 2006

News: Ryu Ga Gotoku is coming to America.

Ryu Ga Gotoku has been taking Japan by storm. It's combination of action and story have made it a hit with gamers across the Pacific. Now Sega, knowing a good thing when they see it, has announced an American release for the game now known as Yakuza.

The story in Yakuza was penned by award-winning Japanese novelist Seishu Hase. Suffice it to say there won't be any representation of the "thug" life here:

In a society where respect and honor holds great importance, there is an even higher regard for these traits within the one organisation that is most feared by all: the Yakuza. Kiryu Kazuma Ц a former rising star in the Yakuza who is rebuilding his life after serving a 10-year prison term for murder Ц suddenly finds himself caught in a spiraling underworld plot involving a mysterious girl known as Haruka and 10 Billion missing Yen. Kazuma must use his fists and his wits to stay alive as he unravels the complex web of truth and lies that surrounds the notorious Yakuza.

But Yakuza is more than just a pretty tale, it is also a brawler the likes of which we have never seen. Players will be able to "string together attack combinations to take out multiple enemies simultaneously in street brawls; grab and smash enemies against walls and tables; and pick up objects to use as weapons to crush opponents." All of these things feed the Heat Gauge, which can then be emptied as blows into some more henchman's head.

Kazuma's skill in combat can also be increased by "accumulating weapons and items, engaging in numerous side missions, interrogating and bribing informants and even gambling."

"We feel that the street brawling gameplay in particular will impress everyone" commented Matt Woodley, Creative Director of SEGA Europe. "Getting this spot on in games has proven hard for some developers in the past, but the Yakuza team have pulled it off with great style. Add to that some of the most evocative locations seen in a game and we have a title SEGA are very excited to be releasing"

As a final nod to reality, Sega has made licensing deals with many of the shopowners whose shops line the streets in Kazuma's missions. This little bit of home is Sega's attempt to bring even closer to the neon-drnched underground of Tokyo.

Yakuza is scheduled for a Summer release exclusively on the PS2 and we'll have more soon.