Wow, what a title, eh? Bursting with creativity!
Fans of the Yakuza games on PS2 were worried for the future of the franchise outside of Japan when they realized that the first two games didn't sell all that well in America and Europe. You could take it as an unfortunate realization that most people outside of Japan really aren't interested in something they really can't relate too, given how the games take place within the country. (Or, if you're really cynical, you could say that it's because people don't have a taste for imagination.) Due to their failure, Sega told fans they had no intention of releasing the third game outside of Japan.
But something happened: Whether it was out of dedication or blind loyalty, Sega decided to go ahead and translate the game after all. At this point, like they did with the second game, they realize that the franchise likely won't go beyond appealing to a small-though-vocal niche. To keep localization costs down, they're leaving it in Japanese with English subtitles instead of dubbing it. A pretty good idea, considering that these games have quite a plethora of voice acting. Even if the game's content appealed to most people, the fact that it's Japanese only sure won't.
It's also probably good idea for Sega to bring this game over while leaving the previous game, Yakuza Kenzan! in Japan (the exclamation mark is part of the title). Kenzan! is only the previous game in terms of release schedule, since the actual game takes place during Edo-period Kyoto, in the early 17th centry. That means it's the kind of game that holds even less appeal with the average gamer, if past precedent means anything. Sure, games like the first Onimusha (but not the sequels) and Samurai Warriors may have been able to buck that trend, but they're unfortunately exceptions. I still would have liked to have seen it, though.
We'll be getting this game on shelves in about a month, and around that time the fourth game will be releasing in Japan. Following the localization periods of the previous games (again, not including Kenzan!), that's right on schedule! That would mean we would be on track to get Yakuza 4 next year. You know, if three sells well enough for Sega. Hopefully people realize that you don't have to play the previous games in order to understand this one. The game releases in America and Europe on March 9th and 12th, respectively. In the meantime, why don't you enjoy the new trailer.
Wait, March 9th? Seriously, Sega? Sure, because there's nothing else coming out that week. I can only shake my head.
Fans of the Yakuza games on PS2 were worried for the future of the franchise outside of Japan when they realized that the first two games didn't sell all that well in America and Europe. You could take it as an unfortunate realization that most people outside of Japan really aren't interested in something they really can't relate too, given how the games take place within the country. (Or, if you're really cynical, you could say that it's because people don't have a taste for imagination.) Due to their failure, Sega told fans they had no intention of releasing the third game outside of Japan.But something happened: Whether it was out of dedication or blind loyalty, Sega decided to go ahead and translate the game after all. At this point, like they did with the second game, they realize that the franchise likely won't go beyond appealing to a small-though-vocal niche. To keep localization costs down, they're leaving it in Japanese with English subtitles instead of dubbing it. A pretty good idea, considering that these games have quite a plethora of voice acting. Even if the game's content appealed to most people, the fact that it's Japanese only sure won't.
It's also probably good idea for Sega to bring this game over while leaving the previous game, Yakuza Kenzan! in Japan (the exclamation mark is part of the title). Kenzan! is only the previous game in terms of release schedule, since the actual game takes place during Edo-period Kyoto, in the early 17th centry. That means it's the kind of game that holds even less appeal with the average gamer, if past precedent means anything. Sure, games like the first Onimusha (but not the sequels) and Samurai Warriors may have been able to buck that trend, but they're unfortunately exceptions. I still would have liked to have seen it, though.
We'll be getting this game on shelves in about a month, and around that time the fourth game will be releasing in Japan. Following the localization periods of the previous games (again, not including Kenzan!), that's right on schedule! That would mean we would be on track to get Yakuza 4 next year. You know, if three sells well enough for Sega. Hopefully people realize that you don't have to play the previous games in order to understand this one. The game releases in America and Europe on March 9th and 12th, respectively. In the meantime, why don't you enjoy the new trailer.Wait, March 9th? Seriously, Sega? Sure, because there's nothing else coming out that week. I can only shake my head.
That certainly is a poor choice of release date, particularly when this game deserves to do a lot better than the previous versions.
I keep looking at retailer listings pretty often, hoping they've wised up and pushed it back a little. But nooooo of course not. Oh, Sega.