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LTTP: Yakuza (first one)
- Thread starter borghe
- Start date
considering in my aging mind, that all/most last-gen games look just god awful, yes... surprised basically that the game looked actually decent and not "last-gen gouge my eyes out and make it stop" bad.SuperSonic1305 said:
the key phrase to what you posted was that a PS2 game EVER looked this good... The FFX reference was just saying I had some damn low expectations.
Noisepurge
Member
Oh, do NOT skip Yakuza 2 if you are on a roll, it is the best in the series storywise. And i think it has the best antagonist too. So much emotion in that elevator scene at the end 
And yeah i meant that after the first two the "seamless" transitions and other improvements are amazing
And yeah i meant that after the first two the "seamless" transitions and other improvements are amazing
Ok, so I'm at the 4th chapter now. So that I understand this without using a FAQ, the basic premise is to run all over and try to find as many missions as possible before continuing the story? and to complete the missions properly, basically always choose the chivalrous option when given the choice?
Pretty much. You can avoid the minigame stuff if you want cuz they're time consuming but all the sidequests involved with helping NPCs are worth it. You'll find out that they can lead to some hilarious results almost all the time. They get nuttier as the series goes on. Love them.borghe said:
Pushing closer and closer to the end of this game finally! Just hit Chapter 10 and things seem to be heading towards the climax(not sure how many are left, but it can't be many).
Chapter 9 was quite awesome though.
I do hate Haruka though. Seems she merely exists to be kidnapped every chapter, and any conversation involving her is very stilted, filled with inane dialogue from everyone(well, more inane than the norm). Hope this trend doesn't continue in the other games.
Also a good reason I look forward to the newer games is the lock-on in combat. You really do spend far too much time whiffing mid-air strikes because of how awful it is in Y1. So infuriating.
Chapter 9 was quite awesome though.
Really loved the sidequest where you meet up with Dojima's wife, and then there is the whole 'Virtua Cop' minigame(which is barely playable), but a surprising twist. And well, only Kazuma can merely walk into the gates of the Chinese Triad HQ and wreck shit up without a scratch.
I do hate Haruka though. Seems she merely exists to be kidnapped every chapter, and any conversation involving her is very stilted, filled with inane dialogue from everyone(well, more inane than the norm). Hope this trend doesn't continue in the other games.
Also a good reason I look forward to the newer games is the lock-on in combat. You really do spend far too much time whiffing mid-air strikes because of how awful it is in Y1. So infuriating.
And done.
The final couple chapters were unbearable, and almost soured my whole enjoyment of the characters, plot, and narrative. Just full of bullshit motivations, terrible writing, terrible development, and well it was just a letdown to what began as a really interesting premise and crime epic.
I won't go into spoiler detail of the -numerous- issues I had with the writing staff's decision making, but it's a real shame, as they had a really nice foundation built. Essentially it was the typical bloated Japanese exposition that is as far removed from reality or common sense as any of these story driven games ever are. (Yes, at one point 'heart!' becomes a driving factor for what motivates the protagonists...ugh)
Anyway, on to Yakuza 2. Really hoping it strives to be more grounded in it's narrative than the last. If anything the blonde muscle-bound villain looks far more intriguing than the lameduck ones of Yakuza 1 turned out(Nishiki, et al. pfft.)
The final couple chapters were unbearable, and almost soured my whole enjoyment of the characters, plot, and narrative. Just full of bullshit motivations, terrible writing, terrible development, and well it was just a letdown to what began as a really interesting premise and crime epic.
I won't go into spoiler detail of the -numerous- issues I had with the writing staff's decision making, but it's a real shame, as they had a really nice foundation built. Essentially it was the typical bloated Japanese exposition that is as far removed from reality or common sense as any of these story driven games ever are. (Yes, at one point 'heart!' becomes a driving factor for what motivates the protagonists...ugh)
Anyway, on to Yakuza 2. Really hoping it strives to be more grounded in it's narrative than the last. If anything the blonde muscle-bound villain looks far more intriguing than the lameduck ones of Yakuza 1 turned out(Nishiki, et al. pfft.)
Brandon F said:
He's actually the best villain in the series easily,
it's just that... he barely appears at all.
the first three chapters are basically what you probably want (power intrigues, two clans fighting each other for supremacy) but then that plot just... stops. It doesn't really restart until the last couple of chapters (save for a couple of cool scenes), which are similar to the ones in the first game, and the middle of the game just deals with the Korean Mafia.
Too late about spoilers, but no big deal. I'm not one to complain about them.
Starting up Y2 now. If anything, I am looking forward to seeing the technical upgrades made to each game as they progress. Combat especially, regarding loadtimes, variety of moves(first Yakuza is actually quite lacking despite all of the environment attacks, weapons, and secret learned moves) and whatever else is thrown in. Despite my issue with how the plot wrapped in Y1, I did really enjoy the combat, or at least see the potential to what it should become.
I only finished 40 or so of the sidequests(half?) and barely touched the optional stuff like batting cages and hostess bars. I tried them all briefly, but never bothered maxing them out or anything. Money was never an issue and I had enough xp by the endgame to buy all upgrades except for one move. I'll likely treat Y2 the same, merely being a tourist, as I don't care to OCD on the hostess bars, and whatnot. But I am interested to see what upgrades are made.
Starting up Y2 now. If anything, I am looking forward to seeing the technical upgrades made to each game as they progress. Combat especially, regarding loadtimes, variety of moves(first Yakuza is actually quite lacking despite all of the environment attacks, weapons, and secret learned moves) and whatever else is thrown in. Despite my issue with how the plot wrapped in Y1, I did really enjoy the combat, or at least see the potential to what it should become.
I only finished 40 or so of the sidequests(half?) and barely touched the optional stuff like batting cages and hostess bars. I tried them all briefly, but never bothered maxing them out or anything. Money was never an issue and I had enough xp by the endgame to buy all upgrades except for one move. I'll likely treat Y2 the same, merely being a tourist, as I don't care to OCD on the hostess bars, and whatnot. But I am interested to see what upgrades are made.
Brandon F said:
the spoilers Peff mentioned are pretty vague but the tags are for the sake of the OP and others who are going in blind. nothing ruined.
you'll find the load times much shorter and combat controls are slightly better. graphics also look slightly improved. no need to really play the hostess bars. i skipped them cuz they were boring, imo. but some people play them like they're a whole separate game cuz they're quite time consuming. i did not miss them when they were cut from Y3 but as a purist, they should've never been cut.
Steven_Jitters
Member
Decided to give up on this the other night. I was up to Chapter 7 and figured I had enough.
The main problem for me was it seemed like I was constantly getting into random battles. Like, every time I turned a corner. It really took me out of wanting to see where the story was going and just got to be too much for me.
I wanted to play the series but if I don't like this one it's a hard sell.
The main problem for me was it seemed like I was constantly getting into random battles. Like, every time I turned a corner. It really took me out of wanting to see where the story was going and just got to be too much for me.
I wanted to play the series but if I don't like this one it's a hard sell.
Been playing the hell out of Yakuza 2 now. Up to Chapter 9 and most everything is vastly improved from part 1. Visuals, combat, loading, plot, etc... all have been quite a great deal improved, especially compared so immediately after playing the first game.
I still have several chapters left, but in terms of narrative, the sappy melodrama is kept to a bare minimum this outing(so far). Maintaining the focus almost purely on the ensuing war between the East and West has been a real thrill. I wouldn't be surprised if things take a sour turn in the final act(ala Y1), but if it can maintain its focus, then this will truly be a PS2 gem.
Much of the success is due to the Japanese dubbing(with subs) of course, it really does make a massive difference keeping that in(especially hearing the difference in tone and mood the actors display compared to the English counterparts in the original). Also, credit needs to be given to the direction of the cut scenes, many times I notice how well scripted and devised they come across as the modelers clearly do their best to make the characters act convincingly in accordance with the weight of each scene.
Looking really forward to seeing how this plot turns out, and of course finally moving onto the current-gen tech!
Oh and while I have mostly avoided sidequests, I have gone out of my way in this recent chapter to try several out. I haven't bothered with the minigames(like hostesses or bowling), but the little vignettes to do while running around the cities are quite cool. Enjoyed the little call-back references to the Chinese triad involvement from Y1, as I helped out the 'old lady' in various combat scenarios. I just started a sidequest that clearly references j-Horror films such as 'Ringu' that was a bit surprising. Of course everyone loves the baby-men brothel one too...
I still have several chapters left, but in terms of narrative, the sappy melodrama is kept to a bare minimum this outing(so far). Maintaining the focus almost purely on the ensuing war between the East and West has been a real thrill. I wouldn't be surprised if things take a sour turn in the final act(ala Y1), but if it can maintain its focus, then this will truly be a PS2 gem.
Much of the success is due to the Japanese dubbing(with subs) of course, it really does make a massive difference keeping that in(especially hearing the difference in tone and mood the actors display compared to the English counterparts in the original). Also, credit needs to be given to the direction of the cut scenes, many times I notice how well scripted and devised they come across as the modelers clearly do their best to make the characters act convincingly in accordance with the weight of each scene.
Looking really forward to seeing how this plot turns out, and of course finally moving onto the current-gen tech!
Oh and while I have mostly avoided sidequests, I have gone out of my way in this recent chapter to try several out. I haven't bothered with the minigames(like hostesses or bowling), but the little vignettes to do while running around the cities are quite cool. Enjoyed the little call-back references to the Chinese triad involvement from Y1, as I helped out the 'old lady' in various combat scenarios. I just started a sidequest that clearly references j-Horror films such as 'Ringu' that was a bit surprising. Of course everyone loves the baby-men brothel one too...
Steven_Jitters said:
if you wanna play strictly for the story, play on Easy. i forget if it allows you to change difficulty on the fly.
Brandon F said:
yea, ain't the callbacks great? this is why i recommend people play the NPC sidequests as much as possible cuz you'll always bump into some of the same NPCs in future installments and see what happened to them.
Steven_Jitters said:
Yea the random fights can get annoying. One of the lockers has a Lucky bead item in it which essentially turns them off when equipped. But also once you get an eye for the different thugs that assault you on the street, it also isn't hard to flat out avoid them by running.
Red Blaster
Member
Brandon F said:
Be prepared for more sappy melodrama in Yakuza 3. Don't worry though, Yakuza 4 rights the ship though, plenty of politicking going on there. If you're doing sidequests, be sure to do the where you have to become the number one host at Adam. One of the best sidequests in the entire series.
obligatory stripclub shotgun headshot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60-UCaMWoG0
poor guy XD
yakuza 1 was awesome but you really should play yakuza 2 right after you finish it,the story and cutscenes are even better than in the first
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60-UCaMWoG0
poor guy XD
yakuza 1 was awesome but you really should play yakuza 2 right after you finish it,the story and cutscenes are even better than in the first
harriet the spy
Member
Jigsaw said:
This was such a cool mission / surprise. Very well done.
IrishNinja
Member
yeah, 1 ends up looking poorly (my opinion) when you get into 2. just better in every possible way, but at least you're introduced to the series.
OP, this might help with your disc-only copy.
yeah, it's slightly jarring. he looks older sometimes (which is good) but the facial structure seems changed, like he's a slightly different man.
OP, this might help with your disc-only copy.
Riposte said:
yeah, it's slightly jarring. he looks older sometimes (which is good) but the facial structure seems changed, like he's a slightly different man.
So apparently having a funeral in these games is an invitation for horrendous shit to occur.
Chapter 9 in yakuza 2 was just full of awesome shit that went down. God I can't wait to confront ryuji, what a fantastic villain! So far beyond anything in Y1. A real threat, and captivating without any brooding melodrama either. All business!
Also really love daigo dojima, fills that hole nishiki left behind in kazuma's life to much greater effect. Really hope to see more of him as the series progresses.
Chapter 9 in yakuza 2 was just full of awesome shit that went down. God I can't wait to confront ryuji, what a fantastic villain! So far beyond anything in Y1. A real threat, and captivating without any brooding melodrama either. All business!
Also really love daigo dojima, fills that hole nishiki left behind in kazuma's life to much greater effect. Really hope to see more of him as the series progresses.
iconoclast
Member
Riposte said:
Yeah, this bothers me too. It looks like he started abusing steroids or something. I think I've gotten used to the change in Yakuza 4 though... either that or they improved his model a little.
PhantomOfTheKnight
Member
How long are these games anyway; currrently have the first one in my PS2 cause I bought it on Saturday, and I have to go find some girl at Barbara (I forget the chapter number).
Die Squirrel Die
Member
I think Kiryu looks better in Y3&4, and not just technically. Looking back on it his face in the PS2 games had a weird shape, it was too long. I feel that they corrected it so he looks a little more human. Plus he looks a little older and more like a guy in his late 30s/early 40s. Given that the series as a whole has a thing for flashbacks, they could maybe do a better job of 'aging' the characters. Playing Yakuza 4, the 1985 flashbacks are a little disconscerting given how similar the characters look to their 25-years older 2010 selves.
Btw about Yakuza 2 (mid to endgame spoilers)
I'm the only one who was like WTF IS THIS SHIT with the whole Osaka's castle assault and Kazuma fighting...tigers? Seemed totally out of place to me and extremely cheesy. I mean, till then the plot and events were something, more or less, serious.
PhantomOfTheKnight
Member
..oh, OK. New question: why do hostess bars cost so damn much?LiK said:
harriet the spy
Member
Atolm said:
No, it was fucking ridiculous, but if you can forget about the ridiculousness for a moment, it's kind of awesomely ridiculous. Pretend it was a dream or something.
Plus, the fights in the
castle
Red Blaster
Member
harriet the spy said:
The funny part about that whole thing is that I'm pretty sure it's never mentioned again in the story lulz. I guess people within the Yakuza think stuff like that is completely normal or they just forgot it ever happened.
Ok, I'm worried I already know the answer to this one, but here it goes anyway. Are side missions locked out later in the game? I only ask because there doesnt seem any indicator on which ones I've cleared out, and at this point I am kind of worried about getting burned out on the series before I even get to 3 or 4. I have about 11 hours into this and just started chapter 8 (the fight and cut scenes at the end of 7 were crazy Asian cinema worthy). Just wondering if I plow through the story while hitting missions along the way, how much am I going to lock out down the road. But at the same time don't want to burn myself out on 50 hours of Yakuza before I even get to the PS3 iterations.
jtkauff
Member
PhantomOfTheKnight said:
From my experience with 1 it's much shorter than the other reply that stated it was average JRPG-length (which to me means tons and tons . The first one had 13 chapters - I'm currently at about 10 hours in and am almost done with chapter 11. I've done a handful of side missions (currently at 21 completed). I can't imagine I'll break more than about 12-13 hours on this, which is about what I was told in the Yakuza 4 thread when I asked. Yakuza 2 was said to be about the same, and the PS3 games are more in the 20-30 hour range. Obviously the more side missions you do the longer it will take you.
As for myself I've been loving Yakuza 1 so far. My only gripe so far is that it's far too easy to completely miss the enemy that is standing right beside you, but past that I've been thoroughly enjoying it. Very much looking forward to moving on to Yakuza 2-4.
well, I have about 11 hours in, 39 missions completed, and I'm partway through chapter 8.
battle/cutscenes at the end of chapter 7 were amazing.. lol.. I had it on normal though and only with picked up weapons (wooden swords) and it took me a handful of retries (4-7) to beat it. finally realized that holding down R1 and dodging to the right avoided most of his attacks so at that point it was just a question of being patient.
loving the game. only gripe (as I mentioned above) is that as good as the game looks, it's still totally last gen. really can't wait to get to a current gen version of this engine. I imagine it looks amazing.
battle/cutscenes at the end of chapter 7 were amazing.. lol.. I had it on normal though and only with picked up weapons (wooden swords) and it took me a handful of retries (4-7) to beat it. finally realized that holding down R1 and dodging to the right avoided most of his attacks so at that point it was just a question of being patient.
loving the game. only gripe (as I mentioned above) is that as good as the game looks, it's still totally last gen. really can't wait to get to a current gen version of this engine. I imagine it looks amazing.
(Sigh). After the amazingly focused first nine chapters of Yakuza 2, I knew things were destined to get a little goofy.
Chapter 10 of Yakuza 2 might as well have not existed.
Still really enjoying the game regardless, and I hope this chapter was just a one-off footnote as the epic climax begins to really form. I'm sorry for using this thread for my playthrough of Y2, but I'm too lazy to create a new one. I'll likely bump the Y3 official thread when I get started with that though. Will keep updating with spoiler tags as I edge closer to finishing up part 2.
Also looking forward to Y3 merely for the tech upgrades. While Y1 and especially Y2 are quite nice for PS2 tech, they are extremely dated when it comes to PS3.
Chapter 10 of Yakuza 2 might as well have not existed.
Yuya was in a street gang WHAT? That little priss? That entire story would have been better left on the cutting floor. And then the forced relationship sequence with lady cop. I understand and respect the desire for Kazuma and her to establish a romance, but the way they went about it was so tacky and cliche. Especially smh when the street cops want to question her for being -assaulted- by street toughs...given her superior position in the force, she decides to flee the scene with Kazuma in tow. WHAT???! I'll forgive the sappy 'date night' scene, but it unfortunately really demoted her credibility and character as a polished and resourceful member of the organized crime task force. Damn the stereotype for all Japanese women to be portrayed as chirpy, subserviant victims, constantly in need of protection.
Still really enjoying the game regardless, and I hope this chapter was just a one-off footnote as the epic climax begins to really form. I'm sorry for using this thread for my playthrough of Y2, but I'm too lazy to create a new one. I'll likely bump the Y3 official thread when I get started with that though. Will keep updating with spoiler tags as I edge closer to finishing up part 2.
Also looking forward to Y3 merely for the tech upgrades. While Y1 and especially Y2 are quite nice for PS2 tech, they are extremely dated when it comes to PS3.
jtkauff
Member
Just got to the end of Yakuza 1 and I must say it's amusing to Echo coming from
mouth. Does this mean that the
Too bad Eliza Dushku can basically only do one character since that's really the first thing that went into my head when she opened her mouth.
I was also amused that the
that you fight carry Homemade Pistols. Budget cuts at work?
Overall I really dug the game. Voice acting was unintentionally humorous and the targeting bugged me to no end, but past that it's really quite an entertaining game. I suppose I also had got some characters mixed up since so many characters are referred to but not seen for chapters. Regardless, I'm very much looking forward to going through Yakuza 2 (and 3, and 4).
Yumi's
10 billion was to hire the Dollhouse to make Yumi into Mizumi?
I was also amused that the
MBI agents
Overall I really dug the game. Voice acting was unintentionally humorous and the targeting bugged me to no end, but past that it's really quite an entertaining game. I suppose I also had got some characters mixed up since so many characters are referred to but not seen for chapters. Regardless, I'm very much looking forward to going through Yakuza 2 (and 3, and 4).
Just a quick update as I just hit Chapter 13 in Yakuza 2.
The silliness of Chapter 12 that is consistently discussed was perfectly fine by me. I have no problems with the game reminding me that it is a 'videogame' and though parts of that chapter can really break the immersion for some, I just shrug whatever. It was great fun from a gameplay perspective.
Getting closer to the epic conclusion, but really just wanting to get it over with so I can move onto HD.
Edit: Oh and I did find it cool that the NPC doctor character you meet halfway through Y2 was actually in Y1 as part of the optional sidequest for saving the sick child. That is one of the quests that I missed because it had some rigorous multi-stage steps and a very clear point of no-return(which happened to me). Y2 assumes you did that quest 'a year ago' so I never actually met him, but it was kinda neat to see that very subtle callback and it helped give a bit of closure to a quest I never got to actually finish.
The silliness of Chapter 12 that is consistently discussed was perfectly fine by me. I have no problems with the game reminding me that it is a 'videogame' and though parts of that chapter can really break the immersion for some, I just shrug whatever. It was great fun from a gameplay perspective.
Getting closer to the epic conclusion, but really just wanting to get it over with so I can move onto HD.
Edit: Oh and I did find it cool that the NPC doctor character you meet halfway through Y2 was actually in Y1 as part of the optional sidequest for saving the sick child. That is one of the quests that I missed because it had some rigorous multi-stage steps and a very clear point of no-return(which happened to me). Y2 assumes you did that quest 'a year ago' so I never actually met him, but it was kinda neat to see that very subtle callback and it helped give a bit of closure to a quest I never got to actually finish.
well, the quest is over. I beat Yakuza. Overall thoughts? Everything having to deal with Jingu was awful...... horribly contrived. just awful. Everything else was like a mediocre asian cinema which IMHO is a good thing. The scenes that were supposed to be bad ass were WWAYY bad ass... the scenes that were supposed to be touching were sort of touching.
Overall just a fantastic game and totally worth the $8 disc-only copy from Gamestop. Good enough that it's convinced me to hunt down a reasonably priced complete copy of two before I move onto 3 and 4.
Hoping the series has continued to sell well enough for a fifth real installment.
thoughts on specific things:
anyway, great game. really glad I held off on starting right at 3.
Overall just a fantastic game and totally worth the $8 disc-only copy from Gamestop. Good enough that it's convinced me to hunt down a reasonably priced complete copy of two before I move onto 3 and 4.
Hoping the series has continued to sell well enough for a fifth real installment.
thoughts on specific things:
the fights with majima are insanely annoying. the only way I could beat him was to pretty much just keep dodging and trying to grab and head butt. it's eventually how I beat him both times.
the scene when he leaves the bar after meeting up with Nishiki the first time after getting out of jail and has to fight the army in the alley. amazing.
the scene on the wharf of yokohama... makes the previous scene look like recess.
everything having to do with jingu was awful.. except for the fights.. where I went into them with like 25% health and STILL beat him (by the skin of my teeth).. that was pretty fun.
the fight with nishiki was totally cheap. nowhere near as bad as majima or even jingu, but there were plenty of times where you simply couldn't hit him even though you were right next to and facing him. oh, and him starting his chain combo right as you start getting up so you can't even block
the scene when he leaves the bar after meeting up with Nishiki the first time after getting out of jail and has to fight the army in the alley. amazing.
the scene on the wharf of yokohama... makes the previous scene look like recess.
everything having to do with jingu was awful.. except for the fights.. where I went into them with like 25% health and STILL beat him (by the skin of my teeth).. that was pretty fun.
the fight with nishiki was totally cheap. nowhere near as bad as majima or even jingu, but there were plenty of times where you simply couldn't hit him even though you were right next to and facing him. oh, and him starting his chain combo right as you start getting up so you can't even block
anyway, great game. really glad I held off on starting right at 3.
And conversely, I've just started it! Been curious about the series for a while, and had it sitting in my backlog, so thought I'd take the plunge. Up to Chapter 4, and really enjoying it, although I have to echo those people who pointed out the loading issues - I was sorely tempted at one point to just switch to PCSX and be done with it, but I'm staying on the original hardware for now.
That said, I'm finding the combat stuff a little bit more fiddly than is strictly necessary, but it's not particularly over-hard, despite that.
That said, I'm finding the combat stuff a little bit more fiddly than is strictly necessary, but it's not particularly over-hard, despite that.
combat does open up with finishers a bit more. especially weapons finishers (which I should have done more of.. probably would have made my game easier)
loading times are horrible. well they're actually not horrible, just horribly inconvenient..
"you really think you're a bad ass?"
Loading....
"yes!"
Are the loading times better in 2? Do they improve at all on the PS3 games with mandatory 5GB installs (lol... had to upgrade my 60GB drive this weekend finally just to install them.. 500GB self-installed PS3 drive FTW!!!)
loading times are horrible. well they're actually not horrible, just horribly inconvenient..
"you really think you're a bad ass?"
Loading....
"yes!"
Are the loading times better in 2? Do they improve at all on the PS3 games with mandatory 5GB installs (lol... had to upgrade my 60GB drive this weekend finally just to install them.. 500GB self-installed PS3 drive FTW!!!)
LiK said:
Oh, I'm finding the combat enjoyable enough and playable (if anything, it reminds me a bit of Arkham Asylum's), it's just a bit, well, fiddly. It's a bit too easy to go off punching in completely the wrong direction.
Some form of targetting would have helped a great deal. But ultimately, it's a minor complaint.
kurtrussell
Banned
Sorry to derail the thread - can anyone tell me what LTTP stands for? A quick search has yielded next to nothing....