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[Foliorum Viridum]

Depends on how they write it, although I've certainly got no qualms with a female protagonist for once. It's a refreshing change of pace.

That, and she

Spoiler

probably

won't get kidnapped anymore.

I love the idea of a female protagonist, but I don't want her character to be a Yakuza without a dick, that's all!

If she had a chapter without combat or something it would be great. Haruka always had a strong spirit and that's what should be shown.

 

[jonno394]

I can imagine Harukas gameplay being exploratory, mini game/fetch quest focused and plenty of QTE to dodge assault or gropes from drunken yakuza.

 

[gogogow]

I really wonder if there's truly a "main character", even though Haruka is supposed to be it, when there are five playable characters. Like Yakuza 4, to me, all four of them were main characters. Kiryu probably had the shortest playtime of them all.

 

[Sophia]

I really wonder if there's truly a "main character", even though Haruka is supposed to be it, when there are five playable characters. Like Yakuza 4, to me, all four of them were main characters. Kiryu probably had the shortest playtime of them all.

Yeah, Kiryu's was pretty short. I honestly considered Saejima and/or Tanimura the main character, as Akiyama's importance fell off the near the end.

 

[DangerousDave]

Instead of 5 different locations I'll love to have a single location, but 5 times bigger. Maybe expanding the area south to ShinJuku station, or adding Shibuya and Akihabara like they were near Kabukicho.

 

[FiveMinuteHero]

Didn't Sega say, some time ago that they will concentrate on just Sonic games, or only along those lines? (in other words, what are the chances of this getting released in the West?)

 

[corporate cheerleader]

Instead of 5 different locations I'll love to have a single location, but 5 times bigger. Maybe expanding the area south to ShinJuku station, or adding Shibuya and Akihabara like they were near Kabukicho.

Would be too stressful for the system I imagine, unless you're fine with loading times while walking around.

*Wouldn't be a problem if a couple of Rockstar wizards would visit them.

Additional lols:

PlayStation 3 exclusive Yakuza 5 features five main characters and is set in five cities: Sapporo, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.

The five main characters are Kazuma Kiryu, Taiga Saejima, Shun Akiyama, Haruka and Tatsuo Shinada, according to Japanese magazine Famitsu (via Andriasang). All five are playable.

Shinada, a former baseball player, is the newcomer. He was slapped with a life ban for gambling, but apparently he's innocent. And in debt.

Kiryu is working as a taxi driver in Fukuoka. Soejima is doing time behind bars. Akiyama is in Osaka on business. Haruka left Okinama to become an idol, and is living on her own in Osaka. It seems her talent agency has some nefarious plan for her. The story connects directly with Yakuza 4.

Designer Toshihiro Nagoshi said the game uses a new engine, which means zombie spin-off Yakuza of the End marks the end of the engine that served the series so well. Because of this, Yakuza 5 is considered a "New Yakuza", with better controls, and a bigger and better script.

Yakuza 5 is 70 per cent complete. It's out in Japan on PlayStation 3 in December.

He even copied Adria's Saejima typo, haha.

 

[Callibretto]

I love the idea of a female protagonist, but I don't want her character to be a Yakuza without a dick, that's all!

If she had a chapter without combat or something it would be great. Haruka always had a strong spirit and that's what should be shown.

Im not expecting her to curse or start looking for trouble, just learn some self defense damnit4 yakuza games and didn't she got kidnapped in 3 games? Learn some wingchun or something, especially now that she live alone in a different city, cant always rely on kiryu to save her everytime.

 

[Ventilaator]

Five cities? Dude. I should buy 4 at some point so I could buy 5 at some point.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Im not expecting her to curse or start looking for trouble, just learn some self defense damnit4 yakuza games and didn't she got kidnapped in 3 games? Learn some wingchun or something, especially now that she live alone in a different city, cant always rely on kiryu to save her everytime.

A little bit of self defense would be okay, but I don't want her kicking 5 Yakuza asses with traffic cones etc

 

[Zero-Crescent]

Sounds good so far. I liked Yakuza 4, but one of the bigger problems I had with it is that almost the entire game was focused on Kamurocho, which kinda felt like a step backwards after 2 went to Osaka and 3 had Okinawa. It'll be interesting to see how they handle the five cities, especially in this new engine.

Saejima's redesign is pretty jarring; not only is his hairstyle different, but his face seems almost... younger and more relaxed, I guess. It could just be the image or the hairstyle change that's throwing me off, but it's almost like he has less wrinkles.

 

[boingball]

I do hope it comes to the west. Love me some more Yakuza. And some new locations would be great.

 

[SolidSnakex]

I agree with Foliorum Viridum about hoping that Haruka's scenario isn't like the rest. Nagoshi is really pushing the idea that this is the new Yakuza, so it seems like a perfect opportunity for them to do something completely different for her. Having it based around finding clues to expose that agency would be much more interesting. That doesn't mean that she should be defenseless, but I don't want to see her getting into fights constantly as she's running through the streets.

Fans will still likely have 4 other characters to get their traditional Yakuza-type experience from, so there'd still be plenty for them to like even if they didn't like the gameplay direction from her section.

 

[Shinobi_GR]

Didn't Sega say, some time ago that they will concentrate on just Sonic games, or only along those lines? (in other words, what are the chances of this getting released in the West?)

This was the opinion of the press. SEGA never said that. SEGA said that in the future they will make more careful choices and will continue to support new IPs just as the more traditional IPs like Sonic, Virtua Fighter etc. But the press always wins...

Anyway, I'm looking forward to play Yakuza 5. Let's hope we hear some good news at E3, about the western release of the game.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

I agree with Foliorum Viridum about hoping that Haruka's scenario isn't like the rest. Nagoshi is really pushing the idea that this is the new Yakuza, so it seems like a perfect opportunity for them to do something completely different for her. Having it based around finding clues to expose that agency would be much more interesting. That doesn't mean that she should be defenseless, but I don't want to see her getting into fights constantly as she's running through the streets.

Fans will still likely have 4 other characters to get their traditional Yakuza-type experience from, so there'd still be plenty for them to like even if they didn't like the gameplay direction from her section.

Exactly

 

[JustAnotherOtaku]

I agree with Foliorum Viridum about hoping that Haruka's scenario isn't like the rest. Nagoshi is really pushing the idea that this is the new Yakuza, so it seems like a perfect opportunity for them to do something completely different for her. Having it based around finding clues to expose that agency would be much more interesting. That doesn't mean that she should be defenseless, but I don't want to see her getting into fights constantly as she's running through the streets.

Fans will still likely have 4 other characters to get their traditional Yakuza-type experience from, so there'd still be plenty for them to like even if they didn't like the gameplay direction from her section.

Yup, agree with all of this 100%. It'll give the gameplay a chance to feel fresh, in a similar way to how Tatsuya's fighting styles in Black Panther 2 made that game feel more original than it maybe should have.

 

[DeliciousDoc]

I wouldn't expect any localization news at e3. Localization would only begin after 5 is a proven success, especially if it's more different.

Given that the series is fairly popular with women, I wonder if we will see more changes that appeal to them and what those would be.

 

[Midou]

If Ryo Hazuki is one of the seven, dream come true.

If I could make a wish right now, it would be this. Not for wealth, not for world peace, but a perfectly fitting Yakuza/Shenmue crossover.

Yakuza 5 is officially my most hyped game now, partially because this gen seems to have slowed down in terms of major releases for the rest of this year. We'll see how it is after E3, but I don't expect anything to change.

 

[SolidSnakex]

I wouldn't expect any localization news at e3. Localization would only begin after 5 is a proven success, especially if it's more different.

It's a guaranteed success. Even Yakuza: Of the End sold over 400k in Japan.

 

[Endo Punk]

I don't think we will be kicking faces and punching groins with Haruka, unless they make her Older and allow a female character to pummel street gangs there is really only going to be 4 playable characters with some sprinklings of Haruka for story focused parts and nothing for open sandbox gameplay.

I was expecting less playable characters not as much but Im ok with this since I believe Sega handled playable characters and story quite well in Yakuza 4. This new character intrigues me, can't wait.

Also December release date is most likely Japan only unless these extra months of dev time (Yakuza games usually release in March) are used for multi release efforts. Yakuza 4 was my GOTY with another title in 2011 so I really want to get my hands on more Yakuza action.

 

[Callibretto]

I agree with Foliorum Viridum about hoping that Haruka's scenario isn't like the rest. Nagoshi is really pushing the idea that this is the new Yakuza, so it seems like a perfect opportunity for them to do something completely different for her. Having it based around finding clues to expose that agency would be much more interesting. That doesn't mean that she should be defenseless, but I don't want to see her getting into fights constantly as she's running through the streets.

Fans will still likely have 4 other characters to get their traditional Yakuza-type experience from, so there'd still be plenty for them to like even if they didn't like the gameplay direction from her section.

it's not like the other 4 dude is only fighting all the time, you still have that adventure aspect of exploring around, sidequests, finding clues, following the story etc exactly the kind of thing you hope Haruka will do, and she will, but with a couple fight here and there to spice it up. I prefer if Haruka can really fight and defend herself and let Nagoshi come up with a fighting style that suits her character. it's not like Haruka will suddenly do a german suplex or anything

 

[Koshiro]

No playable Tanimura is lame. Was easily the most fun
and varied character in Yakuza 4, loved the grapples, reversals and of course the handcuff finishing move. Putting criminals away was complete badassery.

Seconding this, my favourite character in 4. Also his walk cycle was awesome (in cutscenes I mean).

 

[SolidSnakex]

it's not like the other 4 dude is only fighting all the time, you still have that adventure aspect of exploring around, sidequests, finding clues, following the story etc exactly the kind of thing you hope Haruka will do, and she will, but with a couple fight here and there to spice it up. I prefer if Haruka can really fight and defend herself and let Nagoshi come up with a fighting style that suits her character. it's not like Haruka will suddenly do a german suplex or anything

I'm not saying that the other 4 would be identical. Each section in Y4 felt different, but i'd argue that combat was the core element in each of them. I don't want that to be the case with Haruka's section. Would it even make sense for her to fight a lot? It seemed like Kiryu moved her to Okinawa in order to keep her away from the all of that violence. And I don't think that there was any indication that he was teaching her how to fight.

 

[Callibretto]

I'm not saying that the other 4 would be identical. Each section in Y4 felt different, but i'd argue that combat was the core element in each of them. I don't want that to be the case with Haruka's section. Would it even make sense for her to fight a lot? It seemed like Kiryu moved her to Okinawa in order to keep her away from the all of that violence. And I don't think that there was any indication that he was teaching her how to fight.

combat is the core element because Yakuza series as a whole is a beat em up action game at it's core. so obviously all 4 guy in Yakuza 4 is going to fight a lot. as for Kiryu teaching Haruka how to fight, well we never see it, but I always hope Haruka will grow up strong and badass. she's gonna be Kiryu's legacy when he's dead, and I'm pretty damn sure Kiryu is gonna die some day. Sega can't keep Kiryu forever, the 4 main character in Yakuza 4 kinda shows that they realize they need a new face to succeed Kiryu sooner or later in future series

 

[Kaizer]

Wow, this sounds FANTASTIC. I really, really, really wish that Sega will continue to publish these games, if they don't, Yakuza 5 might end up being the first big JRPG I import and I'll just have to use a guide.

 

[Criminal Upper]

Why can't it just be Kazuma?

 

[corporate cheerleader]

Why can't it just be Kazuma?

There are plenty of games with Kazuma as the sole hero and there isn't much to work with him story-wise. Besides, gameplay variation was needed.

 

[Angry Fork]

I really hope they overhaul the engine or something. I like these games but there are SO. MANY. JAGGIES. I don't understand it this is PS3 come on.

 

[SolidSnakex]

I really hope they overhaul the engine or something. I like these games but there are SO. MANY. JAGGIES. I don't understand it this is PS3 come on.

It's using a new engine.

 

[LiK]

Why can't it just be Kazuma?

It would become too predictable cuz we know Kazuma so well.

 

[Callibretto]

Are they gonna use binary domain engine?

 

[BigDug13]

So...I've never played Shenmue or this series. I live in Yokosuka, Japan (the setting for Shenmue 1.)

Is it worth getting into these games and where should I start? I don't currently own a Dreamcast. Sold that years ago.

 

[Tizoc]

So...I've never played Shenmue or this series. I live in Yokosuka, Japan (the setting for Shenmue 1.)

Is it worth getting into these games and where should I start? I don't currently own a Dreamcast. Sold that years ago.

As far as Yakuza series are concerned, if you have a PS3, play in the following order:
3, 4 & DS.
If you can get a PS2, then you could start with the first 2 game if you want.

 

[Endo Punk]

It would become too predictable cuz we know Kazuma so well.

Y4 was my first game it did feel like he got short end of the stick on story but with all the side missions and sand box gameplay I feel Kazuma was well represented. Im sure he will play a bigger part in the story of Y5 though.

 

[Champomade]

I'm a huge fan of Shenmue but never played a Yakuza game. I've read (here) that if you like Shenmue, you'll like Yakuza. Is this true?

I love Shenmue and I have never liked Yakuza

For me at its core, Shenmue is an Adventure game (where you happen to fight sometimes) and Yakuza is a beat em all (with an emphasis on characters and exploration vs. other beat em all)

 

[RZI]

Like many others, I was hoping for a playable Kaoru Sayama. Oh well, I'm still excited for this!

 

[GeoramA]

Haruka is the main character? Holy shit. Can't wait for the trailer.

 

[Callibretto]

Haruka is the main character? Holy shit. Can't wait for the trailer.

There's other translation that said she is a main character along with the other 4 character, as in being playable, not the main character of yakuza 5. dont know which one.

 

[GeoramA]

There's other translation that said she is a main character along with the other 4 character, as in being playable, not the main character of yakuza 5. dont know which one.

Well it's still cool that she's playable. I wonder if she'll be able to get in fights, though. She's always seems clumsy and uncoordinated.

 

[LiK]

Well it's still cool that she's playable. I wonder if she'll be able to get in fights, though. She's always seems clumsy and uncoordinated.

Years of self-defense training by Kazuma helps.

 

[keltickennedy]

I really hope they overhaul the engine or something. I like these games but there are SO. MANY. JAGGIES. I don't understand it this is PS3 come on.

Don't sit so close to the TV. Hahaha.

 

[VeryGooster]

So...I've never played Shenmue or this series. I live in Yokosuka, Japan (the setting for Shenmue 1.)

Is it worth getting into these games and where should I start? I don't currently own a Dreamcast. Sold that years ago.

Yakuza is the River City Ransom of this generation, if anything.

 

[Midou]

I love Shenmue and I have never liked Yakuza

For me at its core, Shenmue is an Adventure game (where you happen to fight sometimes) and Yakuza is a beat em all (with an emphasis on characters and exploration vs. other beat em all)

I love both of them, and the exploring town, sound effects, people to talk to, buying random junk from stores, still has a bit of that original Shenmue feel. I would give up all the Yakuza games for a Shenmue 3 though.

 

[Attackthebase]

As far as Yakuza series are concerned, if you have a PS3, play in the following order:
3, 4 & DS.
If you can get a PS2, then you could start with the first 2 game if you want.

Yakuza 2 is the best in the series. Yakuza 1 is hell a lot better than 3. I would recommend playing both of the PS2 games before jumping into the PS3 ones.

 

[Dick Justice]

About damn time they changed things up, the previous games have been awesome, but it's time for a change. I really hope they change up the character designs aswell. Doubt Kiryu will be wearing that white suit while driving a cab

 

[NoirVisage]

Cool. I hope that means we get more Akiyama.

First post nails it.

Indeed, very much looking forward to this!

Kaz is an obnoxiously naive, overidealistic bleeding heart.

your whore mouth, shut it.
j/k

i actually adore that dualty, i'm an overidealistic B.A. myself.

 

[jimi_dini]

I'm pretty damn sure Kiryu is gonna die some day.

Booooh this man

 

[Midou]

Yakuza 2 is the best in the series. Yakuza 1 is hell a lot better than 3. I would recommend playing both of the PS2 games before jumping into the PS3 ones.

I always thought 1 > 4 > 3 > 2

2 was kind of ridiculous, like fighting tigers, and Yakuza 1 was the only one that had a near-film legit Yakuza plot. 4 was the closest in terms of awesome feeling Yakuza film since the first.

 

[RedSwirl]

Hmm so this takes place at least 5 years after Yakuza 4.
Kiryu as a taxi driver is just...what.
Where is Fukoka BTW? Is it close to Ryukyu?

Wish Gor was a playable character
...but playable Haruka? I can only imagine the reasons punks would stop her in the middle of the road for only to get their asses handed to them Komaki-style.
...I just hope this won't mean there'll be lame ass host(ess) stuff featuring her =_=
COME ON SEGA, ANNOUNCE THIS IN E3!

Where'd that come from?

 

[LiK]

I can't stress it enough, if you're playing for the story, ALWAYS play in order. I know most of you here did.