The First 10 Minutes: Yakuza 4

Driftwood
Saturday, March 19, 2011 | 10:55 PM
12 comments

First 10 minutes PS3

With what Japan has been going through for days, the release of Yakuza 4 in North America and Europe is tainted with a lot of emotion. it is just impossible not to think about what Japanese people are going through when being thrown into the streets of Tokyo of this new episode of the famous franchise. The game is still very atmospheric and unique, and though it will not blow your mind graphically speaking, the visuals are still effective enough to help you dive into the story. As always with Japanese titles focused on story, the game features a good number of cutscenes and the usual twists you have come to expect from the Yakuza series. A true experience then, something that will clearly not be to everyone's liking, but that is definitely worth it of you are a Japan lover.
Update: 3 videos added.

Téléchargement

Commented on 2011-03-19 14:15:22

Tried the demo and thought it was kind of simple, but this video shows very well how much more there is to this game. Might even buy it someday.

In reply to

Megido

Commented on 2011-03-19 14:43:58

Probably will buy it day 1even though i won't be able to play it until bloody september. AAARGH!

edit*
F**k! It's allready out!? Will get it friday then. Damn...i want to play it NOW.

Akumajo

Commented on 2011-03-19 20:51:56

I'm buying this game and will eventually get all previous Yakuzas, I played Shenmue 1 and Shenmue 2 day one back in the day, I like this genre and I am aware that if this game does not sell, then Sega wont really bother to make more or variations of it.

johnc

Commented on 2011-03-20 02:16:43 In reply to Akumajo

This message is in "Boulet Time" (TM), If you still *really* want to see it, click here

Posted by Akumajo

I like this genre and I am aware that if this game does not sell, then Sega wont really bother to make more or variations of it.

well they shouldn't... this sequelitis just keeps going because its J-pop culture resonates really well with japanese otakus.

Sega: Focus on how to tell a good open world story to shenmue III and how to keep it cheap, or just keep yourself busy with your old arcade philosophy, already.

Zombies... really?

spacemanjupiter

Commented on 2011-03-20 02:27:13

The graphics kinda suck but if this game is anything like Shenmue, I might like it. I loved Shenmue back in the day, but games have changed since then. I wonder if I'd still find it interesting today.

Commented on 2011-03-20 02:54:00

Nvm. After seeing the horrible combat system and animation I've lost interest. WTF was that all about, putting a plastic crate over the guys head and... slapping it?? Japanese do some weird shit sometimes. Their culture and idea of entertainment is almost alien at times it seems.

LEBATO

Commented on 2011-03-20 19:50:29

I bought it of course, and loving it thus far. At least to the point I am, the story is freaking bad ass still. The graphics are not the best in game, but the cutscenes are still some of the most awesome ones I've seen this gen. Buy it if you are into a good story. Buy it if you are into beat 'em ups. Buy it if you want something truly unique in your library.

Commented on 2011-03-21 20:05:40

I'm not impressed with the beat'em up aspect of the game but I have to admit, I found myself glued to my computer screen watching the story scenes. I think the game seems to do very well with story and pulling you in judging from the vids I've seen.

Commented on 2011-03-22 03:25:11 In reply to spacemanjupiter

Posted by spacemanjupiter

I thought it looked lame at first too, then I played Yakuza 1 and I was hooked--haven't looked back since.

Commented on 2011-03-22 10:14:38

Yeah i think the fighting mechanics work quite well. The repetition of random encounters gets quite dreary towards the end of the game but that's about the extent of negative things i can say about the game. Engaging story, interesting settings (and familiar in time), plenty of side quests and mini games, good characters and an overall very enjoyable experience. This is ofc only applicable to 1, 2 and 3 as i've yet to play 4 but i can't imagine i'd be so disappointed as to not like the game...i'm really curious about the three new characters tbh :)

SimonM7

Commented on 2011-03-22 21:57:44

Towards the end of a Yakuza game you have the "lucky beads" anyway and just wear those to cancel out random encounters. Grinding on the streets was viable in Yakuza 2, but they sissied up the combat quite a lot in 3 so you'd just head to the arena for that eventually.

Commented on 2011-03-22 22:18:29

Didn't really feel any need to grind in any of the games though, it just got a tad annoying trying to avoid the thugs all the time. I mean you level up enough in the game as it progresses and well, in Yakuza 2 i only needed money to complete all teh hostess girls and i pretty much maxed out my cash in the casino, so that wasn't ever a problem :)