PS3 Fanboy

Yakuza 3 is one of the most anticipated games in Japan right now. Looking at the trailer, we can see why. This is one of the most authentic recreations of Japanese urban life we've seen so far -- akin to GTAIV's recreation of NYC. The Yakuza series has been known for its quirky gameplay, and the amount of sidequests and mini-games featured in this PS3 exclusive title is staggering. Hopefully, it won't take Sega too long to bring this title to the US. (Let's not forget that Yakuza 2 has taken nearly two years to localize.)

Famitsu (translation via IGN) has unveiled in its latest issue details regarding the battle system of Yakuza 3. One of the major improvements is seamless transitions into fights. Another note-worthy addition is the foes you encounter may decide to run away from you (and vice versa, if you are chicken) -- you now have to option to engage in a "chase battle" to pursuit the enemy. This "chase battle" involves keeping your enemy in sight with your mini map and avoiding any obstacles that may appear in your path.

A "tag tournament mode" was also shown in the gaming magazine's pages. Your character enters a fighting arena where you must team up with a partner (whether this is a CPU partner or something else isn't clear) to unleash some co-op attacks on your enemies.

The last iteration of the Yakuza franchise on the PS3 sold fairly well over in Japan. Unfortunately, it hasn't received a stateside release (yet) -- here's to hoping Sega will bring both Yakuza games over to the Western market.

[Via VG247]

The upcoming "real" Yakuza 3 will expand upon one of the franchises key selling points: girls. "GAL Magazine" will feature seven top Japanese fashion models: Sayaka Araki, Eri Touka, Rina Sakurai, Shizuka Mutou, Riho Nishiyama, Rina Aikawa, and Nemu. These girls will be featured in a more "advanced" cabaret system in the upcoming game. The game will properly render the fashion and speaking styles of the fashionable girls ... something we're sure many players will be paying attention to.

Check IGN for all the girls.

[Thanks, Gambit07!]

We didn't expect Yakuza 3 to take itself so seriously. A game that features so many quirky mini-games, UFOs, and a very Japanese sense of humor has a pretty heavy handed beginning. When Yakuza 3 launched in Japan, it was able to take the number one spot on the sales charts. Looking at this cinematic, do you want Sega to localize this title for the English speaking audience?

The PS3's install base continues to grow in Japan and with it, its software sales. Sega's Yakuza 3 has taken the top spot in the Japanese software charts -- one of the few PS3 titles to claim such a lofty achievement so far. With 181,000 units sold, it managed to outsell the rest of the top five titles combined. Perhaps the use of clever marketing tools helped this title's sales? Or maybe it was the attractive Satin Silver PS3 bundle?

Regardless, we're sure both Sony and Sega are quite pleased with these numbers. Hopefully, it won't be too long before more PS3 titles climb the software sales charts.

For the rest of the bestsellers, check out Next Gen.

The above picture is Toshihiro Nagoshi, game producer and designer for SEGA, sitting in a Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (Yakuza 3) concept bar & cafe situated in Tokyo's trendy Roppongi Hills district. The bar, one of many, dishes out the same kind service any other similar establishment would, but with one major difference -- they've got playable demo kiosks for the upcoming Yakuza 3.

The idea may seem like a strange tactic, but its nonetheless one that's sure to get some attention. This isn't SEGA's first wacky promotional advertising for Yakuza 3 after all; you all remember about the samurai noodles, right? Now, if we could only have GTAIV demo kiosks out in our NYC bars...

The Japanese PS Store currently offers not one, but two demos of Sega's upcoming Japanese adventure, Yakuza 3 (aka Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan). At the very least, the two demos reassure us that there's a large number of things to do in this PS3 exclusive. However, as is typically the case with games of this nature, it seems the Jack of all Trades approach Yakuza 3 is taking means the game does many things well, but nothing stands out as particularly excellent.

For example, the combat featured in the game is simplistic at best. Sword fighting can be reduced to simple button mashing. Unfortunately, we don't see the depth that other games offer in this genre. Even relatively simple fighting systems, like the one found in Assassin's Creed, offers combat with much more finesse. The boss that's included in the demo was easily exploited by simply mashing the Triangle button. This being an early demo reminds us that there's much more work to be done in the game. As it is now, battles aren't quite challenging or interesting enough.

We love the new Yakuza 3 (aka Ryu ga Gotoku KENZAN trailer. Why? Well, not only does it have awesome J-rap background music, it shows a lot of potentially fun gameplay. Yes, swordfights are good in any language. But, there's so much more than mindless killing. It appears that there are a number of traditional minigames for you to take part in. There's also a hilarious Leisure Suit Larry-esque romance aspect to the game as well. There's so much to seemingly do and see in the game -- this really is the Japanese equivalent of GTA. And unlike Rockstar's new effort, this one is exclusively ours. Nice!

PS3 owners that have access to the Japanese PS Store are highly encouraged to download the HD version from the Store. For everyone else, check this trailer out now.

Who doesn't want to be part of the Yakuza? Sega's PS3 exclusive Yakuza 3 looks to continue the series' legacy of brutal sword fights. Jeux-France has more than a handful of videos and new screenshots to peruse through. Watch out for some of the later pictures, though. The barely-clothed women may be considered NSFW for some.

As well as confirming our Eternal Sonata suspicions the latest issue of Famitsu contains a lot of information regarding Yakuza 3. The game will be a PlayStation 3 exclusive and will be set in 1605, as opposed to modern day as the previous games have been. Famitsu contains lots of pretty pictures of the characters and the real-life celebrities that they are based off.

One naughty NeoGAFer has scanned in the pages showing all the info and images. We're excited about this game, even though we haven't played any of the previous ones. From the looks of things though, it promises to be Onimusha without the demons. Which is fine with us!

A lot of Sega fanboys would cry out for Shenmue 3 at this point, but we don't think that's what's getting announced at the Tokyo Game Show in a matter of weeks. If you check out the official Japanese website for Yakuza 2, at least what we assume is Yakuza 2, a strange thing happens -- a knife stabs a piece of paper and a number, written in Japanese, pops up. It's the number 8, and it's apparently been counting down for a while.

What's in eight days? According to IGN, the first Tokyo Game Show briefing. Will Sega announce a new entry into the surprisingly decent Yakuza franchise for the PS3? Rumors about that the game is supposed to move players beyond anything felt in recent games. Sega's most successful game to move players is arguably Shenmue. People weren't as excited over Shenmue 2, regardless, a third entry into the series has been desired by fans for years. But why would it be advertised on a Yakuza site? They are remotely related -- they've got similar gameplay and storytelling aspects. Whatever the ultimate result, we'll bring it to you on the 14th!

[via IGN]

Yakuza producer Toshihiro Nagoshi (pictured, above) announced a couple of new PS3 games during the PlayStation Premiere event today. Senjou no Valkyrie (Battle Field Valkyrie) is a new game from the Sakura Taisen team that promises to combine action, strategy and RPG elements. The game will feature graphics that look like water color paintings, utilizing a new technique called "Canvas."

After this announcement, Nagoshi hinted on two new projects he's working on for PS3. Apparently, the cosplay he's wearing is a hint of Nagoshi's next game. The project is called "my biggest production since I started working on consumer games." The game will be officially unveiled on September 14th, with a release planned for Spring.

A second game was simply hinted at ... but we'll have to wait for the official announcement at a later date. Don't you love announcements of announcements?

[Image source: Famitsu]