Yakuza 3 Review (PS3)

Turning Japanese…I really think so!

Well hello Yakuza 3, and where have you been all my life huh? If like me, you are a bit of a fan of all things Japanese, then Yakuza is the game for you. I don’t mean it has characters with spiky hair and saucer like eyes, or based around ancient samurais, giant robot suits or monsters (in your pocket or otherwise). Nope Yakuza is all about the authentic, modern Japan. The action takes place in two different, but equally vibrant cities. The neon extremities of Tokyo, and initially in the idyllic beaches and bustling town of Okinawa.

I’m afraid the first two Yakuza games passed me by (not sure how that happened though), but you don’t need to have played the first 2 games, to enjoy the third one.

There is so much to do, this game should keep you entertained for many an hour

There are enough options to take a trip down memory lane, and re-visit the main action (via cut scenes of course) during this installment. Game play wise Yakuza 3 reminds you of a Japanese Grand Theft Auto, but without the carjacking. But this being a Sega game, there is so much more to do. The combat consists of a combination of bare fist, feet and weapon based, all controlled using three buttons, as well as a block. It is almost like a very basic Virtua Fighter (another SEGA classic), with RPG elements providing you with improved moves. You also have the ability to improve your weapons, fix them when broken, and even make your own. While we are talking about the fighting, and the RPG elements, it’s perhaps prudent to warn you about one of the most annoying parts of this otherwise excellent game. Like the final fantasy games of old, whilst wondering the game areas on your various quests, you come across lots of random battles, which you cannot avoid. Ok, so it helps build up your character, but annoys the hell outta ya while you are searching for a lost god, or looking for some ingredients on one of the many side missions.

Another thing to mention is the fact that all the voice acting has been left in its native tongue, meaning that there are loads of subtitles to go through during the many cut-scenes. Personally this doesn’t bother me, as I’m used to watching foreign movies with subtitles, and even English language ones have the subs put on them. But I know there are some people out there that can’t be bothered reading while they are gaming.
Story wise, you play the main character from the first 2 Yakuza games from SEGA. The 4th chairman of the Tojo Clan, Kazuma Kiryu. Kazuma has now moved away from his Yakuza lifestyle, and now runs the Morning Glory Orphanage. You spend the first few hours of the game doing various missions evolving the children in your care. As well as partaking in some of the many mini games, such as golf, fishing, baseball, gambling, shopping and of course, the relentless fighting every few steps when you pop to the town of Okinawa. Things turn nasty, and you have to return to Tokyo (and replace your Hawaiian shirt, with your Yakuza suit) apparently the Government want to knock down the Orphanage, and build a new resort, and army base on the site.

Graphics and production values are of the highest order, as is the writing. Lots of humor can be found in the strangest places, and the attention to detail is very impressive. Everything from the arcade games, to the people and sounds that inhabit both Okinawa and Tokyo seem totally believable. A welcome glimpse into the seedy underbelly of Japanese life. There is so much to do, this game should keep you entertained for many an hour, although sometimes the fighting does get repetitive, and frustrating when you get double teamed by two opponents. Luckily the game is so engaging that you forgive it any little annoyances, and does not stop you wanting to fully experience this game until the final credits roll.