Yakuza 3

Overview

Yakuza 3 is an action game developed by Amusement Vision, and once again it follows the series lead character Kazuma Kiryu. It was released February 26, 2009 in Japan, and March 9, 2010 in the U.S. and March 12, 2010 in Europe. Sega has also been releasing free downloadable content (exclusive to Japan) for the game as of March 5, 2009. These downloadable packs contain 29 new costumes for Kazuma, two-player modes for some of the minigames (including darts, golf and billiard), 8 packs of new items and more. Most of this DLC is made available in Western releases through redemption codes packed into the game or via pre-order bonuses with specific retailers.

Plot

The Yakuza wars are spreading over to the tropical paradise of Okinawa. After leaving his last base in Kamurocho, Kazuma Kiryu went to Okinawa and opened an orphanage named Sunshine Orphanage (U.S.) / Asago (Japan: translated to a flower called Morning Glory) with Haruka (from the first Yakuza game), a young girl who acts as his assistant. Together with the children they have taken in, the two slowly let go of the violent lives they have led prior to their arrival.

However, the happy days are short lived for the Yakuza are tightly connected with the Japanese government. A shady deal that involves the land that has Kazuma's orphanage on it. After a mysterious man resembling Kazuma's supposedly deceased father shoots Daigo Dojima, the current chairman of the Tojo Clan, Kazuma returns to Tokyo once again.

Gameplay

The two main areas you will be exploring are Ryukyugai in Okinawa and Kamurocho in Tokyo. They are both fictional areas, although based on the real life locations of Naha's Makishi and Tokyo's red-light district, Kabukicho . They contain lots of activities to enjoy such as bowling alleys, batting cages, noodle houses, bars, and convenience stores. The main gameplay is brawling. Throughout the game Kazuma earns experience (through combat, eating and sub-stories) and will learn new moves and techniques as he becomes more and more powerful. Also, Yakuza 3 adds a change to random battle load sequences using a streamlined transition from exploring than jumping right into combat causing the player to stay with the action without a major load time or blank screen. This also is utilized in the new Chase Sequences, where Kazuma is forced to attack and force down a fleeing target in order to continue the story.

Yakuza 3 contains many key features that are inherent to the series:

• Arena Fighting
• Bowling
• Billards
• Casino Games
• Batting Cages
• Sega Arcade Games
• Key Lockers

Yakuza 3 adds new features that weren't present in the previous entries:

• Karaoke: Another addition to the Yakuza series is Karaoke, containing a total of 6 songs. Kazuma can only sing one song, 'Kamurocho Lullaby' as well as Haruka having her own as well. The other four are accessible by inviting a Hostess, otherwise they involve Kazuma clapping and playing small instruments.
• Fishing/Golf/Darts: Thanks to the new Okinawa location, Kazuma can now access new mini games such as Fishing on the beach in front of the Sunshine Orphanage and Golf, which can be accessed by taking a Cab or Monorail. Another mini game making a debut is Darts which can be located in one of the games many Bars.
• Pub/Bars: Although originally accessible through various story missions, the addition of Bar hopping is a welcome feature to the franchise. Every beverage in several bars are actual drinks and contains informative dialogue attached as to how some are created and or/type of alcohol. The result of a few drinks actually displays a drunken meter on the players HUD and can cause Kazuma to access certain techniques/abilities.
• Revelations/First Person View: Kazuma has learned to blog allowing him to turn everyday situations in possible scenarios and unlocks new abilities. This is capable using the new First Person View system when in unison with emails sent from you companion, Mack Shinozuka, giving the player a description of where to find a new Revelation.
• Kamiyama's Workshops: In either Okinawa or Kamurocho, the player now has the ability to create, repair or purchase weapons and carry it in their inventory while accessing them using the directional buttons. Renji Kamiyama runs the Kamurocho branch while his younger brother, Renta Kamiyama, runs the Okinawa store. The weapon crafting adds a unique ability, never before utilized in the Yakuza franchise. Before hand, players would only be allowed to use certain weapons by completing certain side quests or by using specific locker keys. The new Workshop system allows players to start with a basic set of Accessories, Armor & Weapons, than upgrade them to various special forms or editions. While still retaining the same framework of finishing side quests or finding locker keys, the items necessary to craft are now rewards and some may also be found in local stores or pawn shops.

This is also the first Yakuza title to include Playstation Trophy support, adding a total of 45 trophies including the series first Platinum.

Kamurocho

Kamurocho is a fictional district of Tokyo that serves as a major setting of the Yakuza series. It is regarded as Tokyo's "Sin City" district, and is home to such activities as underground gambling operations, loan sharks and similar illegal activities as well as more legitimate adult establishments including host and hostess clubs, massage parlors and nightclubs. It is also a district heavy with the influence of the yakuza, who frequently clash over Kamurocho's control. At the heart of Kamurocho is a towering skyscraper called the Millennium Tower, which serves as a key location to many events throughout the series.

Restaurants

Alps Tea House (Cafe Alps)

Matsuya

Pork on Rice (Medium)

350

Pork on Rice (Large)

Gelateria

*Only appears on the menu if "Tokyo Week 1 Magazine" is in your inventory

Shellac

Atenshi (Earth Angel)

Smile Burger

*Only appears on the menu if "Tokyo Week 1 Magazine" is in your inventory

Bantam

Pronto (Cafe Time Menu and Bar Time Menu)

Cafe Time

Bar Time Menu

Kyushu No.1 Ramen

*Only appears on the menu if "Tokyo Week 1 Magazine" is in your inventory

Sushi Gin

*Only appears on the menu if "Tokyo Week 1 Magazine" is in your inventory

Kanrai

*Only appears on the menu if "Tokyo Week 1 Magazine" is in your inventory

Installation

This game requires a 5 GB installation on the PlayStation 3.

Reception

It currently holds an 80 average on Metacritic.

According to VGChartz, the game sold approximately 48,164 copies in North America in its first week; 76,535 total after 3 weeks. Some point to the fact that Sega chose to release the game on the same date as the Western release of Final Fantasy XIII as part of the reason for low sales.

Downloadable Content

The US release of Yakuza 3 includes a package of four different DLC bundles, already included in packaging.

• A new Boss Rush mode, called "Battle for Survival."
• Two new Tournament modes, including a single and tag division.
• Also the new Haruka's Request, where Kazuma is able to escort Haruka around Kamurocho in order to raise her approval meter.

Sega has also released an exclusive set of DLC included as a Gamestop pre-order gift. This package is now available for purchase in the Playstation Store, they contain:

• Extra Costumes for the main characters.
• A new competitive mode, where 2 players can compete in Pool, Golf, Darts and Bowling.