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[supermackem]

Just reached part 4 now. The game has been lots of fun so far, and the story is nice to follow, especially in how it connects back to previous entries. Though I have to say, all the plot twists after another are getting rather silly and unrealistic. Still, tons of fun to follow this story. Game's so much better than Y3, even if it's ridiculously "samey".

I only ever finished Y3 but the stupid crazy fucking stupid plot twists are what make a yakuza game. I mean the story in Y3 was just bat shit insane on so many levels.

 

[Riposte]

Funny thing is, 3 was probably the tamest. With 4 not too far behind(despite its kind of forced ending). 2 was just bonkers.

 

[Trevelyon]

Ugh! Got Kyoko to #1 at Elise. Just one more 2 hour grind of dress-up between cute/whore/OL and watching the same three or four cut scene prompts.

Spoiler

kill me

 

[slaughterking]

I just started Kazumas arc. I'm a little disappointed

Spoiler

the game doesn't take place in Okinawa at all, even though it kinda looked like it for a few minutes. I'm a little fed up with Kamurocho and the rather unexploited Okinawa would've been a nice change of pace.

 

[Mistouze]

Destroyed the boss ending Saejima's part. People who had problem with that fight shoul buy the Demon Gauntlet with the tournament points and then build with it the wolves gauntlets. 60att/70 uses and drains life, the boss was really manageable.

Saejima is just a great fighter, wiped the floor with my ennemies in every tournament available. Though I didn't unlock the last three.

 

[BeeDog]

The next-to-last tournament fight (can't recall its name right now) is batshit hard with Saejima, the fucking worthless character. When I fight Ivan Ibrahimovich in the last round, he DESTROYS me. Anyone got any hints on how to deal with him?

 

[corporate cheerleader]

It helps if you upgrade his charge combos. For example:

Dodge around him while he is attacking > [] × 3 > charge /\ × 3

I can't remember if grabbing him was effective, so rely on his standard face punch ground heat move.

 

[Mistouze]

Btw, how do you unlock the last three tournaments? By gaining a high popularity?

Also I just tried out the massage parlour with Tanimura.
Rating : Satisfied Dragon. :lol

 

[dgenx]

I got the game but so far i just watched the previous yakuza vídeos , they look awesome crazy, i have to ask

Am i in for a crazy plot too? Are characters likable?
And finally... Is the musix good? So far the installing song its nice!

 

[corporate cheerleader]

- Plot isn't crazy, play 2 if you want to see craziness.
- Characters are likable.
- Meh. Yakuza 2 and 3 have way better soundtracks.

 

[Katana_Strikes]

Must say I've given up on the game now. I got to the 3rd character but I'm just not feeling or enjoying this one and I tried. I don't like how it's structered with the multiple characters and I'm not connecting with the events or characters. I think 3 is by far my fave of the series. Still really looking forward to Of the End however.

 

[dgenx]

- Plot isn't crazy, play 2 if you want to see craziness.
- Characters are likable.
- Meh. Yakuza 2 and 3 have way better soundtracks.

 

[corporate cheerleader]

Don't be discouraged, it's still a good game IMO. Just not the greatest in the series. Every game has its weak points and good points and it's a shame that they dropped the ball on some of them in Yakuza 4.

Not trying to be a dick to get attention, btw, it's just my opinion. There are tons of sidequests that can keep you satisfied for hours. I've been playing for at least 90 hours and I have around 60 percent of all the trophies, so no need to feel down.

 

[Prine]

Guys, some advice.

I played about half way through Yakuza 3. I thought it was good if a little repetitive, the story though was fascinating. I stopped playing late last year for some reason though, my question is, shall i continue with Y3 before buying Y4?

Its out here on tuesday and i've got the Yakuza itch. Looks so good, far more developed than 3.

 

[Noisepurge]

Don't be discouraged, it's still a good game IMO. Just not the greatest in the series.

but it is the second greatest! Right behind part 2.

Music is good, especially if you haven't been spoiled with the amazing soundtracks of the previous titles.

Kenzan has an amazing soundtrack too, a super awesome mix of traditional japanese music and fast industrial techno beats

edit!

check it out on youtube, really good stuff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dXi9uGC0PM&feature=BF&list=PL2ADB110E6B939EB6&index=16

Yakuza 4 has awesome songs though, like the new rendition of "Receive You", Majima's theme, a version of this can be heard in every game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwukthJYEqM&feature=related

 

[corporate cheerleader]

Guys, some advice.

Yeah, I'd finish 3 if you're enjoying the story. Have you already talked to the person who's running for Prime Minister? If so, then it's way too late to quit.

but it is the second greatest! Right behind part 2.

Music is good, especially if you haven't been spoiled with the amazing soundtracks of the previous titles.

Kenzan has an amazing soundtrack too, a super awesome mix of traditional japanese music and fast industrial techno beats

I never played Kenzan, but I did hear the soundtrack. Kinda weird that most of it is techno, haha.

I wish this song was longer, I really like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF3RbjSHrwk

It's pointless to argue about taste in Yak 4's music, but the most important thing is that many people can enjoy the game in their own way, even if some things are disappointing. I paid full price and got more than my money's worth, happy ending.

 

[Audioboxer]

just finished part 3 tonight, part 4 is installing as we speak, and telling me of all the new characters. SO HYPE I COULD SHIT.

still wondering @:

WTF the game does another install? Trying to rival MGS4 for shitty installs it seems

 

[Noisepurge]

WTF the game does another install? Trying to rival MGS4 for shitty installs it seems

im quite sure he means he is done with Yakuza 3, now installing Yakuza 4 ;D

 

[Audioboxer]

im quite sure he means he is done with Yakuza 3, now installing Yakuza 4 ;D

Ouch, burn, I'll go sit in a corner.

Thought he meant chapter 3 hahaha.

 

[Noisepurge]

Ouch, burn, I'll go sit in a corner.

Thought he meant chapter 3 hahaha.

the game has Parts indeed, it was a mixup of terminology.

Yakuza 4 has 4 Parts and they each have 4 Chapters ;D

 

[Vador]

I'm now at part 2 chapter 3 with 28hours in.. wow. I didn't think one part would take that long lol. Really fun game.

 

[warpaint]

am near finishing 6 sub quest in the second chapter of the first part, anyone know how many they are in it ?

 

[corporate cheerleader]

Akiyama - 16
Saejima - 15
Tanimura - 16
Kiryu - 15

Plus the battle against the 4 Amons = 63 substories.

 

[warpaint]

thanks man thats good to know

 

[Data West]

I kind of love how Kazuma

Spoiler

mops the floor with Akiyama and Tanimura

 

[Die Squirrel Die]

Akiyama - 16
Saejima - 15
Tanimura - 16
Kiryu - 15

Plus the battle against the 4 Amons = 63 substories.

It's probably worth noting that 1 of Saejima's and I think 3 of Kiryu's substories are only avaible once you reach the final section.

 

[corporate cheerleader]

Yeah, I didn't bother with the substories until the final chapter. AFAIK you can't miss substories, unlike previous games.

 

[Windom Earle]

After my initial disappointment with the Akiyama part, I have arrived at KAZUMA KIRYU and love everything about the game now. Story is soo good. It's a real Yakuza game after all.

I have done all the Akiyama substories, afaik they are the only missable ones. Missing quite a few of the other chars, but I am already looking forward to complete them all. Btw, are dates in this game? Haven't met any chicks.

 

[corporate cheerleader]

You can only date them when you visit the clubs, just like 1 and 2. The date-a-bitch-twice-and-get-crabs system from the localized Yakuza 3 is no more.

 

[Windom Earle]

You can only date them when you visit the clubs, just like 1 and 2. The date-a-bitch-twice-and-get-crabs system from the localized Yakuza 3 is no more.

I see, thx. Yeah, gonna do the hostess stuff with the pimp himself (Kiryu).

 

[Mistouze]

I see, thx. Yeah, gonna do the hostess stuff with the pimp himself (Kiryu).

Technically, Akiyama is the pimp. He even got a pimpin' minigame.

 

[Die Squirrel Die]

Dammit, I had Noa at 20 hearts and the last question of the session I picked the wrong answer, lost a whole heart.

 

[Audioboxer]

Dammit, I had Noa at 20 hearts and the last question of the session I picked the wrong answer, lost a whole heart.

Oooft tell me about it. Some of those questions require really shitty answers and end up costing you more money and another trip to the club >:[

 

[Die Squirrel Die]

Oooft tell me about it. Some of those questions require really shitty answers and end up costing you more money and another trip to the club >:[

Went straight back in, got to 20 (after losing a heart and a half - damn girl is all oldfashioned and not woman's liberation at all), got the choice to stay or leave. I got the hell out of there.

 

[Jugendstil]

Bestbuy.com still lists this as being on sale $40 but its out of stock at every store in the city. BOO. I shouldn't have slept on this the week it was released. Time to man up and just buy it from Amazon.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Bestbuy.com still lists this as being on sale $40 but its out of stock at every store in the city. BOO. I shouldn't have slept on this the week it was released. Time to man up and just buy it from Amazon.

Thanks for the tip man! Just hopped on BB.com and... the closest store with stock is... 20 Miles away. It's my only day off and I won't be able to play when I get back :l But still it's in stock and on sale so... looks like I'm hopping on the freeway :l

 

[Windom Earle]

Technically, Akiyama is the pimp. He even got a pimpin' minigame.

Hostess club owners are nerd pimps.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Just got back with the game. Can't believe how quick time flies. Feels like yesterday that I was playing through part 2 on PS2

 

[Dash Kappei]

I've never played part3 (Kenzan appeals me 10x more) but part2 was unbearable for me to play without HD loader, fucking loading times. So I guess what I'm asking is:
How are loading time managed in part4?
I'm interested in this game, I love the genre and the setting but even if it sounds ridiculous those loading times completely ruined the experience I had with the series until now, not going to put up with it again.
I wish every game had optional full-installs, but since that's not the case on PS3, I want to be sure what I'm getting into before pulling my credit card out.

 

[klee123]

Oh wow, I'm enjoying playing Tanimura as well! Again, his style is quite unique and certainly brings something new to the table.

What I like about Y4 is that each character interactions to the city is quite unique from each other. I noticed the biggest changes with Saejima and Tanimura, whilst I feel Akiyama is more similar to Kazuma.

I've never played part3 (Kenzan appeals me 10x more) but part2 was unbearable for me to play without HD loader, fucking loading times. So I guess what I'm asking is:
How are loading time managed in part4?
I'm interested in this game, I love the genre and the setting but even if it sounds ridiculous those loading times completely ruined the experience I had with the series until now, not going to put up with it again.
I wish every game had optional full-installs, but since that's not the case on PS3, I want to be sure what I'm getting into before pulling my credit card out.

Load times are quite short in Y3 and Y4 actually and both have mandatory installs.

 

[gdt]

I think I'll finally hop into Yakuza 3 tomorrow, after I finish ME2 DLC. If I dig it, I'll be sure to pick up Yakuza 4.

 

[Dash Kappei]

Load times are quite short in Y3 and Y4 actually and both have mandatory installs.

Well, mandatory installs don't mean much cough: GT5 :cough. But good that they're quick. How frequent they are, how does the game work loading-wise (street fights/boss fights/missions/new area/whatever)?

 

[IrishNinja]

^honestly, i think the Yakuza series has improved its loading times as it's gone. fights took a lot longer to load on the PS2 games for me (assuming you weren't using an HDD loader), 3 and 4 both seem fairly quick in comparison, which is nice given their frequency.

4 seems faster than 3 as well, cause there's times i accidentally wander into a shop or up to the rooftops and i dont mean to, but the loading time isn't often long enough to feel as though im being penalized. there's been a few long ones leaving new serena, not noticed much else - im also fairly forgiving because the game's loading a rather large map of kamurocho and fights aside, i dont have to wait at all to just wander around the whole city.

 

[firehawk12]

Well, mandatory installs don't mean much cough: GT5 :cough. But good that they're quick. How frequent they are, how does the game work loading-wise (street fights/boss fights/missions/new area/whatever)?

It loads fights and almost every time you enter a new room. It's annoying, but at least it's mostly seamless.

 

[IrishNinja]

meant to ask - what kind've fighting style is Akiyama using? i recognize it from Hworang (sp) from Tekken 3, but he makes it flow a little better.
gonna go look up the Yakuza papers thing previously linked to.

 

[Noisepurge]

one more vote for clearly improved loading times, loading a saved game in the main menu and putting you in the streets is a snap too.

 

[dgenx]

well I had this problem where the game freezed when I went to the casino and play some Aladdin game , luckly a reinstall fixed that up, hope to dont find a crash again!

The game is awesome! but I waste so much time in the UFO catcher, trying to find the keys ,eating and now I want to learn to play Mahjong, any useful guide out there?

o yeah the Alaadin Destiny game is freaking crazy!

 

[_Xenon_]

Just finished the game with 75+ hours.

All 63 sub-stories.
All hostess sub-stories.
All locker keys.
All 40 (10 x 4) IF7-R fights.
67% trophies.

What a wild ride. Now here comes the min-games and arena challenges.

 

[BeeDog]

Finished the game earlier today, mini-review coming up!

Pros:

+ It's really the best Yakuza game so far. It's very samey, but many elements are refined which makes this game a pleasure to play.
+ GREAT characters; I have to say, the three new characters are great fun to play as and they're also sufficiently fleshed out. Sure, it's a bit grating that they all end up being goody-two-shoes, but they're still great additions to the game.
+ The game is meaty as hell; I don't even want to check my ingame clock, but I'm sure I've played A LOT of hours. Each part/character has a fair share of stuff to do.
+ The side-quests are excellent; while they often devolve into beating guys up, the actual stories behind them are much better than in Y3 and are sometimes even interconnected to the main story, or they simply provide additional backstories for the characters.
+ The humor is excellent in the side-quests; I found myself laughing at several parts of the game, especially the substory featuring Hana's poor suspect drawing.
+ Most importantly, the story, despite it being over-the-top batshit insane as usual, is GREAT fun to follow, and is consistently good throughout. Finally there's a game that doesn't have any rushed end parts (I'm looking at you, fucking Killzone 3). The way all characters integrate at the end is suh-weet.
+ The game has a great amount of polish; I didn't encounter/notice a single bug or spelling error (OMG), and many of the minor annoyances from Y3 have been resolved here (e.g. food ticks, good status tracking, key radar/substory locator etc.). It really feels like the game devs have though everything through, since there's not really anything REALLY missing. I mean, they've even solved the Clear Data/Premium Adventure discrepancy excellently! Though this was also valid for Y3.
+ Good action set-pieces; the set-pieces found in the game (e.g. climbing the Hills) were really good and action-packed.

Cons:

- While I find the story very intriguing and interesting to follow (especially for a videogame), the amount of twists in the later half of the game was ridiculous, haha. Still, not a major bummer if you're used to the batshit crazy Yakuza stories.
- A major con is that the game still takes place in Kamurocho. They really need to come up with a completely new major location for the next mainline game. The underground/rooftop areas aren't deep/interesting enough to replace the lack of Okinawa. The game feels quite samey, especially if you just come off Y3. My recommendation is to have breathing room between the games.
- The game is quite unbalanced at parts. My playthrough was on hard, and some parts were insanely hard (quite curiously, mostly early on), while the end parts became a lot easier. (SPOILERS)

Spoiler

The first three end fights were quite easy, then all of a sudden the fourth one is a major pain in the ass if you come unprepared.

- Not enough set-pieces. Feels like there were quite fewer action set-pieces compared to Y3.
- This is a minor negative point, but I was extremely annoyed by the characters' habit of repeating the name of the person they're addressing in a stoic manner ("Kiryu..."). Is this some Japanese thing or...?
- LET ME PAUSE THE FUCKING VIDEOS! Another major annoyance, seeing as how reliant the game is on cutscenes. Several times I had to walk away from cutscenes to do stuff, and was pissed at the lack of pausing.
- The rainy Kamurocho setting looks beautiful, but is underutilized. (is there a way to force rain on for Premium Adventure?)

Anyway, I have to say this game is excellent. While it occasionally feels like an extension of Y3, it's more than that; the new characters really provide a breath of fresh air to the series. Good shit. 9/10

 

[u_neek]

- LET ME PAUSE THE FUCKING VIDEOS! Another major annoyance, seeing as how reliant the game is on cutscenes. Several times I had to walk away from cutscenes to do stuff, and was pissed at the lack of pausing.

You can use the PS button to pause cutscenes

Great review - I pretty much agree with everything even though I'm not that far in.