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[Parakeetman]

Title: Yakuza Zero - The Promised Land
Genre: Action Adventure
Players: 1
Platforms:
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 3
Release Date: March 12th 2015
Price: 8,190 JPY (w/o tax)
Rating: CERO D (17 and up)

The events in Yakuza 0 kick off on December 1988 in a Kamurocho frequented by people unassumingly going about their lives with their brand name suits, shoes, luxury watches and so on. It’s an age when people took it for granted that they could get anything they desired. But a select set of men knew that, even in this town where money was the law, that there were things that even money couldn’t buy.

…it all started with a small empty lot that came about, in a town otherwise packed to the brim with concrete, purely from coincidence.

At around this time the Japanese underworld set about with their “21st Century Re-Development Project.” And this project was the central focus of a power struggle for authority that was bubbling beneath the surface […]. This project threatened to shake-up the status quo of who controlled Kamurocho. But there’s a piece of the puzzle that’s missing; who’s going to provide the land for the upcoming giant trading building “Millennium Tower”?* The fight for control over Kamurocho is just beginning.

This is a Kamurocho where lust for money is characterized openly by the ordinary person [described above], and secretly by men who’ve taken their lust one step further, fighting over rights [over Kamurocho’s various facilities: stores, restaurants, clubs, etc.]. Kamurcho is held together by the miraculous balance between “open” and “secret,” and “black” and “white.”

In one corner of Kamurcho there’s a young man who’s not yet entirely black or white. Prone to half-assing things, he’s a Tojo Clan, Dojima Family member—Kiryu Kazuma (20-years-old). He’s more than competent but not particularly likable. Added to that, he doesn’t even have the smarts to trick people; problematic because he lives in the underworld where the power of money and violence are a necessity, a world which he isn’t capable of skilfully navigating.

And yet this Kiryu Kazuma goes about eking out his living, conducting his “part time job” of reclaiming loan payments in shadowy alleyways. He doesn’ t even know what he wants. He has no dreams. He’s just a young yakuza left stumbling around aimlessly in life by the wave of greed that’s a sign of the times*. This is the man known as Kiryu Kazuma… or it was until one evening when a certain event occurred: A murder case.

It happened in a small empty lot in the center of Kamurocho that was nestled in the space between buildings. Kiryu, one of the suspects in the murder, is suddenly dragged into the whirlpool of desire of men who have their eyes set on obtaining power. And all this happens without Kiryu aware of the incredible conspiracy centering around the Tojo Clan and Dojima Family that’s unfolding in the background.

The shadow of disquiet envelops Kamurocho, but Kansai’s Soutenbori, which is in the heat of its own struggles, bears striking resemblance to Kamurocho. Soutenbori, much like Kamurcho, is lined with neon signs and people flowing with the good times. And just as Kamurocho has its underside in the form of the Tojo Clan, Soutenbori too has its own underside; the biggest yakuza alliance in Western Japan also known as the Omi Alliance.

There’s a man that goes by the title “The Emperor of the Night”. He’s the manager of Soutenbori’s number one cabaret club, a club he brought back from the brink of closing down. The owner’s name is Majima Goro (24-years-old). His posture is refined and graceful and his dedication to seeing that “the customer is always right” is borderline insane. Money, acclaim—Majima Goro has it all, to many he’s an exemplary example of someone making his way in the world.

But this is all a facade. Majima Goro doesn’t choose to live in the public eye, he has to; a punishment for an act of betrayal he once made. He’s an outcast who defied the orders of his clan. A decision which led to him being tortured and subsequently forced out of the underworld.*

His punishment is to live, making money in the giant cage that is Soutenbori, all the while being placed under surveillance. As Majima shoulders his punishment he waits, he waits for his best friend to get out of jail, but also for his chance to get back into the underworld. And one day Majima gets a once in a lifetime chance to escape his cage. But taking that chance means making the choice to go past the point of no return.

The two men left behind by the times will be dragged into the vicious fight over that one empty lot by the various interests at play. One generation may be ending, but two legends are about to be born.

Credits to Gematsu for combining the posts and Articuno76 at the SEGA forums for the translations.

• All new combat system. Similar to the Yakuza Ishin system of having multiple combat styles. Both Kiryu and Majima will have 3 distinct combat styles that can be switched on the fly. Each will have its own attack styles and perks related to leveling up that particular style.
• Tokyo and Osaka areas of the game have been redesigned to reflect the time setting of the 1980s. Same goes for the clothing style of the characters who appear in the game.
• PlayStation Vita companion app for the game. That allows for Fighting Arena, Gambling Hall (Kiryu Only), Casino (Goro Only), Vita specific service pack games 500 JPY (Sega Mahjong MJ Single, Super Monkeyball Special, Columns, Beluga), Vita specific pachi-slot. Money earned in the Vita companion app can carry over to the main game.
• EXP / Money system has been redone. EXP has been replaced with Money which acts as EXP and Money to purchase things in game. Money is earned during combat from attacks done in combat and overall performance.
• Tokyo, Kamurocho Money Island (Kiryu) and Osaka, Liquor Trade (Goro) are two new game systems where the player will have to build up their own empire in the two major cities as the 2 protagonists. Kiryu will be in charge of buying various properties and Goro in managing the night life businesses.
• Various new mini-games and events to enjoy. Playspots include (Fighting Arena, Shogi, Fishing, Darts & Billiards, Mahjong, Karaoke Bar, Pocket Circuit, Bowling, Hi-tech Land SEGA, Disco)

Kazuma Kiryu - 20-years-old. East Japan’s greatest yakuza organization, the Tojo Clan. Kiryu is a gangster belonging to the Dojima Family, which is under the direct command of the main Tojo Clan itself. He lost his parents at an early age, and was brought up at the Sunflower Orphanage founded by Dojima Family lieutenant Shintaro Kazama. After growing up, he followed in Kazama’s footsteps and joined the Dojima Family himself. Already widely known for being among the strongest fighters within the Tojo Clan, he operates predominantly within Kamurocho as his headquarters. However, on one fateful day in December 1988, Kiryu finds himself accused of extracting money from a back alley murder victim, putting his organization in a state of crisis. What’s worse, Kazama, the man Kiryu owes his life, too, gets caught in the crossfire. In order to protect him, Kiryu has decided to leave the Dojima Family, but…

Majima Goro - 24-years-old. Manager of the cabaret club “Grand” in Soutenbori, Osaka. You wouldn’t think he is sincere, but contrary to his appearance, he is bold, yet polite. The “King of the Night,” he managed to turn Grand into the most popular club in Soutenbori in the blink of an eye amidst cutthroat competition. However, his true identity is that of an ousted former yakuza. Several years ago, he was working in Tokyo under the Tojo Clan, but during a certain raid, went against the will of the organization, facing imprisonment as a result. Afterwards, he was sent to Osaka under the supervision of Kansai’s greatest yakuza organization, the Omi Alliance, allowed to stay alive as a normal citizen. But for his close friend and sworn brother, Majima dreams of returning to the family. One day, as the condition for his return, he is ordered to kill a person, but…

Credits to Gematsu for the protagonist backstory information.

7 Minute Trailer
15 Minute Story Trailer
Game Trailer
22 Minute Dev Commentary + Combat Gameplay Footage
21 Minute Dev Commentary + Vita App Gameplay Footage
23 Minute Dev Commentary + Kazuma Kiryu Gameplay Footage
22 Minute Dev Commentary + Majima Goro Gameplay Footage

#1:

Q: Is this getting localized?

A: No idea currently, it is a miracle that Yakuza 5 is getting localized with how the series has been going sales wise in the West. Perhaps if 5 actually sells well they re-consdier bringing out at least the PS4 version of Yakuza Zero to the West. But don't get your hopes up for now.

#2:

Q: I'm new to the Yakuza series, would I still enjoy the game?

A: Quite possibly the best place to jump in considering that this title is a prequel to the 5 other titles in the series.

#3:

Q: How much Japanese language knowledge do I need for this game?

A: Generally the Yakuza series is very dialog and text heavy. Therefore if you want to know whats going on story wise and how to progress in the game then having an understanding of the Japanese language is HUGE. Though there are people who have played through the previous games using FAQs or subtitled playthrough videos online.

#4:

Q: How hard is this game?

A: If you are bad at action games, some of the boss fights may give you trouble. But for the most part the series in general is not too hard combat wise as long as you do not go doing something stupid like jamming all the buttons in hopes of winning against the bosses. I forget if there was an actual difficulty setting for the game itself.

#5:

Q: How long is the game?

A: Generally we can say from around 25 hours if you just want to do the main story stuff, but totally playing through everything the title has to offer 40 hours and up.

#6:

Q: Is there any place I can go to get info on the other titles in the series?

A: Currently there is no community thread yet here on GAF, though I heard that someone is supposed to make one soon. Will update this section once it goes up.

#7:

Q: Is there a demo of the game?

A: Yes there is a demo currently up on the Japanese PSN. So if you have a JPSN account you should be able to download it. JPSN store demo link.

DLC Product codes included in the [Yakuza 80's Hits! Collection] Music CD and [Yakuza 10th Anniversary Edition A Series Sony Walkman] that unlock music for listening to in game.

AmiAmi
Nippon-Yasan
CD Japan
HMV Japan
*Disclaimer: Neither GAF nor myself has any sort of affiliation with the following sites above. These are just the most common ones members frequently speak of when it comes to online import shops and these links are for the convenience of the members who are still interested in importing the Japanese version of the game. Mods if you feel this is inappropriate let me know and will remove this section.

Thanks goes out to SEGA and Designer Candies - Adam McIntyre for the resources used to make up the graphics in this OT.
Thanks to dafont.com / Xerographer Fonts for the font used in the OT.
Thanks to Gematsu for combining the posts and Articuno76 at the SEGA forums for the translations.
Thanks to Gematsu for various information.
*Have no official affiliation to SEGA, Designer Candies, dafont.com, Gematsu.

 

[plasmawave]

Just waiting for the JP PSN store to update with this bad boy.

 

[ThePeoplesBureau]

Waiting on my disc copy (PS4), probably won't get here until next week, bah. Look forward to some impressions before then.

 

[Parakeetman]

Went and set up this thread, since I know we have a fair number of folks that import and play the series, since god knows how long before / IF this title gets localized. Wanted to have a set location where the fans can converse in regards to this latest addition to the series.

 

[Alcoholikaust]

Happy to import.

 

[cj_iwakura]

I like your title for the game, very poetic.

 

[JustAnotherOtaku]

So ready for this. I thought 5 was the best in the series so far and, while I enjoyed it, was a little disappointed by Ishin. Hoping this is a return to the usual excellence.

 

[IrishNinja]

up in this thread like stink on a monkey - fantastic OP! i'm gonna shamelessly jack it for the US release OT, haha (BELIEVE!)

god, this looks like the best one yet. just everything about it looks fantastic.

 

[SpikedGunner]

Like the OT, may import depending on if they're actually considering localizing it or not...here's hoping that 5 does well.

 

[Parakeetman]

So ready for this. I thought 5 was the best in the series so far and, while I enjoyed it, was a little disappointed by Ishin. Hoping this is a return to the usual excellence.

From the demo this game most def feels like it has a different tone to it. Its interesting seeing a younger cocky Kiryu thats for sure. Plus Majima who has not gone totally batshit yet. Which Im guessing the events in this game is what drives him to become the loveable off the wall insane son of a bitch he is in the main series lol.

The acting as expected is fantastic esp with the 3 young bosses of the Toujoukai group. All played by actors who have experience with movies in the Yakuza genre.

I like your title for the game, very poetic.

up in this thread like stink on a monkey - fantastic OP! i'm gonna shamelessly jack it for the US release OT, haha (BELIEVE!)

god, this looks like the best one yet. just everything about it looks fantastic.

Like the OT, may import depending on if they're actually considering localizing it or not...here's hoping that 5 does well.

Thanks!

Indeed, was quite impressed with the demo and the acting dear god was it fantastic. Even though the "still frame" sections were a bit odd with the story progression. Overall was left with very high hopes for another fantastic game after finishing the demo.

 

[t1gerjaw]

Beautiful OT.

Too bad the demo was boring. Lots of conversations and almost no action, then again, I don't know a lick of japanese.

Disclaimer: I've finished RGG Kenzan! with subtitled cutscenes and a FAQ and enjoyed it just fine.

 

[Wanchan]

Nice OT!

Just waiting for the JP PSN store to update with this bad boy.

This, hopefully Solaris won't slack on the PSN cards i ordered...

 

[matrixman92]

might wait until someone gets a translation site up, like they did with Ishin...but then again, I still havent imported Ishin lol

 

[Dick Justice]

Beautiful OT.

Too bad the demo was boring. Lots of conversations and almost no action, then again, I don't know a lick of japanese.

Disclaimer: I've finished RGG Kenzan! with subtitled cutscenes and a FAQ and enjoyed it just fine.

I remember being bored to death by the cutscenes in the Japanese demo for Yakuza 4, mainly because I didn't understand what was happening and couldn't skip them (you have to enable that option in the settings menu). Didn't have that problem with the English release, obviously.

 

[TKR92]

can't wait to play it.

Probably will get sometime in next week.

 

[è£ ç”²æ‚ªé¬¼æ‘æ­£]

I thought 5 was the best in the series so far

Eew. 5 was a hot mess for the most part.

Totally pumped for this, even though both locations are the most used in the series so far. The 80s look makes it all fresh again.

 

[Parakeetman]

Beautiful OT.

Too bad the demo was boring. Lots of conversations and almost no action, then again, I don't know a lick of japanese.

Disclaimer: I've finished RGG Kenzan! with subtitled cutscenes and a FAQ and enjoyed it just fine.

Nice OT!

This, hopefully Solaris won't slack on the PSN cards i ordered...

Thanks!

 

[bananafactory]

I've never imported a game before - how does it work? I assume it's all in Japanese so how do you play if you don't understand it?

Really want to try this out but a bit worried

 

[plasmawave]

Nice OT!



This, hopefully Solaris won't slack on the PSN cards i ordered...

I tried them before and they are a reliable bunch.
They will send you the code within 24 hours.

Japan Codes on the other hand...

 

[JustAnotherOtaku]

Eew. 5 was a hot mess for the most part.

In what ways? I felt the combat was as good as it has ever been and there was a lot more diversity. Then again, I wasn't part of the Haruka haters.

 

[Parakeetman]

I've never imported a game before - how does it work? I assume it's all in Japanese so how do you play if you don't understand it?

Really want to try this out but a bit worried

A lot of folks either use FAQs or online playthrough videos with subtitles. I do not have the particular YT chan that did videos for games in the series but there is one out there. One of the more well connected Western fans can hook you up with that most likely.

Found that YT link where some user went and added subtitles to the playthrough of Yakuza Kenzan.

https://www.youtube.com/user/KHHsubs/videos

 

[JustAnotherOtaku]

I've never imported a game before - how does it work? I assume it's all in Japanese so how do you play if you don't understand it?

Really want to try this out but a bit worried

Trial and error lol. The joys of importing.

This series isn't too bad though in terms of knowing what to do to progress. In most cases there's a marker on the map indicating where you need to go/what you need to do next.

 

[Parakeetman]

Eew. 5 was a hot mess for the most part.

Unfortunately

Spoiler

This is a mod and Haruka will not do awesome shit like this in Yakuza 5.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

In what ways? I felt the combat was as good as it has ever been and there was a lot more diversity. Then again, I wasn't part of the Haruka haters.

I liked 5 but thought the ending was cheeks. They took the most boneless paths possible

 

[matrixman92]

I've never imported a game before - how does it work? I assume it's all in Japanese so how do you play if you don't understand it?

Really want to try this out but a bit worried

gameplay and objectives probably wont be too hard...the story will be out the window for you pretty much. I am going to wait for online subititles, faqs, walkthroughs, or at least something to help me along.

 

[Valkerionseven]

Can't wait to play this, Japan in the 80's, filled to the brim with Japanese yakuza movie stars! Sad if it does go outside Japan most will miss out (as usual) on how awesome some of the cameos and casting is since they don't know who the people are nor how amazing the facial work is.

 

[Tizoc]

Ugh, why didn't you add that it is for PS4 in the subtitle! Now PS4 peeps won't even know of it!
THIS IS RELEASING ON MY B-DAY HOLY CRAP!

 

[Nintenyearold]

This might be my first import once some good walkthroughs are available, if localization ends up looking unlikely. For those playing at launch, enjoy!

 

[è£ ç”²æ‚ªé¬¼æ‘æ­£]

In what ways?

The story and characters.

Spoiler

The final fight was against a guy who might as well have been a nameless NPC for fucks sake.

Most of the individual stories just didn't come together in a convincing way, the grand plan of the big bad was really stupid even for series standard and while I enjoyed the Haruka segment it was symptomatic for a game that tried to cram as much shit into it as possible with zero consideration for how it's all supposed to fit together.

Zero looks like it's going to be a more focused game, that's for sure.

 

[Parakeetman]

Can't wait to play this, Japan in the 80's, filled to the brim with Japanese yakuza movie stars! Sad if it does go outside Japan most will miss out (as usual) on how awesome some of the cameos and casting is since they don't know who the people are nor how amazing the facial work is.

These 3 are by far the best Ive seen yet from the demo alone.

Riki Takeuchi / Hideo Nakano / Hitoshi Ozawa

Insanely good performance during the scene with Kiryu getting called in for a meeting with them regarding the incident that occurs at the start of the game.

 

[IrishNinja]

The story and characters.

Spoiler

The final fight was against a guy who might as well have been a nameless NPC for fucks sake.

Most of the individual stories just didn't come together in a convincing way, the grand plan of the big bad was really stupid even for series standard and while I enjoyed the Haruka segment it was symptomatic for a game that tried to cram as much shit into it as possible with zero consideration for how it's all supposed to fit together.

...damn. my man Segata wasn't a fan either - i'm still holding out hope; i doubt it'll top my love for 4 but as long as i like the plot better than 3 i think i'm good

 

[Stuart444]

Not going to lie, very very tempted to get this on PSN since I didn't bother pre-ordering a physical copy (and waiting is not my strong suit lol)

Nice OT as usual Parakeetman

 

[artsi]

Already loaded up funds to PSN, just waiting for it to appear.
Finally I can visit Kamurocho in 1080p / 60fps.

 

[Gacha-pin]

I didn't expect an OT for this game. OP, 乙ero( ´3`)

I wanted a digital version but no preorder option is available on PS store ended up ordering one at amazon yesterday. But I heard this game has manual and Hoddog press is actually good. I think I'm ok with a physical copy.

 

[distantmantra]

I always import RGG titles day one, but I'm probably getting a PS4 soon, so I'll hold off until then.

 

[Parakeetman]

Not going to lie, very very tempted to get this on PSN since I didn't bother pre-ordering a physical copy (and waiting is not my strong suit lol)

Nice OT as usual Parakeetman

Thanks!

I didn't expect an OT for this game. OP, 乙ero( ´3`)

I wanted a digital version but no preorder option is available on PS store ended up ordering one at amazon yesterday. But I heard this game has manual and Hoddog press is actually good. I think I'm ok with a physical copy.

Went and did it since never liked "impression threads" vs actual OTs. lol

 

[Sesuadra]

yay an OT!

digimon digital, this I'll buy retail later at yodobashi. good job with the OT ^_^

 

[dragonlife]

Young Kazuma is so cute <3

 

[Parakeetman]

yay an OT!

digimon digital, this I'll buy retail later at yodobashi. good job with the OT ^_^

Thanks! I know its crazy isnt it? 2 good games that will most def eat a TON of time coming out on the same day. D: lol

 

[Son Of Sparda]

Nice OT, but that title man. Why did you have to write Yakuza

 

[Sgblues]

Well thanks Parakeetman for the OT and picking the title I was gonna use as well.


Yeah my copy shipped so would be expecting it tomorrow or Friday.

 

[Sesuadra]

Thanks! I know its crazy isnt it? 2 good games that will most def eat a TON of time coming out on the same day. D: lol

march is incredible! bloodborne, yakuza, FF, Digimon..

Spoiler

studying and writing a paper with 16 pages about japanese kawaii culture..

where does my time go again?

 

[UnluckyKate]

thanks for ot. Yakuza gaf and yakuza as a whole needs as much visibility as possible

 

[Parakeetman]

Nice OT, but that title man. Why did you have to write Yakuza

Thanks!

Because no one outside of the hardcore fans would recognize the name otherwise.

Trust me I dont like the localization of the title either. As they painted themselves into a corner when it comes to the jidaigeki spinoffs that have nothing to do with the Yakuza.

Well thanks Parakeetman for the OT and picking the title I was gonna use as well.

Yeah my copy shipped so would be expecting it tomorrow or Friday.

Went and did one up since was surprised no one else claimed it and the shits coming out today lol.

thanks for ot. Yakuza gaf and yakuza as a whole needs as much visibility as possible

Yep no problem thats what Im here for sacrificing sleep and sanity.

 

[artsi]

Because no one outside of the hardcore fans would recognize the name otherwise.

Yeah right choice, it's the official translation anyway so nothing wrong using it.

 

[Gacha-pin]

There are some Yakuza 0 LFP streamers lol &#9651;&#12295;×&#9633;

 

[Thaumaturgic Tomato]

These 3 are by far the best Ive seen yet from the demo alone.


Riki Takeuchi / Hideo Nakano / Hitoshi Ozawa

Insanely good performance during the scene with Kiryu getting called in for a meeting with them regarding the incident that occurs at the start of the game.

Yea, would be funny if they snuck in a Beat Takeshi cameo. Bubble Japan seems like such a fun setting. So many crazy stories of excess from that era. Wish I could time travel to Bubble Tokyo for vacation.

I noticed Arata right away

and I see this face often too

All the actors http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Yakuza-Zero/side-by-side/

 

[sn00zer]

.

 

[Parakeetman]

up in this thread like stink on a monkey - fantastic OP! i'm gonna shamelessly jack it for the US release OT, haha (BELIEVE!)

god, this looks like the best one yet. just everything about it looks fantastic.

btw Irish what happened to that community thread for the series?

 

[IrishNinja]

btw Irish what happened to that community thread for the series?

eh, cj_iwakura still wants to hop on it (i think he's gonna do the localized 5 thread?), but LelouchViBritannia (good guy from the shenmue community) put dibs & says it'll be out this month, last i heard from him! i'll be all over that too