Comment # 1

This is a big great news!!!! But please, PLEASE, don’t forget Yakuza: Kenzan! I would love if this PS3 game also comes West.

Posted by Guilherme on June 8th, 2010 at 3:07 pm

Comment # 3

Will any content be cut from Yakuza 4 like what happened with Yakuza 3? Since the date for Yakuza 4 is Spring 2011 I doubt it, thats a lot of time to work on the English version.

And is there any chance of hostess bars and other cut content making their way to Yakuza 3?

Thanks.

Posted by A Yakuza Fan on June 8th, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Comment # 5

Okay, okay…pardon me for asking but what do you plan on editing out for the American release? Music? Game modes? Magazines? Mahjong? Side missions? What?

Just curious.

Posted by Robin E. on June 8th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

Comment # 7

I find each installment of the Yakuza series more griping than the last. How are you able to maintain and even surpass the level of quality story telling for mature audiences when most other games fall very short?

Posted by reson8er on June 8th, 2010 at 3:27 pm

Comment # 9

I am curious how familiar you are with the Shenmue series and if the games had any influence on the Yakuza series? If so, how did the Shenmue series influence you?

Posted by David on June 8th, 2010 at 3:33 pm

Comment # 11

My question: Also this version will be cutted and cutted like the third?

Posted by Sharkone on June 8th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

Comment # 13

Thanks for bringing Yakuza 4 to the world outside of Japan!
My question is- can we expect full dialogs from next Yakuza games instead of RPG-esque reading and are you going to be able to deliver a game that doesn’t demand a 5 GB install.

Posted by Lyubo on June 8th, 2010 at 3:51 pm

Comment # 15

Great news, I will get my preorder in as soon as Play.com put it up!!

Posted by apoc_reg on June 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

Comment # 17

This is a great news ! I bought PS3 JUST to buy and play Yakuza 3 (seriously!) , and here’s another reason for me to keep that black box ^^

Posted by Harry Rezqiano on June 8th, 2010 at 4:01 pm

Comment # 19

Question:

Has Nagoshi-san thought about making the future yakuza world even more expansive similar to Red Dead Redemption?

I believe this may mean a huge increase in numbers of staff/programming but would it not be worth the effort? Just imagine a yakuza game where you can take trains, motorbikes etc and drive to different locations rather than just “appearing” in a new location. It would make the world seem even more impressive…

I hope this will be considered as the game can get a bit “samey” with only a few albeit very detailed locations. Please note I don’t want a GTA game, but a Yakuza game with the same level of scope.

Posted by catseyez on June 8th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

Comment # 21

This is fantastic news thanks Sega, but Mr Toshihiro Nagoshi will the full contents of Yakuza 4 make it into the Western release this time?

Many fans (aswell as critics) were unhappy with content needlessly being cut out of Yakuza 3 such as mahjong, side missions, hostess clubs among other things that were well advertised in the trailers for the game and would not like the same thing to happen in Yakuza 4 please.

Posted by Shuya86 on June 8th, 2010 at 4:10 pm

Comment # 23

And I know, Togashi-sama, deep inside your heart you are always want to make Shenmue with your own style. With your own way.

I am thrilled just by imagining Shenmue with your golden touch <3

Posted by Harry Rezqiano on June 8th, 2010 at 4:18 pm

Comment # 25

i hope sega would make yakuza kenzan in english version

Posted by leonard on June 8th, 2010 at 4:23 pm

Comment # 27

Question for Nagoshi-san:

Are future Yakuza games likely to have new main characters? It seems to work very well for Yakuza 4 from what I saw of the demo, and this is from a big Kiryu fan.

Question for the blog:
I take it that if you’re starting now, there’s not going to be time to finish Y3? It’ll be okay if you can localize Y4 completely (sounds like it’s the better game anyway). Just don’t expect any of us to pre-order it…

Posted by Andrew Pease on June 8th, 2010 at 4:24 pm

Comment # 29

Please don’t cut anything !!

Just translate the dialogues and leave also original Japanese voices as an extra option

We all want a 100% YAKUZA 4

Posted by Zanin on June 8th, 2010 at 4:35 pm

Comment # 31

Yes!!! I’m very happy for this…last year about realese Yakuza 3 in America ed Europe (I’m italian) I really thought that SEGA would have ignored us but fortunately I was wrong!!!
Now i believe that SEGA have to trust the western costumers, and showing something about Yakuza 4 at E3 will surely make many people interested about it…
For Mr Nagoshi(-sama), i’d like to ask him how he reach the concept of a game that belong to the Ultimate genre…in Yakuza series you have everything you can ask to a game:Rpg aspects, Fighting aspects, deep, credible and fantastic stories, a unique character design and a longevity of the single player that really deserve an ovation. There’s no game for mature audiences that give you all this. Besides, why don’t make the explorable part of the city bigger?? Now we really know EVERY angle of Kamuro…I know that it never gets boring, but I will appreciate that!

Posted by Edony on June 8th, 2010 at 4:42 pm

Comment # 33

Just one thing : don’t cut it as the third episode. Keep all the dating games, the japanese games, everything. That’s all.

And keep the japanese audio of course, the game is far better and faithful to his identity like this.

Thank you from France.

Posted by Medvedkine on June 8th, 2010 at 4:45 pm

Comment # 35

is this one gonna ger cut 2 like the 3rd yakuza cause if it is this time i am not buying it

Posted by dgnfly on June 8th, 2010 at 4:48 pm

Comment # 37

A one of the many fans who was displeased by the unnecessary cuts made to Yakuza 3’s western release, will Yakuza 4 keep some of the things that Yakuza 3 was missing.

Spefically, I’m talking about the hostess bars, as despite being something that was classed as being ‘alien to american life’. Many people outside of japan are big fans of its culture, and would enjoy being able to see many aspects of japan re-created, including its host clubs.

Posted by Matt Dark on June 8th, 2010 at 4:53 pm

Comment # 39

Great news!, please dont cut anything from the game though

Posted by Finalstar on June 8th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

Comment # 41

Dear Toshihiro Nagoshi,

I have a couple questions about the Yakuza series:

1. One day, will there be a Yakuza game that will feature previous cities from the Yakuza series? (doesn’t need to have storyline to them but maybe it would be fun for sidequests or adventure mode)

2. Since fans of Yakuza games always argue about the audio langauge whether its better in English or Japanese, would the future Yakuza game include both options?

3. Would Yakuza 4 arriving to the West be uncut?

4. Maybe not Kazama Kiryu but perhaps a future hero in the future Yakuza game feature a fully player customizable character (Hair, Shirt, Pants, Shoes, etc…)?

5. Would a future Yakuza game feature a “Reward System” for owning previous versions of the Yakuza series? Perhaps an exclusive costume/skin?

6. Will the Yakuza series one day feature a female lead hero? Perhaps Haruka?

Thank you for your time.

Posted by yakuzafan16 on June 8th, 2010 at 5:06 pm

Comment # 43

Hope this time there will be NO CUTS like Yakuza 3

And please bring also Yakuza Kenzan in the West!!!

Posted by City Hunter on June 8th, 2010 at 5:12 pm

Comment # 45

I was hesitated to buy Yakuza 3 because of game cut. But I’ve bought it, and it is really good experience, which could be much better if we have got the full version like in Japanese market.
So I just hope that Yakuza 4 will be identically like japanese version this time.
best of luck!

Posted by angh on June 8th, 2010 at 5:26 pm

Comment # 47

Awesome news, 2011 can’t come quick enough.

My question is a simple one:

As we have such a long time to wait for the release of Yakuza 4 is there any chance that SEGA will release a update/patch for Yakuza 3 and give all us loyal Yakuza fans the fully “UNCUT” game we deserve?

Please! SEGA, it’s still not to late to fix Yakuza 3 while we all look forward to the the 4th game in the series, and please! don’t cut ANYTHING from Yakuza 4.

RJB

Posted by RJB on June 8th, 2010 at 5:31 pm

Comment # 49

I agree with am2model3, but I prefer RETAIL editions of Scud Race,Daytona 2 and other arcades, just like Virtual On Force on Xbox360 and Gunblade/LA Machineguns Collection on the wii.

Posted by City Hunter on June 8th, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Comment # 51

Will this game also be coming to PAL regions such as the UK? & will it be around the same time of release?

Pretty certain if we’re talking about it on the SEGA Europe blog we’re good for the UK Andi!

Posted by Andi on June 8th, 2010 at 5:53 pm

Comment # 53

No cuts?

/>
/<
[\\\\\\(O):::<======================================-
\

Posted by Andrew on June 8th, 2010 at 6:03 pm

Comment # 55

Thank you Sega! I Love Yakuza! Kind of reminds me of Shenmue.<3

Posted by Christian on June 8th, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Comment # 57

Question:
Will Kenzan ever be localized for Western fans? We want this so badly.

Feedback:
Please no more content cut this time and keep the original Japanese voice acting, English subtitle is great enough.

Thank you to Producer Toshihiro Nagoshi and Sega for this great news and willing to read our comments.

Posted by WD on June 8th, 2010 at 6:33 pm

Comment # 59

Konichiwa Nagoshi-san! Yakuza is my favorite RPG series, so I want to start by thanking you for its creation. Do you think that Kazuma will ever find true love? He’s come close before, but something always seems to come in the way. Thanks!

Posted by Razlo on June 8th, 2010 at 6:42 pm

Comment # 61

Dear Toshihiro Nagoshi.

My name is Daniel, im a university student in England doing games design and I would like to ask you about the kind of influences and themes your looking to persue in Yakuza 4 like you did in previous titles. Will there be any content cut and will there be any downloadbale content for people?

Many thanks for considering my question, I hope it gets through! I’m one of the biggest Yakuza fans here in the UK and your games are a great inspiration for my own! Domo Arigato Taicho Nagoshi.

Posted by Daniel Taylor on June 8th, 2010 at 6:51 pm

Comment # 63

Hello Nagoshi-san!
Like most of people here I want to ask if there are going to be any cuts from the original version of the game and if you’re going to bring back already deleted content.
The second question (for me the more important one): Are there any plans on making the PS2 Yakuza games available on PS3 in HD like it has been done with God Of War (and will be done with Ico & Shadow Of The Collosus)? I’ve never had any other console than PS3 and I don’t really want to jump halfway into series, which is even more important reason not to play the games than cut content. And after playing demos of both Y3 & Y4 I really want to…

Posted by Accoun on June 8th, 2010 at 7:02 pm

Comment # 65

Nice!!!!! Yakuza 3 was Epic
Q How did the game engine impove from Yakuza 3 for example in Yakuza 3 you could express the characters way more deeply did the engine change?

Posted by RTs42 on June 8th, 2010 at 7:04 pm

Comment # 67

We’ve seen Kamurocho as pretty much the main location in the series to date. Are there any plans to take the series to a new location, even outside of Japan (much like Shenmue II was set in Hong Kong)?

There’ve been 5 games, soon 6, in the series and yet the bonus Club Sega games have always been quite uderwhelming. What are the possibilities to immitate Shenmue’s style whereby old Sega classics such as OutRun, AfterBurner and Hang-On were playable? If Shenmue made it possible back on the Dreamcast, it should be more than possible to do still.

I’ve mentioned Shenmue twice (three now!) so you can tell I enjoyed that game very much. If given the opportunity to helm a project for Shenmue III would you consider doing it or would you prefer to stay focused on Yakuza’s now yearly releases (like sports games…) or move on entirely?

Thanks for some great games and I wish you continued success (but less of the tan, please!).

ありがとう！

Posted by Ryu Kazama on June 8th, 2010 at 7:11 pm

Comment # 69

This is awesome! I’m from Portugal (in Europe for those who don’t know) and I’ll buy it day one.

MY QUESTION – Will this game get a collector’s edition?

Posted by André Lopes on June 8th, 2010 at 7:19 pm

Comment # 71

I purchased Y3 in the US and enjoyed the game. This time, however, I EXPECT Sega to release the game UNEDITED. I found that I learned quite a bit about the different Japanese games. I was disappointed not having Mahjong. Subtitled for Y4 is fine. This is a MATURE rated game. Don’t edit it this time. I am not going to find Sega in good light insulting customers by saying we won’t “understand” your culture. Is that not what experiencing it is FOR!

Posted by JJ on June 8th, 2010 at 7:23 pm

Comment # 73

Toshihiro Nagoshi san

have you consider changing the stage of the game? i mean maybe in yakuza 5 will take place on other place other than kamurocho.

Posted by ismejks on June 8th, 2010 at 7:40 pm

Comment # 75

I love all the movie scenes from the yakuza series, It looks like you were watching a movie.!!! So here comes 2 questions to Mr Nagoshi-San:
1) “Which Movie has influenced you the most in making the yakuza games series?”
2) “Why did you choose to add new main characters in the upcoming yakuza 4?
Domo Arigatou Nagoshi-San!!
Please Sega West Bring Yakuza KENZAN Translated to USA and EUROPE and make a DLC for Yakuza 3 with all the Hostesses Bars and all the cuts!!
Thank you

Posted by RyugaGotokuFan80 on June 8th, 2010 at 7:58 pm

Comment # 77

I hope you guys decide to keep ALL the mini games and quiz games and hostess bars and massage parlors. And license all the music for this release as well please. Make sure the magazines are included fully… don’t just limit them to looking at the covers, make it so we can open them and flip thru pages. Don’t cut any of the side quests…

Posted by Rhodes on June 8th, 2010 at 8:07 pm

Comment # 79

Yakuza 3 was an amazing experience for, but I can only assume that it’s because I never played the first 2. What I want to know is how Yakuza 4 will be different; how it will be better compared to 3, aside from having different fighting styles with different characters.

Posted by TUng Ho on June 8th, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Comment # 81

Hi
its not really questions but here goes:
- Please do not cut any content from the game
- Retain the original Japanese audio with subs
- Please can we have the same box art as the Japanese version, because as we all know. The western box art of Yakuza 3 was so bad…..really bad.
- Please Bring Kenzan over!
- Make the trophies more forgiving for the western audience. (to get the ‘complete all minigames’ trophy in Y3 is too hard, understanding Koi Koi and such is quite complicated lol)

Posted by Adil Ahmed on June 8th, 2010 at 8:45 pm

Comment # 83

Yo Nagoshi-san, arigato for bringin Yakuza 3 here in Italy, where i’ve born and where i live and play with your beautiful games, i’ve played them all! Now my question is, in the hope of having the first 2 in HD like happened with God Of War and maybe some other games, i’m wondering if this time, beside no cuts, in hope, we can also have different languages in subtitles, i’ll translate them for you lol, for free lol (oh well just pay some okonomiyaki sometimes and we’re even )

Also because, i think the 4th is the greates episode speaking of production, and having it just in english is not cool for who doesn’t speak english, bring in other laanguages and u’ll get more cash also ahah

CIAO!

Posted by XESIRROM on June 8th, 2010 at 8:51 pm

Comment # 85

Few questions:

1: Will Kenzan be translated as well?
2: Will you guys use japanese voices only, like Yakuza 3?
3: Can we expect DLC and other things (such as soundtrack) packaged with the game, like Yakuza 3?
4: Will Yakuza on PSP also be translated?

Posted by Nicolaj on June 8th, 2010 at 9:15 pm

Comment # 87

Great news for the fans of the yakuza saga and for me, i love it. But spanish fans of the saga are very angry because Yakuza 2 and Yakuza 3 aren´t in the spanish language, Will be yakuza 4 in spanish?
Thank you.

Posted by Wesker on June 8th, 2010 at 9:25 pm

Comment # 89

I doubt the questions that most of you guys put forward be answered since it’s aimed at the way of the localization for the game instead of how it’s going to be developed therefore they only apply to Sega West.

A more suitable question would be something like-
- Since new characters was introduced, will there be much multiplayer interaction in future yakuza games (similar to the mechanics of Resident evil 5), online or offline.

Posted by lulu on June 8th, 2010 at 9:28 pm

Comment # 91

Questions: Do you see a future for the Yakuza series if there comes a point where Kazuma’s story ends.

Quesitons2: Has working on a second title for the PS3 given the Yakuza development team a better understanding of the PS3 and if so in what aspects?

Posted by Spike2000 on June 8th, 2010 at 9:34 pm

Comment # 93

1. Do you plan to cut out parts of the game like SEGA did with Yakuza 3? I hope not.

2. Will we ever get to have the cuts made from Yakuza 3 in some form or another(Free DLC or re-release of the game with ALL its original content)

3. Will SEGA admit they made a mistake in cutting out content from Yakuza 3?

4. Will SEGA actually put some marketing power behind this game?

5. Will KENZAN ever be released in the West?

Thanks. From a concerned fan of both SEGA and the Yakuza franchise.

Posted by The Dragon of Dojima on June 8th, 2010 at 9:40 pm

Comment # 95

My questions for Nagoshi-san:

1: Do you think Yakuza 5 need a new start, with a new city different from Kamurocho and a new hero ? Or you think Kiryu can stay as the main hero a little more longer ?

2: What do you think about a female heroin, a Yakuza girl (maybe Haruka when she grew up) ?

3: What do you think about Kiryu and his evolution in the 4 Yakuza games ?

And thanks for your great work, a fan from France.

Posted by Seishoujyo on June 8th, 2010 at 9:52 pm

Comment # 97

Thanks sooo much SEGA i was a little worried that we wernt gonna ge a 4 realese
My questions are
1. is there gonna be any cut content like in 3? and if there is i hope its not a big cut..i will still buy it any way
2. like every other fan of the Yakuza series i would love to see a Kenzan release as well is there any chance of that
Thanks again SEGA and oh is it possible to maybe release it sooner and another reminder dont cut content please

Posted by Brett Lovelady on June 8th, 2010 at 10:56 pm

Comment # 99

1. In screenshot 1, it looks like the graphics have been improved, including a weather system, can you give us more details on this?

2. Please do not cut any content, I am one American who loves to learn new things like Japanese history and mahjong, with the internet and Sega community, there is no reason to cut anything. I would appreciate add-ons instead, DLC.

3. It would be cool to see Ryo Hazuki make a cameo appearance in the game, maybe challeneging him to some game.

Posted by Romeo on June 8th, 2010 at 11:06 pm

Comment # 101

DON’T CUT THE CONTENTS.. DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AS YAKUZA 3..
PLEASE DON’T.. Think about the fans!!!

Posted by Romano on June 9th, 2010 at 12:40 am

Comment # 103

Yes. I am walking on sunshine right now!

Posted by Carl Crawford on June 9th, 2010 at 1:37 am

Comment # 105

I bought the first 2 Yakuza but have not yet bought Yakuza 3 due to the cut content. I personally loved mahjong and hostess bar mini-game. Hate to see they got cut in Yakuza 3.

Here is my questions:
1) Will you guys fix the Yakuza 3 with the missing content being available one way of another? (Director’s cut version / DLC / etc)

2) Will you cut any content again in Yakuza 4?

Last time you promised no contents cut too. Sega betrayed us consumers once, I do not know how many I can count on Sega’s words anymore. I hate to do it but I will take a wait and see approach again. If you guys release the cut content in Yakuza 3, I will be more confident on pre-ordering Yakuza 4.

Good luck for not screwing it up like the last game. I know it’s probably not your fault but whoever higher up in Sega America. However, as a gamer I cannot justify buying an inferior product knowing what made Yakuza series special being cut on non-Japanese release.

Posted by Zoids on June 9th, 2010 at 1:46 am

Comment # 107

Hi Yakuza-sensei.

Ryo: I want to ask you something:

What kind of technique did Kiryu learn in Yakuza 4? He learned how to use the red “west” energy before. But will he learn here how to modify himself? So changing to another face of his? Or this has nothing to do with it (talking about the three more players available who don’t mastered the red energy). Or do you project a full beat them all with them next. (remember me Street of rage with the 4 fighters) So you maked a kind of a beta here.

Excuse for bad english and thanks in advance!!!

Posted by Boki on June 9th, 2010 at 3:16 am

Comment # 109

Excellent news that you’re going to be releasing Yakuza 4 (and I assume with less cuts this time around). It obviously shows that Sega has listened to the fans and is willing to broaden it’s portfollio in the West.

My question mostly focuses around Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan. Despite their notable differences in terms of how they approach gameplay, it seems that the Ryu Gotoku team and Rockstar share similarities in the way they’ve explored urban environments before going on a detour by setting the templates of GTA and Ryu Gotoku in older settings .

With Rockstar releasing Red Dead Redemption in Japan this September for what’s probably going to be a very small market, is there any chance at all that Sega may consider releasing Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan in Europe/US now that they presumably have confidence that the series can sell abroad?

While RDR in Japan features an entirely different audience to the one which would be interested in Kenzen in the West, I’d imagine they share one thing. A small, but committed audience. Gamers who are are interested in Yakuza 3/4 will probably be the type of ‘core’ gamer who’d enjoy a Japanese open-world game (and let’s face it, how many of those are there?) in a a fresh and unique setting such as the Edo period. It just seems such a waste to let an interesting open-world setting like that never make it outside of Japan, but then again, I guess it’s easy to say all this when you don’t have to weigh up the commercial realties of it selling.

Anyway, I’m glad about Yakzua 4. tl’dr version: Please (with sugar on top) consider relesing Kenzan in the West .

Posted by Question Man on June 9th, 2010 at 8:42 am

Comment # 111

it would be cool to see this series go into Shibuya and maybe Akihabara lol

Posted by Rick on June 9th, 2010 at 9:02 am

Comment # 113

THANK YOU SEGA, THANK YOU!!! I adore this franchise, I have all the titles. But, please, try to bring us this games without censorship. And bring us Kenzan!!!

Thank you SEGA!!!

Posted by chibisake on June 9th, 2010 at 10:14 am

Comment # 115

Love Yakuza, is there going to be a special edition.

Posted by Charlie on June 9th, 2010 at 10:35 am

Comment # 117

I’ve played Yakuza for a long time now and recently just finished the 4th game, it’s gone on to become one of my favorite video game franchises, well, my question, How much influence did Shenmue have in the making of Yakuza? And, if given the chance would you dare make a Shenmue 3???

Posted by Drake180 on June 9th, 2010 at 11:47 am

Comment # 119

First off, thank you for keeping the game PS3 exclusive and thanks to SOA for bringing this West.

Anyway, my questions…
1) Do you have a definite ending in your head to Kazuma’s story and, if so, is that the end of the Yakuza series or do you have plans for it to continue afterwards?

2) Do you think you’ll ever make a game where we play as Majima?

3) Have you ever thought of including some of the classic Sega arcade games in the arcades? Is this a licensing or an artist decision?

4) This one is really just for Sega in the West…are there any plans to put Yakuza 1 & 2 on the PSN? And if so, will you include the original Japanese voiceover for 1? I want to play those two, but now, having met Kazuma in Japanese, it would be VERY odd for me to play a game where he is speaking English.

Posted by Charles Lupula on June 9th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

Comment # 121

many peaple draw comparisons between yakuza and shenmue what are thoughts on this

and can you explain to us whay content was cut from the western release of yakuza 3 and did you approve of the choice to do so

have you ever talked to yu suzuki

and did you have any involvement Ryû ga gotoku: gekijô-ban AKA like a dragon movie and did you like it and will thir ever be a sequel

Posted by zach goodwin on June 9th, 2010 at 4:23 pm

Comment # 123

Will there be an English dub in addition to the default Japanese dub?

Posted by david laureano on June 9th, 2010 at 5:17 pm

Comment # 125

I really can’t wait for the release of Yakuza 4 “UNCUT”

But, PLEASE! don’t ignore us real Yakuza fans who in the meantime would still dearly love SEGA to fix Yakuza 3.

Just because Yakuza 3 has already been released does not mean it can’t be improved, come on SEGA stop messing about and release a patch/update and restore the game back to it’s original state, so many fans would really appreciate the effort.

Content gets added to released games all the time, so there’s really no excuse not to fix Yakuza 3, a little effort would go along way.

Thanks!
RJB

Posted by RJB on June 9th, 2010 at 5:57 pm

Comment # 127

1) will you take Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan! to the west to
2) will you take Kurohyou: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinsyou to the west

Posted by gregory on June 9th, 2010 at 7:27 pm

Comment # 129

Hello Nagoshi-san,
As Yakuza 3 finally hit the West a few months ago, fans of the series finally got to get in the shoes of their favorite ex-Yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu… but some felt that these shoes felt a bit inconsistent with the previous two games. Its been chalked up to having a different writer on board than before, primarily in regards to the emphasis on Kazuma’s “softening” as a person, with the emphasis surrounding the orphanage quests, and anything generally having to do with kids.

I personally found this arc in his story very compelling and empathetic, but not all agree. So I guess my question to you is: When creating the Yakuza games, do you have full creative control over the narrative arc of the main protagonist(s), or do you hand the reins to the writer on board? Or is it a little bit of both?

Thanks for reading my question.

Posted by Darkpen on June 9th, 2010 at 8:48 pm

Comment # 131

I had Yakuza 3 pre-ordered and everything until the cut content leaked out on the internet. Not only was I sorely disappointed because I enjoy Mahjong and loved the hostess aspect from Yakuza 2, I felt deeply cheated because SoA would have kept silent if this info hadn’t leaked. I would have received the game and found out with a shock stuff was missing. Needless to say, I retracted my pre-order.

I know this isn’t your fault, Nagoshi-san, but please don’t allow cut content from Yakuza 4 over here in the west. I will buy it for sure if I knew everything was intact. Also, the subtitles are a good choice for added authenticity. Please do not dub it. I know there was a large, talented group of Japanese seiyuu for 4 that look very close to their in game characters.

As for my question, how many more installments do you plan on making this series? Is this the end of Kazama’s story? Is the next game going to be about a new character, like the psp spin-off?

Posted by JinFei3 on June 10th, 2010 at 1:50 am

Comment # 133

Is the design or the girl Haruk in the first series a tribute to Nozmi Harasaki from Shenmue? They both got a white shirt and a reed, scottish skirt.

And of course, will Kenzan! be realeased in the west, I mean we’re not new to samurai games! We’ve been playing games like Onimusha for a decade!

While on Shenmue, the long awaited sequal and all, if it were to be developed, would you like to work on it or not? In my opinion, that would be great!

Posted by Lando on June 10th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Comment # 135

THANK YOU SEGA! I absolutely LOVE the Yakuza series and am SO happy that Yakuza 4 will be released in America. Thank you thank you thank you!

Posted by Sarah on June 10th, 2010 at 6:33 pm

Comment # 137

I really enjoyed the Yakuza 3. But there is one feature I would really like to add to Yakuza 4: an ability to switch off random battles. The reason for this is that I would like to just wander and look at the scenery. It’s like going to Japan as a tourist

Of course this might be problem for game balance, so mayble this could be unlockable option after game has been completed once.

Posted by Ambient on June 10th, 2010 at 9:46 pm

Comment # 139

Hi there Dear Sega and the rest of us Guys I don’t think they will care much about us people who keep asking about the content CUT.
And I don’t think they will translate our asking questions for the CUT CONTEND to Nagoshi-san. This would just put them into a bad situation.
Probably he lives in his save bubble and everythings fine cause nobody informs him.

Really sad…..:( I was always a sega supporter but here…shame on you .

Hope at least Yakuza 4 is uncut,but only time will tell.
Please guys at sega,and you guys who bring the game over here…learn from the past. We want to support you and buy your games and translations,so don’t alienate us.I hate negative energy so don’t misunderstand us,we just want the complete Japanese experience ! Thanks

Posted by iosomewhere on June 11th, 2010 at 6:03 pm

Comment # 141

Please dont do the same stupidity as you did on yakuza3, DONT CUT THE F—ING GAME!

Posted by Eduardo Griever on June 12th, 2010 at 1:50 am

Comment # 143

отличный пост, автор пиши ещё

Posted by kikus on June 12th, 2010 at 9:58 pm

Comment # 145

может у кого нить есть ещё информация по этому поводу??

Posted by kikus on June 12th, 2010 at 10:17 pm

Comment # 147

Brazilian fan here! Thanks a lot for your great games!

My question is about the women on Yakuza series. I think it’s kinda strange that Kazuma only fights against men. I mean, don’t japanese women fight too? It would be nice, for a change, to fight some women gang! lol

Posted by Henrique on June 14th, 2010 at 3:43 am

Comment # 149

Why not making a multilingual Yakuza, I want to play Japan version as well but with the option of English. Think about it SEGA This is the future in games.

Posted by Eiji on June 15th, 2010 at 10:05 pm

Comment # 151

why was content cut fro yakuza 3

why was content cut fro yakuza 3

why was content cut fro yakuza 3

why was content cut fro yakuza 3

give it a rest guys i think thay get it sheesh

anyway how many yakuza games do you plan on makeing

and is thir any plans for another movie

that was your thoughts on the yakuza movie and did you have any invoulvment into the makeing of the movie

would you consider localizing ryu gotoku kenzan for a western market ?

do you think yakuza draws some comparisons with shenmue and was it intentional to do? so

do u like shenmue?

will we ever be able to play as goro majima in the main story?

why do you think yakuza didnt do to well in the west?, id put it down to poor advertising would you agree?

wear can i get a bad ass suit like kazuma kiru

do you ever speak with yu suzuki and is he a fan of your work and are you and fan of his?

can you tell us more about the yakuza psp game thats in the works

thanks for your time

Posted by zach goodwin on June 17th, 2010 at 6:09 am

Comment # 153

Sega thank you for your fantastic video games. I hope that Sega games coming soon on our videogamemachine!!!

Posted by REDREAM on June 17th, 2010 at 7:32 pm