Yakuza Series Coming To An End?
An advert in the new issue of Japanese gaming bible Famitsu points to a possible end to the popular PlayStation exclusive Yakuza series of games. The double page advert depicts Kamurocho – the in-game version of Tokyos’ Shinjuku region, in disarray. Burnt-out cars, smashed windows and toppling lamp posts are shown with abandoned buildings in the previously bustling area.
The developers on the series had previously stated that Yakuza 5 would focus on “destruction”, and this definately proves it. Whether “The End” refers to the game series, or just Kamurocho however, remains to be seen.
Kamurocho burns, but what does it mean for the series?
The series is wildly popular in Japan, with the fourth game going straight to number one in the games charts in March, and there have also been two spin-offs from the series – including an upcoming PSP iteration. In the West, it hasn’t done as well, but recent PlayStation 3 port of the third title outsold both previous entries combined and the fourth has been confirmed for a translation in early 2011.
As soon as more information surfaces concerning Yakuza 5, you will read it here.
Robin Parker
If I'm not playing on a good Adventure Game - still longing for the long-past Golden Age of the genre, when Lucasarts and Sierra ruled supreme - you might find me searching for a local arcade, in the hopes that it still houses titles such as Sunset Riders or WindJammers.
