Yakuza 0 announced for Europe, due out in early 2017

SEGA have announced that Yakuza 0 will be released in Europe in early 2017, available on PlayStation 4.

Yakuza 0, a prequel to the main line of games, was released in Japan in March last year with a North American release being announced during PlayStation Experience this past December. A trailer was released which appeared to show that the game was releasing in Europe at the same time, but SEGA quickly removed the trailer and said: “We know the Yakuza series is loved by all its fans in Europe but unfortunately at this time we’re not able to confirm a Yakuza 0 EU release.” The trailer was then re-uploaded with the EU reference removed.

Well, now they can confirm a release: both physical and digital. Yakuza 0 will come with complete Japanese voiceover with only English subtitles, and will follow the origin story of Kazuma Kiryu and details his ascension into the ranks of the Yakuza. Newcomers to the series will be able to experience the story-driven adventure from the very beginning, one that focuses on navigating the seedy underworld of Japan while Yakuza fans will have the added joy of also getting the chance to play as long-time NPC, Majima Goro – the Mad Dog of Shimano.

Yakuza 0 will feature:

• The Dragon’s Origins: What lies in a man’s past defines his future, and in this case, we learn a lot about what inspires Kiryu down the paths he takes in the rest of the Yakuza series. Plus, you don’t get to be called “Dragon” without being able to knock a few heads. Combat abilities can be hot-swapped during fights for some of the most intense battles in the Yakuza series to date.
• Embrace the Mad Dog: For the first time in a numbered game, long-time NPC Goro Majima is now playable. With his own fighting style, abilities, and his penchant for turning sleaze into profit, stepping into the role of Yakuza’s most eccentric character will provide some eye-opening insight.
• The Decadence of the 1980s in Japan: Cash rules everything in the world of Yakuza 0, and in the game, there are a million ways to spend, make, or take money. From cash spilling out of the pockets of gang members you fight to Telephone Clubs, Disco Halls, or even Pocket Circuit car races, there are tons of ways to be a well-to-do gangster.

Yakuza 0 will release in early 2017 on PlayStation 4. See some screenshots below.