It doesn’t look like SEGA’s letting a crappy week of sales in Japan for Yakuza 1 and 2 HD stop the developer from announcing a new title in the series. During the Yakuza Character General Election for Yakuza 5, SEGA announced Yakuza Ishin, which apparently translates to Yakuza Restoration in English.
There aren’t a lot of details about the game yet, but apparently the main character’s name is Ryoma Sakamoto, and Siliconera is reporting that more information about Restoration will be published in the next Famitsu.
What will be interesting to see if this game will be released on the PlayStation 3 or 4. If it is announced for the PS4, it will be the first next-gen game SEGA has announced it’s developing.
[Via Polygon, Source Siliconera]
Maybe they should reconsider bringing this to the Wii U as well. Admittedly, re-releasing the 1 + 2 HD collection over a year after it’s PS3 counter-part wasn’t very financially sound – considering the fact that most of the fanbase plays the franchise on the PS3 already and was looking for other ways to break in the system. Of course, Sega seems to be neglecting the fact that they also have fans in the west who would buy their games on their systems of choice for their own reasons.
Me? I’d love for a complete compilation of the series programmed for the Wii U since I can’t seem to stare into a large TV without falling asleep anymore. Not to mention the fact that achievements/trophies aren’t a core part of the experience anymore – it’d be the most liberating and fun way for me to experience the franchise and breathe new life into it once again. I’m still waiting on Sega to bring Yakuza 5 and the 1 + 2 HD collection to the west, but with the way things are looking on the homefront I understand their skepticism.
Still, what better way to enlighten the gamers of the western world that New York City and Las Vegas-based Grand Auto Venues aren’t the only crime-inspired, drama-driven games on the market. I’m thinking that with the rise of K-Pop popularity that plenty more people and gamers alike will be interested in eastern culture; Hopefully leading them to this masterpiece of a franchise which has enticed the hearts of many already.
-Sigh- However, it’s evident that I dream of things like this all too often.