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Classic

Excellent

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Packshot

Game Details

Released 15 September 2006

Format PS2

Developer Sega

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Yakuza

Review
Scripted by renowned japanese crime author Seishu Hase — and brought to life by Hollywood voice talent including Michael Rosenbaum, Michael Madsen and Mark Hamill — Yakuza coolly rises above the recent crop of gangster games, its brutal tale of vengeance and flawless presentation making for a gripping experience that will keep you focused until the end credits. In fact, the only detracting element is a strange attempt at a moral redemption plotline involving your gangland warrior bonding with an orphan girl.

The gangland saga’s set-up is familiar crime novel territory; you are a devout lieutenant who’s taken the rap and a ten-year jail term for his boss, only to be released into a full-scale power struggle. The main draw is its dazzling vision of Tokyo’s sprawling red-light Kabukicho district (although it’s a pity the game’s world doesn’t spread further). Throbbing with life and awash with garish neon, it provides a thoroughly convincing backdrop for the martial arts action, and the chance to earn points to develop your hero’s fighting skills means you’ll
soon become inextricably wound into this digital drama.


Reviewer: David McComb

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RE: Yakuza

I thought it was rubbish. It seemed like a cycle of 10-20 minute waits through shitty, badly-dubbed cut-scenes (with a preposterous amount of forced-sounding swearing) with no atmosphere to get to 2 minutes of ugly, basic fighting. I can't believe that the critical consensus is that this game is great. It was on eBay within 24 hours of me purchasing it. ... Read More

Oh Daesu About me

15:12, 10 November 2006 | Report This Post

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