Fifth Yakuza game in development
Contemporary setting, different style.
SEGA firebrand Toshihiro Nagoshi has revealed that work has already begun on a fifth game in the Yakuza series, known as Ryu Ga Gotoku in Japan, exclusively for the PS3.
Speaking to Famitsu (as reported by Kotaku), the whisky fan, former Edge columnist and genius responsible for Super Monkey Ball said it wouldn't necessarily be Yakuza 4, but definitely wouldn't be a sequel to 2008's historical spin-off, Ryu Ga Gotoku Kenzan!
He said it would have the essence of the series, but still might be something of departure. "For example, if the main character Kiryu Kazuma went to outer space or fought zombies, I think fans would accept that and say, 'I get it'," Nagoshi said.
"It's not Kenzan 2," he added. "I want to create a new style of game set in contemporary surroundings."
Nagoshi also noted that he would be auditioning members of the public to use in the game's cast. He's particularly looking for females of at least 18 years of age to play nightclub hostesses, apparently. Is he now.
Yakuza 3 has been a big hit in Japan since its release in February, but SEGA has yet to reveal any plans to bring it, or Kenzan for that matter, to the West. Shame on you, SEGA.