Yakuza is Sega's entry into the criminal underworld adventure genre or as commonly known in the internet, "GTA-style" games. However, Yakuza looks part Grand Theft Auto, part Shen Mue and part Kung Fu action game.
In the game you play as Kazuma Kiryu, a former Yakuza (Japaneese Mafia) member who falls out of favor with his bosses and ends up spending a decade in prison. Ten years later he returns to the streets, where a lot of things have changed, but one thing is still the same, he is still out of favor with his bosses. So it is up to you to take Kiryu from Yakuza reject into leader of the Japanese underworld!.
Much like in GTA, people have their own routines and dozens will fill the streets at a time. Also like in GTA, you can only go into certain buildings, which are helpfully marked by an arrow. Like in GTA, there is a ton of mini-games, like going into a casino and playing blackjack, roulette and other typical casino games, or stores and bars where you can go into and try to woo a girl or purchase stuff.
Feet to Face combat!
Unlike GTA however, the focus is on melee combat. Hand to hand (or feet to face) moves and combos that will make you feel like a Chow Yun Fat movie. You can use almost anything as a weapon, from baseball bats and knuckle dusters, to umbrellas and bicycles. Beating people up will allow you to gain experience and improve one of three skills, which open up even more moves and unique combinations.
Who said headlocks were done only in wrestling?
However, the amount of people you can talk to is very limited and they are also marked with the always helpful arrows. Also tons of random fights will pursue you in the streets, much like in RPG games. People will attack you to try and rob you or simply because they hate how you look! To make it sound more bizarre, after winning a fight your opponent will apologize politely and toss you a gift!
Yakuza looks like a game worth keeping your eyes on. Some things sound bizarre and out of place, but let's wait until the final product is done before we judge. It has an entertaining story and a lot of cool fights, which already make it better than half the games out there.
