Kiryu Kazuma will be back with 4 other characters, all being playable in the next Yakuza game. According to Nagoshi (producer), the Yakuza franchise will see a refresh, coupled with a new engine and more seamless gameplay mechanics, while retaining the mini-games & side stuff it’s known for. More after the break.
Via Andriasang:
Nagoshi explained that the zombie-themed Yakuza Of the End represented an end for the series and everything that the Yakuza development staff had built to that point, including the engine. Yakuza 5 could even have been given the title “New Yakuza,” said Nagoshi.
Despite the changes, it looks like many of Yakuza’s familiar elements will be returning in Yakuza 5, including adventure and battle parts, and play spots around town. Regarding play elements around town, Nagoshi said to expect the greatest volume in series history.
This week’s Famitsu reveals the four other main characters: Taiga Saejima, Shun Akiyama, Haruka and Tatsuo Shinada.
Saejima, Akiyama and Haruka should be familiar to Yakuza fans. Yes, the magazine confirms Haruka as a main character, and this does mean she’ll be playable. What will happen to her in battle is being kept a secret for now.
The newcomer in the bunch, Shinda, is a former baseball player. He was given a life ban from the game for gambling, but it seems that he may have been innocent. He’s currently struggling with debt.
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The story will connect directly with Yakuza 4 (Yakuza Of the End was a spinoff). Kiryu (shown in the magazine wearing some slick black threads) is in Fukuoka, where he’s become a taxi driver. Saejima is serving a three year prison sentence, when he hears that Akiyama has come to Osaka on business. Haruka has also come to Osaka, having left Okinawa to pursue her dream of becoming an idol. She lives on her own and practices singing and dancing , but it turns out the talent agency she’s with has other plans.
The game seems to be set for a December release for the PlayStation 3 in Japan.
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