SEGA’s Yakuza series is well known for its enjoyable mini-games. The heart of the franchise might lie with its self-serious narrative and wonderful characters, but part of what makes the series so enjoyable is its insistence on introducing alternative mechanics.
Yakuza 5 is something of a reboot, and so it’s unsurprising to see the title lavished with a whole new set of side-activities to enjoy.
Each of the game’s five protagonists will be able to engage in unique side-quests. For series veteran Kazuma Kiryu, these sound similar to SEGA classic Crazy Taxi. Working the streets, you’ll need to pick up passengers and take them to their desired locations. You’ll be able to customise your taxi’s tires, chassis, wheels, body colour, and stickers. You’ll also need to compete against a rogue street racing gang who presumably take a dislike to the ex-chairman of the Tojo Clan.
In stark contrast, you’ll be hunting the snowy mountains of Hokkaido as Yakuza 4’s Taiga Saejima. Armed with a hunting rifle and traps, you’ll need to use stealth to catch your prey.
Meanwhile, Kiryu’s adopted daughter Haruka will be training to become a Japanese idol. You’ll need to engage in rhythm games to elevate the teenager’s status, and also attend various talk shows and magazine interviews to increase her popularity.
Finally, newcomer Tatsuo Shinada will reunite with his former high school baseball team mate, and immediately engage in batting competitions with his old rival.
It’s not yet clear what fifth protagonist Shun Akiyama’s side activity will be, but we’re hoping for some kind of money lending simulation mini-game. That would be amazing.
Yakuza 5 is set to launch later this year in Japan. We’ve got everything crossed for a Western release.
[source gematsu.com]
Comments 2
That sounds brilliant, and unlike John Marston, Saejima can just snap a bear's neck if it gets too close.
@ShogunRok Haha, exactly.
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