Yakuza Kenzan is a Yakuza spin-off game that takes place in Edo period Japan, complete with samurai and predictably cool sword fights. It launched over a decade ago, all the way back in 2008, and it was the first Yakuza game to release on the PlayStation 3. However, it was never released outside of Japan.
In the past, SEGA has at least thought about remastering Kenzan and bringing it West -- that much has been said in previous interviews -- but nothing has come of the comments yet. And now, adding more fuel to the fire, producer Daisuke Sato has gone into detail about how he'd like to remake -- not remaster -- Kenzan, supposedly using the current-gen Dragon Engine (much like Yakuza Kiwami 2).
"Personally, I think Yakuza Kenzan is better suited to a Kiwami redesign. Kenzan was the first Yakuza to be released on PS3 and it was only released in Japan. Many Western players have said they want to play in English, and Asian players also want to play it in Chinese. And since Kenzan is a PS3 debut game, a simple HD remaster would probably not be enough, so I think a Kiwami version would be more suitable," Sato explains, as translated by gamekult.
Obviously this doesn't confirm that anything is actually happening, but if the Yakuza series' producer is openly talking about remakes and Western audiences, they're clearly important topics over at SEGA HQ right now. For the record, we certainly wouldn't say no to a Kenzan PS4 remake. In fact, we'd give SEGA our money right now. Right now. Take it!
It's also worth noting that a different Yakuza samurai spin-off, Yakuza Ishin, launched on the PS4 in 2014, but again, it never released outside of Japan. Hopefully we'll see both spin-offs arrive on Western shores in some form in the future.
[source m.gamer.com.tw, via gamekult.com, resetera.com]
Comments 22
well even the japanese version already includes a special button that gives you word explanations
As much as i enjoy the Yakuza games and look forward to eventually playing the Fist of The Northstar and Judgement variants, i do hope they slow down a little,.
I'm all for playing a genre and game style several times or so, but i do worry about oversaturation at this point, especially with the Ichiban character's story arc beginning a new chapter in the series.
There's a fine balance between giving people what they want and deliberately milking a franchise. Just hope Sega dont inadvertantly do more harm than good.
And the zombie one too, don't forget that. We never got that over here either, unless I'm mistaken.
3, 4 and 5 remaster on PS4 please before the spin offs. The only reason I have not yet brought 6 (and also Judgment which I think is releasing today), is that I don't want to miss out on such a huge chunk of the story. Bring it over already.
@Gremio108 we did, was on PS3 dead souls
@Gremio108 We did get it. It was relesed on PS3.
Do it right now. 😆
@manu0 @majklpetr Oh, cool. Well then I stand corrected.
Still, my PS3 is all the way upstairs and I can't be bothered going to get it. PS4 remaster - sort it out Sega!
@Gremio108 might be on PS now
@RogerRoger An why is that? Because you don't like it?
Let me guess, it's set in Kamurocho?
@MS7000
No need to worry about Judgement at all in the Yakuza timeline as it is a completely separate group of characters and point of view. I believe the location is the same (Kamurocho) but that should be it. Judgement is very good.
I don't get Sega on how they may or may not release a certain game in the west, they are sitting on so many games that they could remaster or remake yet they don't. Skies of Arcadia is on game I would like to see remastered for ps4
I would never say no to more Yakuza games.
@RogerRoger Ono Michio has got an eye on the haters! 😂 But seriously, don't like it, ok! Just let the others enjoy it. It's not like Yakuza is so obnoxiously omnipresent as so many western games.
Hey Sega while your at it bring Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! and make a Kenzan version Kurohyō 1 & 2 to the west.
@McGuit Ahh, if that is the case, then great, I can play this soon. Thank you for telling me.
@RogerRoger all cool, no worries.
I keep hearing good things about these games. I'll make you a deal, SEGA. Release Yakuza 3, 4, and 5 on PS4 and I'll buy the whole series (and Judgement) then.
@RogerRoger Why? Are you insane its one if not their best franchise. 😆
This game and it’s story is superb. The best in the Yakuza series imo. Would be great to get it released in English for more people to enjoy.
@RogerRoger Sega Should Let The Sonic Franchise Die Already. Fixed your typo.
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