Yakuza 3 - Talk Back and Impressions

[unmei]

The Dragon of Dojima dropped stateside yesterday for the third time, and I finally had a brief moment to put aside FFXIII to sink into it for a few hours. After initially borrowing my friends import copy last year it was nice to be able to sit down and replay it in English.

One thing that I avoided from the import, but ended up sitting throw today, was the recaps of the previous games. Sort of a Yakuza the Game the Movie, part 1 and 2. Having come off of playing the first two already, it wasn't entirely necessary, but I wanted to see just how thoroughly they recapped them. They're surprisingly well done, and pretty detailed, retelling the games from Kazuya's perspective.. not to mention they took me almost an hour to watch both. Pretty effective recap. Reminds me of the Shenmue recap. Very nice for people who haven't had a chance to play the first two games, but still want to get into the third.

Aside from that, the game plays great, as expected. it's smoother and the combat flows better than the previous installments. Coming off of the Yakuza 4 demo Tuesday night, the combat feels a little less refined, but that's what improvements are for. Still a great experience for anyone who's looking for a great story delving into the Japan's darker aspects.

 

[toranoko]

Had this shipped to me overnight from Amazon, got it Friday. I've probably played like... 20 hours since. :laugh:

I watched through the recaps since this is my first Yakuza game. The game is amazingly addictive. I'm don't think I'm very far along in the main story - but the mini games and substories are keeping me entertained. So much so I've put buying FFXIII out of my mind for the time being.

 

[Kaido]

Yakuza 3 is getting hard to find up here in Canada. Today I picked it up from a store chain we have here called HMV, but it was one of those display copies, and there were prints on the disc. Kinda sucks I had to still pay full price, but hey, what can you do?

Mine also came with a "Unique Access Code" that was tucked in front of the instructions book.

"The access code lets you battle the bosses in Survival Mode and tournament-style in the coliseum in Purgatory. Also 2-on2 battles bringing added challenge for the hardened fighter. Also included is Haruka's Request which is a series of challenge missions that will send you on a task of exploration throughout the entire yakuza world playing mini-games & entertaining Haruka," I don't know what it all means right now, but I'll go find out.

Btw, did everyone get the Unique Access Code? I think at the time, Gamestop was boasting that you'd get it if you preordered through them and also extra outfits. My code doesn't mention the outfits.

Going to go check it out right now!

 

[unmei]

Yakuza 3 is getting hard to find up here in Canada. Today I picked it up from a store chain we have here called HMV, but it was one of those display copies, and there were prints on the disc. Kinda sucks I had to still pay full price, but hey, what can you do?

Mine also came with a "Unique Access Code" that was tucked in front of the instructions book.

"The access code lets you battle the bosses in Survival Mode and tournament-style in the coliseum in Purgatory. Also 2-on2 battles bringing added challenge for the hardened fighter. Also included is Haruka's Request which is a series of challenge missions that will send you on a task of exploration throughout the entire yakuza world playing mini-games & entertaining Haruka," I don't know what it all means right now, but I'll go find out.

Btw, did everyone get the Unique Access Code? I think at the time, Gamestop was boasting that you'd get it if you preordered through them and also extra outfits. My code doesn't mention the outfits.

Going to go check it out right now!

The one you received was included with all new copies. Gamestop had some additional DLC as their bonus, which was really just 2 player versions of the mini games.

 

[Kaido]

Ah, I see, thanks Unmei.

Anyway, I just watched the opening movie, and had I known there was a recap for part 1 & 2, perhaps I wouldn't have bought the PS2 games a couple of weeks ago and just watched the recaps!

So far it seems really damn exciting! I did create a few spoilers for myself by accessing the gravestones which gave a brief synopsis of characters you encountered in previous episodes, but hopefully I'll forget all about it by the time I actually sit down and play the PS2 games.

 

[Kaido]

Jeez... I spent a whole frikkin' hour playing UFO catcher, and just won two stuffed animals. No wonder I can't beat my games, I'm wasting my time on these minigames! So addictive, I really like it.

 

[toranoko]

It's too addictive to the point where I'm afraid to continue the main story because I might miss out on some side quest or never get a chance to get all the prizes in the UFO catcher. D:

 

[unmei]

The UFO Catcher is crazy -_- I think I spent almost 4 hours on that.. in chapter 1 alone.

 

[Kaido]

I'm still playing Yakuza one and I know I've missed several side quests already!

I should spend a bit of time to read up on a FAQ, but I'd rather be playing... awesome game, can't believe I waited so long to get into this series.