Yakuza 4

by Sega

• Get lost in the infamous "sin-city district" of Tokyo, as you walk and fight in back alleys, main streets, city rooftops and underground areas
• Discover and experience Tokyo's adult nightlife including hostess bars, karaoke pickup bars, massage parlors, and pachinko palaces
• Additional activities include: video arcades, golf and bowling, batting cages, pool and darts, blackjack, Texas hold?em and more
• Experience a deep and twisting crime story where you play all four characters
• Take on all challengers with a deeper fighting system and new street chase functionality

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003QX4F7C
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: March 15, 2011
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,635 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com

Yakuza 4 is single player, third-person, Action-Adventure game exclusively for play on PlayStation 3. The fourth localized US release in the gritty Japanese Yakuza series, the game challenges players to rise or fall in a fictional representation of the Japanese criminal underworld. The game features mission based gameplay, street fighting combat, light RPG attributes and mini-games. Additional features include: four playable characters, character specific finishing moves, movie quality storylines and nearly all the content released in the original Japanese version, including in-game dating functionality.

Can You Survive the Japanese Underworld?

Follow-up game to the widely praised PlayStation 3 exclusive Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4 recreates a realistic underground world of Tokyo and tasks the player to rise or fall in an intensely deep crime-action game where four men cross paths over a woman and dead man. No other gaming experience brings you this close to the mature themed realities of the Japanese criminal underworld - and you can only get it on PlayStation 3.

Fight and explore your way through the Japanese underworld as four different characters.
View larger.

Gameplay

As with previous releases in the Yakuza game franchise, Yakuza 4 is a localized version of the original Japanese action-adventure release. The game is played predominantly from a third-person perspective and features a blend of mission-based gameplay, light RPG functionality and mini-games. Within the game players take on the role of four different characters as they literally fight their way through the Japanese underworld. Each of these characters has a different storyline, although these do overlap. Each also possesses a different fighting style. During street brawls characters gain or lose strength indicated by their on-screen meter. When this meter is full players gain access to finishing moves with which to defeat opponents. These moves are different from one character to the next. With success characters level up, gain access to new areas and can partake of a variety of rewards, including clubs where they will encounter women who they can socialize with. Additional features include: the new Chase battle mode, character specific side games and Japanese themed mini-games like pachinko, table tennis, karaoke and more.

Key Game Features

• Get lost in the infamous "sin-city district" of Tokyo, re-created with incredible detail. Walk and fight in back alleys, main streets, city rooftops and underground areas. Enter bars, restaurants, apartments and more.
• Discover and experience Tokyo's adult nightlife. Enjoy hostess bars, karaoke pickup bars, massage parlors, and pachinko palaces. Deep list of western and Japanese branded products.
• And much more: Video Arcades, Gentlemen's Club, Golf & Bowling, Batting Cages, Pool & Darts, Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, Table Tennis and even harbor fishing.
• Experience a deep and twisting crime story where you play all four characters.
• Take on all challengers with a deeper fighting system and new street chases.

Additional Screenshots

Film quality storylines. View larger.

Four different finishing moves. View larger.

Mini-games and rewards. View larger.

Level up items and abilities. View larger.

Product Description

Yakuza 4 picks up the story of Yakuza 3 one year later and takes the player back to Tokyo. The story starts when a man is shot to death in the ruling territory of the Tojo Clan, the organization that has featured in all games in the series to date. A small gang which belongs to Tojo Clan try to establish what happened and their leader is soon found stabbed to death. These events cause a heated battle between four men over money, power, status and honor. The truth becomes apparent as the lies, betrayals and entwined stories are revealed and when these 4 unflinching men get together, the new legend of Kamurocho is born.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 49 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yakuza 4 Back in Action March 15, 2011

By Unit543

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I had the game yesterday and punched in about 5 hours and will update as I play along. The Yakuza series brings back familiar faces along with new ones.. A Loan Shark,a crooked cop and a ex-con.. Everything almost looks the same but that does not mean it's a bad thing..New areas such as rooftops and underground malls have been added along with new store fronts and hostess bars..Pachenko Slots have been added with a mix of a couple of new games..The arcade shooter is back from part 3 in the sega arcade..The battle system is fun,granted I only been using the loan shark as that is who you start off with.. His dashing kicks and move sets are really refreshing for the series.. As you progress through the amazing storyline you will cross paths with other characters you will play later which I always found an awesome concept..The soundtrack is great barnone.. The city to me now feels more live then it ever was before. If you are in to beat em ups like streets of rage with that element of shenmue with a mix of fantastic film making I say buy this now..Other reviewers really scarred this game for no GOOD reason other then lacking time to do a review to show up for PAX..what a joke..will update when I use other characters

Quick Update: There are multiple Hostess bars. Leaderboards for various mini games including the arcade shooter. Nothing big just forgot to point out.

UPDATE: I'm taking my time with this game but really upset at the lackluster hype for this underrated gem..Reminds me of part 2..Anyway I wanted to mention a few more things but also want to mention I'm still on the loan shark(doing more adventures then missions) The beat them up and flap them back up from the floor to continue combos is great and gives you a a$$ kicking feel. Singing duets and voices for each character really makes karaoke more fun then 3 hands down..Areas hidden at first for certain characters..This is a new element for the series but works well since there are tons of new areas in general..(also once you beat the game everything is unlocked) The key radar really helps when looking for all the keys in the game. Will update again when I get more in depth with the characters..the loan shark I must say is suave just like Kazuma so I can see why they brought him back in Yakuza of the End..

FINAL UPDATE: I am near the end of the road with the main missions and plan on beating it on EX hard when I'm done.. This game will make you Laugh,Cry and anger you at times(not the game itself the bad guys) There are a few characters from the past game that are in the storyline that add to the mix..So many twists and turns people will think you are possessed with your head spinning on wth really went on in this story..I always said Part 2 was my favorite of the bunch but part 4 is creeping up behind it..I am amazed on how well a story on a video game is played out..The sub stories are fun and engaging..The music I'm pretty sure I mentioned it before outstanding,from selection screens to battles the music keeps you motivated.. I will be sad when the series finally hits the end of it's life line..Part 5 is in development and won't release until mid-late next year and for us if we do get it will be maybe 3 years from now.. A solid game,a Masterpiece really..I bought 2 copies in support..Go buy it,don't have second doubts...If you own a PS3 this game should be in your collection..

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A very fresh take on RPG/Action/Adventure game for a newcomer to the series March 18, 2011

By Anderlecht

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I have never played Yakuza series from Sega before and I heard raving reviews and accolades about the series and the 4th installment of the game seems to be awesome so far. Having played about 5 hours, I am already hooked. Before starting the series, I reminisced what happened in Yakuza 1-3 and know the basic storyline so far. As the other reviewers stated, the game is a mix of beat em up, RPG, action and adventure. The cut scenes are top notch although they can get a little bit on the long side. However, the graphics are a beauty and blew me away overall. Everything feels top notch as the movements, environment all seem so real and makes you feel like you are in Tokyo.

There are so many things to do that it makes you worry something has been missed or you forgot to talk to someone. Talking to people (they have green or blue arrows on top of their heads) or even eavesdropping on people is a charming task and it gives you an insight as to what's currently going on. (I've spent 3 hours doing just this) The fighting sequences are awesome and the punches, kicks, throws and grabs are real moves and not exaggerated. You can pick up various objects around you and beat the living crap out of the bad guys. It's a stress reliever for sure after a long day at work. =)

Overall, this game gives you the importance of respect, honor, philanthropy and revenge. Akiyama, the loan shark loans money to people in exchange of volunteer work or other humanitarian actions without charging interest. As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen what happens to each character. (can't wait) I will updating this review as soon as I put more hours to it. I cannot recommend this game more, it's that GOOD! If you are skeptical, Best Buy had it for $39.99 (probably still do) when I bought mine at Game Stop trading in some old games. I have purchased Yakuza 3 given the very good reviews on Amazon and cannot wait til I play it after Yakuza 4 is over.

PROS:
+Amazing Graphics (Production value is very high)
+Cinema Quality Cutscenes
+Great Storyline (so far)
+Character customization/advancing
+Amazing environment interaction (Going in to convenience stores/restaurants/clubs etc adds to the gameplay experience)
+Great characters and fighting sequences (accomplishing missions during fights is rewarding)
+Easily worth the $60 given the hours of addictive gameplay and extras

CONS:
-Need for install on to HDD (Doesn't take that long. Be prepared to read each character's bio about 6 times at the least =)
-Slightly long cut scenes (minor issue)

LA Noire and Catherine are another top notch games that I have pre-ordered so far. Hoping for the best that they turn out like Yakuza 4.

UPDATE 3/24/2011:

This game continues to amaze me. I went through the cops chasing me sequence and that was pretty fun being able to run away from the cops and throw them off when captured from back and run away again is awesome. I was also approached by a soldier named Daigo and I had to chase his pupil down who took my office keys. Chasing after him and ramming him when in proximity also adds to the fun. In addition, you are able to throw beer bottles at him and slow him down as well. Nice! These are some of the "extra-curricular" activities incorporated in to the main gameplay in which adds to the total experience of the game.

I finally had a chance to go to a hostess bar and talk to 3 girls and depending on what you say, they either like you or they leave you and another girl replaces them (at least that's what happened to me). I got 2 business cards from the girls and am totally loving this game even more :). Some nice touches where you can help a "nerdy" (for a lack of a better term) guy score a hostess girl or even help a homeless man with a drink makes you think Sega put extra effort in to this game. Upgrading abilities by utilizing souls also gives your character more moves and learning taunts recovers your heat gauge (so you can perform special moves) quickly.

The story can get confusing at times as the cinematic sequences cross references the Ueno Clan and the other clan whom are families, but in such a way that you sometime confuse this person as Ueno and the other as the other clan member. However, this is not a big issue as just roaming around the city and beating away bad guys, gangsters, visiting Karaoke bars, Hostess Clubs, Convenience Stores, Restaurants and earning experience points by listening to people is the main thing that interests me. I must conclude and say that Sega really has outdone themselves with Yakuza 4 and hope to give their critically (and fan) acclaimed Shenmue series by Yu Suzuki a try as I hope that they re-release it for the PS3.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Leaps and Bounds above 3 March 16, 2011

By LikeAhDragonKenzan

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

i really think sega out did themselves with this sequel. almost every aspect from 3 has been improved and expanded upon. City, NPCs, characters, voices presentation wise have been improved significantly. weather effects like rain have been added. day and night cycle. combat feels and plays alot smoother, but yes sometimes its hard to lock on but its a minor problem. the story and pacing are alot better and flows very well. playing as 4 characters back to back makes the game feel less like a grind or repetitive. each character has a unique personality and back story. i cared what happened to each character. even the Kiryu (main character of the whole series) has been improved with more insight on his back story and even more fighting techniques and attacks. one of the weak parts of 3 in my opinion of the redundant sub stories. there are less sub stories in 4 but they feel significant and not redundant. for note the game is 99% true to its original Japanese content. the only cut content are the opening song because of licensing issues, and a trivia game called Answer x Answer. barely noticeable this game is brimming with content. so go buy it now.