All Channels
Popular
Approvals 10/3 ▼
WildArmed (2) - 5937d ago Cancel
Aclay (2) - 5937d ago Cancel
ogmaster (2) - 5937d ago Cancel
SpaceSquirrel (4) - 5937d ago Cancel
140°

SEGA explains missing Yakuza 3 content

SEGA has posted that they will be 'up front' about the missing content on their blog today, explaining why the content was cut.

Read Full Story >>
segabits.com
Create Report !X

Add Report

Reports

WildArmed5937d ago

hmm i wonder why they had to cut the content?
No cut = no US version?
Well, sign me up for the cut-up US version ;)

SilverSlug5937d ago

I sorta wanted to do the AnswerXAnswer minigame, :( , I never did the Hostess stuff on Yakuza 1/2 . So i'm not that angry about that cut. Would I like it in the game? Yes, but its not going to stop me from buying it. Especially since Yakuza is one of my favorite series' .

evrfighter5937d ago

I played the demo...looked like a ps2 game

BUT

I enjoyed the gameplay. has a streets of rage/final fight air about it. An uncut version would have sealed the deal for me. It's definately a rent though.

nycredude5937d ago

Anyone who says this game looks like a ps2 game is retarded. I don't know any Ps2 game with the type of details in teh characters as yakuza without cgi or prerendered scenes. I'm not saying Yakuza 3 looks like UC2 but to say this looks like a Ps2 is extreme. It's like saying Gears looks like an xbox game, which at times, judging by the textures, it does.

TheBlackSmoke5937d ago

The reason it was cut was because sega felt that the concept of a hostess club would be too alien for players in the west and as they were on a deadline (to release right between FF13 and gow 3...shrugs) they decided to scrap the hostess club along with a Japanese history quiz mini game.

I personally think its a weak excuse to cut something for being too Japanese from a game called yakuza, which is basically all about Japanese culture anyway.

Most people who will ever buy this game already know what their in for and/or have some interest in the Japanese way of life. Believe it or not hostess clubs are a big part of Japanese social and business culture so cutting it out is robbing us of that experience.

This went from day one to i will buy it when it hits the bargain bin a month later.

sega fails again.

Yi-Long5937d ago

I just see SEGA stating that it was either gonna be a cut/censored release, or no release at all. That's not an explanation at all.

WHY did this content have to be cut!? It's ridiculous. Did Sony force them to? I seriously doubt it.

Did Sega think the hostess-club would get them into trouble!? It's a game for aduls, it's called Yakuza, it's about Japanese crime: I'm sure we can adjust!

The quiz could easily have been adjusted a bit so the questions would be easier for us westerners to answer.

It's just another lame decision in a very VERY long list of very VERY lame decisions by Sega, going all the way back to the X32.

Anyway, I don't buy incomplete/censored movies, music, books or games, so sadly I won't be picking this up.

TheBlackSmoke5937d ago

"The content between Yakuza 3 US/UK and Yakuza JP is a little different in that we took out certain bits in order to bring the game to the west in the time allotted for us to do so. The parts we ended up taking out were parts that we felt wouldn't make sense (like a Japanese history quiz game) or wouldn't resonate as much (such as the concept of a hostess club)," SEGA told website IGN. "We didn't replace the parts we took out, but we made absolutely sure that the story continuity stayed intact so that the story experience was the same as the Japanese version and that it didn't take away the human drama so inherent to the Yakuza series."

Yi-Long5937d ago

Yakuza 3 came out in Japan exactly a year ago (26th of february, 2009).
They have had all the time in the world to just add subtitles and thus make it perfectly OK to release in the west.
So either their planning was completely off, or they were just lazy, or they thought us dumb western customers are perfectly fine with buying an incomplete game for full-price. Either way, there are no valid excuses for the decisions Sega made here. It wasn't necessary, it certainly isn't wanted by the fans, and it just shouldn't have happened.

Just like movies and music shouldn't be cut or censored, neither should videogames.

TheBlackSmoke5937d ago

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Either it was cut because they truly believed the content would not "resonate" which shows they have bad judgment and don't understand their audience, or it was plain laziness/budget contraints.

Seeing as though the translation was just in subtitles i dont see it as time consuming or anymore costly to translate the hostess club scenes so i honestly believe they thought that all those people who have begged and petetitioned like crazy for this game to get localized wouldn't understand it, which just makes sega completely stupid and not deserving of me buying it at full price.

But hey, id rather have slightly butchered yakuza 3 over none at all.

Man In Black5937d ago

They said they didn't have enough time. They had a whole FUC**ING year to basically translate the game, the lazy a$$holes.

So Sega, if time constraints are your excuse, financial constraints are my excuse for waiting to pick this up used.

Homicide5936d ago

And what's even worse, they decided to cut it to release it on March, on the same day as FFXIII. I think Sega hates money.

Dir_en_grey5936d ago

I am so sick of Sega of America and their BS. First they make a PR spin saying the cultures won't fit, and after people flood their forums with complaints and boycotts, the "explanation" they give is still a PR spin.

Why can't they just say it all has to do with money and they can't get the licenses (or unwilling to pay them).

Answer x Answer is an actual arcade game by SEGA, which SoA probably don't have to pay much licensing fees but maybe SoA is right, it would probably take a while longer to replace those quiz questions as most of them are in the categories of Japanese Pop Culture. (Even though IMO replacing the questions with some other trivia questions applicable for western audiences would take only little time, and it'll offset the release date to not clash with the big titles on the current release date).

As for Hostess Clubs, first of all these are not whore houses, the girls here just accompany and serve you drinks while you chat with them. So if SoA is trying to make it sound like something too scandalous for US, it is not.
The reason they removed it probably is so they don't want to pay the license fees for the girls since some of the CG models are based off of real life models from a GAL magazine called Koakuma Ageha.
(You can see their pics here: http://game.watch.impress.c... )

There is also a masseuse in the game based off of a real fashion model named Tsubaki Ayana http://www.youtube.com/watc...
who is actually a transsexual in real life. I am guessing she'll be taken out also, but it's just a guess.

Remaking the in game model's faces will take too long, so they just decide take them out completely is my guess. Whatever the reason, Sega of America = Fail for removing content IMO.

TheBlackSmoke5936d ago

The cut was not due to any sort of censorship, the strip clubs and adult themes all remain intact. As for the hostesses well they also are all available in the game to meet and date...just not in the hostess club.

So really sega are just being idiotic.

bruddahmanmatt5936d ago

I have to agree with everyone here who says that this is complete BS. I never actually played any of the previous Yakuza games but I understand how folks can be upset when things are cut from their version of the game (hello MK vs. DC Universe censored fatalities). That being said, here's hoping that Sega wakes the **** up and releases the cut content as free DLC. I'm sure that would appease both sides. They can stand behind their BS reason about not having enough time (I understand they were developing Y4 but don't tell me it was THAT hard to translate a game that uses text in many places where voiceover work is commonplace these days) and players still get their hands on a complete version of the game.

SaiyanFury5936d ago

I'm thinking they *might* bring hostess clubs back in the form of DLC, but I'm not trusting a hope. Screw SEGA of America, I'm importing the HK/Asian version, that's still in English, the same as the western version. But nowhere I've read online have SEGA of Asia/whatever stated they're removing hostess clubs from that version. Hostess clubs aren't exclusive to Japan, they pop up all over Asia. That said, hopefully SEGA will redeem themselves and release the hostess clubs in the form of free DLC. Barring that, they could do the evil corporation thing and sell it for like 3 bucks or something.

aaron58295936d ago (Edited 5936d ago )

No more buy for me !

I should have kept my japanese copy... i sold it once it was confirmed it was getting an english version...

Damn you Sega, damn you !

@saiyan

Really ? Asian/HK version does not have any content removed ? Are you very certain ?

If so, that is probably good news.

SaiyanFury5936d ago

@Aaron above

I'm not confirming anything, Aaron, I'm merely reporting what I know about asian culture. I looked up the Asian/HK version on play-asia.com and it listed the native language (menus and text) in English. They did the same thing with the Asian version of Demon's Souls. Now I cannot confirm the presence of hostess clubs in the Asian version, I merely stated that hostess clubs are NOT uncommon in countries over there. I've also scoured Google and I haven't found a single article stating that SEGA is cutting hostess clubs from that version. Unfortunately, I just checked my HK account and found no Yakuza 3 demo so I can't confirm it by way of a demo.

aaron58295936d ago

Alright bro.. got it..

Thanks

SaiyanFury5936d ago

Forgive the double post, people. I was looking at SEGA's statement regarding the removal of the hostess clubs, then I came across this block of text in the statement:

"Ultimately, the choice that had to be made was either no Yakuza 3 in the west, or a version of the game that was almost exactly the same, but with a little less trivia. That said, our teams also understand that many of you guys love games like Yakuza because of that experience, and rest assured that we'll continue fighting on your behalf to make sure that going forward, we can provide as close to the full experience as possible – no matter how foreign."

This block of text, personally interpreted, screams future DLC. SEGA has a history of doing things like this. The first and perhaps the most ingenious example is Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. If you're not familiar with the history of those two games, allow me to inform you. They were, originally in Japan, the same game. SEGA separated the two games in the west and sold them as two separate entities. Also, in the demo, they didn't *remove* Club Ageha, they merely made it inaccessible (I'm aware the actual data for the club wasn't in the demo). I foresee hostess club DLC in the future to try and make more money off the game. SEGA's had a leery history with slumping sales over here of the series so I see this as their way of capitalizing on the game. I could be wrong, hopefully I'm not. :)

+ Show (15) more repliesLast reply 5936d ago
Yi-Long5937d ago

... but if so, they better make damn sure it will be free.

Anyway, the only way I'll pick up this game is if it's uncut and with the original voices/music. Which means I wont be picking it up. Sad, cause I am a big fan of asian cinema and the game looked pretty promising and fun.

Ryuha1234h5937d ago

I'm still buying this game because I'm a Yakuza fan. I play Yakuza for the story and the action not for hostest club.

SSCOOLCHEA5937d ago

I had to cancel my pre order .The fighting was cool but not spectacular . the graphics was like an upconvert ps2 games . the voice acting was freakin horrible( you have to read the subtitles to ??? where the voice go ?)) .I expected so much from this game with all the buzz i was hearing . but this is the first ps3 exclusive I have to say it sucks balls .I mean for real for real

Hakimy5937d ago

so this means 2 things:

1-some fans should apologize for all the insults they gave to SEGA since they were forced to do this.
2-if this happened to a certain region,you have seen many insults and other stuff.people can talk about being "independent" and "freedom of speech" all they want but the truth is,these things can happen anywhere so maybe you should stop the insults.SEGA was forced to do this or no Yakuza 3 in the west so respect other nations for their decisions as well.
though I thought that this might have been the reason for the cut since it might sound controversial.but it makes me wonder,why was it allowed in part 1 & 2? :P

SilverSlug5937d ago

The Hostess on this game are actually modeled after known actress' and paying them for their likeness would have been too much, but then again you can still go out on dates... so the only thing I can think of is the extra translation cost.

Show all comments (64)
50°

Best villains in video games

GF365: "For a story to be compelling and engaging, a great villain is mandatory in most cases – be it a novel, movie, or video game. Of course, there’s a multitude of wonderful, brilliantly written villains in video games. Do keep in mind that this is our opinion. So, here’s our list of the best villains in video games, ranked in no particular order. We’re limiting our list to games since 2005."

Read Full Story >>
gamefreaks365.com
Create Report !X

Add Report

Reports

+ Updates (1)- Updates (1)

Updates

Changed from Pending to Approved
Community1280d ago
Leeroyw1280d ago

Handsome Jack Borderlands 2
Andrew Ryan Bioshock
Vaas Montenegro far cry 3
Glados portal 2
My internet connection

1279d ago
Terry_B1279d ago (Edited 1279d ago )

No List of good Villains in Video Games is complete without Handsome Jack and Geese Howard. In other words..this list is bs.

1279d ago
HyperMoused1276d ago

Would love a modern fear game

260°

8 Yakuza games coming to PlayStation Plus in 2022, starting this month

Includes Yakuza: Like A Dragon and the entire  Kazuma Kiryu saga.

Read Full Story >>
blog.playstation.com
Create Report !X

Add Report

Reports

+ Updates (1)- Updates (1)

Updates

Changed from Pending to Approved
Community1401d ago
Majin-vegeta1401d ago

I already own all these digital+physical.So good to see more people will get to enjoy them.

Wonder why Fist of North Star isnt being added

italiangamer1401d ago

Because it's not a Yakuza game, simple as that.

CrimsonWing691401d ago

Yep, licensing fees and whatnot.

RpgSama1401d ago

So excited about the next Yakuza Like a Dragon I enjoyed that game much more than I thought K would have, went and got the platinum and everything.

IMissJimRyan1401d ago

Yeah. I played them on GamePass, but it's good to others play those games.

Mobis-New-Nest1400d ago

I'm still wondering why Horizon Forbidden West Delux Edition hasn't been added yet. Still hopeful it might get added in September 2022. Come Sony, do the smart business move and add all your first party games Day 1 on PlayStation Plus Premium.

mkis0071400d ago (Edited 1400d ago )

How is that smart? you just admitted to want to spend $18 for one month whenever a game comes out rather than $70 per game? Their sales are perfectly fine so low sales isn't a valid reason. Relying on subscription numbers is a losing game. You can't guarantee enough people will sub. 20 million subs doesn't beat 10 million copies sold at $30. (my average of the cost of a game over 3 years) For one game you make 300 million vs for the sub plan at 20 million paying 10 dollars a month (200 million) you have to pay out to all those developers before you can even count your money.

No chance it comes to plus plus this year. It will come when sales die down.

SeTTriP1400d ago

This is a dumb idea for a franchise thats almost certain to hit 10mil lifetime.they would lose 10's if not a hundred million dollars.

Two years from now when the horizons, ghost and gow's do come to the service xbox might be in trouble.they have nothing to compete with this line even years down the line.

Its called strategy.

SeTTriP1400d ago

I just brought judgement the game is great don't know how I missed it so now I'm planning on buying all the yakuza games so this is great for me.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1400d ago
andy851401d ago

It's early days but this new service is looking better and better. The full Yakuza series! And with the monthly games this month too. Fantastic month

Muigi1401d ago

Never played any of them, good excuse now to try these out.

SegaSaturn6691401d ago

That was the only Yakuza game I was missing. Might be the best month of all time for me.

Show all comments (19)
180°

Every Yakuza Game Ranked

With RGG in the mainstream spotlight, about to complete their first simultaneous worldwide release, let's take a look back and rank the Yakuza games.

Read Full Story >>
techraptor.net
Create Report !X

Add Report

Reports

+ Updates (1)- Updates (1)

Updates

Changed from Pending to Approved
Community1752d ago
neutralgamer19921752d ago

I just could not get into like a dragon I love Yakuza series but when they went with turn based combat it just was not for me. I hope future entries go back to its original roots or at least every now and then have a game where is real Time brawler combat

We do have judgement so at least there are other similar games being made by same developers

Yi-Long1752d ago

I liked most of the Yakuza games I’ve played, and I (mostly) did enjoy the new direction they took with ‘Like a Dragon’ and its new fighting system. It was a welcome change of pace. Its JRPG turn-based fighting system wasn’t perfect, but it was a good first attempt on which they can expand and build. Didn’t like the damage-sponge boss-fights though, which felt more like a chore instead of tactically taking out your opponent.

Deathdeliverer1752d ago

I’m sorry but no way is like a dragon better than Yakuza 0, 4,5, or 6. It’s different with a lighter hearted tone a lot of times. Plenty of slapstick and jokes. It literally feels like a DLC compared to the main Yakuza games. Unless you simply don’t like action games maybe… but going through the underground arenas, fighting the mini bosses randomly on the streets on different games for money or exp (like the guy in the gold suit for example). Not to mention the mini games, which Like a dragon has some too, but not as good as most other Yakuzas. Maybe it’s because I’ve been playing Yakuza from the beginning. It’s like the metal gear rpg/card collector that was on PSP or Vita. It was a cool game and a lot of fun, but it wasn’t a METAL GEAR. It was fun for what it was. I don’t believe this person actually played through all the Yakuzas. Probably gamepassed like a dragon and dabbled in the others to get an idea.

neutralgamer19921752d ago

Yakuza 4 is such an underrated game and zero is what made the series have legit string foot outside of Japan

Like a dragon in my opinion isn't on the same category quality wise. It's story and characters aren't as interesting

isarai1752d ago

Same, been there since the first on PS2, but you're gonna get a lot of disagrees. Many people defending Yakuza 7 weren't fans of the previous games, or only dabbled, and they seem to outweigh diehard fans like you and me. So it's pretty much like trying to shout over a crowd. This is what the Yakuza series is from now on, Judgement is our compromise, but it seems even that is in the air lately given some behind the scenes conflict apparently.

Darkwatchman1752d ago

I literally started with 0 in and Kiwami in 2017, then played Kiwami 2 when it dropped. And had 6 sitting and waiting on my shelf until after the collection of 3-5 dropped. Then I ran through 3-6 in one massive continuous marathon. I’m sorry that i think Like a Dragon is one of the best ones and that having the same combat for 8000 games got repetitive and it was a breath of fresh air to get an actual change?

I welcome franchises taking risks and like a dragon was a massive risk that paid off. Like the article states, it fits the Yakuza brand of humor extremely well with regard to enemy types and their attacks/skills. Also, it’s incredibly reductive to call this a “DLC”. How can it just be a DLC when it’s an entirely different genre as opposed to more of the same. If you want to make the “it’s just a DLC” argument, that would apply more to Judgment, which is just more of the traditional Yakuza gameplay.

You maybe just don’t like turn-based gameplay, which is fine. I like all kinds of games. I’m sorry that my view of game genres isn’t so narrow?

Sayai jin1752d ago

There are a few I haven't played so I am replaying and playing through them now on GP.

MadLad1752d ago

Same.
Gamepass really let me get into the series.

Sayai jin1752d ago

Same here. I started some of the games in the series when we lived in Japan, but was super busy so I never finished. When I saw the series land on GP., I started from thr first and working my way through them.

CDbiggen1752d ago

I did like Like a Dragon, it kept the feel of the games, but I got bored of the combat about halfway in. It was the easiest RPG I've ever played.
If I remember correctly - Eri, lower defence move for all. Ichiban - Mega bat. Every fight over in seconds.

andy851752d ago

True Final Millennium Tower for the Platinun was certainly tricky

Imalwaysright1752d ago

I'm currently playing Yakuza 0 and so far it's the best game I played this year.

Urrakia341752d ago

I started it about a month ago and was immediately impressed by the cutscenes, characters, and the story got me hooked quite literally from the beginning. Been playing it on and off lately but definitely one of the best games I've played in a while. It's one of those that make me feel dumb for not jumping into the series sooner, pleasantly surprised.

Show all comments (16)