Released in late February in Japan, Yakuza 3 is one of the best and most popular Playstation 3 games to date. However, publisher Sega has no plans to bring the game to western shores. The situation is gloomier considering that its predecessor, Yakuza Kenzan
(a spin-off title set in feudal Japan) was not release outside of Japan.
By not releasing Yakuza 3 (and to a lesser extent, Yakuza Kenzan) to the west, Sega is missing a golden opportunity. They are not the only one who will be affected, however. Sony and Playstation 3 gamers also need this game. Here are a few reasons why Yakuza 3 should be released in the west.
Yakuza and Yakuza 2
The first two games in the Yakuza series were released in the west. In spite of weak sales, both games were reviewed positively. So naturally Yakuza 3 should also be released since the series is already established in the west. In fact, it could follow a similar fate to Yakuza 2 in which the game will be subbed and features no English voice-acting whatsoever in order to save costs from translating the game.
Under that situation, Yakuza 3 can definitely come to the west. However, Sony's restrictions regarding Playstation 3 games may prevent it from happening.
Quality Games from Sega
Even since Sega drop the Dreamcast and decided to become a third-party publisher and developer, they have been struggling to release quality games. It wasn't until recently that Sega started to regain their groove. A big part of their success is Valkyria Chronicles, a little known Japanese game that managed to capture the hearts of gamers worldwide. So while it may have sold that many units, Valkyria Chronicles gave a lot of credibility to Sega. Yakuza 3 will further bring Sega back to their prominence.
Exclusive Title
Yakuza 3 is also exclusive to the Playstation 3. These titles are generally giving a higher status than multiplatform titles. Given the Playstation 3's reliance on exclusive games, Yakuza 3 can really bolster its lineup. Therefore, Sony and the Playstation 3 will be seen in a better light with the arrival of Yakuza 3 to the west.
Playstation Network
By not releasing Yakuza 3 (and to a lesser extent, Yakuza Kenzan) to the west, Sega is missing a golden opportunity. They are not the only one who will be affected, however. Sony and Playstation 3 gamers also need this game. Here are a few reasons why Yakuza 3 should be released in the west.
Yakuza and Yakuza 2
The first two games in the Yakuza series were released in the west. In spite of weak sales, both games were reviewed positively. So naturally Yakuza 3 should also be released since the series is already established in the west. In fact, it could follow a similar fate to Yakuza 2 in which the game will be subbed and features no English voice-acting whatsoever in order to save costs from translating the game.
Under that situation, Yakuza 3 can definitely come to the west. However, Sony's restrictions regarding Playstation 3 games may prevent it from happening.
Quality Games from Sega
Even since Sega drop the Dreamcast and decided to become a third-party publisher and developer, they have been struggling to release quality games. It wasn't until recently that Sega started to regain their groove. A big part of their success is Valkyria Chronicles, a little known Japanese game that managed to capture the hearts of gamers worldwide. So while it may have sold that many units, Valkyria Chronicles gave a lot of credibility to Sega. Yakuza 3 will further bring Sega back to their prominence.
Exclusive Title
Yakuza 3 is also exclusive to the Playstation 3. These titles are generally giving a higher status than multiplatform titles. Given the Playstation 3's reliance on exclusive games, Yakuza 3 can really bolster its lineup. Therefore, Sony and the Playstation 3 will be seen in a better light with the arrival of Yakuza 3 to the west.
Playstation Network
Written by Otter
Otter is a free lance writer currently residing in San Francisco. He loves to play and talk video games. - Full profile
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- The first two games in the Yakuza series were released in the west.
- Yakuza 3 will further bring Sega back to their prominence.
- Given the Playstation 3's reliance on exclusive games, Yakuza 3 can really bolster its lineup.
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