Kotaku: yakuza 2

SEGA Explains Yakuza 2's Japanese Voices

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 MDT

Ryu Ga Gotoku is a solid game with great voice acting. With the game was localized for the West, SEGA made the mistake of dubbing over the voices in English with folks like Michael Madson and Luke Skywalker. It didn't work. At all. Sure, both of those are talented actors, but the dubbing didn't fit. It was, to put it nicely, a "criminally bad f*ck up". But SEGA listened. SEGA cares. According to SEGA's Associate Producer Kevin Frane:

When Yakuza was released in the U.S. without a Japanese voice track, there was actually a significant fan outcry. Obviously, this is a very Japanese game, set in Japan and dealing heavily with Japanese culture, and quite a lot of people thought that not having the original Japanese dialogue affected the game’s sense of authenticity. When definitely took that fan reaction into account when making the ultimate decision to go ahead with the Japanese voice track for Yakuza 2.

Bravo, SEGA. Nice to know you're listening!

Sega tells us why they kept the Japanese voice track in Yakuza 2 [Siliconera]

Yakuza, The Cell Phones

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:00:00 MDT

If buying Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 (Yakuza 3) isn't enough of a commitment, how about the Ryu Ga Gotoku cell phone? Japanese cell phone carrier Softbank is rolling out a Yakuza phone, SoftBank815T model, in three colors: red, black and white. The tastefully decorated clamshell is packed with game-themed icons, wallpaper and ringtones. Buy the phone and get goodies like a Ryu Ga Gotoku notebook and cell phone charm strap. At least the design is tastefully understated.

Another pic after the jump.

「龍が如く見参！」のコラボレーションケータイがソフトバンクより発売中 [IT Media]

Yakuza 3 Features Seven Young Fashion Models As Hostesses

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:00:00 MDT

Once again, the Ryu Ga Gotoku (Yakuza in the West) series add real-life females to its cast of charaters. While Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 featured adult video actress Nana Natsume and Ryu Ga Gotoku KENZAN! featured the talents of pin-up model Yinling. The upcoming Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 will feature seven models from fashion mag Koakuma Ageha in-game as night club hostesses. Included in those seven is Osaka gal Rina Sakurai, whom I interviewed earlier this spring for the arcade book I wrote. Smart kid — we talked about sticker pictures.

“小悪魔ageha”のカリスマモデルたちが『龍が如く3』にキャバクラ嬢役で出演 [Famitsu]

Yakuza 2 Gets American Release Date

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:00:00 MDT

Good times! Sega's announced today a release date for Yakuza 2 in the US. Yes, we know, it came out in Japan in 2006, but let's try and look on the bright side for once, eh? It'll be out on September 9 (Europe, you get it on September 28), and instead of trying to get the likes of Michael Madsen back into the recording studio, the sequel will just be sticking to the Japanese voice actors, with English subtitles provided.

More On Yakuza 3 And Its Idyllic Summer Getaway

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:30:00 MDT

A third, proper Yakuza game? For the PS3? Exciting stuff. So let's go over a few of the game's finer details. While we already know the game will be an immediate sequel to the second, featuring the same characters and the same storyline, what we didn't know was that the game's going to be taking a pleasant break from the streets of faux-Tokyo. While the game will still be based around Kamurocho, it'll be adding a "second city": island getaway Okinawa (or, at least, a fictional take on Okinawa). Toshihiro "Brown Man" Nagoshi talks up the addition, saying the addition of the island's resort lifestyle and touristy atmosphere - coupled with its "darker side" - will stand in stark contrast to the gritty, urban atmosphere of Kamurocho, and as far as the story goes "fits the bill perfectly". No doubt the location testing will also fit Nagoshi's sun-bathing bill perfectly, so it's a win-win situation for all involved.

Yakuza 3 Announced (No, Not Again, A New Yakuza 3)

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:20:00 MDT

In the latest issue of Famitsu, it was announced that SEGA's toasted Toshihiro Nagoshi has been working on Ryu ga Gotoku 3 (Yakuza 3). This isn't to be confused with Edo-era PS3 exclusive Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!, which is actually the third Yakuza game in the franchise, but not actually Yakuza 3. Confused? According to the article, Kenzan! was a spin-off, and this newly announced game is actually the third one in the series, m'kay. Work began on the game commenced after development on Kenzan! finished, and the story picks up where Yakuza 2 left off. Well, that makes sense at least.

Yakuza 3 Announced [2chan.net]

Yakuza 2 Will Feature The Japanese Language

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:00:00 MDT

Phew! Sure seems like Sega listens to fans. After the first Yakuza game was released with an English language dub, erasing the brilliant original Japanese one, people complained. Why not, you know, release the game with subtitles? It is called Yakuza and English dubbing, no matter how good, kills the mood! Well, that is, unless you're one of those can't-see-foreign-movies-with-subtitles people. For the PS2 sequel, Sega points out on the game's official site:

Authentic, cinematic sequel. The gritty, genuine portrayal of life in the Yakuza is made more realistic throughout 16 gripping chapters with a return to the original Japanese voice cast and English subtitles.

Bravo, Sega, bravo. The game does a neat job of authentically capturing Osaka's nightlife (above) — though needs more people. Still, it's a PS2 game and quite a nice looking one at that!

Games Yakuza 2 [SEGA via Sega Nerds]

Yakuza 2 Takes Another Baby Step Towards American Release

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:30:00 MDT

While the Japanese continue to enjoy Yakuza 3, Americans are stuck with Yakuza 1. Don't even have Yakuza 2. Which came out in December 2006. But, hey, don't be so slum, chum. The ESRB have gone and classified it, which means it'll at least be out sometime. In the future. Which could be in six months, it could be while you toil the rest of your life away in an alien salt mine, who knows. The point is you can cross "if" off your speculation whiteboard, and circle "when" a little more furiously.

Yeah, we’re getting Yakuza 2 [Siliconera]

Topless Yakuza Toy

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:00:00 MDT

Now typically, if we post nerdy figurines, that means one thing. No, it means two things: jubblies. This too! SEGA Toys is releasing a topless Kiryu Kazuma from Ryu ga Gotoku/Yakuza figure. Kiryu stands on a lit pedestal, holding a bat and sports yakuza-style back tattoos. No plans to release this outside Japan, but it's available for pre-order for US $68.90. Kiryu and his male nipples are slated to ship this July.
Ryu ga Gotoku 2 [NCSX via Japanator]

Yakuza 2 Also Coming To Europe

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:40:00 MDT

Yakuza 3, aka Ryu Ga Gotoku Kenzan!, may already be out in native Japan, but the previous episode has yet to leave the country. Good news for Europe though, as Sega has announced that Yakuza 2 will see a release on the PlayStation 2 sometime in 2008. That seems to be as far as it's willing to nail it down, just like the North American release, something the publisher has been quiet about lately. Let's bug Sega and find out what's what!

Eight Incomprehensible Minutes Of Yakuza 3

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:40:25 MDT

Sega's Yakuza 3 (aka Ryu ga Gotoku 3 Kenzan!) is nothing if not cinematic. And while the above clip, the intro to the PlayStation 3 game, may be lacking in action beyond the first minute, the attention to detail in Toshihiro Nagoshi's open-world adventure is still impressive. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't care so much about the language barrier, only hoping that Sega gets this localized—subtitles are just fine, by the way—as soon as is humanly possible. The HD version is even easier on the eyes.

Yakuza 3 Opening Cinematic HD [GameTrailers]

Toshihiro Nagoshi? Dirty Pants.

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:40:37 MST

Super Monkey Ball. Yakuza. Brown awesomeness. Those are three things that SEGA game designer and fashion plate Toshihiro Nagoshi is best known for. His latest game Ryu Ga Gotoku KENZAN! (aka Yakuza 3) was released today in Japan. Commenter Bellamy sends this good ol' fashioned Kotaku Stalku:

I pre-ordered Ryu Ga Gotoku Kenzan! at the Shinjuku Bic Camera in Tokyo as after playing the demo I was really interested in giving the final product a serious playthrough. Today being the release date, I headed over to Bic Camera as soon as I could leave work. I arrived at the store around 7:30pm, got my copy and was told that there were holding a Japanese-style raffle and to take my recipt over to another section of the videogame area.
For those that don't know, a Japanese raffle is a kind of lottery where when it's your turn, you spin a hexangoal box around a few times, and out comes a colored ball to determine your prize. I got the lowest level - a "high quality oil cloth."

The highest reward were fairly large posters for the game, and when I got over there, some guy in a flashy jacket was bent over one of them with a pen in his hand. In case you hadn't guessed, it was indeed the
director, Toshihiro Nagoshi, autographing some of them. I didn't feel right asking for his autograph since he was already making the posters for the winners, but I had the good luck to see that he was on his way out - the poster I had seen him sign was his last.

We rode down the elevator together (with his staff), and then as we got off I worked up the nerve to ask him for his picture. One of his staff was kind enough to offer to hold the camera so I could appear in the picture too...

For a guy as flashily and expensively dressed as he was, he was very nice, and to be honest a bit tired - I think the final push had taken it's toll, as his pants were a bit dirty too.

At least his leopard jacket was still spotless. Oh. Wait. NEVERMIND.

Sega's Toshihiro Nagoshi Eats An Orgasmic Yakuza Dinner

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:40:14 MST

We don't like Toshihiro Nagoshi's games quite as much as we like the man. Sure, Super Monkey Ball and Yakuza (aka Ryu Ga Gotoku) are fantastic Sega franchises, but we're far more impressed with Nagoshi's transition from run of the mill developer to a bronze god bedecked in nothing but gleaming white and leopard print. He's an awesome god.

Nagoshi descended from the heavens and touched down in Tokyo recently to sample the signature dish based on the third Yakuza game, known there as Ryu Ga Gotoku KENZAN! Emphasis Sega's. The menu, appearing at a pair of cafes in the Tokyo area, features a trio of drinks that compliment delicious looking meat-on-stick fare and fresh salads.

For more pictures of Nagoshi eating and drinking, hit up Game Watch's coverage of the Ryu Ga Gotoku KENZAN! PR machine in action.

Ryu Ga Gotoku KENZAN! The Restaurant Opening [Game Watch]

Real Yakuza 3 Cafes in Tokyo For You To Drink At

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:13 MST

The Ryu Ga Gotoku KENZAN! publicity machine continues! The game, dubbed Yakuza 3 for the West, is a PLAYSTATION 3 exclusive and will be released in Japan in early March. How can SEGA get the Japanese population worked into a frenzy? That's right, two Ryu Ga Gotoku KENZAN! "concept bar and cafes," complete with demo kiosks and promotional videos. We can only hope the cafes will be as awesome as the Photoshopped PR pics SEGA's sending out. Doubt it, though!

Ryu Ga Gotoku Cafes [Game Watch Impress]

New Satin Silver PS3 Bundled Up

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:00:33 MST

And like that, the just announced Satin Silver PS3 is getting a bundle! The 40GB PLAYSTATION 3 is being packed with upcoming PS3 exclusive Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (aka Yakuza 3). Retailing for ¥47,040 (US $441), the bundle is limited to only a thousand units and doesn't appear to include the DualShock 3, however. It does include dragon stickers, and who doesn't like dragon stickers? Bundle hits March 6th as does Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!.
Ryu Ga Pack [Dengeki Online]

Nagoshi Watch: Still So Very Brown

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:00:20 MST

Wowzers! SEGA game designer and fashion something Toshihiro Nagoshi appeared at Tokyo retailer Ma-ya in a promotional event for the upcoming Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!. The fame Monkey Ball creator answered questions about his upcoming PS3 exclusive Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (aka Yakuza 3), posed for cell phone pictures, autographed cell phones and looked very, very brown. Bonus points for Nagoshi's coordinating his hair, jacket and skin.
Yakuza 3 Event [Game Watch Impress]

PS3 Exclusive Gets Exclusive Noodles

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:00:27 MST

What better way to promote an Edo period game with women in S&M gear? Noodles! Yep, starting next month, PS3 exclusive Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (aka Yakuza 3) instant udon noodles will go on sale in Japan for ¥210 (aka US $1.96) a cup. The Ryu ga Gotoku games always get the best promotions. Heck, the first Ryu ga Gotoku held an pre-game event in an actual hostess bar!
Ryu ga Udon [Dengeki Online]

Yakuza 3 Demo Hits Japan's PSN

Brian Crecente — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:00:58 MST

If you're lazy like me, you probably didn't realize that the Japanese Playstation store received the demo for Yakuza 3 sometime last night. GameVideos hopped right over and played through it, a bunch, and then made up some game play videos like this one showing off a sword fight and the one below showing off "Geisha" gameplay. So far not very impressed.

Yakuza 3 Features Historically Accurate Strippers, Turtle Racing, Yakuza

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:40:00 MST

I'm quite certain that anyone vacillating over their purchase of Ryu Ga Gotoku Kanzen!—we'll call it Yakuza 3, when we get it—was mostly sold on the game the second they learned of its strong turtle racing component. I can only assume that those who remain unconvinced will take one look at the game's accurate recreations of Edo era bikinis and write Sega with great haste, demanding localization of the PlayStation 3 adventure game. Dozens of screenshots, including a stellar looking rat versus snake aspect, should seal the deal.

Did 17th Century Japanese Doms Wear This?

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:00:39 MDT

MAKES NO SENSE. Those familiar with Toshihiro Nagoshi and his skin will not be shocked. The third installment in the series features what looks like a dominatrix in red leather clothes. In "Waterfall Training," the main character can get new skills if he is able to overcome his shameful desires. It's based on button pushing, so it actually more timing based than actually repression sure urges. Though, what's up with the gal's get-up? This PS3 exclusive is set in the 1605 Kyoto — no way they had shiny vinyl back then!
Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 Systems [Famitsu]

Yakuza 3 Features A Deep Turtle Racing Engine

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:20:46 MDT

Give it up. Give it up for Sega and Yakuza's main man, Toshihiro Nagoshi. Not only does Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzen—to be known as Yakuza 3 outside of Japan, we're guessing—feature extraordinary cleavage, it also features turtle racing. Yes. Turtle racing. Turtle racing that you can wager on. There's some other stuff in here, too, like amazing depth and breadth of detail, pretty graphics and all that crap. But those turtles. My God!

Yakuza 2 Coming To The U.S.

Mike Fahey — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:50:27 MDT

With the announcement of Yakuza 3 last week, gamers across the U.S. had one question on their minds: "Where's Yakuza 2 for the PS2?" Well Sega's got your Yakuza 2 coming, announcing it and two new DS titles slated for stateside release in 2008. The second game, released in Japan last December, picks up where the first left off, continuing the story of Kazuma as he fights to prevent a war between two rival clans. In addition to Yakuza 2, Sega also announced Dinosaur King and Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer for the Nintendo DS. Dinosaur King somehow involves digging for fossils plus special moves, which sounds...nice? Meanwhile Shiren is a remake on an SNES game using the Mystery Dungeon engine you either love or hate with every fiber of your being, with me firmly in the latter camp. Still, Yakuza 2!

Sega Bringing Yakuza 2, Shiren To North America [Gamastura]

Yakuza 3 "Planned," Yakuza 2 "Thinking About"

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:04 MDT

Ryu Ga Gotoku arrived on Western shores as the dubbed Yakuza. PS2 title Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 didn't. Now with the third Ryu Ga Gotoku, a period game, is slated for PS3s next Spring, the question remains: Will North America and PAL territories see a release? Will it get a PS2 or PSP release? Says SEGA fashion plate-slash-game producer Toshihiro Nagoshi:

We're thinking of giving Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 an international release.

What form will that take (PSP or PS2), who knows? But a source close to SEGA said Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 is "planned," but "not confirmed."

Yazkuza 3 Kicking It Old School

Mike Fahey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:20:11 MDT

As indicated by this GS trailer for the game, Yakuza 3 seems to be going back in time a bit. You can visit the official website for more on the story, setting, and cast of the game. If you don't read Japanese you can at least take in the pretty pictures lurking amongst the indecipherable squigglies.

Yakuza 3 Countdown Begins

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:40:03 MDT

While Sega's Yakuza may have flopped hard in the U.S., the Japanese equivalent, Ryu Ga Gotoku is nothing short of a mega-budget mega-hit overseas, spawning a sequel, two movies and funding producer Toshihiro Nagoshi's cell phone buying habits. Both Ryu Ga Gotoku games went "Best Hits" meaning a sequel was inevitable. And now that the official Ryu Ga Gotoku site in Japan is sporting a handy countdown calendar, an announcement seems inescapable.

Nagoshi took the stage earlier this summer with a cancerous coating of bronze to announce a couple of new PLAYSTATION 3 games. They went unnamed at the time, but with Tokyo Game Show just shy of a fortnight away, and eight days on the countdown, it seems the next-gen look at the Yakuza will be right around the corner.

Pity we won't get it over here.

Ryu Ga Gotoku [Official Site]

Sega's Nagoshi Bringing Two New Games To PS3

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:40:59 MDT

Super Monkey Ball and Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi made an appearance at the PlayStation Premiere 2007 event in Japan today to vaguely announce he was hard at work on two separate PLAYSTATION 3 games. Unfortunately, Nagoshi was holding back on the details.

The UV radiation enthusiast was decked out in the above get up, flanked by two geisha girls in reference to his first unnamed project, one that according to IGN's report is bigger than both Yakuza titles. Nagoshi was even less clear on the second unnamed release, only teasing that an announcement would be forthcoming. Super Monkey Ball Next-Gen maybe? We'll see.

The tanned one also revealed a third game from the Sakura Taisen team, Battlefield Valkyrie also for the PS3. Lots of love for the PS3 today, which should make for an interesting TGS.

PlayStation Premiere: Yakuza Producer Brings Two to PS3 [IGN]

Toshihiro Nagoshi In Book Form

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:30:46 MDT

Sure, we knew that our favorite brown man and Monkey Ball creator, Toshihiro Nagoshi used to write articles for UK gaming mag EGDE in which he discussed important things like boozing.

Things to keep in mind about Nagoshi:

He always wears white to appear darker.

He does not save his money and lives month-to-month. Yes, he told me this.

In his free time, he enjoys decorating his cell phone.

But a Nagoshi penned book? Now *that* slipped right under our radar! And we look for Nagoshi news. Daily. And yet, we missed this jewel. Back in late 2006, the tanned dude wrote a book titled Game Ya Jinsei ("Game Shop Life"). There are pages, words and everything. In it, Nagoshi talks about his experience and experiences within the industry. It's apparently just his previously written columns for Japanese game mag Game Hihyou put into book form.

To recap: Nagoshi has published a book, and now we must find it. Brian Ashcraft

Nagoshi's Book [Amazon]

Naruto Stays Japanese On Xbox 360

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:00:02 MDT

For purists, subtitles are better than dubs. Just think how Sega's Yakuza could've been better with the original Ryu Ga Gotoku voice track. Just! Well, leave it to the French to get it right with Naruto. Ubisoft's North American arm is developing Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, but including the original voice actors from the anime. That's right! The French game maker is including a Japanese voice track with English language subtitles. What's more, everything in the game has been approved by the creators of the original series. Well done, Ubisoft. Brian Ashcraft

Naruto To Have Japanese [Xbox Thanks Scazza!]

Kotaku Magu: Don't Effe With Takashi Miike

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 22:00:19 MST

Sure beats popcorn! Filmmaker Takashi Miike and Ryu Ga Gotoku (AKA "Yakuza") film star Kazuki Kitamura sit in a movie theater with weapons to promote the movie in Kansai Walker. Don't like their adaptation of the Sega PlayStation 2 game, they'll beat you. Then shoot you.

Hit the jump for in-game characters and in-film actor comparisons. Film opens in Japan March 3rd. Brian Ashcraft

A Long Look At Yakuza The Movie

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 19:40:51 MST

The upcoming Takashi Miike movie based on Sega's Yakuza (aka Ryu ga Gotoku) is due to hit Japanese theaters next weekend. To get gamers and Miike fans hyped, the official site has added a 6 minute-plus extended trailer for the movie, hightlighting the film's characters. I'm personally pretty psyched as a marginal Miike buff and will keep anyone interested updated on a DVD release.

The long form trailer can be downloaded here or via the official site that takes ages to load. Michael McWhertor

Ryu Ga Gotoku Official Site [via Twitch]

"Yakuza" Flick To Beat Up Japan This Spring

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:22:44 MST

Back when Ryu Ga Gotoku ("Yakuza") was originally released in Japan, filmmaker Takashi Miike was roped in to make short promotional films, which were eventually cut into a forty-minute flick. The game went to be a smash, spawning a highly successful sequel, the cleverly titled Ryu Ga Gotoku 2.

Sega and Toei Studios teamed up for a feature length adaption, once again with Miike behind the camera and starring Kazuki Kitamura (in the title role), Goro Kishitani, Shun Shioya, Gong Yoo and Saeko. This actually could be an interesting game adaptation as Miike had practice making cinematic versions of the game. And they didn't seem to piss off anyone. What's more, he has made a handful of good films like Audition, Chakushin Ari and Ichi The Killer — Along with his fair share of garbage. So we shall see! Until then, check out the trailer here and pray that a possible international version is not dubbed.

Regular reader quiz: In the photo above, which of those gentleman is Ryu Ga Gotoku game producer Toshihiro Nagoshi? Brian Ashcraft

Ryu Ga Gotoku Movie Hits Japan March 3 [Game Watch Impress]

Download The Ryu Ga Gotoku Movie Trailer

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:20:07 MST

The folks at Twitch have updated to let us know a downloadable version of the teaser trailer for Takashi Miike's film adaptation of the Sega title Ryu Ga Gotoku (aka Yakuza in the West) is now available. For those of you turned away by the embedded trailer at the official site, now's your chance to enjoy it in all its Quicktime glory.

Still, this teaser is Japanese, meaning most of you won't understand the text you're presented with. The nation also has some fascination with tiny screenshots and tiny movies, so don't expect beefy American-sized 720p HD goodness. But it's a nice, brief look at Miike's game-to-film work. Michael McWhertor

Ryu Ga Gotoku: The Movie Official Site [via Twitch]

How'd Blue Dragon Stack Up Against The Competition?

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:20:06 MST

We all know Blue Dragon for the Xbox 360 shifted a respectable 80,000-plus units during launch week, but were gamers really lining up for it in droves? Nah. Ashcraft's non-scientific sample showed that most Japanese gamers were there for either the umpteenth Gundam release or Yakuza 2. Looks like the Media Create sales pretty much prove it.

Here are the top ten selling titles in Japan for October 4th through the 10th.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Federation vs. Z.A.F.T. II Plus (PS2) - 337,559 / new
Yakuza 2 (PS2) - 274,822 / new
Pokemon Diamond (DS) - 98,859 / 1,996,275
Blue Dragon (Xbox 360) - 80,348 / new
Pokemon Pearl (DS) - 75,206 / 1,669,367
Wii Sports (Wii) - 72,382 / 248,549
Kirby Squeak Squad (DS) - 66,421 / 465,462
Wii Play (Wii) - 62,863 / 237,160
Jump Ultimate Stars (DS) - 62,068 / 278,640
Common Knowledge Training (DS) - 55,208 / 720,752

Hit the jump for the next ten, to see where Zelda for the Wii wound up.

Love and Berry DS Collection (DS)
New Super Mario Brothers (DS)
Momotarou Dentetsu 16 (PS2)
Healthy Support Recipe 1000 DS (DS)
Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS)
More Brain Age (DS)
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)
Tales of Destiny (PS2)
Yakuza (The Best) (PS2)
Final Fantasy VI Advance (GBA)

Another week, another impressive showing for the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation 2. Pretty astounding drop off for Zelda as well, which I assume is mostly related to the amazingly strong first week sales. And Love and Berry just keeps on keepin' on! Michael McWhertor

More Media Create Sales

Yakuza 2 Stuff To Make You Look Tough

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 13:22:39 MST

Sega stuff you can't get from a game you can't play. While Yakuza met a horrible dubbing fate, it's doubtful that Sega will give the game's PS2 sequel (called Ryu Ga Gotoku 2) the same drubbing for an US/Euro release. To get Japanese gamers ready for the title's December 7th domestic release, various stores retailers across the country are holding lottery type events to give away neat freebies like this jacket, which I'd actually wear anywhere except Japan. Brian Ashcraft

Ryu Ga Gotoku 2 Schwag [Insert Credit]

Red Steel Party Bleeds Over Paris

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:22:44 MDT

To get Paris excited for the upcoming Wii title, Ubisoft threw a party filled with French ladies pretending to be Japanese ladies and heavy handed visual puns like red curtains and red lights. Boy, that's subtle. The game and controls have been retooled post E306, and Ubisoft was showing off the near final version of the sword wielding, gun shooting yakuza game. Hack your way over to Jeux-France for images of the festivities and screenshots. Brian Ashcraft

Red Steel Party [Jeux-France, Thanks creamsugar!]

TGS06: Super Monkey Ball Creator Really Likes His Cell Phone

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 08:20:20 MDT

Toshihiro Nagoshi has a stylish cell phone. It's on the table of this white cubicle Sega has set up. And Nagoshi, the Super Monkey Ball producer, is decked out all in white. Whether he is trying to coordinate with the decor or the decor is trying to match him is open for dispute.

"Technology's changed, sure," he says, when I ask him about how the industry is different from when he first joined Sega. "But, when I first started, certain companies were just beginning to focus on certain genres. And now, they've become famous for those types of games."

And could you tells us more about—

Nagoshi's cell phone rings. He picks it up and answers it.

"We should meet up. Swing by and we can talk."

I have forgotten my next question.

Now Nagoshi is talking about technology: "Of course I am interested in technology. If it's only tech, then it's no good. We need something else. But, technology is necessary to continue what we do."

"What do you think of the PS3?" I venture. Sega PR is setting to my left. Very close.

"It's very Sony. Because Sony is interested in technology. Nintendo is more interested in gameplay and interface. And Microsoft's concentrating on network play."

Which console do you prefer?"

Nagoshi is checking an email on his cell phone.

And, yes folks, he's back.

"I really like the Wii. I want to make games for the biggest system, and that's why we're releasing another PS2 game this year. It's the biggest system. But, everything should be platform specific. We shouldn't make multi-platform games. We should make games for the platform."

So what are you interested in? He doesn't really listen to music. Movies, he likes them. Tells me that wildman director Takashi Miike is very polite and well-mannered. Clothes, ah yes, clothes. He likes lots and lots of clothes.

"I don't have any savings," Nagoshi.

Isn't that dangerous?

"Nah, not at all."

He plays around with his clam set phone. "I added all this stones myself. If you pay someone to do it, it would cost 15,000 yen. I did it for 3,000 yen. It only took me all day, too." Bedazzling! Brian Ashcraft

New Red Steel Trailer Shows Great Improvements

egauger — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:20:41 MDT

Today is full of videos, for which I apologize. It's just what the feeds doled out last night.

Brand new as of the 14th, this Red Steel trailer is full of the new control scheme, good music (hopefully in-game), and and undoubtedly exaggerated gestures on the part of the "gamer". But this footage gets me stoked about being given more opportunity to play video games in a way that utilizes more than my thumbs.

But check out the totally un-bushido way that the hero stabs that ninja once he's already disarmed. For shame.

The gleaming white mini-katana (I know it has a real name but none of my Japanese-speaking friends are talking to me) in the background hints at a custom wiimote from my dreams. Eliza Gauger

Click here for full-quality version of the above video [IGN]

Yakuza Goes Cheap In Japan (Full Price Elsewhere)

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:22:52 MDT

Just as Yakuza goes on sale in North America for $50, Sony Computer Entertainment announces that the unlocalized version Ryu Ga Gotoku will be part of the "PlayStation 2 the Best" series and go on sale in Japan next month 1,890 yen (US $16). D'oh! Sure the game's not exactly new, but way to make everyone who's now paying full price feel like a chump. Brian Ashcraft

The Other Cheap Titles Here [Sony]

You Want More Yakuza? Sega's Got More Yakuza

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 01:22:18 MDT

Sega has announced not only a sequel for Ryu Ga Gotoku out this December in Japan, but also a schedule feature film version directed by Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi the Killer), who also directed the live-action promo flicks for the original title. Known in the West as Yakuza, the game gave players a first-hand tour of the Japanese crime underworld. Sadly, the game was ~~subtitled~~ dubbed in English—ultimately killing some of the buzz around the title. Here's hoping Sega gets it right the second time. Brian Ashcraft

Eds Note: The localized version was not subtilted, but dubbed.

More Here [Eurogamer]

Games of the Week: Yakuza!!!

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 21:10:11 MDT

Now that I've got some free time on my hands, I'll be able to put on my comfy PJ's, pour myself a tall glass of red wine, and beat the life out of some Japanese gangster thugs. That's in Yakuza of course. My choice for purchase of the week. Here's what's shipping this Tuesday.

Yakuza (PS2)
Sega's brawler adventure puts you in control of yakuza tough Kiryu Kazuma. Lotsa punching, lotsa swearing.

LocoRoco (PSP)
You are a yellow blob in the happiest game ever! I just wanna pinch its blobby cheeks!

Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run (PS2, Xbox)
It's like the last Spy Hunter but with The Rock. Whatever happened to that movie anyway, Rock?

Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360)
Pretty looking driving game that takes you all over Hawaii.

Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Vol. 1 (Xbox 360)
Play those great Live Arcade games (like Geometry Wars) without an internet connection.

You kids snapping up anything this week?