Yakuza 3 (PS3)

Where to begin? This game is just amazing. There is so much to do at times it's almost overwhelming! For newcomers to the series fear not, as there is a very detailed recap video showing what happened in Yakuza 1 and Yakuza 2. I am a newcomer and after watching those vids, understood exactly where 3 picks up from.

Let's take a look at some of the things available to do in this game.

Main story: Will take you around 20 hrs to complete IF you choose not to do any sub stories or take part in any of the mini games. I won't go into detail on the story as I don't want to spoil anything for potential buyers, but in short...the main story is extremeley DEEP and told very well.

Sub stories: A total of 101 sub stories are available and a lot of them are hilarious, to complete all 101 will take you a while.

Mini games: There are a total of 16 mini games to take part in. These include, Pool, Darts, Karaoke, Fishing, 2 Arcade games within "Club Sega", Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, Cee lo, Baseball batting cage etc etc.

Dating: There are a total of 9 girlfriends in the game which you can go out on dates with, you can take them to some of the minigames mentioned above, for a meal or even a spot of shopping! Each girl also has her own sub story to be completed once you have taken her out on 2 dates.

Exploring the cities: Throughout doing missions on the main story or sub stories, you are freely able to wander around each of the 2 cities. There is Kamarocho and Okinawa. Both contain a vast amount of activities to see and do, from shopping for items to taking part in mini games etc.

Brawling: Let's be honest, this is a brawler at heart, and probably the main feature that stands out. The fighting is amazing, very arcadey feel and easy to learn. There are "Heat" moves which are powerful devestating attacks that can only be done when your heat meter has peaked past a certain point.

Honestly, I could go on and on. If I were to talk about everything you're able to do in this game, this review would be very long. Understand this though, Yakuza 3 is an amazing game. It might not be to everyones taste. but those who give it a chance will love it! There is nothing more I can say, others than BUY IT!

Yakuza 3 is a fun game, although it's probably a less fulfilling experience than the second entry in the series - which, being released on PS2 after the PS3 and the other next generation consoles began to dominate the market, was mostly overlooked. This third entry into the series adds a few new minigames (although as noted by other reviewers some of these have been cut from the European/American version of the game) and has had a visual overhaul.

I'm about ten hours into the game and I've only scratched the surface of things to do. There are some frustrating elements: cut-scenes are sometimes interminable, and the missions involving Kazuma sorting out the problems of the orphans in his orphanage are sometimes more tedious than fun. However, there is plenty to explore and the combat is often most satisfying - even though it's usually a case of using no more than three or four buttons (block, strike, strong strike, grab/throw). Early in the game, combat is limited; but it gradually opens up as you progress through the narrative, with new moves and weapons being introduced.

The game's narrative is strong; in fact, the story - focusing on issues of community and economic regeneration - has more resonance than most of the Hollywood films I've seen in the past year or two. Kazuma has always been an interesting, conflicted protagonist, with his abandonment of the yakuza lifestyle comparable to Michael Corleone's relationship with the cosa nostra in The Godfather, Part III ('Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in').

I bought the game knowing that some of the content was cut (the hostess bars, some quiz mini-games, etc) and I'm thoroughly happy with the game. However, I wish Sega hadn't cut the game; and their excuses for doing so seem to do nothing but dig them a bigger hole with fans. Nevertheless, I think it's important to support the series, otherwise we may never see an English version of Yakuza 4 - with cuts or not. The Yakuza games sell poorly over here as it is.

In sum, Yakuza 3 is a very good game, even if it is not equal to Yakuza 2. Hopefully, Yakuza 4 will be released over here, as advance word on the game (from Japan) seems to be quite positive. If the idea of cut content bothers you, I'd recommend renting the game before buying it; however, in my playthrough (so far), I have to say that although I'm aware of some content being cut I haven't been stuck for things to do in the game, and I can't say that my enjoyment of the game has been impaired.

Most of all, playing Yakuza 3 has made me dig out some of my old Kinji Fukasaku Yakuza movies. That can't be a bad thing...

Speaking as a girl gamer I have to admit my skills are not that great. I get pretty terrified trying to fight in Modern Warfare and panic when the police chase me in GTA. When we got Yakuza I have to admit I would be spectating and probably enjoying the storyline. What I did not expect was to end up hogging the controller. Not only could I get into the main story, but I am well on the way to being the substory addict. Love it, miles better than GTA. I wanted to be able to go into every building and cut through every back lot in GTA and couldn't but can in Yakuza. Have already checked out the trailer for Yakuza 4. Come back Uncle Kaz we need you!