We now know when to expect details on the new Yakuza game. The as-yet-unnamed title will have some information revealed on July 10. We can also expect a reveal of the game’s supporting actress, as well as other recent game information.
The upcoming Yakuza game is still shrouded in relative mystery but, thanks to an interview with a Taiwanese site Gamebase [H/T Gematsu], we can zero in on a reveal date.
Shin Ryu Ga Gotuku, the new Yakuza game’s working title, stars Ichiban Kasuga instead of the game’s previous lead protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. Kasuga spent 17 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. In the upcoming game, he’s a free man seeking to protect his beloved home. Kamurocho is in danger from a joint friendship between the police and the Omi Alliance, and Kasuga and his to-be-determined female partner must defend the district.
So far, that’s almost all that is known. There were auditions held for the role of the aforementioned female partner and it looks like the chosen voice actress will be a key part of the upcoming details. When speaking to Gamebase, Yakuza series producer Daisuke Sato was asked if the previous protagonist Kazuma Kiryu might appear in the new title. Sato responded:
“At this time, that is not a question I can answer. On July 10, we will announce the supporting actress for the new title, as well as share the latest information on the new title, so please look forward to it.”
Along with revealing the mystery behind the female partner, perhaps we’ll finally get a confirmed title, release window, or other important game details. This could end up being an important milestone in the series. Series director Toshihiro Nagoshi has previously mentioned [via Gematsu] his desire to drastically change the Yakuza formula in this next game. Switching the protagonist was one major change, but Nagoshi would also like to see “more comedic and goofy scenes that connect into the end” to play around with player emotions.
The new Yakuza title is in development for PlayStation 4.
