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Why Robin Makes Batman Better Going on sale last February, Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 (Yakuza 3) has shipped over half a million copies in Japan. It’s a hit, and SEGA is hard at work on another entry in the franchise.
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 colours: 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.
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:
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]
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]
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 mobile 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.
