TGS 2007: Yakuza 2 to have US release next year, hint of localized Yakuza 3?

Yes, you read the headline of this article right. Yakuza 2, the PlayStation 2 predecessor of Yakuza 3, will be getting a US release – which means we’ll be able to play the game that immerses us into the deep, dark world of Japan‘s underground AND understand every word the characters are saying. This comes directly from the guys over at Sega, confirming that the title will indeed be getting a US version sometime next year.

While this is good news for those of us who still have our PS2s running in the background, this could even be better news for the next-gen ready of us. After all, with Yakuza 3‘s impressive showing in TGS 2007, its promise of unparalleled combat, an interactive Edo period Japan, and a whole lot of content – it’d be crazy for Sega not to offer a US version of the game. Crazy, we say!

So, this is our take (and ours only) : this sudden announcement of Yakuza 2 being translated for US shores could mean that Sega is in fact planning the same fate for Yakuza 3. It makes sense, since for an audience to fully appreciate a sequel, you’d have to give them its immediate predecessor first. Yakuza 2‘s localization fits in nicely, and so would Yakuza 3‘s.

However, we can only hope and guess – it’s really up to Sega if they are going to make a US version of Yakuza 3. Until then, though, we’ll keep watch for any news of it. Maybe it’s time for a petition?

Yes, you read the headline of this article right. Yakuza 2, the PlayStation 2 predecessor of Yakuza 3, will be getting a US release – which means we’ll be able to play the game that immerses us into the deep, dark world of Japan‘s underground AND understand every word the characters are saying. This comes directly from the guys over at Sega, confirming that the title will indeed be getting a US version sometime next year.

While this is good news for those of us who still have our PS2s running in the background, this could even be better news for the next-gen ready of us. After all, with Yakuza 3‘s impressive showing in TGS 2007, its promise of unparalleled combat, an interactive Edo period Japan, and a whole lot of content – it’d be crazy for Sega not to offer a US version of the game. Crazy, we say!

So, this is our take (and ours only) : this sudden announcement of Yakuza 2 being translated for US shores could mean that Sega is in fact planning the same fate for Yakuza 3. It makes sense, since for an audience to fully appreciate a sequel, you’d have to give them its immediate predecessor first. Yakuza 2‘s localization fits in nicely, and so would Yakuza 3‘s.

However, we can only hope and guess – it’s really up to Sega if they are going to make a US version of Yakuza 3. Until then, though, we’ll keep watch for any news of it. Maybe it’s time for a petition?