Yakuza demos hit PSN Japan

The Japanese PlayStation Network has something big stirring up the fans these days. Sega has let loose a couple of Yakuza demos to be enjoyed over the online service. Could this be from the upcoming Yakuza 3 or is this connected to Quartermann’s hint that a major Japanese publisher is working with Sony to release remakes on the PSN? Read the full article and see what you think.

Fans of Sega‘s Yakuza franchise including fellow bloggers Ryan C. and Nicolo S. will be thrilled to know that the Japanese PlayStation Store now comes loaded with two Yakuza demos. This was announced along with the arrival of other content such as Sega Rally Revo and Need For Speed ProStreet.

Near as we can figure through the sketchy Japanese translation, there’s nothing to suggest that the demos are from Yakuza 3. Could this be what Quartermann was hinting when he spoke of a major Japanese publisher sealing a deal for remakes with Sony on the PSN? It just might be, but this blogger’s guess is as good as anyone else’s.

Like Sega stablemate Shenmue, Yakuza games are among the gaming world’s most expensive development projects. The series is popular in Japan, but hasn’t really caught on in the West the way it did in its homeland. Still, it’s among the most underrated AAA franchises, and we wouldn’t mind seeing it go Stateside.